King Le Thanh Tong’s Thought on Relation between State and People

Abstract

King Le Thanh Tong was aware that, in order to strengthen the regime's power, it is necessary to, first of all, take care of the root of the country, which is the people. In many of his edicts, orders and instructions, the king not only pointed out the necessity of bringing peace of mind to the people, but also clearly stated the requirements for the service made by the mandarins. Responsibilities of the state and the mandarins to the people are the basic contents in Le Thanh Tong's thought of ruling the country. His thought on the responsibility of the state to the people contains values which remain valid today.