中国上古国家的产生及特征

传说中的五帝时期是中国上古国家的形成阶段.这一时期经历了一系列国家制度的建设:第一,部落与部落的联合,并由此形成王国;第二,按地域划分部落,天子巡狩和方国朝觐是王国秩序的象征;第三,族卿族禄的官僚制度;第四,早期刑罚制度;第五,以上帝为核心的多神政治信仰体系.夏商周王国正是在此基础上发展演变的.

The Birth of Early State of China and Its Characteristics

The early state of China was forming as early as in the legendary Five-Di times when a series of state institutions were being created. The elements of the early state were at least related to the following aspects. First of all the combination of some tribes in a relatively large area made the kingdom created. Secondly the kingdom was divided into separated regions where every tribe was settled in its own place. Thirdly officials of the kingdom were usually aristocrats and they inherited by blood relationship. Fourthly early law and penalty emerged. At last a political faith of the God, Di or Shang Di, and other spirits was becoming popular. The kingdoms of Xia, Shang and Zhou were developed from this background.