Research On The Local Supervision System In The Early Tang Dynasty

During the period of Chinese imperialism,the supervision system came into being and developed in the Qin and Han dynasties,and gradually matured and improved in the Tang Dynasty.In the early Tang Dynasty,the central supervision system was mainly divided into two forms of Investigating Commissioner and Investigating Censor.These two forms crossed in the early Tang Dynasty and supplemented each other,and jointly supervised the local authorities.In the Early Tang Dynasty,the supervision system gradually developed from the initial temporary assignment to the fixed stage.The sources and authority measures of Investigating Commissioner were constantly improved.Investigating Commissioner in each period had their own characteristics.The eighth year of Zhenguan to the second year of Shenlong was the temporary setting stage of the envoys,the title of envoys,the number of envoys,the duration of patrol and many other aspects are not fixed,with obvious temporary assignment.During the Emperor Taizong and Gaozong,most of the Patrolling Inspector of the province(no official title)were appointed by important ministers with high rank to maintain their rule.In contrast,Touring Surveillance Commissioner in the Wu Zetian period were mostly held by Censorate’s official,who played the function of supervising the local affairs in the system,which belonged to the form of Investigating Censor.Because of the low rank of Investigating Censor but wide authority,Touring Surveillance Commissioner was a favorable means for Wu Zetian to control the local place.From the second year of Shenlong to the fifteenth year of Tianbao,Investigating Commissioner constantly evolved in the direction of immobilization.From Touring Surveillance Commissioner to Surveillance Commissioner,and then to Investigation and Supervisory Commissioner,the dispatch system was gradually improved.The Staff Officers’ organization was also established.The power of the envoys was constantly increased,and the establishment was gradually localized.The frequent repeal and restoration of surveillance commissioner after its establishment was related with the repeal and restoration of the right tribunal.Compared with the previous temporary dispatch post,Surveillance Commissioner is mostly held by foreign officials which had a strong stability.At the time of Investigation and Supervisory Commissioner,it was divided into fifteen circuits,each fixed in the main state as the local authority of the state and on behalf of the central government.The government thus created its own staff to ensure its exclusive authority.“Circuits” gradually changed from a normally exited institution in the Earlier Tang Dynasty to a permanent local administrative institution.