Read the passage from The American Plague.Alexander Hamilton felt the president could indeed move Congress. After all, Hamilton reasoned, the government would not automatically cease functioning if an enemy army captured the capital. Why wouldn't the same principle apply in the case of a devastating natural disaster, such as a plague?But Thomas Jefferson and James Madison disagreed and could not be budged from their position. During the formation of the federal government, they argued, individual states had been extremely wary about giving away too much of their governing power to any future president.Why is this passage best defined as a cause?
Answer
A
because it explains the relationship between Washington, Hamilton, and Congress
B
because it explains the relationship between Washington, Hamilton, Jefferson, and Madison
C
because it explains the results of Washington’s uncertainty about moving Congress to Philadelphia
D
because it explains what produces Washington’s uncertainty about moving Congress to Philadelphia
Explanation
The passage gives reasons Washington was uncertain about moving Congress to Philadelphia. Hamilton thought Congress could be moved during a disaster because the government could still function if an enemy captured the capital, while Jefferson and Madison resisted because states had been cautious about giving the president too much power. Since the passage explains what produced Washington’s uncertainty, choice D is correct.
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