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 encourages black people to discuss the principles set forth in the declaration of independence.
it reinforces the idea that the rights given to others are not extended to black people.
it reveals that douglass has an in - depth knowledge of the declaration of independence.
it gives the rest of the speech importance by referring to a famous historical document.

Explanation:

The rhetorical question asks if the principles in the Declaration of Independence (political freedom and natural justice) are extended to "us" (Black people). This implies that those rights are not currently extended. It's not about discussing the principles (A), showing knowledge of the document (C), or giving speech importance (D). The key is highlighting the lack of rights extension.

Answer:

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