Question

What was a major accomplishment of the Chinese civil service system?

a) Middle-class citizens were no longer able to gain government positions.
b) Exams were no longer required to gain government positions.
c) Government officials were given positions based upon merit.
d) Government officials inherited their positions.

Answer 1

Government officials in ancient China were given positions based on merit, established through a civil service examination system that emphasized educational accomplishments over birth or wealth.

Step-by-step explanation:

A major accomplishment of the Chinese civil service system was that government officials were given positions based upon merit. This merit-based system was exemplified through the rigorous civil service examinations that tested candidates on their knowledge of Confucian and Daoist classics, among other areas.

Despite certain limitations and instances of aristocratic dominance, the system aimed to ensure that officials were educated and capable. The Song dynasty further refined the process, enacting reforms to promote meritocracy and reduce nepotism. Over time, this led to a distinctive class known as the gentry, which was characterized by educational merit rather than nobility or wealth.