Which social class system was prevalent in Japan during the Tokugawa period?

During the Tokugawa period in Japan, which lasted from 1603 to 1868, the social structure was distinctly hierarchical and categorized into separate classes. The most recognized social classes included the samurai, who were the warrior class and held significant power and privileges. Below them were the farmers, who were considered essential to society for their role in producing food, and then the merchants, who played a crucial role in the economy but were often looked down upon due to the prevailing Confucian values that prioritized agricultural production over commerce.

This stratification was heavily emphasized during the Tokugawa period, as the government implemented policies that reinforced these social divisions, creating a rigid class system where movement between classes was limited. The samurai maintained the highest status, followed by peasants and then merchants. Therefore, the choice highlighting this class system accurately reflects the societal structure of the time.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately capture the historical context. Democratic representation did not exist in the form familiar to modern societies, nor was there a classless society, as the rigid hierarchy defined everyday life and governance. Additionally, focusing solely on feudal lords overlooks the broader class distinctions and the importance of various roles, including farmers and merchants, indicating a more