Question

excerpt from john f. kennedy’s inaugural address
january 20, 1961
vice president johnson, mr. speaker, mr. chief justice, president eisenhower,
vice president nixon, president truman, reverend clergy, fellow citizens:
we observe today not a victory of party but a celebration of freedom—
symbolizing an end as well as a beginning—signifying renewal as well as
change. for i have sworn before you and almighty god the same solemn oath
our forbears prescribed nearly a century and three - quarters ago.
the world is very different now. for man holds in his mortal hands the power to
abolish all forms of human poverty and all forms of human life. and yet the same
revolutionary beliefs for which our forebears fought are still at issue around the
globe—the belief that the rights of man come not from the generosity of the
state but from the hand of god.
we dare not forget today that we are the heirs of that first revolution. let the
word go forth from this time and place, to friend and foe alike, that the torch has
been passed to a new generation of americans—born in this century, tempered
by war, disciplined by a hard and bitter peace, proud of our ancient heritage—
and unwilling to witness or permit the slow undoing of those human rights to
which this nation has always been committed, and to which we are committed
today at home and around the world.
let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any
price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe
to assure the survival and the success of liberty
which statement best describes the main idea of john f. kennedy’s inaugural
address?
president kennedy
discusses the need
for freedom and
peace through
the
cooperation of the
nation’s bordering
neighbors.
president kennedy
vows to uphold the
principles the
country was
founded on, while
assisting the poor
as well as
promoting peaceful
relationships with
allies and enemies.
president kennedy
outlines how the
world is very
different, and it is
important for
americans to stand
together and
support the united
nations in its quest
for peace.
president kennedy
explains that
creating peace and
helping struggling
nations will take
considerable time
and much effort.

Explanation:

To determine the main idea, analyze the excerpt: Kennedy emphasizes upholding the nation’s founding principles (rights from God, freedom), assisting the poor, and promoting peaceful relations (supporting friends, opposing foes for liberty). The second option matches: it includes upholding founding principles, aiding the poor, and peaceful relations with allies/enemies. Other options focus on narrower aspects (bordering neighbors, UN support, time for peace) which aren’t the main focus.

Answer:

B. President Kennedy vows to uphold the principles the country was founded on, while assisting the poor as well as promoting peaceful relationships with allies and enemies.