Question

Read the following sentence from paragraph 11. Already thirty states have passed constitutional amendments granting greater legislative powers to the cities. What idea mentioned by the Negative does this sentence support? A. The remedy is to give the city greater freedom in powers of local self-government. B. In Europe the city may do anything it is not forbidden to do. C. Retain the principle of distinct legislative and administrative bodies. D. Far-reaching reforms must be instituted.

Short answer

The short answer is: A. The remedy is to give the city greater freedom in powers of local self-government.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Given Sentence

The given sentence says that thirty states have already passed constitutional amendments that grant greater legislative powers to cities. This means that there has been a movement to empower cities and grant them more control over local governance.

Analyze Each Option

Now let's analyze each option and find the one that matches the idea discussed in the given sentence. A. The remedy is to give the city greater freedom in powers of local self-government. This option directly relates to the idea of granting cities more control over local governance. The given sentence supports this idea by stating that several states have already made changes to further empower their cities. B. In Europe, the city may do anything it is not forbidden to do. This option talks about how European cities have more freedom and fewer restrictions. Although it supports the concept of granting more powers to cities, it doesn't directly relate to the given sentence, which focuses on the constitutional amendments in thirty states. C. Retain the principle of distinct legislative and administrative bodies. This option discusses retaining a clear separation of powers between legislative and administrative bodies. It doesn't mention anything about the cities being granted more power or the constitutional amendments passed by states. D. Far-reaching reforms must be instituted. While this option acknowledges the need for significant reforms, it doesn't specifically mention granting cities more power or the related constitutional amendments.

Choose the Correct Answer

Based on our analysis, Option A (The remedy is to give the city greater freedom in powers of local self-government) is the best match, as it directly relates to the idea of granting cities greater legislative powers, which is supported by the given sentence.

Key concepts

GED Reading Comprehension

Understanding the passages on the GED test is crucial for demonstrating a firm grasp of literacy and critical thinking skills. On the reading comprehension section of the GED, you would encounter a variety of texts, including literary, informative, and non-fiction materials, each presenting a unique set of challenges. The goal is to interpret the explicit and implied meanings, determine the main idea, and analyze the author's purpose.

To improve reading comprehension, practice is key. Begin by reading a short paragraph and summarizing its main idea. Always look for supporting details that back up the author's claims or narrative. It’s important to pay attention to the tone, vocabulary, and writing style, as these elements can influence the interpretation of the text. When faced with multiple-choice questions like in the example exercise, use elimination to weed out options that aren't directly supported by the text. Remember, the questions are designed to test your ability to comprehend and synthesize information, so focus on how the given details tie into the broader context of the topic at hand.

Constitutional Amendments

Constitutional amendments are changes or additions to a country's constitution and serve as a means to update or as an outline of reform to adapt to new circumstances or correct oversights. These amendments are significant because they can alter the balance of power within a government, often after considerable debate and requiring substantial agreement to be enacted. In the United States, for instance, constitutional amendments have historically addressed issues ranging from civil rights to the election process.

Understanding amendments requires recognizing the complex process they undergo before becoming part of the constitution, usually involving multiple levels of government. The passage of amendments to increase local self-government, as mentioned in the given sentence, represents a shift towards expanding the autonomy and decision-making power of cities and municipalities. This process reflects the ongoing debates on federalism and the role of local governments within the political system. When studying constitutional amendments, it's essential to grasp the historical context, the problem each amendment aims to solve, and the impact they have on society.

Local Self-Government

The concept of local self-government involves the granting of powers to local entities, such as municipalities, to manage and govern their affairs with some degree of autonomy from central or state governments. This form of government is vital for several reasons: it allows decisions to be made closer to the people they affect, it promotes greater accountability of local officials, and it can lead to more effective and tailored policies that address the unique needs of a community.

In the context of the GED test, understanding local self-government relates to recognizing the structure and functions of different government levels, and appreciating the significance of allowing local areas to self-govern. As shown in the exercise where states passed amendments to enhance local self-government powers, this trend indicates a movement towards decentralization, where cities obtain more freedom to legislate on local issues without being tightly constrained by state or federal legislation. For students, it’s essential to understand this balance between regional self-governance and broader state control, as it underpins much of public policy and government organization.