Page "Chinese sovereign" Paragraph 7

Unlike the Japanese emperor for example, Chinese political theory allowed for a change of dynasty as imperial families could be replaced.

This is based on the concept of " Mandate of Heaven ".

The theory behind this was that the Chinese emperor acted as the " Son of Heaven ".

As the only legitimate ruler, his authority extended to " All under heaven " and had neighbors only in a geographical sense.

He holds a mandate to which he had a valid claim to rule over ( or to lead ) everyone else in the world as long as he served the people well.

If the ruler became immoral, then rebellion is justified and heaven would take away that mandate and give it to another.

This single most important concept legitimized the dynastic cycle or the change of dynasties regardless of social or ethnic background.

This principle made it possible for dynasties founded by non-noble families such as Han Dynasty and Ming Dynasty or non-ethnic Han dynasties such as the Mongol-led Yuan Dynasty and Manchu-led Qing Dynasty.

It was moral integrity and benevolent leadership that determined the holder of the " Mandate of Heaven.

" Every dynasty that self-consciously adopted this administrative practice powerfully reinforced this Sinocentric concept throughout the history of imperial China.

Historians noted that this was one of the key reasons why imperial China in many ways had the most efficient system of government in ancient times.