Qin Shihuangdi became the first emperor of China around the year 221 BC after he successfully united the country under a single government. Previously, China was a loose collection of states constantly at war. Qin Shihuangdi assumed control of the individual states and replaced their leaders with his own supporters. He forced the old rulers of the states to live in the capital city where he could watch them. To further unite China, Qin Shihuangdi implemented a standard writing system and a standard system of weights and measures.

Question

According to the excerpt, in what way did Qin Shihuangdi maintain power?
A.
He gave money to the needy.
B.
He enslaved people who opposed him.
C.
He allowed people to live independently.
D.
He enforced very strict rules.

Answer 1

The correct answer is D. He enforced very strict rules.

The excerpt describes how Qin Shihuangdi maintained control by replacing the old rulers with his supporters, keeping the former rulers in the capital under close watch, and implementing standard systems to unify the country, which indicates a strict approach to governance.