Japanese History Quiz

Who came to power in Japan in 593 and was influential in cultural diffusion from the Asian mainland?

• Empress Jingu

• Emperor Meiji

• Empress Suiko and Prince Shotoku

• Emperor Taisho

What type of society was Japan during the reign of Empress Suiko and Prince Shotoku?

• Industrial

• Urban

• Rural

• Maritime

Which family ruled as the one ruling family in the region of Yamato during the time of Empress Suiko and Prince Shotoku?

• Fujiwara

• Minamoto

• Taira

• Soga

How did Japan acquire new ideas in government, the arts, architecture, and writing during the three centuries following Empress Suiko and Prince Shotoku's reign?

• Through isolation and independent development

• By conquering neighboring lands

• Through trade with European countries

• By sending officials, students, and monks to China

What significant change did Prince Shotoku introduce to the Japanese government system in the 7th century?

• He abolished the emperor's position.

• He introduced a system based on merit for government officials.

• He eliminated all ranks for government officials.

• He established a democratic form of government.

According to the Seventeen Article Constitution, who was considered the supreme ruler in Japan?

• The local lords

• The emperor

• The people

• The military commanders

How did the Japanese imperial government in the 700s compare to China's government?

• Both were decentralized with power held by local leaders.

• Both had emperors with absolute power over the government.

• Both were centralized and supported by a large bureaucracy.

• Both were governed without a formal constitution.

What major reform did Emperor Temmu and Empress Jitō implement in the late 7th century?

• They introduced democratic elections.

• They redistributed land to all free men and women.

• They abolished the imperial government.

• They established a new religion as the state religion.

What was the primary reason for Japan to build a new capital city in 710?

• To introduce Buddhism to Japan

• To create a city with a strong military base

• To have a capital with a stronger central government and large bureaucracy

• To compete with China's economic power

What is the main difference between the cities of Chang'an and Nara?

• Nara was larger than Chang'an

• Chang'an was surrounded by a wall, whereas Nara was not

• Nara had more temples than Chang'an

• Chang'an had a less orderly street layout compared to Nara