Qin and Han Dynasties Quiz
Dong Zhongshu, “The Responsibilities of Rulership,” c. 105 BCEDong Zhongshu, “The Responsibilities of Rulership,” c. 105 BCE Dong Zhongshu was an official during the reign of Emperor Wu (141-87 BCE). He played a significant role in developing and articulating a philosophical synthesis which, while taking Confucianism as its basis, incorporated Daoist and Legalist ideas and the concepts of yin and yang. Even today the traces of [the Qin Dynasty’s] poison can still be seen. Our customs remain bad; our people continue to be untruthful in words and outrageous in conduct. Most regrettably, they are so stubborn in adhering to the old ways that they refuse to make changes for the better. Confucius says, “You cannot sculpt a piece of rotten wood; nor can you paint a wall made of manure.” This is the unhappy situation we are facing today. He who rules the people is the foundation of the state. Now in administering the state, nothing is more important for transforming [the people] than reverence [respect] for the foundation. If the foundation is revered, the ruler will transform [the people]...if the foundation is not revered, the ruler will lack the means to unite the people. If he lacks the means to unite the people, even if he institutes strict punishments and heavy penalties, the people will not submit. …Without filial and brotherly love, people lack the means to live; without food and clothing, people lack the means to be nourished; and without rites and music, people lack the means to become complete. If all three are lost, people become like deer, each person following his own desires and each family practicing its own customs. Fathers will not be able to order their sons, and rulers will not be able to order their ministers… If these three foundations are all served, the people will resemble sons and brothers who do not dare usurp authority, while the ruler will resemble fathers and mothers. He will not rely on favors to demonstrate his love for his people nor severe measures to prompt them to act…He will naturally be powerful…peace will naturally come. This is called “spontaneous reward.” …Although he could give up the throne and leave the state, the people would still follow him as the ruler…Therefore when the ruler relies on virtue to administer the state, it is sweeter than honey or sugar and firmer than glue or lacquer.
Question 1
In Dong Zhongshu’s critique, what is the primary reason people continue to be “untruthful in words and outrageous in conduct”?
The influence of Daoist ideals of non-interference.
The lingering effects of Qin Dynasty’s harsh Legalist policies.
The lack of effective military enforcement by the Han government.
The failure of Confucian scholars to educate the population.
Question 2
Dong Zhongshu’s statement, “He who rules the people is the foundation of the state,” is most reflective of which of the following Confucian principles?
The Mandate of Heaven is granted through military conquest.
The ruler’s moral conduct is essential for maintaining order in the state.
Government officials should be selected based on merit and examination results.
A ruler’s primary role is to ensure economic prosperity through trade.
Question 3
According to Dong Zhongshu, why would strict punishments and heavy penalties fail to unite the people?
They focus too much on individual punishment without addressing moral reform.
They are incompatible with Daoist principles of non-action.
They prevent officials from exercising their personal judgment in governance.
They encourage rebellion by elevating those who are punished.
Question 4
Dong Zhongshu’s view on the importance of filial and brotherly love most directly reflects which of the following Confucian tenets?
The idea that ritual and tradition are more important than personal relationships.
The belief that social harmony is achieved through hierarchical relationships.
The notion that rulers should prioritize military expansion to protect the family.
The concept that human nature is inherently good and requires little governance.
Question 5
Dong Zhongshu’s synthesis of Confucianism, Daoism, and Legalism is most evident in which of the following statements?
“Without filial and brotherly love, people lack the means to live; without food and clothing, people lack the means to be nourished.”
“Even if he institutes strict punishments and heavy penalties, the people will not submit.”
“The ruler will resemble fathers and mothers…He will naturally be powerful…peace will naturally come.”
“Our people continue to be untruthful in words and outrageous in conduct.”
Question 6
Dong Zhongshu’s criticism of the Qin Dynasty’s legacy as “poison” primarily reflects which of the following negative effects of Qin governance?
The neglect of Confucian moral values in favor of harsh Legalist rule.
The Qin Dynasty’s failure to expand its territory beyond the Yellow River.
The over-reliance on Daoist non-action, which led to the weakening of central authority.
The Qin Dynasty’s excessive focus on trade and economic development over military strength.
Question 7
According to Dong Zhongshu, the ruler should be compared to a father and the people to sons and brothers. Which of the following best explains the purpose of this analogy?
To emphasize the ruler’s absolute authority over the people, similar to a father’s control over his family.
To illustrate the need for mutual respect and moral guidance between the ruler and his subjects.
To demonstrate the ruler’s responsibility to provide economic resources for the people.
To emphasize the ruler’s role in leading military campaigns to protect the people.
Question 8
How does Dong Zhongshu's concept of "spontaneous reward" reflect Daoist influence in his thought?
It suggests that the ruler should avoid direct interference in the lives of his people.
It encourages the ruler to prioritize military action to bring about natural harmony.
It promotes the idea that natural disasters are a sign of the ruler’s failure to act.
It emphasizes the importance of ritual and sacrifice to maintain cosmic balance.
Question 9
Which of the following best describes the role of rites and music in Dong Zhongshu’s philosophy?
They are seen as unnecessary distractions from the ruler’s primary duty of military leadership.
They are essential for maintaining social order and transforming people into morally complete individuals.
They are considered outdated practices from the Qin Dynasty that should be discarded.
They are viewed as important for promoting economic prosperity and trade with foreign nations.
Question 10
Dong Zhongshu’s belief that “peace will naturally come” when the ruler governs with virtue is most similar to which of the following schools of thought?
Legalism, with its emphasis on strict laws and harsh punishments.
Daoism, with its emphasis on non-action and harmony with nature.
Mohism, with its emphasis on universal love and impartiality.
Buddhism, with its focus on detachment from worldly concerns.
Question 11
Explain one economic or social reason for the fall of the Han Dynasty.
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