Question

excerpt from message to the congress in special session, july 4, 1861 by abraham lincoln
president lincoln gave this speech to congress to gain support and funding for the civil war after southern states had withdrawn from the union.
this is essentially a peoples contest. on the side of the union, it is a struggle for maintaining in the world, that form, and substance of government, whose leading object is, to elevate the condition of men - to lift artificial weights from all shoulders - to clear the paths of laudable pursuit for all - to afford all, an unfettered start, and a fair chance, in the race of life.
i am most happy to believe that the plain people understand and appreciate this. it is worthy of note, that while in this, the governments hour of trial, large numbers of those in the army and navy, who have been favored with the offices, have resigned, and proved false to the hand which had pampered them, not one common soldier, or common sailor is known to have deserted his flag.
great honor is due to those officers who remain true, despite the
20
select the correct answer.
which language from the excerpt does lincoln include to show he has popular support for his actions?
a. the greatest honor, and most important fact of all, is the unanimous firmness of the common soldiers, and common sailors.
b. he desires to preserve the government, that it may be administered for all, as it was administered by the men who made it.
c. in this, the governments hour of trial, large numbers of those in the army and navy, who have been favored with the offices, have resigned.
d. one still remains - its successful maintenance against a formidable internal attempt to overthrow it.

Explanation:

• Option A: Mentions the "unanimous firmness of the common soldiers, and common sailors". This shows that the common people (who are a large part of the populace) are firmly behind the actions. It implies popular support as these common - people are part of the general public.
• Option B: Talks about preserving the government as it was administered by the founders. It is more about the form of government rather than popular support.
• Option C: Mentions that large numbers of those in the Army and Navy with offices have resigned. This is about a lack of support from a certain group (officers), not showing popular support.
• Option D: Focuses on the government's maintenance against an internal attempt. It does not mention anything about popular support.

Answer:

A. the greatest honor, and most important fact of all, is the unanimous firmness of the common soldiers, and common sailors.