Compare and contrast the Chinese government bureaucracy under the Tang and Song dynasties. How was it similar? How did it differ?
(4 points)
In 2 sentences
, the Chinese government bureaucracy under the Tang and Song dynasties was similar in that both relied on a merit-based system to select officials and had a hierarchical structure. However, it differed in that the Tang dynasty had a more centralized system with powerful officials, while the Song dynasty decentralized power and emphasized more civil service exams.
Choose one of the following belief systems and describe its characteristics:
Buddhism
Confucianism
Daoism
Shinto
Consider the following questions while writing your response:
Where is this belief system practiced?
Is it a religion or a philosophy?
What are some of its key ideas?
How has it influenced the cultures who follow its teachings?
(4 points)
Daoism is a belief system practiced primarily in China, but also in other parts of East Asia. It is characterized as both a religion and a philosophy, emphasizing harmony with the natural world and the concept of "the Way" or Dao. Key ideas include simplicity, spontaneity, and living in accordance with the flow of nature. Daoism has influenced Chinese culture by shaping artistic expressions, traditional Chinese medicine, and notions of balance and harmony in everyday life.
Buddhism
Consider the following questions while writing your response:
Where is this belief system practiced?
Is it a religion or a philosophy?
What are some of its key ideas?
How has it influenced the cultures who follow its teachings?
Buddhism is practiced primarily in countries such as India, Nepal, China, Japan, and Thailand. It is considered both a religion and a philosophy, with the central belief in the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth (reincarnation) and the pursuit of enlightenment through the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. Key ideas in Buddhism include compassion, mindfulness, impermanence, and the interconnectedness of all beings. Buddhism has influenced the cultures who follow its teachings by shaping art, architecture, ethics, meditation practices, and social structures in various ways.
Confucianism
Consider the following questions while writing your response:
Where is this belief system practiced?
Is it a religion or a philosophy?
What are some of its key ideas?
How has it influenced the cultures who follow its teachings?
(4 points)