State and Empire in Eurasia/North Africa, 500 B.C.E.

Chapter 3: Considering the Evidence Documents Quiz

Question

1. What was poverty according to Pericles (Document 3.1)?

Poverty was one of two legal statuses, the other being slavery, that barred men from participation in the public life of Athens.

Poverty was the greatest threat to Athenian democracy.

Poverty was the result of oligarchy, but would disappear when Athens instituted a democratic system of government.

Poverty was no bar to a man contributing to his Athenian society.

Correct. The answer is d. Pericles states 'Neither is poverty a bar, but a man may benefit his country whatever be the obscurity of his condition.'

Incorrect. The answer is d. Pericles states 'Neither is poverty a bar, but a man may benefit his country whatever be the obscurity of his condition.'

Question

2. Which of the following is an important difference between the forms of government described by Aristides (Document 3.2) and Pericles (Document 3.1)?

Aristides describes a political system where citizens participate much less directly in government.

Pericles is the only author to use the term democracy.

Aristides rejects the idea of a 'Roman identity' while Pericles bases his vision of Athens on a single shared identity 'Athenian identity.'

Pericles rejects the concept of slavery as unnatural, whereas Aristides views slavery as a natural part of strong stable societies.

Correct. The answer is a. While both speak of democracy, Aristides version is much less participatory than that of Pericles.

Incorrect. The answer is a. While both speak of democracy, Aristides version is much less participatory than that of Pericles.

Question

3. According to Han Fei (Document 3.3), what 'two handles' should a ruler use to control his ministers?

Chastisement and education

Chastisement and commendation

Spies and lesser officials

Education and spies

Correct. The answer is b. A combination of criticism and praise were central to Han Fei's approach to managing powerful civil servants.

Incorrect. The answer is b. A combination of criticism and praise were central to Han Fei's approach to managing powerful civil servants.

Question

4. Which of the following best describes Ashoka's (Document 3.4) philosophy of state?

He believed that humans are basically selfish and will look out for their own interests at the expense of the state.

He believed that rulers should avoid applying religious principles to matters of state.

He believed that the rulers should adhere to religious principles of non-injury, restraint, and forgiveness to improve the lives of their subjects.

He believed that rulers could harness human selfishness for the good of the state by punishing those who do things to the detriment of the state and rewarding those who take actions that advance the state.

Correct. The answer is c. Ashoka promoted nonviolence towards animals, moderation in all behaviors, and kindness towards others.

Incorrect. The answer is c. Ashoka promoted nonviolence towards animals, moderation in all behaviors, and kindness towards others.

Question

5. Which common element do all of the documents in this collection share?

They all advocate democracy in one form or another.

They all define a successful government as one that is expanding through conquest.

They all advocate harsh punishments as an important means of maintaining social control.

They all define successful government as one that secures a stable society.

Correct. The answer is d. While each document offers a different vision of government, all view a stable society as a central goal of successful government.

Incorrect. The answer is d. While each document offers a different vision of government, all view a stable society as a central goal of successful government.

Chapter 3: Considering the Evidence Documents Quiz

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