The Civil Service Examination System: Impacting Chinese government
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What is the Civil Service System?
What is the Civil Service System?
The Civil Service System in Ancient China was a recruitment process which included a series of tests that young males took. It gave everyone an equal opportunity to be seated in a higher position in the government. This exam system was the first recruitment process based solely on ability and not social status.
Why was this invention needed?
Why was this invention needed?
The civil service examination system created a more stable government and paved the way for government set-ups in other parts of the world. It strengthened the community and government relationships in China. This invention created a form of representative government which introduced the people to a new system of government.
How was this invention made?
How was this invention made?
This invention was made by the first Han emperor, Gaozu, because he felt as though he could not run the entire empire by himself and he needed intelligent government officials (Ducksters). The tests consisted of a series of exams that got harder each test and the topics ranged from the history of China to things like agriculture.
What impact did this invention have on civilizations?
What impact did this invention have on civilizations?
The system gave the empire stability for over 2,000 years and provided one of the most important outlets for social mobility in Chinese society (Britannica). It served as a structure and foundation of government for later Asian and Western countries.
What made this invention so historically important?
The civil service exam system was made to be a recruitment process based solely on merit and ability. The exam system introduced a meritocratic principle, which was an important piece of shaping the political and social fabrics of ancient Chinese society (Fiveable). It also helped shift the perspective on average everyday citizens.
Want to learn more about how the Confucian tradition influenced the Civil Service Exams? Click here!
Want to learn more about the Civil Service system in each dynasty? Click here!
Want to learn more about the history and meritocracy of the Civil Service Exam? Click here!
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