Question

select the correct answer.

what argument does the author anticipate and indirectly refute in this excerpt from the declaration of independence?

in every stage of these oppressions we have petitioned for redress in the most humble terms: our repeated petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. a prince whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people.

• the colonists are suffering only because of their lack of representation in parliament.
• if the colonists are suffering, they need to first submit a petition to parliament.
• the colonists have no right to oppose the laws and taxes levied by the king of england.
• parliament has no involvement in the matters of the american colonies.

Explanation:

In the excerpt, the author states, "In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms." By highlighting that they have already repeatedly petitioned for relief and received only "repeated injury" in return, the author anticipates and refutes the counterargument that the colonists should have first attempted to resolve their grievances through peaceful, official petitions before seeking independence.

Answer:

B. If the colonists are suffering, they need to first submit a petition to Parliament.