Confucius was born in the fifth century BCE and Mencius lived in the fourth century. Both eras were years of rigid social hierarchy. At that time, society was divided into different classes. There were rules within each class, and the ruler always reigned at the top of the hierarchy. This social hierarchy deeply influenced the political thoughts of Confucius and Mencius. In this article, I will argue that they both applied their thoughts within the pre-existing hierarchy and prescribed the best version of the system of government. For example, Confucius and Mencius both agreed that the ruler should set an example of virtue in order to help his citizens rectify their behaviors. During this time, Confucius and Mencius emphasized the power of the people and proposed different methods to enrich them. These political thoughts of Confucius and Mencius also influenced their attitude towards war. Thus, by emphasizing the virtue of the ruler and the power of the people, Confucius and Mencius recommended improvements for society. In the following paragraphs, I will first analyze how their thoughts were applied within the pre-existing rigid social hierarchy. According to hierarchical ideology, society should be divided into different classes and people should follow the rules within their classes. Confucius divides society into three relationships: husband and wife, father and son, ruler and minister. Only when these three relationships are properly exercised will the state function properly. In an example from the “Analects,” the collection of sayings of Confucius, Duke Jing of Qi [reigned 547–490 BCE] questioned Master Kong about governance. Master Kong replied: “The sovereign acts as befits a sovereign; » a minister, a minister; a father, a father; a...... middle of paper ......a. “Jian lun meng zi de zhan zheng guan.” Journal of Xi'an Political Institute, vol.21, no. 2 (2008): 100-102 Cheng, Yuan. “On Confucian Perspectives on War.” Journal of Northwest University (philosophy and social sciences edition), vol.36, no. 1 (2006): 131-134. Confucius and David H. Li. The Analects of Confucius: A Translation for the New Millennium. Bethesda, MD: First Pub., 1999. Confucius and Miles Menander Dawson. The fundamental thoughts of Confucius; the conduct of life. New York: Garden City Pub., 1939. Huang, Chun-chieh. Mencian hermeneutics: a history of interpretations in China. New Brunswick, NJ: Transaction Publishers, 2001. Meng, K'o and DC Lau. Mencius [Mêng-tzǔ]. Harmondsworth, Middlesex, England: Penguin Books Ltd, 1970. Ouyang, Zhenren. “Mencius’ Ideas of War.” Journal of Wuhan University (Philosophy and Social Sciences), vol. 60, no.5 (2007): 748-752.