Question

Which reason best supports Zimmermann’s claim in The Code Book that "cryptography is about political power”?

Cryptography allows individuals to protect their freedom of speech in a healthy democracy.
For thousands of years, governments and leaders of civilizations have used various forms of cryptography.

Answer 1

For thousands of years, governments and leaders of civilizations have used various forms of cryptography.

Explanation: Zimmermann’s claim links cryptography to the exercise and contest of political authority. Evidence that rulers and states have long used codes for diplomacy, espionage, and military secrecy directly shows cryptography’s role in gaining and maintaining political power. (The first option shows an important civic use, but the historical governmental use more directly supports the claim about political power.)