"Barbara Jordan Remarks on Impeachment, July, 1974"

Question

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

Question
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)
Responses

to assert the guilt of the president
to assert the guilt of the president

to ponder the purpose of impeachment
to ponder the purpose of impeachment

to charge the executive with crimes
to charge the executive with crimes

to explain the need for fiery debate
to explain the need for fiery debate

Answer 1

The author uses a rhetorical question in this passage to charge the executive with crimes. The question is meant to provoke thought and concern regarding the actions of the President, framing the discussion around accountability and the seriousness of the offenses in the context of impeachment.