| A | B |
|---|
| Confucianism | a set of beliefs that focused on proper conduct, respect for elders, scholarship and government service |
| Buddhism | a religion that stressed that suffering is a basic part of life and that life is a cycle of death and rebirth |
| Daoism | a belief system that emphasized living in harmony with nature and being content with one's life |
| Aristocrat | a memberof the priviledged class having inherited wealth and high social standing |
| Meritocracy | a system in which people are chosen for jobs and promoted ont he basis of their performance |
| Mandate | a command or instruction from an authroity; an order to govern |
| Currency | any form of money being used as a medium of exchange |
| Money Economy | an economy in which cash is the most common item exchanged for goods |
| Despot | a ruler who holds absolute power and uses it abusively |
