Question

"Barbara Jordan Remarks on Impeachment, July, 1974"
by Barbara Jordan
Has the President committed offenses, and planned, and directed, and acquiesced in a course of conduct which the Constitution will not tolerate? That's the question. We know that. We know the question. We should now forthwith proceed to answer the question. It is reason, and not passion, which must guide our deliberations, guide our debate, and guide our decision.
Rep. Barbara Jordan's remarks on impeachment during Watergate
Use the passage from a speech by Representative Barbara Jordan to answer the question.
Why does the author use a rhetorical question in this passage?
(1 point)
to assert the guilt of the president
to charge the executive with crimes
to explain the need for fiery debate
to ponder the purpose of impeachment

Answer 1

to ponder the purpose of impeachment

She uses the rhetorical question to raise and focus on the central issue—whether the president's actions meet the constitutional standard for impeachment—rather than to assert guilt or inflame debate.