Answer :
Final answer:
Meritocracy in the Tang Dynasty impacted governance by blending merit-based recruitment with aristocratic power dynamics, ultimately shaping the bureaucracy and selection of government officials.
Explanation:
Meritocracy in the Tang Dynasty affected governance by providing a pathway for individuals to enter the bureaucracy based on merit rather than solely on familial connections or social status. The civil service examinations tested literary skills, knowledge of classics, and talents in poetry and calligraphy, emphasizing the importance of virtues and learning in selecting government officials.
In practice, while the system aimed to choose the wisest and most virtuous individuals, it favored those from prestigious families or with influential connections. Although some men entered the civil service based on merit and exam success, a significant number of high offices were still held by a limited number of elite families.
The Tang government, influenced by Confucianism, recognized the value of merit but also upheld aristocratic power through familial and social connections. Despite the presence of meritocratic elements, the aristocracy's influence remained strong, shaping the bureaucratic recruitment process and governance structure.
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