Question

main idea: pericles on democracy
if we look to the laws, they afford equal justice to all in their private differences... class considerations not being allowed to interfere with merit; nor again does poverty bar the way, if a man is able to serve the state, he is not hindered by the obscurity of his condition.
what is the main idea of pericles’s statement?
○ poverty can keep citizens from serving.
○ citizens are different from one another.
○ the law treats all men equally
○ all men should be able to serve the state.

Explanation:

The statement emphasizes two key points: equal justice under the law for all regardless of private differences, and that neither class status nor poverty blocks citizens from serving the state if they are capable. The option that captures the overarching core of this message is the one that ties together equal legal treatment and equal access to state service. "The law treats all men equally" is too narrow, while the other options only address partial elements. The correct option encompasses the full idea of equal opportunity and legal equality enabling all capable citizens to serve.

Answer:

All men should be able to serve the state.