Question

in her speech, why does susan b. anthony quote the constitution that says, \we, the people of the united states\?

to persuade the audience that women are people
to surprise people in the audience with her knowledge
to claim that the federal document needs to be rewritten
to share evidence that proves women live in the country

Explanation:

Analyze the historical context of the speech

In her famous 1873 speech, "On Women's Right to Vote," Susan B. Anthony addresses her indictment for voting in the 1872 presidential election. She uses Speech Analysis to dissect the preamble of the Federal Constitution to justify her actions.

Examine the rhetorical purpose of the quote

Anthony quotes the preamble, "We, the people of the United States," as a key Rhetorical Devices strategy. She argues that the Constitution was formed by "we, the people," not "we, the white male citizens."

Evaluate the options based on author's intent

Using Authors Purpose, we analyze the choices:

• "to persuade the audience that women are people": This aligns directly with her argument. If women are "people," then they are citizens, and therefore entitled to the constitutional right to vote.
• "to surprise people...": Incorrect, her goal is legal and moral persuasion, not showing off.
• "to claim that the federal document needs to be rewritten": Incorrect, she argues the existing document already protects her right if interpreted correctly.
• "to share evidence that proves women live in the country": Incorrect, residency was not the legal issue in question.

Answer:

• (A) to persuade the audience that women are people (Correct answer)
• (B) to surprise people in the audience with her knowledge
• (C) to claim that the federal document needs to be rewritten
• (D) to share evidence that proves women live in the country