Changing Social Hierarchies

​ 4.7 Changing Social Hierarchies

By Isiah Jones

 Ticket: 4.6 Internal and External Challenges to State Power

In google classroom

Read the passage below and answer Questions 1–3.

Poll

Which historical thinking skill will you need most to answer today’s Essential Question?

• A. Causation (what caused events to happen)

• B. Comparison (similarities and differences)

• C. Continuity & Change Over Time (what stayed the same and what changed)

• D. Periodization (why a time period is defined the way it is)

Open Ended

Explain why you chose that skill using the wording of the Essential Question.

​Replace this with a header

Social hierarchy — A structured ranking of groups in a society based on race, religion, class, wealth, power, or status.

Religious toleration — A government policy that allows people to practice different religions without punishment.

Elite — A small, powerful group that holds political authority, land, or influence within a society.

Serfdom — A labor system in which peasants are legally bound to land owned by nobles and owe labor or service.

Casta system — A rigid social hierarchy in Latin America based on race and ancestry.

Multiple Choice

Which situation best illustrates a social hierarchy?

• A corporate structure with a CEO, managers, and employees.
• A sports team with a coach and players competing.
• A classroom with a teacher and students learning.
• A family with parents and children living together.

Multiple Choice

Which example best demonstrates religious toleration as described in this unit?

• The Peace of Augsburg allowing Catholics and Lutherans to coexist.
• The Act of Uniformity enforcing Anglican practices across England.
• The Toleration Act permitting Quakers to settle in Pennsylvania.
• The Edict of Nantes allowing Huguenots to practice their faith in France.

Multiple Choice

Why would religious toleration help a state maintain stability?

• Religious toleration encourages the rise of extremist groups.
• Religious toleration creates divisions among different faiths.
• Religious toleration helps maintain stability by reducing conflict and promoting social cohesion.
• Religious toleration leads to increased government control over beliefs.

Multiple Choice

Which characteristic most clearly defines an elite group?

• Broad membership and common interests
• Exclusivity and superior status
• Equal status among all members
• Open access and shared resources

Multiple Choice

Which statement best explains why serfdom represents continuity in many societies?

• Serfdom reflects a longstanding social and economic structure.
• Serfdom encourages individual freedom and rights.
• Serfdom is a modern economic innovation.
• Serfdom promotes social mobility and change.

Multiple Choice

Why is the casta system an example of both continuity and change?

• The casta system eliminated racial distinctions and promoted equality.
• The casta system changed rapidly and had no lasting impact on society.
• The casta system was solely a reflection of economic status without racial implications.
• The casta system is an example of both continuity and change because it preserved racial hierarchies while adapting to social and political transformations.

​INDEPENDENT WORK

• Read each section carefully before writing anything.

• Highlight or underline evidence that shows:

  • Who held power

  • Who was marginalized

  • How status was maintained or challenged

• For each subsection:

  • Write specific details or examples from the text in the Key Details / Evidence column.

  • Decide whether the example shows continuity or change over time.

  • Identify the AP World History theme(s) it best fits (use the acronym key).

• Use short phrases or bullet points, not full paragraphs.

• Be prepared to justify your choices using evidence from the text during discussion.

Open Ended

Which social group experienced the most significant change in status from 1450–1750, and why?