Question

what was the legalist system put in place by the first emperor of qin designed to do?
○ achieve total security for the state
○ create a more centralized government
○ enforce censorship of thought and free speech
○ establish fiefdoms for tax collection

Explanation:

The Legalist system under the First Emperor of Qin (Qin Shi Huang) was primarily focused on centralizing power. Legalism emphasized strict laws, a strong central authority, and the ruler's absolute control. The goal was to create a more centralized government by standardizing laws, administration, and social order, reducing the power of local nobles and establishing a unified, hierarchical state structure.

• "Achieve total security for the state" is too broad and not the core aim of Legalism here.
• "Enforce censorship of thought and free speech" (like the burning of books) was a means to centralize thought, not the main design goal of the Legalist system.
• "Establish fiefdoms for tax collection" is incorrect as Legalism moved away from feudal fiefdoms toward direct imperial control.

Answer:

B. Create a more centralized government