Question

read the excerpt from \what to the slave is the fourth of july?\
are the great principles of political freedom and of natural justice, embodied in that declaration of independence, extended to us?
how does this rhetorical question contribute to the passages central idea?
it gives the rest of the speech importance by referring to a famous historical document.
it reveals that douglass has an in - depth knowledge of the declaration of independence.
it reinforces the idea that the rights given to others are not extended to black people.
it encourages black people to discuss the principles set forth in the declaration of independence.

Explanation:

The rhetorical question in the text is about whether the principles of political freedom and natural justice (from the Declaration of Independence) are extended to "us" (presumably Black people). This directly ties into the idea of rights not being equally distributed. Referring to a famous document (Declaration of Independence) is not the main contribution to the central idea here. Knowing the document (as in the second option) is less relevant than the rights aspect. Encouraging discussion (fourth option) is not indicated. The key is reinforcing the rights - non - extension idea.

Answer:

It reinforces the idea that the rights given to others are not extended to Black people.