PSAT Reading Question 41: Answer and Explanation

Question: 41

According to Jay, which of the following questions about the American political system arose shortly before the passage was written?

• A. Whether it is truly necessary for the people to give up some of their rights to the government
• B. Whether it is better for America to be governed as one nation or for each state to be governed independently
• C. Whether it is best to give all authority to the federal government or to reserve some powers for the states
• D. Whether the American people should share one common language and religion

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:

B

The question asks which of the following questions about the American political system arose shortly before the passage was written. Notice that this is the first question in a paired set, so it can be done in tandem with Q32. Look at the answers for Q32 first. The lines for (32A) say that nothing is more certain than the indispensable power of government, and that the people must cede to it some of their natural rights in order to provide it with necessary powers. These lines do not address Q31, so eliminate (32A). The lines for (32B) say that politicians now appear who insist that a previously stated opinion is erroneous, and that instead we ought to seek [safety and happiness] in a division of the States into distinct parts. The previously stated opinion (lines 20–24) was that the prosperity of the people of America depended on their continuing firmly unified, and the author states that this opinion was uncontradicted until recently. In other words, the debate mentioned in the lines for (32B) arose shortly before the passage was written. Therefore, check the answers for Q31 to see whether any of the answers are supported by these lines. This information matches (31B), whether America should be governed as one nation or as independent states. Draw a line connecting (31B) and (32B). The lines for (32C) say that America has been blessed…with a variety of soils and productions…for the delight and accommodation of its inhabitants. These lines do not address Q31, so eliminate (32C). The lines for (32D) say that America is one connected country with one united people, claiming that its people are bound by common language, religion, principles, and customs as well as the history of a long and bloody war. This information does not address a political question or debate that would have occurred before the passage was written. Eliminate (32D). Without support from Q32, (31A), (31C), and (31D) can be eliminated. The correct answers are (31B) and (32B).