1 But, if any lesson of history is clear, it is that minorities change, new minorities take their place, and old minorities grow into the majority. One can discern this course in our own history by observing the decisions of the Supreme Court, where the growth of the nation's law so often takes the form of adopting as the opinion of the Court, the dissenting view of an earlier decision. From this fact we discern the simplest example of a vital democratic principle. I have heard so often in the past few weeks, eloquent and good men plead for the chance to let the majority rule. That is, they say, the essence of democracy. I disagree, for to me it is equally clear that democracy does not necessarily result from majority rule, but rather from the forged compromise of the majority with the minority.
2 The philosophy of the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights is not simply to grant the majority the power to rule, but is, also, to set out limitation after limitation upon that power. Freedom of speech, freedom of the press, freedom of religion; what are these but the recognition that at times when the majority of men would willingly destroy him, a dissenting man may have no friend but the law? This power given to the minority is the most sophisticated and the most vital power bestowed by the Constitution.
Part A
Which sentence from paragraph 1 states the speaker's primary argument?
1. "But, if any lesson of history is clear, it is that minorities change, new minorities take their place, and old minorities grow into the majority."
2. "One can discern this course in our own history by observing the decisions of the Supreme Court, where the growth of the nation's law so often takes the form of adopting as the opinion of the Court, the dissenting view of an earlier decision."
3. "I have heard so often in the past few weeks, eloquent and good men plead for the chance to let the majority rule."
4. "I disagree, for to me it is equally clear that democracy does not necessarily result from majority rule, but rather from the forged compromise of the majority with the minority."
Part B
How does the speaker support the correct argument from Part A in paragraph 2?
1. by explaining how the Constitution limits the rights of the majority
2. by explaining how the Constitution defines what constitutes a minority
Dates of
3. by explaining how the Constitution allows minority rule in certain situations
4. by explaining how the Constitution ensures democracy through majority rule
1 answer
Part A
The sentence from paragraph 1 that states the speaker's primary argument is:
Part B
The speaker supports the correct argument from Part A in paragraph 2:
