Question

Read this excerpt from the Constitution of Prince Shotuku. The Ministers and officials of the state should make proper behavior their first principle, for if the superiors do not behave properly, the inferiors are disorderly; if inferiors behave improperly, offenses will naturally result. Which idea can be inferred from the passage? If leaders act appropriately, society will be more peaceful and orderly. If society acts poorly, leaders must intervene quickly. If leaders make proper behavior their first principle, society will embrace their rule. If society behaves a certain way, leaders should take that into account when creating laws.

Answer 1

The correct answer is A) If leaders act appropriately, society will be more peaceful and orderly.

The idea that can be inferred from the passage is "If leaders act appropriately, society will be more peaceful and orderly."

Leaders lead by example, not by conveying orders. According to this Constitution, government leaders such as the Ministers and officials of the state should make proper behavior their first principle, for if the superiors do not behave properly, the inferiors are disorderly. Leaders must set the example of the conduct they want to see in others. Otherwise, people are going to question why they should follow some rules than the leaders are not the first to follow.

Prince Shotoku was the most important Asuka ruler and is considered the father of Buddhism in Japan. He ruled from 593 to 622. With the statements in his Constitution, he wanted to have harmony in society.