Using context clues from the passage, the most logical conclusion for the meaning of the underlined word "repressive" in the second sentence would be: c. using force or the threat of force.
The passage discusses a moral crisis and explicitly states that this crisis cannot be addressed by "repressive police action." Here, "repressive" is associated with actions that involve force or the threat of force. The passage suggests that the solution to the moral crisis does not lie in using oppressive or coercive measures, such as police actions, to address the issues at hand.
In summary, in the given context, "repressive" is likely to mean using force or the threat of force, as the passage emphasizes the need for a different approach to address the moral crisis.
The question probable may be:
Using context clues, what can you most logically conclude is the meaning of the underlined word repressive in the second sentence of the paragraph?
a.applying justice or the law
b.using argument or reason
c.using force or the threat of force
d.permitting discussion or debate passage: We face, therefore, a moral crisis as a country and a people. It cannot be met by repressive police action. It cannot be left to increased demonstrations in the streets. It cannot be quieted by token moves or talk. It is a time to act in the Congress, in your State and local legislative body and, above all, in all of our daily lives. It is not enough to pin the blame on others, to say this is a problem of one section of the country or another, or deplore the facts that we face.