Final Answer:
The central idea of paragraph 2 in "President and Chief Justice" is C. Despite early setbacks, Taft's determination and perseverance led to his eventual political success.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the second paragraph, the author details Taft's experiences as a young politician. The narrative emphasizes Taft's resilience in the face of challenges, indicating that he encountered obstacles early in his political career. This aligns with option C, which highlights Taft's determination and perseverance leading to eventual success. The paragraph likely discusses how Taft overcame setbacks rather than focusing solely on his family's influence (option A), initial challenges (option B), or a combination of privilege and struggle (option D).
The author may provide anecdotes or examples illustrating Taft's resilience and determination during his early political years. This could include instances where Taft faced adversity but persisted, showcasing his commitment to a successful political career. The central idea of this paragraph is to highlight Taft's personal qualities and efforts that played a crucial role in shaping his political trajectory.
By choosing option C, the reader is directed to focus on the narrative of resilience and determination, capturing the essence of Taft's early political experiences as presented in paragraph 2.