Question

1. this list details some of john jays accomplishments.

accomplishments of john jay

• president of the second continental congress
• first secretary of foreign affairs
• one of three authors of the federalist papers
• first chief justice of the u.s. supreme court

based on this list, which statement would john jay have most supported?

• promotion of sectionalism is a priority of government.
• state laws should carry more weight than national laws.
• liberty is best protected by a strong central government.
• popular sovereignty allows states the right to legalize slavery.

clear all

Explanation:

John Jay was a Federalist who supported a strong central government (evidenced by his role in The Federalist Papers, which advocated for the ratification of the Constitution and a strong national government). Let's analyze each option:

• "Promotion of sectionalism..." → Sectionalism divides the nation, which Federalists (like Jay) opposed. Eliminate.
• "State laws should carry more weight..." → This reflects anti - Federalist (or states' rights) views, opposite of Jay’s stance. Eliminate.
• "Liberty is best protected by a strong central government" → Aligns with Federalist beliefs (a strong central government ensures order, unity, and protection of liberties, as argued in The Federalist Papers).
• "Popular sovereignty allows states to legalize slavery" → This is more related to later debates (e.g., pre - Civil War) and not a core Federalist principle. Jay’s focus was on a strong central government, not this specific states' rights - based slavery argument. Eliminate.

Answer:

Liberty is best protected by a strong central government.