Question

Select the correct answer. What argument does the author anticipate and refute in this excerpt from the Declaration of Independence? Nor have We been wanting in attentions to our British brethren. We have warned them from time to time of attempts by their legislature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the ties of our common kindred to disavow these usurpations, which, would inevitably interrupt our connections and correspondence. They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity. A. If the American colonists are unhappy with the king, they should appeal to Parliament. B. Most British Parliament members sympathize with the plight of the American colonies. C. The American colonies are well represented in the British Parliament and have no right to blame the king. D. The allegations against the king made by the colonists are without proof and unjustified.

Answer 1

The author of the Declaration of Independence refutes the argument that the allegations against the British king were without proof and unjustified by detailing attempts at communication and resolution with the British government before declaring independence. The correct option is D. The allegations against the king made by the colonists are without proof and unjustified.

Step-by-step explanation:

The argument the author anticipates and refutes in the excerpt from the Declaration of Independence concerns possible claims that the colonists have not expressed their grievances to the British monarchy and Parliament. By stating that the colonists have warned, reminded, appealed, and conjured their British counterparts, the passage refutes any argument that the colonies failed to communicate their issues and desire for resolution before declaring independence.

The precise argument being refuted is that the allegations against the king are unjustified due to a lack of previous communication, making the correct answer to the student's question is the allegations against the king made by the colonists are without proof and unjustified. Furthermore, historical context from the provided references shows the colonists did, in fact, try various means to resolve their disputes with the British Crown, thus justifying their actions and demonstrating that their grievances and subsequent desire for separation were grounded in real and articulated concerns.