5th Grade S.S. LEAP Rule of Law Incas

Use Source 1 and Source 2 to answer the question.

Which words best describe the political and social systems in the Inca Empire? Select the two correct answers.

• democracy

• theocracy

• monarchy

• republic

• feudalism

Use Source 2 to answer the question.

Which phrase explains the most likely reason the Sapa Inca had absolute power in the empire?

• He was elected by the people and could be removed if they did not approve of his rule.

• He was considered a god-like ruler, and his authority was never questioned.

• He was chosen by a council of nobles and had to follow their advice at all times.

• He had to share power with local leaders, who could make their own laws.

• Choose three correct statements that explain why the Inca followed laws strictly.

• • The Sapa Inca was seen as the son of the sun god.

• • Harsh punishments were given for breaking laws.

• • Laws kept order and unity in the empire.

• • The Sapa Inca let people make their own laws.

• • The Inca had no real punishments for crimes.

Use Source 3 to answer the questions.

Part A: Which phrase best describes the purpose of Inca law?

• to give people freedom to govern themselves

• to ensure loyalty and discipline in the empire

• to allow people to question the power of the Sapa Inca

• to allow each village to make its own laws

Part B: Which quotation from Source 3 best supports the answer to Part A?

• “All men must work for the empire. No one may be idle.”

• “Those who steal will be severely punished, for no person should take what does not belong to them.”

• “A man who disrespects the Sapa Inca has committed treason and will face the ultimate punishment.”

• “No village may refuse to give workers for the mita tax, for all must contribute to the empire.”

Select the best answer from the list to complete the sentences about the events that followed the enforcement of Inca laws.

The Inca strictly enforced laws. This action led to the:

• • Expansion of the empire

• • Establishment of trade with Europe

• • Weakening of Inca authority

• • Abandonment of cities

After the arrival of the Spanish, Inca legal traditions were:

• • Continued under Spanish rule

• • Weakened and eventually replaced

• • Strengthened by the new rulers

• • Ignored, leading to Inca independence

Use Source 3 to answer the question.

Which statements best explain why Inca law is historically important? Select the two correct answers.

• It created a legal system that ensured order in the empire.

• It allowed for democratic elections in the empire.

• It declared that the Sapa Inca had to follow the same laws as his people.

• It established a labor tax system that supported large infrastructure projects.

• It allowed individual villages to create their own laws.

Use the sources to answer the question.

Explain two different effects that Inca law had on the civilization.