The confidential memorial system of the Ch'ing dynasty reconsidered

Bibliographic Data

ID2789281
AuthorsPei Huang (0000-0001-7876-4674, Youngstown State University, corresponding author)
Year1994
Volume57
Issue2
Pages329-338
Publication date1994-06-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueBulletin of the School of Oriental and African Studies (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0041-977X • E-ISSN: 1474-0699
PublisherCambridge University Press (CUP) (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1017/s0041977x00024897
OpenAlexW2132718708
LanguageEN
References cited8

Students of traditional Chinese political institutions cannot afford to disregard the importance of the Ch'ing confidential memorial system. Essentially, this dynastic institution had existed for centuries, but it reached maturity only in the Ch'ing dynasty. Under this system, government officials in various positions from many regions outside the capital submitted confidential memorials which reached the imperial desk through special channels. After reading and commenting on them in vermilion ink, the ruler returned the memorials to their authors confidentially via the same channels. This system resulted in direct communication between ruler and officials, and under the vigilant Ch'ing emperors, it enhanced imperial autocratic power in several waysIn the traditional Chinese state the ruler, however enlightened or benevolent, was an autocrat. His words were law; his decisions final. Without his sanction, no state affairs or government plans could proceed. His authority could only be circumvented or manipulated within the bureaucratic procedure and for this reason he worked hard to safeguard his authority by keeping a close eye on his officials throughout the empire

Ancient history · Autocracy · Bureaucracy · Centralized government · Democracy · Emperor · Government (linguistics) · Political science · Politics · Power (physics) · Ruler · Sociology · State (computer science) · Chinese history and philosophy · History · Law · Philosophy

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