西汉三公制探论

Discussion on the System of the Three Dukes in the Western Han Dynasty

三公即丞相、太尉、御史大夫,三公之职设于秦,西汉时渐成定制。西汉三公制演变分为三个阶段,西汉初期,以功臣为三公,丞相位尊权重;西汉中期,太尉易名大司马,横跨中外朝;西汉后期,大司马专朝,御史大夫禄秩同丞相,三公制日臻完备。

The Three Dukes indicate the highest officials in the royal government. They are the prime minister, general and supervisory official. The system of the Three Dukes is extablished in the Qin Dynasty and is being perfected in the Western Han Dynasty. Its development may be divided into three stages. In the initial stage, most of Dukes are outstanding heroes who have made contributions to the founding of the regime, and the power of the prime minister is the greatest. In the middle stage, the general is named Dasima, and participates in the management of the state affairs. In the late stage, the supervisory official deserves equal to the prime minister, so the system of the Three Dukes have been perfected.