Analyzing a Seminal US Document Answers

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Read the passage from the opinion of the court in Brown v. Board of Education, written by Justice Warren.We come then to the question presented: Does segregation of children in public schools solely on the basis of race, even though the physical facilities and other "tangible" factors may be equal, deprive the children of the minority group of equal educational opportunities? We believe that it does.. . . To separate them from others of similar age and qualifications solely because of their race generates a feeling of inferiority as to their status in the community that may affect their hearts and minds in a way unlikely ever to be undone. . . .Segregation of white and colored children in public schools has a detrimental effect upon the colored children. The impact is greater when it has the sanction of the law, for the policy of separating the races is usually interpreted as denoting the inferiority of the negro group. A sense of inferiority affects the motivation of a child to learn. Segregation with the sanction of law, therefore, has a tendency to [retard] the educational and mental development of negro children and to deprive them of some of the benefits they would receive in a racial[ly] integrated school system.Whatever may have been the extent of psychological knowledge at the time of Plessy v. Ferguson, this finding is amply supported by modern authority. Any language in Plessy v. Ferguson contrary to this finding is rejected.

A
the findings of the court in Plessy v. Ferguson regarding equal educational facilities
B
the reduced effects of segregation when it is sanctioned by federal regulations
C
the findings that a sense of inferiority affects the motivation to learn
D
the differences in educational and mental development in public and private schools
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When analyzing an argument, which elements should you focus on most? Select three options.counterclaimclaimreasonsdissentevidence

A
counterclaim
B
claim
C
reasons
D
dissent
E
evidence
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Read the passage from the opinion of the court in Dred Scott v. Sandford, written by Justice Taney.It will be observed, that the plea applies to that class of persons only whose ancestors were negroes of the African race, and imported into this country, and sold and held as slaves. The only matter in issue before the court, therefore, is, whether the descendants of such slaves, when they shall be emancipated, or who are born of parents who had become free before their birth, are citizens of a State, in the sense in which the word "citizen” is used in the Constitution of the United States. . . .. . . The question before us is, whether the class of persons described in the plea in abatement compose a portion of this people, and are constituent members of this sovereignty? We think they are not, and that they are not included, and were not intended to be included, under the word "citizens" in the Constitution, and can therefore claim none of the rights and privileges which that instrument provides for and secures to citizens of the United States.

A
Because Dred Scott's parents were born outside the United States, he is not considered to be a citizen with all the rights granted by the Constitution.
B
Because Dred Scott was the child of enslaved people, he is considered to be of a different class than citizens, according to the Constitution.
C
Because Dred Scott and his family were born in the United States, they are citizens with all the rights granted by the Constitution.
D
Because Dred Scott lives in a free state, he is considered to be a citizen with all the rights granted by the Constitution.
8

What is the difference between a Supreme Court opinion and a Supreme Court dissent?

A
An opinion is a Supreme Court decision that the majority of the judges disagree with, while a dissent agrees with the decision.
B
An opinion is a Supreme Court decision that the majority of the judges agree with, while a dissent disagrees with the decision.
C
An opinion is a Supreme Court summary of the case, while a dissent is the final decision made on the case.
D
An opinion is a Supreme Court decision suggested by one of the judges, while a dissent summarizes previous decisions on similar issues.
10

Read the passage from the opinion of the court in Brown v. Board of Education, written by Justice Warren.In the instant cases, that question is directly presented. . . . There are findings below that the Negro and white schools involved have been equalized, or are being equalized, with respect to buildings, curricula, qualifications and salaries of teachers, and other "tangible" factors. Our decision, therefore, cannot turn on merely a comparison of these tangible factors in the Negro and white schools involved in each of the cases. We must look instead to the effect of segregation itself on public education. . . .Today, education is perhaps the most important function of state and local governments. Compulsory school attendance laws and the great expenditures for education both demonstrate our recognition of the importance of education to our democratic society. It is required in the performance of our most basic public responsibilities, even service in the armed forces. It is the very foundation of good citizenship. Today it is a principal instrument in awakening the child to cultural values, in preparing him for later professional training, and in helping him to adjust normally to his environment. In these days, it is doubtful that any child may reasonably be expected to succeed in life if he is denied the opportunity of an education. Such an opportunity, where the state has undertaken to provide it, is a right which must be made available to all on equal terms.We come then to the question presented: Does segregation of children in public schools solely on the basis of race, even though the physical facilities and other "tangible" factors may be equal, deprive the children of the minority group of equal educational opportunities? We believe that it does.. . . To separate them from others of similar age and qualifications solely because of their race generates a feeling of inferiority as to their status in the community that may affect their hearts and minds in a way unlikely ever to be undone.

A
Educational and physical facilities themselves are not actually equal.
B
The state has promised to provide equal educational opportunities.
C
Age and qualifications in public schools are a more reliable factor to examine.
D
The real impact of racial segregation is emotional damage to minority students.
11

What is anecdotal evidence?

