Question

during the song dynasty, how did confucian ideas shape government selection?
by hereditary titles and lineage
through lotteries assigning officials
through examinations emphasizing merit
via military ranks granted by generals

Explanation:

During the Song Dynasty, Confucian ideas emphasized merit and learning. The imperial examination system (keju) was used to select officials, which emphasized merit through testing knowledge of Confucian classics. Hereditary titles (not aligned with Confucian merit - based ideas), lotteries (not a historical method for official selection in Song), and military - rank - based selection (not the main method shaped by Confucianism) are incorrect. So the correct option is the one about examinations emphasizing merit.

Answer:

C. Through examinations emphasizing merit