Which of the following statements best summarizes feudal Japan’s social hierarchy?(1 point) Responses
Members of the warrior classes tended to hold more political power in feudal Japan. Members of the warrior classes tended to hold more political power in feudal Japan.
The emperor was at the head of the social hierarchy because that role had existed for so long. The emperor was at the head of the social hierarchy because that role had existed for so long.
Farmers/peasants were lowest in the social hierarchy because there were not many of them. Farmers/peasants were lowest in the social hierarchy because there were not many of them.
Merchants ranked highest in the social hierarchy because they became wealthy.
Merchants ranked highest in the social hierarchy because they became wealthy.
The statement "Members of the warrior classes tended to hold more political power in feudal Japan" best summarizes feudal Japan's social hierarchy.
To determine which statement best summarizes feudal Japan's social hierarchy, we need to look at the key aspects of the feudal system in Japan. Feudal Japan was characterized by a rigid social structure that consisted of four main classes or castes: warriors (known as samurai), farmers/peasants, artisans, and merchants. Each class had its own roles, responsibilities, and privileges.
Now, let's evaluate the statements:
1. "Members of the warrior classes tended to hold more political power in feudal Japan."
This statement is correct. The samurai, as warriors, held important positions in feudal Japan and often served as military leaders and advisors to the daimyo (regional lords). They had significant political authority and were considered the elite class.
2. "The emperor was at the head of the social hierarchy because that role had existed for so long."
While the emperor held a significant symbolic role in feudal Japan, the actual political power was mainly concentrated in the hands of the daimyo and samurai. Therefore, this statement is not the best summary of the social hierarchy.
3. "Farmers/peasants were lowest in the social hierarchy because there were not many of them."
This statement is not entirely accurate. Farmers and peasants formed the largest class in feudal Japan and played a crucial role in supporting the economy and providing sustenance. However, they were considered lower in the social hierarchy due to their lower status and lack of political power.
4. "Merchants ranked highest in the social hierarchy because they became wealthy."
This statement is incorrect. While merchants did amass wealth during this period, they were still considered lower in the social hierarchy compared to the samurai. The samurai, with their military and political power, held more status and influence.
Based on the evaluation, the first statement, "Members of the warrior classes tended to hold more political power in feudal Japan," provides the best summary of feudal Japan's social hierarchy. Samurai warriors were privileged and had significant political authority, making them the dominant class in the feudal system.