PSAT Reading Question 377: Answer and Explanation

Question: 377

The author suggests that many early Americans believed that divine power had what role in the formation of the United States?

• A. A negative and revolutionary role
• B. A neutral and removed role
• C. A positive and instrumental role
• D. A helpful yet tangential role

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:

(C) Lines 39–45 report the belief of many American revolutionaries that "the grace of God" contributed to the founding of the United States. This can best be described as positive and instrumental since they believed divine power was vital to the formation of the country. This belief would not then be described as negative or neutral as in choices (A) and (B). The word "helpful" in choice (D) could be applicable. However, "tangential" is not correct since the definition of tangential is "diverging from the main topic."