"Known as the silver-tongued Kentuckian, Henry Clay was a gifted speaker. He became involved in local politics early in his life, and by age 29 he was appointed to the U.S. Senate. Throughout his career in the Senate, he was dedicated to preserving the Union. The Missouri Compromise and a later agreement, the Compromise of 1850, helped to ease sectional tensions, at least temporarily."

Question

Which of the following options best describes the passage above?

A Senators at this time like Clay, were appointed by their states to serve.

B Henry Clay tried preserving the Union when he became president.

C Clay was elected to the Senate by the people of Kentucky

D As a gifted speaker Clay was able to win the presidency.

Answer 1

The best option that describes the passage above is:

A Senators at this time like Clay, were appointed by their states to serve.

This reflects the historical context of the time when U.S. Senators were chosen by state legislatures, rather than by popular vote, which is relevant to Henry Clay's early political career mentioned in the passage.