The Government of the Qin and Han Empires : 221 BCE - 220 CE

In this concise volume, Michael Loewe provides an engaging overview of the government of the early empires of China. Topics discussed are: the seat of supreme authority; the structure of central government; provincial and local government; the armed forces; officials; government communications; laws of the empire; control of the people and the land; controversies; and problems and weaknesses of the imperial system. Enhanced by details from recently discovered manuscripts, relevant citations from official documents, maps, a chronology of relevant events, and suggestions for further reading keyed to each topic, this work is an ideal introduction to the ways in which China's first emperors governed. Title Page 4 Copyright Page 5 Contents 6 Preface 7 Introduction 9 Major Dynastic Events and Institutional Changes 17 Chapter 1: Emperors and Their Authority 20 Chapter 2: The Structure of the Central Government 36 Chapter 3: Provincial and Local Government 56 Chapter 4: The Armed Forces 75 Chapter 5: The Officials 90 Chapter 6: Major Decisions of Government: Decrees and Memorials 105 Chapter 7: Official Documents and Goverment Communications 123 Chapter 8: The Laws of the Empire 138 Chapter 9: Management of the People 154 Chapter 10: Control of the Farmer, Artisan, Tradesman and Traveller 170 Chapter 11: The Stability of Imperial Rule: Controversial ISsues 188 Chapter 12: Weaknesses and Problems 202 Maps 216 Qin, Han and Xin Emperors 221 Works Cited 222 Index 228 Provides an overview of the government of the early empires of China. This work discusses topics such as: the seat of supreme authority; the structure of central government; provincial and local government; the armed forces; officials; government communications; laws of the empire; control of the people and the land; and, problems and weaknesses.