Final answer:
The Tang Dynasty used the examination system to choose government officials based on meritocracy and intellectual ability. The civil service exam tested literary skills and knowledge of Confucian and Daoist classics, and while it was theoretically open to all, certain groups were excluded. However, the exams did not challenge aristocratic power.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Tang Dynasty used the examination system to choose government officials primarily based on meritocracy and intellectual ability. The civil service exam, developed from the Sui dynasty, tested literary skills and knowledge of Confucian and Daoist classics. Although the system was theoretically open to all, in practice it excluded certain groups such as women, merchants' sons, and those without a classical education. However, the exams did not challenge aristocratic power, as most top posts still required a personal connection to the imperial Li clan or another influential person.