Question

Which of the following was an effect of the Legalist influence in Qin China?

the passage of strict laws with harsh punishments
an emphasis on the importance of the family and respect for elders the strengthening of the traditional caste system
the implementation of the civil service exam

Answer 1

The main effect of Legalism in Qin China, 221 - 206 BCE, was to create strict rules and harsh punishments to those who disobey the rules, as well as rewards for those who carefully observed the law.

This is because after the Warring States period, Qin rulers admired the philosophy of legalism, which aims to strict obedience to law, as opposite to confucianism and daoism, which believed on softer ways to rule and obey the law, so, in consequence, they adopted this philosophy.

Answer 2

Answer: The passage of strict laws with harsh punishments

During the Qin dynasty, the Legalist advocated government by a system of laws that rigidly prescribed punishments and rewards for specific behaviors. Their goal is to increase the power of the state and the ruler by absolute obedience to the authority. However, due to this strict law, Qin dynasty was overthrown to their power because Chinese believe that too much strictness has negative effect and is not the right thing to practice to totally discipline those law breakers.