Gia Long’s local administrative structure was inherited from the Late Le dynasty. Minh Menh enthroned and followed the previous bureaucratic tradition. The governing body of communes and villages was simple. It was led by a Cai Tong or Chanh Tong, who was assisted by Pho Tong. During the early Minh Menh reign, the village chief (Xa Truong) was assisted by Thủ bạ or Xã bạ. In 1828, Xa Truong was replaced by Ly Truong (the first local administrative reform). For villages with a large number of registered men (dinh), however, a post of Pho Ly was set up. Those posts of Cai tổng, Xã trưởng, Lý trưởng (Tổng, Lý) were voted by villagers among the talented and charismatic that were recognized by the government. Administrative functions of Tổng and Lý were attached to duties of taxation, corvee labor, registered soldiers, and stability of the villages. If those tasks were adequately conducted, they were awarded and promoted. From the historical experiences, that period is hoped to be useful for today’s administrative management at local levels.
