Confucianism, Taoism, and Legalism all took shape in early China during the late Zhou period. What shared problem were the three schools of thought answering?

Confucian teachings said that a peaceful society rests above all on one thing. What was it?

Confucian teachings placed great weight on filial piety. What did filial piety mean?

According to Confucian teachings, what was the best way for a ruler to guide the people?

The Analects is one of the best known texts of early China. What kind of text is it?

Taoist teachings centered on the Tao, usually translated as "the Way." What did following the Way mean for a person?

Taoist teachings held that the finest ruler is the one the people barely notice. What kind of government did that idea point toward?

The Daodejing, also spelled Tao Te Ching, is a short early Chinese text. What are its teachings about?

Taoism did not end with ancient China. It continues as a living religion, with temples, priests, and practices followed by millions of people.

Legalist thinkers gave a blunt answer to how a state should keep order. What was it?

Legalist thinkers had a low view of human nature. In their view, why do most people obey the rules of a state?

One early Chinese dynasty united the rival states and organized its government around Legalist ideas. Which dynasty was it?

The Han dynasty kept a strong central government but changed the school of thought that trained and guided its officials. Which school did it adopt?

Confucian teachings shaped who was thought fit to hold a government post in early China. Which people did they favor?

Legalist government under the Qin dynasty is remembered for one clear pattern in how it treated ordinary people. What was that pattern?

Confucian and Legalist thinkers disagreed sharply. What was the disagreement about?

Confucian teachings urged an educated person to serve in government. What did Taoist teachings more often urge instead?

Confucian teachings insisted that ceremonies, manners, and proper forms of address mattered. Why did they matter so much?

Legalist thinkers held that the state's laws should apply to nobles in the same way they apply to common people.

Taoist teachings left a lasting mark on later Chinese painting and poetry. Which subject did that influence bring forward?