Document 2

Shi Huangdi, first emperor of the Qin dynasty, used warfare to weaken six of the seven warring states.

His efforts to unify China led to the consolidation of his power.

… The Qin [under Shi Huangdi] made many changes that were meant to unify China and aid in

administrative tasks. First, the Qin implemented a Legalist form of government, which was how

the former Qin territory had been governed. The area was divided up in 36 commanderies which

were then subdivided into counties. These commanderies had a civil governor, a military

commander, and an imperial inspector. The leaders of the commanderies had to report to the

Emperor in writing. The Legalist form of government involved rewards and punishments to

keep order. Also, the state had absolute control over the people, and the former nobility lost all

of their power. The nobility were also transplanted from their homes to the capital. Groups were

formed of units of five to ten families, which then had a group responsibility for the wrongdoings

of any individual within the group.…

Source: “Qin Dynasty,” EMuseum, Minnesota State University at Mankato

Based on this EMuseum document, what were two ways the Qin under Shi Huangdi attempted to control

China?