The term has two meanings. First, it refers to all measures for governing a country. Zheng (政) stands for decrees, rules, and ordinances, and zhi (治) refers to their implementation, that is, the way in which the people are governed. Second, it refers to a state of stable and sound governance of the country, with an efficient and clean government, a prosperous economy, and a peaceful society. In modern times, the term is used in the sense of “politics,” as it refers to policies, measures, and actions that governments, political parties, social groups, or individuals adopt in domestic or international affairs.
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【引例】
Examples
道洽政治,澤潤生民。(《尚書•畢命》)
Shaping people’s mind through popularizing education and exercising good governance will benefit the people. (The Book of History)
政以治民,刑以正邪。(《左傳•隱公十一年》)
Decrees are adopted to maintain public order, while punishments are meted out to eliminate evil. (Zuo’s Commentary on The Spring and Autumn Annals)