Throughout history, humanity has been ruled by a few gifted individuals. Although their methods are almost always controversial, the fact remains that they had the ability to rule over a large group of people. They formed alliances with each other, and sometimes did the opposite, erasing anything that stood in the way of their conquest. This power was sometimes abused, and the consequences of such abuse of power were extremely deadly. In the early parts of the Qing Dynasty of China, the Mughal Empire, the Ottoman Empire, the Spanish Empire, and the Mali Empire, the power and authority of the government was strongly linked to the success of their respective empires. During the Qing dynasty, the last Chinese dynasty, government power had greatly influenced its fate. The Kangxi Emperor, widely known as one of China's greatest rulers, used his authority to expand China's borders, defeating rebels and foreign invaders. At its peak, reached during the reign of Kangxi (1661-1722), they ruled over present-day China and Mongolia and had the Korean Joseon/Choson dynasty as their protectorate. Governmental power in Qing China was also exercised over its culture. The government forced all men to stand in lines, which today are more often called pigtails. Punishments were often severe and massacres were organized to bring the population into compliance with the rule. In the Mughal Empire of northern India, government power showed itself in a different light. The Mughals used their authority to construct massive construction projects, ultimately resulting in the construction of the Taj Mahal. The reign of Akbar “the Great” was considered one of the high points of Indian civilization. He instituted religious liberalism in the country, a... middle of paper...... not as competent. Of all the civilizations mentioned, only the Spanish Empire continues to exist in a form reminiscent of its historical form, thus proving that every civilization has had horrible rulers as well as great rulers. Even today, some leaders are better than others, but all governments have some effect on the people. Works cited by Cotterell, Arthur, Alan Hills and Geoff Brightling. Ancient China. New York: Knopf:, 1994. Print. Lewis, Bernard. The Middle East: A Brief History of the Last 2,000 Years. New York, NY: Touchstone, 1997. Print. Naylor, Kim. “The history of Mali”. Mali. New York, New York: Chelsea House, 1987. 14-20. Print.Stoff, Laurie. Spain. San Diego: Greenhaven Press:, 2004. “The Mughal Empire” print. University of California, Los Angeles. Np, and Web. April 10. 2011. .