Final answer:
The belief that Chinese kings had been given power by the gods to keep order in China and the Universe is known as Mandate of Heaven.
Step-by-step explanation:
The belief that Chinese kings had been given power by the gods to keep order in China and the Universe is known as the Mandate of Heaven. The Mandate of Heaven was an ideology in ancient China that justified the overthrow of bad governments and corrupt rulers. According to this belief, a ruling house must demonstrate morality and order in order to retain heaven's favor and continue to rule. If a ruler became wicked or extravagant, signs like earthquakes, comets, and droughts would warn him, and eventually, a new virtuous leader would be chosen by heaven. This concept shaped Chinese ideology and understanding of dynastic cycles for centuries and ensured continuity between dynasties. It also promoted political unity under a supreme sovereign while allowing dissent and revolution against unpopular rulers.