Overview

The Civil Service system in China began to develop during the Han dynasty, which ruled from 202 B.C. to A.D. 220. During the Han period, Confucianism became the philosophical basis of government. Aristocrats held most of the important state offices. However, a person's qualifications began to play a role in the selection and placement of officials. Han emperors used a Civil Service examination to select officials. This examination stressed knowledge of the teachings of Confucius. As a result, Confucian scholars held important government positions.

During the Song dynasty, which ruled China from 960 to 1279, the system of Civil Service examinations was firmly established, completing the shift of social and political power from aristocratic families to officials selected on the basis of talent. The Civil Service continues to exist at every level of government in China, as well as most other countries.