  By comparing SU(3)-breaking scales of linear mass formulae, it is shown that
the lowest vector and scalar mesons all have a $\bar{q}q$ configuration, while
the ground-state octet and decuplet baryons are $qqq$. Also, the quark-level
linear $\sigma$ model is employed to predict similar $\bar{q}q$ and $qqq$
states. Furthermore, the approximate mass degeneracy of the scalar $a_0$(985)
and $f_0$(980) mesons is demonstrated to be accidental. Finally, it is shown
that various strong, electromagnetic, and weak mesonic decay rates are
successfully explained within the framework of the quark-level linear $\sigma$
model.
