The "Mandate of Heaven" is an ancient Chinese philosophical concept, which originated during the Zhou Dynasty (1046-256 BCE). The Mandate determines whether an emperor of China is sufficiently virtuous to rule; if he does not fulfil his obligations as emperor, then he loses the Mandate and thus the right to be emperor. Read more...
The Mandate of Heaven claims that heaven (god) would bless the authority of a just ruler for the land,but would be displeased with a despotic ruler and would withdraw its mandate,leading to the overthrow of that ruler.If chaos or a natural disaster occurred then the people believed that god was displeased with the ruler and a more deserving candidate should be chosen. Source...
