How did the Han government differ from the Qin government?

Question

The Han imposed harsher laws than the Qin.
The Han created a more centralized government than the Qin.
The Han encouraged trade less than the Qin.
The Han revived Confucian learning suppressed by the Qin.

Answer 1

The correct difference is: The Han revived Confucian learning suppressed by the Qin.

The Qin Dynasty (221-206 BCE) is known for its legalist approach, which emphasized strict laws and centralized control, often at the expense of intellectual and cultural pursuits. The Qin government imposed harsh laws and suppressed Confucian scholars and their teachings.

In contrast, the Han Dynasty (206 BCE-220 CE) adopted Confucianism as the basis for its governance, promoting Confucian values, education, and civil service exams. This revival of Confucian learning helped to foster a more educated bureaucracy and encouraged moral governance.

The other options are inaccurate because:

• The Han did not impose harsher laws than the Qin; instead, they moderated the severity of the legalist policies.
• The Han did not create a more centralized government than the Qin; the Qin was known for its extreme centralization.
• The Han actually encouraged trade and economic development more than the Qin did.

Overall, the Han Dynasty is recognized for its more benevolent governance and the promotion of Confucian ideals compared to the Qin.

Answer 2

The civil service strengthened the Han empire because officials were not allowed to service in their home districts. Why was this?
They needed to understand different parts of the empire to do their jobs successfully.
They could not then organize with their family and friends against the emperor.
The emperor encouraged different parts of his empire to have connections.
They could not then rely on their family and friends to do their job properly.

Answer 3

The correct reason is: They could not then organize with their family and friends against the emperor.

By assigning civil service officials to areas outside their home districts, the Han government aimed to reduce the potential for corruption and collusion that could arise from local ties. If officials were stationed far from their families and hometowns, it lessened the likelihood that they could coordinate opposition or conspiracy with local elites or their own family members, thereby maintaining greater control over governance and loyalty to the emperor.

While understanding different parts of the empire and having connections might have some merit, the primary motivation was to prevent local officials from leveraging personal relationships to undermine imperial authority.

Answer 4

Which of these phrases best summarizes Legalism?
Citizens are capable of governing themselves.
Educating people leads to a strong society.
Moral values are the key to social order.
Harsh laws are needed to keep order in society.

Answer 5

The phrase that best summarizes Legalism is: Harsh laws are needed to keep order in society.

Legalism is a Chinese philosophy that emphasizes the importance of strict laws, centralized authority, and the use of harsh punishments to maintain order and control within society. It posits that human nature is inherently self-interested and that a strong, sometimes authoritarian government is necessary to ensure compliance and social stability.

Answer 6

What was the purpose of the Great Wall?
to make trade and transportation easier
to standardize Chinese roads
to separate warring states
to keep out nomads to the north

Answer 7

The purpose of the Great Wall was to keep out nomads to the north.

The Great Wall of China was primarily built to protect Chinese states and empires from invasions and raids by nomadic tribes and other groups from the northern regions. While it also had some implications for trade and communication, its main function was defensive, serving as a barrier to maintain security along the northern frontier of China.

Answer 8

What is the main topic discussed in the Analects of Confucius?
proper behavior and ideals
living in harmony with nature
the nature of the afterlife
successful battle strategies

Answer 9

The main topic discussed in the Analects of Confucius is proper behavior and ideals.

The Analects is a collection of sayings and ideas attributed to Confucius and his disciples, focusing on ethics, morality, and the proper way for individuals to conduct themselves in society. It emphasizes virtues such as respect, responsibility, and the importance of relationships (like those between ruler and subject, father and son, and husband and wife) as foundational to a harmonious society.

Answer 10

What did Zhou artisans discover?
how to mold bronze into farm tools
how to decipher oracle bones
how to make silk cloth
how to make iron

Answer 11

Zhou artisans are credited with discovering how to make silk cloth.

While the Zhou Dynasty (1046–256 BCE) did contribute to advancements in various areas, they are particularly known for the refinement of silk production, following earlier innovations associated with the Shang Dynasty. Although bronze working, iron production, and other technologies were also developed during this time, the production of silk became a significant aspect of Zhou craftsmanship and trade.