Question

we stand for organized terror – this should be frankly admitted. terror is an absolute necessity during times of revolution. our aim is to fight against the enemies of the soviet government and of the new order of life. we judge quickly. in most cases only a day passes between the apprehension of the criminal and his sentence. when confronted with evidence criminals in almost every case confess; and what argument can have greater weight than a criminal’s own confession.
–felix dzerzhinsky, 1918
what can be inferred about the soviet government based on this passage?
○ soviet citizens enjoyed political rights similar to those of us citizens.
○ soviet citizens had few rights when accused of a crime.
○ soviet citizens had the right of due process and a fair trial.
○ soviet citizens were given the opportunity to defend themselves fairly in court.

Explanation:

• Analyze each option:
• Option 1: The passage focuses on the Soviet government's use of terror and quick judgment, not on comparing political rights with US citizens. Eliminate.
• Option 2: The passage states that from apprehension to sentence, only a day passes, and confessions are emphasized. This implies a lack of due process and few rights for accused citizens. This matches the passage's description of quick judgment and reliance on confessions.
• Option 3: The quick timeline (a day from apprehension to sentence) and emphasis on confessions contradict the idea of due process and a fair trial. Eliminate.
• Option 4: The passage does not suggest that citizens had a fair opportunity to defend themselves; instead, it highlights quick judgment and confessions. Eliminate.

Answer:

B. Soviet citizens had few rights when accused of a crime.