Which of the following was a precedent set by the Zhou Dynasty that became a long-term tradition in Chinese governments? Choose the best answer choice, and explain.

Question

Which of the following was a precedent set by the Zhou Dynasty that became a long-term tradition in Chinese governments? Choose the best answer choice, and explain.

Responses

building a ceramic army to protect the emperor after his death

using the Mandate of Heaven to justify authority

fortifying the Great Wall of China to protect from invaders

using oracle bones to predict the future

Answer 1

Using the Mandate of Heaven to justify authority was the precedent set by the Zhou Dynasty that became a long-term tradition in Chinese governments. The belief that a ruler's right to govern was granted by divine approval and could be taken away if they ruled unjustly became a central tenet of Chinese political philosophy. This idea helped to legitimize the authority of emperors throughout Chinese history and influenced the way rulers governed and justified their rule.