Question

select the correct answer.
read this fictional description of a chinese ruler. then answer the question that follows.
emperor fu focused on the most effective way to govern society. he felt that written laws were better than rituals or morals to control human behavior. fu created laws and strong punishments to keep his empire stable. he thought people were naturally selfish and even evil. according to fu, obedience to authority was extremely important. fu also did away with books and any other writings that attempted to undermine his rule. he was a shrewd ruler who worked hard to maintain complete control and power over his empire.
what is most likely true about fu based on the description?
a. he favored and followed legalism.
b. he was a supporter of taoism.
c. he was a supporter of confucianism.
d. he was a ruler from the han dynasty.

Explanation:

• Option A: Legalism emphasizes governing through strict laws, strong punishments, and the belief that people are selfish/evil, which matches Emperor Fu's actions (creating laws, strong punishments, viewing people as selfish/evil, and controlling society via laws).
• Option B: Taoism focuses on living in harmony with nature and minimal government intervention, which is opposite to Fu's strict control.
• Option C: Confucianism emphasizes rituals, morals, and respect for hierarchy through virtue, while Fu preferred laws over rituals/morals.
• Option D: The Han dynasty mainly adopted Confucianism later, and Fu's rule style is more in line with Legalist rulers (like Qin Shi Huang), not typical Han dynasty rulers.

Answer:

A. He favored and followed Legalism.