Question

from a history of the american people
the first thing to be done was to give the new government dignity, vigor, and pre - eminence, lest it should inherit the taint of contempt which had fallen on the confederation. it was the office and authority of the president, rather than the increase in the powers of congress, that constituted the chief difference between the new government and the old. it was to be a government which could not only make laws, but execute them also; and washington knew that no small part of its efficacy and prestige must depend upon him, its executive. “i walk,” he said, “upon untrodden ground. there is scarcely an action the motive of which may not be subjected to a double interpretation. there is scarcely any part of my conduct which cannot hereafter be drawn into precedent.” he must, he saw, mix prudence with firmness, conciliation with command, a reasonable accommodation with the strict execution of the law, and yet not abate the new authority. the new constitution had yet to prove
which claim is best supported by paragraph 2?
citizens were curious about whether the new government would prove effective and reasonable.
every decision that the new president made would be heavily scrutinized by congress and the public.
the confederation was viewed with scorn because it lacked the power to enforce laws within the states.
the success of the new government depended on establishing the authority of the office of the

Explanation:

The text emphasizes that the new government needed dignity, vigor, and prominence, and a significant part of its success and prestige depended on the authority of the President. It contrasts the new government with the Confederation and highlights the importance of the President - office in the new system.

Answer:

The success of the new government depended on establishing the authority of the office of the President.