How did confucianism and the examination system change access to positions in government in ancient china? a. government positions were based on skills and merit. b. government positions were inherited. c. government positions were appointed by the emperor. d. government positions were filled by elected officials.

Here the correct option is option A  Government positions were based on skills and merit.

Explanation - Earlier in China recruitment  in  high offices was done on the basis of  recommendations that were given by officials about those post but  under Confucianism examination system this method was barred. The talented people had to pass an exam that was really tough to crack for which they had to first give an exam at local level to qualify. No relation or recommendations were further entertained.  

classical republicanism, also known as civic humanism, is a form of republicanism  developed in the renaissance inspired by the governmental forms and writings of  classical  antiquity, especially such  classical  writers as aristotle, polybius, and cicero.

question 1: paragraph 3

question 2: paragraph 2

question 3: paragraph 1

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