A system of government administration characterized by specialized departments, standardized procedures, and a hierarchy of officials, all operating under the authority of an empire. This governmental structure typically involves a large number of appointed officials who implement the policies and decisions of the central authority. For example, the Han Dynasty in China utilized a civil service examination system to recruit qualified individuals for positions within the government, fostering a meritocratic, albeit often elitist, administrative apparatus.
The presence of such a system provides several key advantages to an empire. It allows for more efficient collection of taxes and resources, enabling the empire to fund its military, infrastructure projects, and other essential services. It also promotes a degree of stability and consistency in governance across vast territories, ensuring that policies are implemented uniformly. Furthermore, it can facilitate communication and control from the center, allowing the emperor or ruling elite to maintain authority over distant regions and diverse populations.
