Question

though japans imperial system is thousands of years old, japanese emperors had very little power during the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries. in 1867, a series of events known as the meiji restoration returned control of japan to its emperor. powerful japanese emperors led a modernization program in japan that allowed it to become wealthy and powerful during the 20th century. the japanese empire used its military power to conquer korea, vietnam, parts of china, and other territories in southeast asia during this period. during world war ii, japan fought as one of the axis powers but was forced to surrender after the united states dropped two atomic bombs on japanese cities. though the united states considered ending the imperial system entirely, it eventually allowed the emperor to remain in place. however, his power was greatly reduced, and present - day japanese emperors serve ceremonial roles instead of being political leaders.
what is one example of change described in the passage?
a. japan has given up its attempts at modernization since the end of world war ii.
b. the meiji restoration resulted in the japanese emperor gaining substantial power.
c. the japanese imperial system began thousands of years ago and still exists today.
d. japans emperor has wielded only ceremonial power from the end of world war ii until today.

Explanation:

• Option A: The passage says Japan became wealthy and powerful during modernization in the 20th century. There is no indication that Japan gave up modernization after World War II.
• Option B: The Meiji restoration returned control to the emperor. Before that, emperors had little power. So, the Meiji restoration led to the emperor gaining substantial power.
• Option C: The question asks for an example of change. This option only states facts about the imperial system's start and existence, not a change.
• Option D: The emperor had ceremonial power in present - day Japan. But during World War II, Japan fought as an Axis power, implying the emperor had more than ceremonial power then (as a symbol of the state involved in war).

Answer:

B. The Meiji restoration resulted in the Japanese emperor gaining substantial power.