Answer
Meritocracy, the system of government in which officials are selected based on their abilities, declined as Xuanzong's reign came to an end. This decline was brought about by a number of factors, including Xuanzong's increasing dependence on eunuchs and his own growing autocratic tendencies. The decline of meritocracy had a significant impact on the Tang Dynasty, as it led to a decline in the quality of governance and increased corruption.