Describe how society was organized in China and the various roles citizens had.
1. On top of the society was the emperor. Below that were the kings and governors that the emperor appointed.
a. The Chinese believed the Emperor to have divine authority
b. Mandate of Heaven
2. Below that, were the nobles, scholars, and state officials who helped the kings and governors govern.
3.Below them were the peasants and below them were artisans and merchants.
a. The peasants owed part of their crop that they grew in the year to the government.
b. Also they owed taxes and a month's worth of labor or civil service.
4.Below the artisans and merchants were the soldiers.
5. At the bottom of the society were the slaves who were the people from the conquered areas.
1. On top of the society was the emperor. Below that were the kings and governors that the emperor appointed.
a. The Chinese believed the Emperor to have divine authority
b. Mandate of Heaven
- The mandate of heaven is the concept that a good and just ruler has divine approval.
- If the ruler is wicked or foolish they could lose the divine approval and lose the right to rule.
- For example, if the emperor did his job well, China had peace and prosperity. If he didn't do his job correctly then there would be national disaster because the heavens were unhappy.
2. Below that, were the nobles, scholars, and state officials who helped the kings and governors govern.
3.Below them were the peasants and below them were artisans and merchants.
a. The peasants owed part of their crop that they grew in the year to the government.
b. Also they owed taxes and a month's worth of labor or civil service.
4.Below the artisans and merchants were the soldiers.
5. At the bottom of the society were the slaves who were the people from the conquered areas.