Final answer:
The Qin Dynasty focused on Legalism, standardizing the law and emphasizing a strong central authority. The Han Dynasty, however, embraced Confucianism, instituting a government based on Confucian principles of virtue and benevolence, further developing trade and state monopolies.
Step-by-step explanation:
To compare and contrast the Qin and Han dynasties, we need to look at their core beliefs and ideologies. The Qin Dynasty was famously rooted in Legalism, which emphasized strict laws, unity, and a central authority. They standardized writing, coins, and laws to maintain control across the empire.
In contrast, the Han Dynasty represented a substantial shift in ideology by making Confucianism the official philosophy of the state. This change emphasized virtue, benevolence, and the study of Confucian classics for state administrators.