Research On Emperor’s Imperial Edicts In Northern Song Dynasty

Imperial Edict is a kind of orders which was originated in the Qin Dynasty and HanDynasty, and changed in the tang dynasty. After a long time of development, in the northernsong dynasty there was a new tendency and therefore appeared a new way of ImperialEdict——Emperor’s Autograph Edict. The Imperial Edict of the northern Song Dynastyemperor is a kind of executive order instruments which is written by the emperor himself orthe Imperial Academy on his behalf. This paper introduces the development of Imperial Edict,briefly discusses its evolution, and analyzed the new trend of Imperial Edict in the northernSong Dynasty.The Northern Song Dynasty is an important period for Imperial Edict. It had a set ofregulations for the draft, issue and execution of the Imperial Edict. People who could use theImperial Edict were strictly chosen. Mostly, only the prime minister, the prince and the headof the state security could use it.But some Imperial Edict in the northern song dynasty did not have the realdecision-making function, and is mainly used to praise, condemn and consult the chancellors.This paper explains the differences and connections between the Imperial Edict and issue animperial edict to appoint, etc. through the analysis the meaning of the Imperial Edict. And thispaper also explains the special status of imperial edict in the Northern Song Dynasty.The content of the northern song dynasty emperor’s Imperial Edict was very extensive,including politics, military, economic, justice and so on. It had a significant influence on thepolitical operation. The emperor has the absolute power in the authoritarian society. To protecttheir own domination, the Northern Song Dynasty emperor often used the Imperial Edict toinfluence the decision system and the power balance system. Therefore they can rule thecountry and show the close connection between them and the country.