Question

the preamble of the federal constitution says: we, the people of the united states, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this constitution for the united states of america. it was we, the people; not we, the white male citizens; nor we, the male citizens; but we, the whole people, who formed the union. and we formed it, not to give the blessings of liberty, but to secure them; not to the half of ourselves and the half of our posterity, but to the whole people — women as well as men. and it is a downright mockery to talk to women of their enjoyment of the blessings of liberty while they are denied the use of the only means of securing them provided by this democratic-republican government — the ballot.
a. it shows only male citizens are addressed in the u.s. constitution.
b. it shows anthony should not be allowed to vote.
c. it proves that all citizens of the u.s. are given the same rights.
d. it shows that most historical documents fail to address women’s rights.

Explanation:

• Option A: The text emphasizes "we, the whole people" and criticizes denying women the ballot, so it does not show only male citizens are addressed. Eliminate A.
• Option B: The text argues for women's right to vote (the ballot), so it does not support that Anthony should not vote. Eliminate B.
• Option C: The text points out women are denied the ballot (a right), so it does not prove all citizens have the same rights. Eliminate C.
• Option D: The text contrasts the Constitution's preamble about "we, the people" with the reality of women being denied the ballot, suggesting historical documents (like the Constitution's application) failed to address women's rights (specifically the right to vote here). This matches.

Answer:

D. It shows that most historical documents fail to address women’s rights.