The Mandate of Heaven is a philosophical and political doctrine in ancient Chinese governance that legitimizes the ruler's authority as divinely sanctioned; it asserts that a just and virtuous ruler has the right to govern, while misrule or tyranny can result in the loss of this mandate, justifying rebellion and the rise of a new leader. This concept emphasized the moral responsibility of the emperor to maintain order and harmony in society, reinforcing the idea that political power is contingent upon the ruler's ability to serve the needs of the people.
write a 1-2 sentence how does the concept of the Mandate of Heaven function in ancient Chinese government?
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