That we here highly resolve [decide] that these dead shall not have died in vain — that this nation, under God shall have a new birth of freedom—and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.

Question

—Abraham Lincoln, The Gettysburg Address
Question
Which of the following best summarizes President Lincoln's meaning in this last sentence of his Gettysburg Address?
(1 point)
Responses

Soldiers must be given more power in the government because of their actions in the war.
Soldiers must be given more power in the government because of their actions in the war.

Americans should honor the sacrifice of soldiers by continuing democratic government.
Americans should honor the sacrifice of soldiers by continuing democratic government.

Presidents should decide important issues, including the debates over slavery.
Presidents should decide important issues, including the debates over slavery.

Government of the people, by the people, and for the people is no longer important.

Answer 1

The best summary of President Lincoln's meaning in the last sentence of his Gettysburg Address is:

Americans should honor the sacrifice of soldiers by continuing democratic government.

This captures the essence of Lincoln's argument about the importance of preserving democracy in memory of those who fought and died.