Question

the military draft during the vietnam war exposed deep inequalities in american society. though technically all eligible young men could be called to serve, deferments were more accessible to those from wealthy or well - connected families. college students and those with medical exemptions often avoided service, while poor and working - class individuals—especially young men of color—were disproportionately drafted. this imbalance fueled protests and added to the moral opposition to the war. many americans came to believe that the burden of the draft fell unfairly on those with the fewest resources, reinforcing calls for both an end to the conflict and broader social reform. the controversy over the draft highlighted the ways in which military policies could reflect and reinforce social injustice.
what is the main idea of the passage?
a. the draft was applied fairly to all americans.
b. social and economic inequalities were revealed by the vietnam war draft.
c. all college students eagerly joined the military during the war.
d. the draft did not affect public attitudes toward the war.

Explanation:

To find the main idea, analyze each option:

• Option A: The passage states deferments favored the wealthy, so the draft was not fair. Eliminate A.
• Option B: The passage says the Vietnam War draft exposed inequalities (wealthy/well - connected had easier deferments, poor/working - class and young men of color were disproportionately drafted) and how this related to social injustice. This matches the main idea.
• Option C: The passage says college students often avoided service, not eagerly joined. Eliminate C.
• Option D: The passage says the imbalance fueled protests and changed public attitudes, so the draft did affect public attitudes. Eliminate D.

Answer:

B. Social and economic inequalities were revealed by the Vietnam War draft.