One
advantage that the Tang Dynasty held to its success was the fact
that its government was one of the most developed, innovative system
of its time. New lands and old lands were acquired; towns reconstructed;
new palaces and canals were built. Its methods and ideas were embraced
by other parts of Asia although the results were not always as successful.
The Tang dynasty maintained a solid and fair government. Yet, the
dynasty inevitably could not sustain their government after a while
due to the following:
1) the government's regulation became difficult and disorganized;
2) the government's form of administration required loyal, hard-working
officials and unfortunately, not all officials worked diligently
-- most held personal interests more to heart;
3) little was done about officials who neglected their assigned
states;
4) most officials who passed the government test had little experience
in leadership
The impact of these flaws could be felt increasingly after a hundred
years passed. Most of these faults are found naturally in government
systems and could not have necessarily been prevented.
Around 770 A.D., it became apparent that more needed to be done.
The requirements of the economy and military could not be met by
simple theories or ideas - what was needed was more action. In fact,
by the time the ninth century came around, the central government
began losing its influence and a long period of warlordism (what
is it?) followed. Despite all this, the Tang government held a long
reign and contributed to the great prosperity of the dynasty.
Money
A new coin was introduced during the Tang dynasty. It had different
and new characteristics. However, the government sometimes used
other forms of transaction (ie. barter system) for large expenditures.
They would recommend trading with silk or precious metals.
Division of Land
In order to maintain control, China was divided. Initially it was
separated into ten large regions, which later became fifteen during
the eighth century. Each region was put under the administration
of officials who dealt with taxation, education and legislation.
By 742 A.D., Tang had 328 districts and 1573 counties.
Tang Code
The Tang Code was first written in 624 A.D. and later altered in
627 A.D. and again in 637 A.D. The code originated from previous
codes such as the code of Northern Chou, the code of Ts'ao Wei,
and the code of the Western Chin. The code lists laws as well as
penalties. A sequence of punishments would be inflicted on the criminal
and could be made more severe depending on the crime. Some punishments
included being whipped with a cane or bamboo, involuntary labor,
exile, and execution. Somewhat similar to the Constitution of the
U.S., the code contained more than five hundred articles that were
divided into sections. The code started out with general rules followed
by laws relating to trespassing, society (i.e. taxes, marriage,
etc.), agriculture, military, arrest, and much more.
