Three System Review Quiz

Who held the real political and military power in Feudal Japan?

• Emperor

• Shogun

• Daimyo

• Samurai

Answer explanation

In Feudal Japan, the Shogun held the real political and military power, effectively ruling the country while the Emperor was more of a symbolic figure. The Daimyo were powerful landowners, and Samurai were warriors serving them.

The Emperor of Japan was mostly:

• A religious and symbolic leader

• A wealthy merchant

• A foreign ruler

• A military commander

Answer explanation

The Emperor of Japan serves primarily as a religious and symbolic leader, representing the unity of the nation and its traditions, rather than holding political or military power.

The daimyo in Feudal Japan were:

• Religious leaders

• Local lords controlling land

• Farmers and artisans

• Members of the imperial family

Answer explanation

The daimyo were powerful local lords in Feudal Japan who controlled land and had significant authority over their territories, unlike religious leaders, farmers, artisans, or members of the imperial family.

What was the Bushido Code?

• A trade agreement with China

• A law code for peasants

• A warrior’s code of honor and loyalty

• A tax system

Answer explanation

The Bushido Code is a set of ethical principles that guided samurai behavior, emphasizing honor, loyalty, and martial arts skills. It is not a trade agreement, law code for peasants, or a tax system.

Samurai were expected to show loyalty to:

• Merchants

• The emperor

• Their daimyo

• Farmers

Answer explanation

Samurai were expected to show loyalty primarily to their daimyo, who were the feudal lords they served. This loyalty was a key aspect of the samurai code, emphasizing duty and honor to their direct leaders rather than to merchants, farmers, or the emperor.

Which group was at the bottom of Feudal Japan’s hierarchy?

• Samurai

• Merchants

• Artisans

• Peasants

Answer explanation

In Feudal Japan, the hierarchy placed peasants at the bottom. They were essential for agriculture but had the least power and status compared to samurai, merchants, and artisans.

The Tokugawa Shogunate is best known for:

• Expanding trade with Europeans

• Unifying Japan and limiting foreign influence

• Overthrowing the emperor

• Supporting the merchant class

Answer explanation

The Tokugawa Shogunate is best known for unifying Japan and establishing a period of peace, while also limiting foreign influence through isolationist policies, which helped maintain stability and control over the country.

Why did the Tokugawa leaders restrict contact with foreigners?

• To protect Japanese culture and maintain control

• To encourage Christianity

• To sell more silk and tea

• To create alliances with Europe

Answer explanation

The Tokugawa leaders restricted contact with foreigners primarily to protect Japanese culture and maintain control over the country, preventing foreign influence and preserving their societal structure.

Which cultural practice was part of Japan’s achievements during the feudal era?

• Tea ceremony and haiku poetry

• Democracy and voting

• Exploration and colonization

• Industrial technology

Answer explanation

During Japan's feudal era, cultural practices like the tea ceremony and haiku poetry flourished, reflecting the era's emphasis on art and tradition. These practices are significant achievements that highlight Japan's unique cultural identity.

Which of the following BEST describes Feudal Japan?

• A system where land was exchanged for loyalty and military service

• A free democracy with equal rights

• A trade network between Europe and Asia

• A caste-free society

Answer explanation

Feudal Japan was characterized by a system where land was granted to vassals in exchange for loyalty and military service, making the first choice the best description of its social and political structure.