Question

read the excerpt from \george washington.\ he did not infringe upon the policy making powers that he felt the constitution gave congress. but the determination of foreign policy became preponderantly a presidential concern. when the french revolution led to a major war between france and england, washington refused to accept entirely the recommendations of either his secretary of state thomas jefferson, who was pro - french, or his secretary of the treasury alexander hamilton, who was pro - british. rather, he insisted upon a neutral course until the united states could grow stronger. which detail is most relevant to the central idea in this excerpt? washington did not entirely accept the foreign policy recommendations of jefferson or hamilton. washington did not interfere with the policy making powers that the constitution gave congress. washington’s secretary of state sided with france during the war between france and england. alexander hamilton was washington’s secretary of the treasury during his presidency.

Explanation:

The central idea of the excerpt is about Washington's approach to policy - making, specifically regarding foreign policy and the balance of powers. The first option about not accepting Jefferson or Hamilton's foreign policy recommendations is related to foreign policy determination (a presidential concern as per the text). The second option directly ties into the first sentence of the excerpt which is about not interfering with Congress's policy - making powers (a key part of the overall description of Washington's actions). The third option about the secretary of state siding with France is a minor detail. The fourth option about Hamilton's position is just background information. Among these, the second option "Washington did not interfere with the policy making powers that the Constitution gave Congress" is most relevant as it is the foundational statement about Washington's respect for the constitutional division of powers, which is a key part of the overall description of his actions (including his handling of foreign policy as a presidential concern within the constitutional framework).

Answer:

Washington did not interfere with the policy making powers that the Constitution gave Congress.