Question

john dickinson. letters from a farmer in pennsylvania, 1767
it is the duty of the governed, to endeavour to rectify the mistakes, and
alleviate the pressure. they have not at first any other right, than to
complain of their grievances, and to pray for redress. if their applications
are disregarded, then that kind of position becomes justifiable, which can
be made without breaking the laws, or disturbing the public peace. this
consists in the prevention of the oppressors reaping advantage from
their oppressions, and not in their punishment. for experience may teach
them what reason did not; and harsh methods, cannot be proper, till
milder ones have failed.

if at length it become undoubted, that an inveterate resolution is formed
to annihilate the liberties of the governed, the english history affords
frequent examples of resistance by force. what particular circumstances
will in any future case justify such resistance, can never be ascertained
till they happen. perhaps it may be allowable to say, generally, that it
never can be justifiable, until the people are fully convinced, that
any further submission will be destructive to their happiness.

when the appeal is made to the sword, highly probable it is, that the
punishment will exceed the offence; and the calamities attending on war
will weigh those preceding it. these considerations of justice and
policy, will always have great influence with good and wise men.

the author of the article could best be characterized as which of the follow-

elimination tool
select one answer
a someone who favored independence.
b someone who wanted to use diplomacy to solve the taxation
dispute.
c someone who wanted to attack british tax - collectors.
d someone who desired to take up arms to defend against british
aggression.

Explanation:

The text emphasizes that the governed should first try to rectify mistakes and seek redress peacefully. Only when all else fails and they are convinced further submission is destructive, might resistance be justifiable. This shows a preference for peaceful, diplomatic means to resolve issues before considering more extreme measures like force.

Answer:

B. Someone who wanted to use diplomacy to solve the taxation dispute