Question

emperor taizong on effective government
the country is huge and the responsibility for it is heavy. a huge country cannot be evenly governed by the emperor alone; the responsibility is too great for one man. thus, the emperor should give land to relatives to guard the outlying prefectures areas. whether the country is at peace or in danger, they cooperate; whether the country is thriving or declining, they work together with one heart.
which statement best restates the strategy taizong is explaining here?

• the emperor should be replaced by a different governing body.
• royal family members should guard and protect the emperor.
• members of the royal family are the best choices to help run a huge country.
• the size of the country should be reduced by giving portions of it to others to rule.

Explanation:

1. Analyze Option 1: The text does not suggest replacing the emperor, so this is incorrect.
2. Analyze Option 2: The focus is on governing outlying areas, not protecting the emperor, so this is incorrect.
3. Analyze Option 3: The passage says the emperor should give land to relatives to guard areas and work together, meaning royal family members help run the country, so this matches.
4. Analyze Option 4: The goal is governance, not reducing the country's size, so this is incorrect.

Answer:

C. Members of the royal family are the best choices to help run a huge country.