Read the excerpt from the Declaration of Independence by Thomas Jefferson. We, therefore, the Representatives of the United States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by the Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States. . How does Jefferson use ethos as a rhetorical appeal?
Answer
A
by offering a prayer for the future of the colonies
B
by describing the elected leaders’ levels of education
C
by explaining the upcoming election of representatives
D
by establishing the source of the representatives’ authority
Explanation
Jefferson builds ethos by showing that the representatives have legitimate authority to make this declaration. He says they act “by the Authority of the good People of these Colonies,” grounding their power in the people they represent. This makes D, establishing the source of the representatives’ authority, the correct answer.
AI-written and checked against the verified answer.