This new work provides a clear and concise overview of the government of the early empires of China. Topics discussed are: the seat of supreme authority; the structure of central government; provincial and local government; the armed forces; officials; government communications; laws of the empire; control of the people and the land; controversies; and problems and weaknesses. Enhanced by details from recently discovered manuscripts, relevant citations from official documents, maps, and suggestions for further reading keyed to each topic.