Quiz for Sources for World Societies, Chapter 4

1. Question

   Which of these elements was a common decorative motif for Shang-era bronzes (see Document 4-1)?

   A.

   The celestial order

   B.

   Representations of agriculture

   C.

   Social hierarchy

   D.

   Wild and mythical animals

   Correct: The answer is d. Images of wild animals predominate in Shang-era bronzes. Scholars differ over the meaning of such decorations.

   Incorrect: The answer is d. Images of wild animals predominate in Shang-era bronzes. Scholars differ over the meaning of such decorations.

   Which of these elements was a common decorative motif for Shang-era bronzes (see Document 4-1)?

2. Question

   According to the Book of Documents, what was the key to the stability and prosperity of the state (see Document 4-2)?

   A.

   Strict enforcement of the laws

   B.

   A virtuous ruler

   C.

   Abundant natural resources

   D.

   A large and industrious population

   Correct: The answer is b. According to the Book of Documents, a virtuous ruler will enjoy the Mandate of Heaven, which, in turn, will lead to stability and prosperity.

   Incorrect: The answer is b. According to the Book of Documents, a virtuous ruler will enjoy the Mandate of Heaven, which, in turn, will lead to stability and prosperity.

   According to the Book of Documents, what was the key to the stability and prosperity of the state (see Document 4-2)?

3. Question

   The Analects (see Document 4-3) drew an analogy between good order in the state and good order in the ____________.

   A.

   heavens

   B.

   body

   C.

   family

   D.

   natural world

   Correct: The answer is c. Confucians saw the family as the fundamental unit upon which society and the state were built.

   Incorrect: The answer is c. Confucians saw the family as the fundamental unit upon which society and the state were built.

   The Analects (see Document 4-3) drew an analogy between good order in the state and good order in the ____________.

4. Question

   With which of these statements would a follower of Daoism be most likely to agree (see Document 4-4)?

   A.

   To fight for honor is the highest calling of man.

   B.

   Inaction is often preferable to action.

   C.

   One’s duty is, first and foremost, to the state.

   D.

   Knowledge can never be put to evil purposes.

   Correct: The answer is b. As stated in the Book of the Way, “Do that which consists in taking no action; pursue that which is not meddlesome; savor that which has no flavor.”

   Incorrect: The answer is b. As stated in the Book of the Way, “Do that which consists in taking no action; pursue that which is not meddlesome; savor that which has no flavor.”

   With which of these statements would a follower of Daoism be most likely to agree (see Document 4-4)?

5. Question

   Why did Han Fei think that the problems of the state could not be solved by filling all offices with honest and virtuous men (see Document 4-5)?

   A.

   Because government required men who were willing to set their personal morals aside

   B.

   Because it was impossible to tell who was good and who was not

   C.

   Because such men were easily cheated

   D.

   Because there were simply not enough good men available

   Correct: The answer is d. Han Fei doubted whether “ten men of integrity and good faith” could be found in his day, let along the thousands the state required to fill all of its offices.

   Incorrect: The answer is d. Han Fei doubted whether “ten men of integrity and good faith” could be found in his day, let along the thousands the state required to fill all of its offices.

   Why did Han Fei think that the problems of the state could not be solved by filling all offices with honest and virtuous men (see Document 4-5)?