How did the Ming officials manage government when emperors were incompetent? How did this ultimately contribute to the Ming’s decline?

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This is long, but read it carefully anyway:

http://pleasanton.k12.ca.us/avhsweb/murphyc/web/apworld/apcal/jan/read/ming.html

What do your text materials say about this topic? That's the first place to start. Then read lots here:

http://www.bing.com/search?q=decline+of+the+ming+dynasty&form=EDGNTC&qs=PF&cvid=98879b23e13a401d82790198fdb2a6ce&pq=decline%20of%20the%20ming%20dynasty

Thank You so much for your help

To understand how the Ming officials managed government when emperors were incompetent and how it contributed to the Ming Dynasty's decline, we need to delve into the historical context and examine the role of officials in Ming governance.

During the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), the emperor held supreme power and was considered the Son of Heaven. However, not all emperors were capable or competent leaders. In such cases, the empire relied heavily on a bureaucratic system that was designed to ensure the smooth functioning of the government.

1. The Merit-based Civil Service System: The Ming Dynasty implemented a rigorous examination system known as the civil service examination. This system aimed to select officials based on their knowledge and competence rather than their social status or family background. It consisted of three levels: the county, provincial, and national examinations. Those who passed these exams could become government officials and be appointed to different administrative positions. This system helped maintain a stable governance structure even when emperors were not able to provide effective leadership.

2. The Grand Secretariat: The Grand Secretariat was the highest administrative institution in the Ming Dynasty. It was responsible for handling important state affairs, drafting edicts, and advising the emperor on matters of governance. In cases where emperors were incapable or disinterested in state affairs, the Grand Secretariat often held significant power and influence. They would make decisions on behalf of the emperor and manage the day-to-day functioning of the government.

However, while the involvement of competent officials helped maintain stability during periods of weak leadership, it also led to certain problems that contributed to the Ming Dynasty's decline:

1. Factionalism and Corruption: The power and influence of officials within the bureaucracy often led to factionalism and infighting. Different factions would align themselves with influential officials or eunuchs, leading to political rivalries and power struggles. This internal conflict weakened the central government, eroded trust, and increased corruption within the bureaucracy.

2. Limited Accountability: With a weakened emperor, the officials were less constrained in their decision-making. This lack of accountability led to policies that often catered to personal interests or the interests of their factions rather than the general welfare of the empire. It resulted in mismanagement, inefficiency, and public dissatisfaction.

3. External Threats: As the Ming Dynasty progressed, powerful neighbors such as the Mongols and the Manchus posed significant threats to its stability. External incursions, while not directly related to the issue of emperors' incompetence, stretched the resources of the empire and put additional strain on an already weakened central government.

Overall, while the competent officials provided some stability during times of incompetent emperors, the power struggles and corruption among them, coupled with external threats, played a substantial role in the decline of the Ming Dynasty.