Question

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During the Tang and Song dynasties, China showcased centralized governance and bureaucracy. The Tang dynasty established three branches of government and a nine-level hierarchy for officials. Likewise, the Song dynasty had three divisions in its government and introduced a civil service examination system that prioritized meritocracy. This distinctive approach enabled competition for governmental roles based on individuals' abilities and knowledge. While both dynasties demonstrated centralization and bureaucracy, the Song dynasty distinguished itself with its merit-based system, elevating its achievements.