Fengjian system

The Fengjian system was an ancient Chinese political structure that organized society and governance through a hierarchical hierarchy of a centralized ruler and semi-autonomous local states or clans. Under this system, the emperor delegated authority to regional lords or noble families, who governed their territories independently but owed allegiance to the central authority. This decentralized arrangement allowed for local governance while maintaining overall unity. The Fengjian model promoted social stability, hierarchical order, and effective control over vast areas, shaping China's political landscape during early dynasties like the Zhou.