Classical China

In a dynastic rule, why is it important for rulers to persuade their subjects that their rule is lawful?

• Because leaders inherit their positions

• Because leaders serve both religious and political roles

• Because subjects vote their rulers into power

• Because rulers are chosen based on military power

Rulers of the Zhou dynasty established the Mandate of Heaven to ________.

• justify their opposition to democracy

• emphasize the need for two emperors at a time

• prove the legitimacy of dynastic rule

• denounce the superiority of God over man

Based on the Mandate of Heaven, what would happen to a ruler who did not meet his obligations to his people?

• He would be replaced by a finer ruler.

• He would be taught how to become a better leader.

• He would be succeeded by a stronger son.

• He would be allowed to rule as long as he wanted.

Which statement summarizes Confucianism?

• People are essentially evil and will do wrong unless there is strict order imposed by the government through clear laws.

• Society benefits when people, who are naturally good, honor their social obligations and live virtuous lives.

• People who live simply and let nature take its course by "going with the flow" will be burdened by sadness.

• Rulers who unify large countries have the blessing of the gods and should continue to rule until they fail to meet their obligations.

Which of these Chinese philosophies is based on the idea that people are naturally evil and must be controlled through strict laws?

• Meritocracy

• Confucianism

• Legalism

• Daoism

Which of these characterizes the central values of the faith taught by Laozi, as expressed in the Daodejing?

• People should actively seek power and fame.

• People should avoid conflict whenever possible.

• People should plan their future around the all-important family.

• People should abide by a rigid social hierarchy.

Analyze the following quotations from the Daodejing and then answer the question.

When there is no desire, all things are at peace.

Be content with what you have; rejoice in the way things are. When you realize there is nothing lacking, the whole world belongs to you.

Laozi, Daodejing

Which statement summarizes the theme of the two quotations?

• Follow nature.

• Live simply.

• Life is meaningless.

• Take control.

Analyze the following quotations from the Daodejing and then answer the question.

If you want to become full, let yourself be empty.

If you want to be given everything, give everything up.

Laozi, Daodejing

What conclusion about Daoism can you infer based on these quotations?

• Daoism uses seemingly contradictory statements to provide instruction to its followers.

• Daoism teaches that the world is evil and should be abandoned because of its emphasis on emptiness.

• Daoism offers tough and challenging suggestions on how to use material wealth to achieve peace.

• Daoism provides a plan for fulfilling basic human needs: food, shelter, and clothing.

Analyze the following quotations from the Daodejing and then answer the question.

In dwelling, live close to the ground. In thinking, keep to the simple.

If you realize that you have enough, you are truly rich.

Laozi, Daodejing

Based on these quotations, which description applies to a Daoist living in classical China?

• A teacher chooses to live in a small home equipped with bare necessities because that is all that is truly needed to survive and be happy.

• A government official betrays his friend in order to get a higher position because it will give him more power, influence, and wealth.

• A wife obeys her husband and mother-in-law without questioning their decisions because complex social rules demand it.

• A soldier agrees to help a powerful noble seize power from a weak ruler because only the strong deserve to rule.

Which of these conclusions can be reached based on a study of the Han and Roman empires?

• Empires fall quickly if they contain a wide variety of cultures and religions.

• The larger an empire becomes in area, the harder it is to control over time.

• Large empires may last permanently as long as they possess military strength.

• Large empires can survive hardships as long as they have lasting sources of wealth.