The concept of the Mandate of Heaven in ancient Chinese government was a belief that the ruler had the divine approval to govern. It provided a justification for the ruler's legitimacy and allowed for the overthrow of an unjust ruler. If a ruler was perceived as being wise and just, it was believed they had the Mandate of Heaven. However, if there were signs of corruption, natural disasters, or social unrest, it was taken as a sign that the ruler had lost the mandate and could be overthrown.
