Question

The stance Jordan takes in the passage is best described as that of _______.

• A. An idealist setting forth principles
• B. An advocate seeking a compromise position
• C. An observer striving for neutrality
• D. A scholar researching a historical controversy

Answer 1

The correct option is A An idealist setting forth principles

Option A is the correct answer. Jordan helps establish her idealism by declaring that she is an “inquisitor” and that her “faith in the Constitution is whole; it is complete; it is total”. At numerous points in the passage, Jordan sets forth principles (e.g., “The powers relating to impeachment are an essential check in the hands of the body of the legislature against and upon the encroachments of the executive,”) and refers to important documents that do the same, including the U.S. Constitution and Federalist No. 65.

Option B is incorrect because although Jordan is advocating a position, there is no evidence in the passage that she is seeking a compromise position. Indeed, she notes that she is “not going to sit here and be an idle spectator to the diminution, the subversion, the destruction, of the Constitution”, indicating that she is not seeking compromise.

Option C is incorrect because Jordan is a participant (“an inquisitor”) in the proceedings, not a mere observer. Indeed, she notes that she is “not going to sit here and be an idle spectator to the diminution, the subversion, the destruction, of the Constitution”.

Option D is incorrect because Jordan is identified as a congresswoman and an “inquisitor”, not a scholar, and because she is primarily discussing events happening at the moment, not researching an unidentified historical controversy.