Question

What best describes the Mandate of Heaven?
A. Religious leaders had the authority to select emperors.
B. Those with the most powerful armies had the right to lead.
C. A government could rule only with the will of the people.
D. The gods would only allow good and just leaders to rule.

Answer 1

The Mandate of Heaven could best be described as "D. The gods would only allow good and just leaders to rule," since this theory holds that kings and queens are "mandated" by God to rule. 

Answer 2

Answer:    D. The gods would only allow good and just leaders to rule.

Explanation:  According to the concept of the Mandate of Heaven, the leader would be chosen according to gods' will and as such would have the mandate to rule the people and the state. In such cases, the leader would receive a blessing from religious leaders who were usually in a political union.  One who, with the help of a powerful army, would rule over some people, would be conquest rather than the Mandate of Heaven. On the other hand, if the ruler was elected by the will of the people, it would be form of democracy.