The History of the Development of Rule of Law in China

The thought of "rule of law" in China's traditional culture is the highest form of legalists' achievements, and it is also a prominent symbol that legalists are called "outstanding scholars". Even after the pre-Qin period, Confucianism occupied the dominant position, and the spirit of rule of law pursued by legalists still had a long-term impact on later generations. The historical traces of ancient philosophers' hard thinking and diligent pursuit of the rule of law deserve our pursuit and investigation, thus making the foundation of today's rule of law construction more dignified and profound.

Put forward the idea and theory of rule of law

The thought of rule of law, which is opposite to Confucian "rule by courtesy" and "rule by virtue", gradually formed a certain scale in the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period. Han Feizi said: "The rule of law is the only way to rule the people." Shang Yang said in Jun Chen's book Shang Jun: "The rule of the Lord is also the rule of law." "People who can lead the country cannot forget the law for a moment." Guan Zi, who was mature in the Warring States Period, clearly put forward the concept of "ruling the country according to law" for the first time: "No military means two benefits, no political means two benefits, and ruling the country according to law is just taking measures." It can be seen that Legalists are full of confidence in "ruling the country according to law", which can unify government decrees and centralize authority, so that the country can be ruled between initiatives.

(A) Pre-Qin Legalists thought of the rule of law. Legalism is a school that represents the emerging landlord class and advocates "ruling the country according to law" during the Warring States period. Its representatives are Li Kui, Wuqi, Shang Yang, Shen Dao, Shen Buhai and Han Fei. Guan Zhong, Zi Chan and Deng were pioneers of legalism in the late Spring and Autumn Period, while Han Fei was a master of legalism in the late Warring States Period. Legalist rule of law means "ruling the country according to law", which advocates making the interests and requirements of the emerging landlord class into law and taking the rule of law as the main method of governing the country.