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Name: KEY
Period:
Date:
World History – Mrs. Schenck
Ancient Chinese Government
FQ: What should leaders/government do?
Dynasty: rule passed down in one family (monarchy) – brother to brother in China
The Mandate of Heaven “Tian” – Zhou Dynasty
When the Zhou dynasty overthrew the last Shang king, they had to
convince the people, especially the nobles, that they had the right to
rule. The Zhou told people that the gods in heaven had told them that
they were to rule. This was called "The Mandate of Heaven", heaven's
orders. The Zhou added that the gods had warned them that they would
only rule as long as they were good rulers (VIRTUOUS). If they
became selfish, heaven would appoint another ruling family.
No one knows if the nobles in ancient China believed this, but they most probably thought that
the Mandate of Heaven sounded like a good idea. The nobles were tired of war between the
Shang and the Zhou. Most of the nobles would have the same life under Shang or Zhou rule,
and they knew it. As for the peasants, it did not matter to them which family ruled. Their lives
would also be the same.
The Mandate of Heaven is based on four principles:
1.
2.
3.
4.
The right to rule is granted by Heaven (the gods).
There is only one Heaven; therefore, there can be only one ruler.
The right to rule is based on the virtue (good qualities) of the ruler.
The right to rule is not limited to one dynasty.
If a dynasty failed to act properly, it lost the Mandate of Heaven. This mandate would then pass
to a new dynasty. The mandate also permitted a leader to seize control by force, if necessary.
Victory served as proof that Heaven supported the change in leadership.
One ancient Chinese source, the Book of History, explains why the Zhou kings received the
Mandate of Heaven:
“… our kings of Zhou treated the people well… and presided over services
to spirits and Heaven. Heaven therefore instructed the Zhou kings, chose
them… and gave them the decree to rule.”
1. How is the Mandate of Heaven similar to and different from what you know about
government in other ancient civilizations? (Mesopotamia, Egypt, and India)
Similar: heaven/gods give the king/government power; dynasties
Different: the pharaoh/king in Egypt and Mesopotamia WAS a god / in China he is
NOT a god, just picked by them; in China the dynasty could change if the rulers lost
the mandate
2. Where does our government get its “right to rule” today?
(this is called popular sovereignty)
From the PEOPLE (not the heavens or god)
3. Brainstorm with a partner the “virtues” (good traits) of a good ruler.
Intelligence, good speaker, courageous, organized, likable, social, etc.
4. Compare your ideas about a “virtuous” ruler to the ancient Chinese. Circle what
the Chinese thought were the qualities of a good ruler from this ancient poem:
The Role of the Emperor
He makes the sacrifice (to Heaven) in the city with utmost respect;
He serves his forefathers in the ancestral shrines;
He elevates and illuminates respect for family, elders, and ancestors;
He displays what is unique in filial conduct.
By these means he honors the Heavenly base.
Serves as religious leader
He holds the ritual plow and farms in person;
He gathers the mulberry and tends the silk worms himself;
He breaks the grassland and grows grain;
He opens ground and clears it for adequate clothing and food.
By these he honors the Earthly base.
Works hard and is a good manager
He founds a school and village centers of learning;
He cultivates respects and deference;
He enlightens through instruction and examples;
He inspires by ceremony and music.
By these means he honors the human base.
Leads by example and is intelligent and encourages schooling, etc.
5. Do you agree with the ancient Chinese’s ideas on a virtuous ruler? Explain which
aspects you agree and disagree with.
6. Answer the following question in ICER (one C/E) format using the above poem:
“According to the ancient Chinese, what characteristics should a good/virtuous ruler
or leader have? Cite one example from the poem to support your response.”