4. Which quotation from the excerpt reveals the author's bias about the relationship between the rule of the majority and the rights of the minority?
Answer: C
"In these circumstances, expect constant scheming, trickery, and tiresome delays, resulting in disgraceful deals that violate the public good."
This quotation highlights the author's bias by expressing a negative view of the effects that a minority can have on governance, particularly during critical times. It suggests that the author believes the minority's actions can lead to corruption and inefficiency, undermining the public good.
A) "The wishes of the smaller group will override the wishes of the larger group and this will create resentment."
While this statement acknowledges the power imbalance created by a minority's influence, it does not directly convey the author's bias regarding the negative consequences of this dynamic. It merely states a fact about the relationship without expressing a strong opinion on its implications.
B) "Requiring a unanimous vote or more than a majority vote is meant to provide a safeguard against oppression."
This quotation reflects a perspective on the rationale behind requiring supermajorities but does not reveal bias regarding the consequences of such rules. It presents a theoretical justification for the practice rather than a critical viewpoint on its actual effects.
C) "In these circumstances, expect constant scheming, trickery, and tiresome delays, resulting in disgraceful deals that violate the public good."
This statement clearly reveals the author's bias by predicting negative outcomes and associating them with minority obstructionism. It underscores a belief that the minority's actions can lead to detrimental governance, illustrating a strong opinion on the matter.
D) "In times of national emergency, the goodness, badness, weakness, and strength of the government is supremely important."
This quotation emphasizes the importance of government effectiveness during crises but does not express any bias about the relationship between the majority and minority. It focuses on the overall significance of government quality rather than the dynamics of power between groups.
Conclusion
The correct answer, option C, effectively captures the author's bias by illustrating a negative view of the minority's role in governance, particularly during emergencies. The other options either present neutral statements or do not convey a strong opinion on the consequences of majority-minority dynamics, making them less relevant to the question. Thus, C stands out as the definitive expression of bias regarding the issue at hand.