A painting of Chinese philosopher Confucius. He is an older man seated on a chair wearing traditional Chinese robes with a moustache and long beard.

Source: Konfuzius-1770, Unbekannt, Wikimedia

The teachings of the philosopher Confucius formed the basis for Chinese government during the Han period. Confucianism left an enduring mark on China that continues to this very day. Some refer to Confucianism as a religion, but it is not really a "religion" in the way that we Westerners understand the term.

Anyone who wanted to be an official in the Chinese government needed to be an expert on Confucian teachings.

Click her to view information on Confucius: Extraordinary HistoryMaker: Confucius

Use the information from the resource to complete the activity below!

Interactive exercise. Assistance may be required. In the box below you have a list of qualities and traits, some which align with Confucian philosophy, others which don't. Drag the traits into the appropriate area below.

Good job! Now let's learn a little bit more about what exactly someone had to do in order to get a job in the Chinese government.