A
a statistic or piece of data
B
a comparison or analogy
C
a professional or expert’s testimony
D
a personal story or historical example
12

Read the passage from the opinion of the court in Brown v. Board of Education, written by Justice Warren.Segregation of white and colored children in public schools has a detrimental effect upon the colored children. The impact is greater when it has the sanction of the law, for the policy of separating the races is usually interpreted as denoting the inferiority of the negro group. A sense of inferiority affects the motivation of a child to learn. Segregation with the sanction of law, therefore, has a tendency to [retard] the educational and mental development of negro children and to deprive them of some of the benefits they would receive in a racial[ly] integrated school system.Whatever may have been the extent of psychological knowledge at the time of Plessy v. Ferguson, this finding is amply supported by modern authority. Any language in Plessy v. Ferguson contrary to this finding is rejected.We conclude that, in the field of public education, the doctrine of "separate but equal" has no place. Separate educational facilities are inherently unequal. Therefore, we hold that the plaintiffs and others similarly situated for whom the actions have been brought are, by reason of the segregation complained of, deprived of the equal protection of the laws guaranteed by the Fourteenth Amendment.

A
The doctrine of “separate but equal” takes away Black citizens’ rights to an equal public education.
B
The doctrine of “separate but equal” shows that equal facilities provide equal opportunities.
C
A sense of inferiority affects children’s motivation to learn in a segregated system.
D
Plessy v. Ferguson is based on dated psychological knowledge that should be rejected.
13

Read the passage from the opinion of the court in Dred Scott v. Sandford, written by Justice Taney.The question then arises, whether the provisions of the Constitution, in relation to the personal rights and privileges to which the citizen of a State should be entitled, embraced the negro African race, at that time in this country, or who might afterwards be imported, who had then or should afterwards be made free in any State; and to put it in the power of a single State to make him a citizen of the United States, and endue him with the full rights of citizenship in every other State without their consent? Does the Constitution of the United States act upon him whenever he shall be made free under the laws of a State, and raised there to the rank of a citizen, and immediately clothe him with all the privileges of a citizen in every other State, and in its own courts?The court thinks the affirmative of these propositions cannot be maintained. And if it cannot, the plaintiff in error could not be a citizen of the State of Missouri, within the meaning of the Constitution of the United States, and, consequently, was not entitled to sue in its courts.

A
that Sanford has the right to enslave Scott
B
that Scott has the right to be emancipated
C
that Scott is not a citizen of Missouri
D
that Sanford cannot sue because he is not a citizen
14

Read the passage from the opinion of the court in Brown v. Board of Education, written by Justice Warren.We come then to the question presented: Does segregation of children in public schools solely on the basis of race, even though the physical facilities and other "tangible" factors may be equal, deprive the children of the minority group of equal educational opportunities? We believe that it does.. . . To separate them from others of similar age and qualifications solely because of their race generates a feeling of inferiority as to their status in the community that may affect their hearts and minds in a way unlikely ever to be undone. . . .Segregation of white and colored children in public schools has a detrimental effect upon the colored children. The impact is greater when it has the sanction of the law, for the policy of separating the races is usually interpreted as denoting the inferiority of the negro group. A sense of inferiority affects the motivation of a child to learn. Segregation with the sanction of law, therefore, has a tendency to [retard] the educational and mental development of negro children and to deprive them of some of the benefits they would receive in a racial[ly] integrated school system.Whatever may have been the extent of psychological knowledge at the time of Plessy v. Ferguson, this finding is amply supported by modern authority. Any language in Plessy v. Ferguson contrary to this finding is rejected.

A
the findings of the court in Plessy v. Ferguson regarding equal educational facilities
B
the reduced effects of segregation when it is sanctioned by federal regulations
C
the findings that a sense of inferiority affects the motivation to learn
D
the differences in educational and mental development in public and private schools
16

What reasons does Warren provide in this passage to support the claim? Select three options.

A
The policy of segregation increases a sense of inferiority because it is a law.
B
Racially integrated schools would have little impact on educational equality.
C
Racially segregated schools take away educational benefits from Black people.
D
The policy of segregation makes Black children feel inferior.
E
The policy of segregation has a negative effect on the education of White children.
17

What is anecdotal evidence?

A
a statistic or piece of data
B
a comparison or analogy
C
a professional or expert’s testimony
D
a personal story or historical example
18

Read the passage from the opinion of the court in Dred Scott v. Sandford, written by Justice Taney.The question then arises, whether the provisions of the Constitution, in relation to the personal rights and privileges to which the citizen of a State should be entitled, embraced the negro African race, at that time in this country, or who might afterwards be imported, who had then or should afterwards be made free in any State; and to put it in the power of a single State to make him a citizen of the United States, and endue him with the full rights of citizenship in every other State without their consent? Does the Constitution of the United States act upon him whenever he shall be made free under the laws of a State, and raised there to the rank of a citizen, and immediately clothe him with all the privileges of a citizen in every other State, and in its own courts?

A
States should decide who is free and who is not.
B
A person who is free in one state cannot be a citizen.
C
Taney cannot deny Scott citizenship because it is a federal right.
D
Other states should have a say over one state's decision.
19

How does a writer support a counterclaim after stating it? Select three options.by begging the claimby restating the original claimby providing reasonsby describing the topicby supporting it with evidence

A
by begging the claim
B
by restating the original claim
C
by providing reasons
D
by describing the topic
E
by supporting it with evidence

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