With the success of Shang Yang's reforms, Qin grew ever more powerful. Several generations later, Ying Zheng, the King of Qin, finally unified China by conquering all the other six states in 221 BC. Ying Zheng believed that there would be no difference between him and the kings of the six states he had overthrown if he were to continue using the title of "King." So he decided to adopt a new title, and dubbed himself "Emperor," after the legendary sovereigns of prehistoric China, proclaiming himself as "Shi Huang Di," ("First Emperor"). He was therefore called "Qin Shi Huang" in history. From then on, "Emperor" replaced "King" to become the title of the supreme ruler in China.Qin Shi Huang divided his empire into 36 commanderies, under which counties were set up. Each commandery was governed by three officials directly appointed by the Central Government: a governor, military governor, and supervisor. The governor was the chief executive of a commandery, responsible for all its major affairs. The military governor was responsible for local public security while serving as the commander of the armed forces in the commandery. The supervisor was in charge of informing the Central Government about the local implementation of central policies, reporting on the governors' exercise of power.
In the Central Government, the First Emperor created a series of important posts such as prime minister, censor general, imperial minister of defense, chamberlain for law enforcement and clerk of the capital for supplies - high-ranking officials who were expected to assist the emperor in governing the country. This political system featuring central dictatorship established by Qin Shi Huang had far-reaching implications in Chinese history.
Share