Includes bibliographical references (pages 203-207) and index.
Introduction -- Emperors and their authority -- The structure of the central government -- Provincial and local government -- The armed forces -- The officials -- Major decisions of government; decrees and memorials -- Official documents and government communications -- The laws of the empire -- Management of the people -- Control of the farmer, artisan, tradesman and traveller -- The stability of imperial rule; controversial issues -- Weaknesses and problems -- Maps: Administrative units of the Han Empire 195 BCE -- Administrative units of the Han Empire 1-2 CE -- Administrative units of the Han Empire 140 CE -- Emperors of the Han Dynasty