Comparing Governmental Authority:
Its source and exercise between China and Mesopotamia
Alex Hayward
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Between ancient Chinese and Mesopotamian civilizations exists a clear separation
of thoughts on where authority lays in the civilization, and how that power is executed by
its leaders to their subjects.
In ancient China were different philosophies on who would
be an authority, and how that authority would practice its power. These philosophies
consisted of Legalism, Confucianism, and Daoism.
In addition to these philosophies,
were the beliefs of one of the earliest dynasties of China, the Qin Dynasty with Emperor
Shi Huangdi and his political ideals.
Mesopotamia on the other hand was mainly made
up of city-states at the beginning of the civilization.
In these city-states, the priests had
the initial control over authority, until later in time when the city-states were replaced by
a kingdom with Sargon of Akkad.
At the start of the early dynasties in China was the Qin Dynasty led by Emperor
Shi Huangdi.
Shi Huangdi was a militaristic leader and with the help of Han Faizi,
created a new political philosophy called Legalism.
This philosophy has an emphasis on
law and order, and the punishment to go with the laws.
The society under the watch of a
legalist philosophy is very authoritarian.
Under Legalism, the ruler needs to be strong,
and do whatever it takes for the Empire to succeed.
Being a good leader under Legalism
is not always about what people want, but what is best for the nation and its people.
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- Spring '08
- Garner
- History, Ancient China, Mesopotamia, Shi Huangdi, Emperor Shi Huangdi, ancient Chinese civilization
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