乡作为秦汉三国时期地方行政组织中最基础的一级,在制定户籍、征收赋税、管理人口、处理诉讼等方面都发挥着重要作用。它出现于先秦,而存在至今。作为历史悠久的一级地方机构,它的设置、运作和发展对于认识国家对基层社会的管理无疑具有重要意义。 Township, as the most basic level of local administrative organization in Qin and Han Dynasty, played an important role in establishing household registration, collecting taxes, managing population and handling litigation. It appeared in the pre-Qin, but exists to this day. As a long-established local institution, its establishment, operation and development are undoubtedly of great significance for understanding the state’s management of grassroots society.