Final answer:
The Song dynasty used traditional Confucianism and an enhanced imperial bureaucracy, involving merit-based civil service exams and a civil dominance over the military.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Song dynasty implemented strategies to manage and justify their rule through various means involving traditional Confucianism and bureaucratic systems. They strived to construct a government that lived by the virtues of Confucius, emphasizing morality, good governance, and the well-being of the populace. Officials took part in debates regarding the extent of government involvement in societal issues, which led to reforms aimed at increasing government efficacy in creating a better society. Figures such as Sima Guang, who advocated for small government, and Wang Anshi, who pushed for more extensive reforms, were prominent in these discussions.
Imperial bureaucracy was central to the Song dynasty's governance, with military power being distinctly subordinate to civil authority. This secured the dynasty's control and aligned with their Confucian values, particularly in foreign policy matters. Civilian officials, known as mandarins, were installed through an exam-based system that became more meritocratic due to Song reforms. These reforms ultimately laid the foundation for China's bureaucratic system until the early 20th century.
The Confucian civil service ensured the empire was run by educated administrators rather than hereditary rulers, contributing to a more stable and potentially less oppressive rule. This system not only stabilized governmental structure but also supported China's cultural and technological advancements by providing a well-managed and coherent administrative network across the empire's diverse regions.