Difficulty: Hard

Average Score: 47%

This excerpt is from Federalist No. 22, published in 1787. It has been paraphrased.
A legislative rule requiring more than a majority to pass a bill gives the minority more power than the majority. The effect of this practice is the opposite of what is expected in theory. Requiring a unanimous vote or more than a majority vote is meant to provide a safeguard against oppression. But in reality it destroys the thoughtful deliberation of a respectable majority and replaces it with the whims and trickery of a small but unruly gang.
In times of national emergency, the goodness, badness, weakness, and strength of the government is supremely important. The government must in one way or another take action. If a majority resolution can be blocked by a stubborn minority, it will be necessary for the majority to conform to the minority for action to occur. The wishes of the smaller group will override the wishes of the larger group and this will create resentment. In these circumstances, expect constant scheming, trickery, and tiresome delays, resulting in disgraceful deals that violate the public good.

Which quotation from the excerpt reveals the author's bias about the relationship between the rule of the majority and the rights of the minority?

Rationale

"In these circumstances, expect constant scheming, trickery, and tiresome delays, resulting in disgraceful deals that violate the public good."

This quotation highlights the author's bias by suggesting that when the majority's will is not justly executed, it leads to a corrupt political environment that undermines the rights and well-being of the minority. The use of strong language indicates a belief that the majority often operates in self-interest, compromising ethical governance.

A ("The wishes of the smaller group will override the wishes of the larger group and this will create resentment.") YOUR ANSWER

This statement emphasizes the potential conflict between majority and minority preferences but does not explicitly reveal a bias about their relationship. It merely states a consequence of the minority's influence without indicating any moral judgment or bias against the majority.

B ("Requiring a unanimous vote or more than a majority vote is meant to provide a safeguard against oppression.") YOUR ANSWER

This quotation suggests a protective measure for minorities but does not show bias against the majority. Instead, it advocates for a system designed to prevent oppression, implying that there is an inherent risk in majority rule without acknowledging any negative qualities of the majority itself.

D ("In × of national emergency, the goodness, badness, weakness, and strength of the government is supremely important.") YOUR ANSWER

This statement reflects on the government's nature during crises but does not specifically address the relationship between majority rule and minority rights. It highlights the importance of government quality but lacks the bias present in the correct answer regarding the majority's impact on governance.

Conclusion

The correct choice, "In these circumstances, expect constant scheming, trickery, and tiresome delays, resulting in disgraceful deals that violate the public good," indicates a bias that suggests a negative view of how majority rule can lead to corruption and injustice. It underscores the author's concern for the rights of the minority, framing the majority as potentially harmful to the collective good. Thus, this quotation best illustrates the author's critical stance on the dynamics between majority power and minority rights.

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