Tsung tu is a Chinese term that can be translated to English as "common governance" or "shared governance." It refers to a political and administrative system that was prevalent during the Zhou Dynasty (1046-256 BC) in ancient China.
Tsung tu can be understood as a system of governance where power and authority are shared among different members or groups within a society. In this system, decisions are made collectively, often through discussions and consultations. The goal of tsung tu is to promote harmony and balance within a society by ensuring the participation and input of various stakeholders.
Under tsung tu, political power was not concentrated in the hands of a single ruler or sovereign, but rather, it was distributed among different levels and branches of government. This system emphasized the importance of morality, righteousness, and benevolence in governance. It aimed to prevent abuse of power and promote fair and just decision-making processes.
Tsung tu influenced various aspects of ancient Chinese society, including administration, justice, and social relations. It signified an important departure from earlier forms of governance that were autocratic or tyrannical. Tsung tu can be seen as an early example of participatory democracy, where citizens had a voice in matters of governance.
Overall, tsung tu represents an ancient Chinese concept of shared governance and collective decision-making, emphasizing the involvement of different members of society in the governance process.
