Question

read the excerpt from \for the era.\
mr. speaker, house joint resolution 264, before us today, which provides for equality under the law for both men and women, represents one of the most clear-cut opportunities we are likely to have to declare our faith in the principles that shaped our constitution. it provides a legal basis for attack on the most subtle, most pervasive, and most institutionalized form of prejudice that exists.
which best summarizes the excerpt?
○ house joint resolution 264 establishes a basis for legal challenges to prejudice against women, which is widespread and institutionalized.
○ house joint resolution 264 gives lawmakers an opportunity to affirm their commitment to the principles of the constitution.
○ we must pass house joint resolution 264 in order to attack the most indirect yet widespread prejudice, which is against women.
○ if passed, house joint resolution 264 will help restore womens faith in the principles of the constitution.

Explanation:

The excerpt states House Joint Resolution 264 ensures legal equality for men and women, is a chance to affirm faith in Constitutional principles, and provides a legal basis to address pervasive, institutionalized prejudice (which context of the ERA confirms is gender-based, targeting prejudice against women). The correct option must capture all core elements: the resolution's purpose of equality, its link to Constitutional principles, and its role in addressing systemic prejudice against women.

1. The first option omits the Constitutional principle affirmation.
2. The second option omits the resolution's core purpose of addressing gender-based prejudice.
3. The third option includes the need to pass the resolution, its aim to tackle widespread, indirect (subtle) prejudice against women, and aligns with the resolution's equality focus.
4. The fourth option incorrectly frames it as restoring women's faith, which is not stated in the excerpt.

Answer:

C. We must pass House Joint Resolution 264 in order to attack the most indirect yet widespread prejudice, which is against women.