PSAT Reading Question 380: Answer and Explanation

Question: 380

The passage suggests that Washington's primary concern is which of the following sorts of foreign interactions?

• A. The U.S. is invaded by land from European aggressors, who quickly dismantle the fragile early republic.
• B. The U.S. is drawn into a foreign war based not on our inherent interests but on treaty obligations.
• C. The U.S. is taken over by foreign saboteurs who infiltrate the federal government and assume positions of power.
• D. The U.S. is enmeshed in a long-lasting trade war over tariffs and fees on exports and imports.

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:

(B) Lines 13–18 state that European powers are likely to engage in frequent conflicts and that the U.S. should not entangle itself with "artificial ties," i.e., treaties that would oblige it to fight in wars in which the U.S. has no interest. So choice (B) is the best option. Choice (A) is incorrect. Although it is a concern, the primary argument of the excerpt is focused on avoiding foreign obligations, not on preparing for foreign invasion. Choice (C) is not correct because internal treason is not a focus of the passage. Choice (D) is wrong because Washington advocates foreign economic interaction in lines 11–12.