Final answer:
One important government reform enacted during the Tang Dynasty was the 'equal-field' system, which allocated land evenly to farmers and tied tax obligations to land size and output. The dynasty also introduced the Tang Code, a set of standardized laws that blended northern and southern legal traditions alongside the civil service examination system for recruiting officials.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Tang Dynasty is known for several significant government reforms. One of the key reforms enacted was the 'equal-field' system or the juntian system. This system involved the allocation of land to individuals based on a system that considered the availability of land and the needs of the population. It was a response to the need for fair distribution of land resources, while also ensuring tax revenue for the state. The land was granted to farming men for their lifetimes and was meant to be returned to the state upon their death for redistribution. The system also imposed a tax, which included grain and silk based on the land allocated. This reform was significant as it aimed to stabilize agriculture, diminish aristocratic power, and increase the Tang government's control over land and its resources.
Another prominent reform was the codification of the Tang Code, which was influential for establishing standardized laws across the empire. This code was an amalgamation of northern and southern legal elements, with influence from Buddhist philosophies advocating for gentler legal provisions. This legal framework helped in centralizing state control and enhancing the rule of law during the Tang dynasty.
In addition to these, the Tang government also formalized the imperial civil service examination system, which allowed for the merit-based recruitment of officials, although it did still favor aristocratic families to some extent. This system played a pivotal role in shaping the governing structures of subsequent dynasties in China.