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 At the outset, the political structure set up by the Sui continued to be used. In 626 Li Shimin disposed of his two brothers, deposed his father, and became Emperor Taizong. The new emperor set about introducing reforms.
Both imperial and local government functions were restructured thus creating a centralized administration. The former Three Departments and Six Ministries favored by the Sui continued to be used. The departments were called Shangshu, Zhongshu (the Neili Department of the Sui) and Menxia and respectively were responsible for the issuance, verification and implementation of imperial edicts. The senior secretary of each department fulfilled the function of Zaixiang (prime minister). Taizong made changes in the appointment of senior officials in each of these departments in order to strengthen his own influence while decreasing that of the Zaixiang.
Local administrative power was taken away from the heads of powerful clans. A new two tier system of prefectures and counties was introduced to direct affairs at a local level. Jiedushi was the title given to those who were placed in charge of fortresses and they were given the task of protecting the empire's frontiers. The extensive area south of the Tianshan Mountain was placed under the control of the office of the Anxi Military Viceroy. Similarly, the vast land to the north of this mountain range was brought under the control of the office of the Beiting Military Viceroy. Between them these two bodies became the supreme authorities over military and administrative affairs in the Western Regions of the country. Periodically, a censor appointed by the central government would inspect local administration. In this way, governors who performed well could be assured of promotion.
The Imperial Examination system (or civil service examinations) was perfected by the Tang. More subjects were added and the examination divided into two sections, namely Changju and Zhiju. Changju comprised many subjects among which Minjing (the study of Confucian classics) and Jinshi (laid stress on literature) were the most important. Zhiju, which was presided over by the emperor, had no fixed subjects and was less frequently held. There would be between two and five prize winners which made it less popular than Changju which produced more graduates. The examination system opened a door of opportunity for all commoners. This gave people the chance to become officials on the strength of their talents and only the most talented were allowed to participate in the administration of the empire.
Many advances were made in the legal system. Based on the laws of earlier dynasties the Tang Code was compiled in the year 624. This is the earliest complete Chinese code that is still in existence. It designated various crimes and set standards for both conviction and punishment. The Tang Code is a mature feudal corpus juris. Not only did it provide an example of codification for subsequent dynasties but it also extended an influence abroad. The lawmakers of ancient Korea, Japan and Vietnam all derived benefit from the Tang Code.
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