Question

The author mentions which one of the following as evidence for the eighteenth- century English attitude toward Parliament? (A) The English had become uncomfortable with institutions that could claim absolute authority. (B) The English realized that their interests were better guarded by Parliament than by the King. (C) The English allowed Parliament to make constitutional changes by legislative enactment. (D) The English felt that the King did not possess the knowledge that would enable him to rule responsibly. (E) The English had decided that it was time to reform their representative government.

Short answer

The correct answer is C: The English allowed Parliament to make constitutional changes by legislative enactment.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Question

We need to identify the piece of evidence that the author uses to illustrate the eighteenth-century English attitude toward Parliament among the given options. Each option presents a different historical perspective.

Analyze Each Option

Examine each option to determine which one reflects a historical attitude or event regarding Parliament in the 18th century. Think about what evidence could illustrate people's attitudes toward Parliament.

Identify Common Themes

Consider the historical context where English attitudes toward Parliament shifted toward favoring constitutional monarchy over absolute monarchy. This checks if one of the options aligns with this change.

Match Description with Options

Evaluate which option directly relates to historical facts, such as making constitutional changes, which could serve as evidence for the attitude toward Parliament.

Select the Correct Answer

Option C mentions 'constitutional changes by legislative enactment,' indicating that legislative power was acknowledged and utilized in a way that reflects the attitude toward Parliament.

Key concepts

Logical Reasoning

Logical reasoning is a vital skill when preparing for exams like the LSAT. Essentially, logical reasoning involves drawing conclusions and making predictions based on a set of premises or pieces of evidence presented in an argument.

In the context of our exercise, the problem demands that you identify what piece of evidence the author uses to illustrate a historical perspective on Parliament. Here, logical reasoning is necessary to evaluate each statement critically. You must not only comprehend the statement but analyze its context and relation to the main question.

When employing logical reasoning, consider each option as a potential piece of evidence. Look at the reasoning behind each option and decide if it follows logically from the historical context provided.

• Is the statement logically consistent with the time period you are analyzing?
• Does it offer a clear, reasonable conclusion based on the premises?
• Does it directly solve what the question is asking for?

By strengthening these reasoning skills, you're sharpening your ability to dissect complex arguments and choose the most logical answer.

Historical Context Analysis

Analyzing historical context is crucial when dealing with questions related to past events and cultural shifts. In our exercise, the correct answer hinges upon an understanding of the English perspective on governmental change during the 18th century.

Historical context analysis involves placing the question within its time period, considering political, social, and cultural climates that might have influenced opinions and actions. For example, during the 18th century, England was moving towards a constitutional monarchy, which implies a certain shift in power dynamics between the monarchy and parliamentary bodies.

Consider why legislative enactment might be seen as a supportive piece of evidence for attitudes toward Parliament.

• Was there a significant push for more democratic institutions?
• Was there resistance to authority figures like the monarchy?
• What significant events might have shaped these views?

By analyzing these aspects, you can place your answer choice in a broader historical context, which can improve your understanding and accuracy in selecting the correct option.

Question-Solving Strategies

Effective question-solving strategies can greatly enhance your ability to handle exercises like the one discussed. These strategies help ensure you efficiently navigate through each option to arrive at the best choice.

One strategy is the process of elimination. By understanding and analyzing the historical and logical foundations of each option, you can discard those that do not connect well with the context or seem out of place. This narrows down your selections, focusing your attention on the most plausible options.

Another strategy is to rephrase the question or the options in your own words. This mental shift can help clarify the question's and the options' meaning. Additionally, it often happens that saying it in your terms makes the core idea stand out more clearly.

• Draw parallels between each option and historical facts or events.
• Prioritize understanding over speed to ensure clarity.
• Review your selection to check if it logically fits the context presented in the question.

Implementing these strategies can empower you to tackle similar questions with confidence and precision.