Question

But what is government itself, but the greatest of all reflections on human nature? If men were angels, no government would be necessary. If angels were to govern men, neither external nor internal controls on government would be necessary. In framing a government which is to be administered by men over men, the great difficulty lies in this: You must first enable the government to control the governed; and in the next place oblige it to control itself.

What is the intended effect of the rhetorical questions in the passage?
A. to pose a question about government the writer wants the reader to answer.
B. to explain the best method for a government to control the governed
C. to emphasize the absolute goodness of human beings
D. to reinforce a government's relationship to human nature

Answer 1

D. The rhetorical questions emphasize the link between government and human nature—showing that because people are not perfect (not "angels"), government and controls are necessary.