During the Song period, entry into the government bureaucracy was based on
a system of meritocracy. Under the meritocracy system, individuals were selected for government positions based on their abilities, skills, and knowledge rather than their social status, family connections, or personal wealth. This system helped to ensure that the most qualified individuals were chosen to serve in the government, providing a more efficient and capable bureaucracy. It also allowed for social mobility, as individuals from lower social classes could rise through the ranks based on their merit and abilities. The meritocracy system was implemented to counter the previous practice of hereditary bureaucracy, where positions were passed down within privileged families regardless of their suitability for the role.
One result of economic growth during the Song period was urbanization, which means?
Urbanization during the Song period refers to the significant growth of cities and the increase in the urban population. As the economy expanded, trade and commerce flourished, leading to a concentration of wealth and economic activities in urban centers. This resulted in the development of large and prosperous cities, such as Hangzhou, Kaifeng, and Guangzhou.
Urbanization during this period was driven by various factors, including the expansion of agriculture, improved transportation and communication systems, and advancements in technology and industry. The increase in agricultural productivity, primarily due to the widespread use of new farming techniques and tools, resulted in surplus food production. This surplus allowed for the growth of non-agricultural sectors, such as manufacturing, trade, and services, which were concentrated in urban areas.
Additionally, the development of efficient waterways, such as the Grand Canal, facilitated transportation and trade between regions, further promoting urban growth. Technological advancements, such as the invention of printing and papermaking, also contributed to urbanization by enabling the spread of knowledge and the growth of the literary culture.
Urbanization had profound social, economic, and cultural effects. It led to the emergence of a new urban middle class, composed of merchants, artisans, and officials, who played a significant role in driving economic growth. The growth of cities also fostered cultural exchange and innovation, resulting in the flourishing of arts, literature, and philosophy.
However, urbanization was not without challenges. Rapid population growth in cities led to overcrowding, inadequate housing, and strained resources. It also brought about social disparities, with a stark contrast between the wealthy urban elite and the impoverished urban poor. Nonetheless, urbanization during the Song period marked a significant transformation in Chinese society and set the stage for further urban development in later periods.
Which development helped increase literacy in Song China?
(1 point)
Responses
the expansion of the civil service system
the expansion of the civil service system
the introduction of Buddhism
the introduction of Buddhism
the development of Neo-Confucianism
the development of Neo-Confucianism
the invention of movable typ
The invention of movable type helped increase literacy in Song China. This invention, attributed to the artisan Bi Sheng, allowed for the mass production of books and printed materials. Compared to the previous method of woodblock printing, movable type was more efficient and economical, making books more accessible to a larger population. The availability of printed materials contributed to the spread of knowledge and education, promoting literacy among the general population.
What was the Constitution of Seventeen Articles?
(1 point)
Responses
an agreement with China
an agreement with China
a set of guiding principles
a set of guiding principles
a new law code
a new law code
an agreement unifying the clans of Japan
The Constitution of Seventeen Articles was a set of guiding principles that governed political and moral behavior in early Japan. It was composed in the year 604 AD by Prince Shotoku, a regent and statesman, and is considered one of the earliest written legal codes in Japanese history.
The Constitution of Seventeen Articles emphasized Confucian and Buddhist ideals and aimed to promote good governance, harmony, and the well-being of the people. It covered a wide range of subjects, including loyalty to the ruler, respect for parents, promotion of education, avoidance of wrongful actions, and promotion of moral behavior. It also stressed the importance of benevolence, justice, and ethical conduct in both political and personal matters.
Though the Constitution of Seventeen Articles did not have the legal force of a modern constitution, it had a significant influence on early Japanese society and provided a moral and ethical framework for the ruling elite. It represented a fundamental shift towards centralized governance and the adoption of Chinese-influenced political, legal, and cultural systems in Japan.