Question

questions 1-3 are based on the following passage. the puritans had already behind them almost a centurys experience of protestant effort and thought. what was new was the opportunity to carry these ideas into practice... free of the corruptions and adhesions of the old world, in this we see a fundamental and continuing element in the american experience and in america’s conception of her role in history. a perfectly clear - minded and determined minority... can usually impose its will on the rest of a group through emphasis on unity and the determination... to enforce uniformity on all within its borders. the conception of a bible commonwealth was already clear to the puritans; they had entered into a covenant with god to erect a polity... the puritans were intolerant in their day, and consequently, they have been met with intolerance in ours. their challenges in maintaining civilized standards were immense. theirs was a pioneer country, deeply engaged in the struggle for existence, a whole atlantic away from the centers of learning. it is all the more astonishing what they achieved.... within ten years of massachusetts bay’s founding, they had a vigorous intellectual life.... new englanders proved their belief not only in their precepts but in their works: they were willing to tax themselves for things which in old england were provided by endowment.... they exemplified higher standards than many other societies of their time. and theirs, more than any other, was the society that shaped the american nation. which of the following best reflects the puritans’ emphasis on uniformity as described in the excerpt? a. the signing of the mayflower compact b. the practice of enforcing strict gender roles c. the acceptance of religious minorities d. the issuance of the maryland toleration act

Explanation:

The passage states the Puritans emphasized unity and determination to enforce uniformity within their borders and were intolerant. The Mayflower Compact (Option A) was a covenant they entered to establish a civil body politic and enforce rules for unity, matching their emphasis on uniformity. Option B (gender roles) isn't mentioned. Option C (accepting religious minorities) contradicts their intolerance. Option D (Maryland Toleration Act) is about religious tolerance, opposite of Puritan uniformity.

Answer:

A. The signing of the Mayflower Compact