Question

Read the following excerpt from The Memoirs of Thomas Jefferson and answer the question that follows. In 1769, I became a member of the legislature by the choice of the county in which I live, and so continued until it was closed by the Revolution. I made one effort in that body for the permission of the emancipation of slaves, which was rejected: and indeed, during the regal government, nothing liberal could expect success. Our minds were circumscribed within narrow limits, by an habitual belief that it was our duty to be subordinate to the mother country in all matters of government, to direct all our labors in subservience to her interests, and even to observe a bigoted intolerance for all religions but hers. The difficulties with our representatives were of habit and despair, not of reflection and conviction. Which of the following is the best summary of the excerpt?

Answer 1

Jefferson discusses his early political career and his unsuccessful attempts to pass liberal measures like the emancipation of slaves due to societal constraints and perceived duty towards the British mother country.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the excerpt from The Memoirs of Thomas Jefferson, Jefferson recounts his early years as a member of the legislature prior to the American Revolution. He expresses his frustration at the inability to pass more liberal measures like the emancipation of slaves due to the constraints of being subordinate to the British government. His attempts to promote change were hampered by the societal norms of the time which included a strong bias towards British religion and interests. Despite these struggles he was part of the foundation of the new American society and government that was born out of the revolution.

Learn more about Thomas Jefferson