Discuss how imperial examination system developed over time and the role it played in shaping Chinese political and social structures.

The imperial examination system originated in the Sui Dynasty (581 AD-605 AD), took its form in the Song Dynasty (960 AD-1279 AD) and came to its end in late Qing Dynasty (1636-1912). During this period of more than 1000 years, the imperial examination system was the dominant way of selecting government officials. Discuss how this system developed over time and the role it played in shaping Chinese political and social structures.