That we here highly resolve [decide] that these dead shall not have died in vain — that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom—and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.
—Abraham Lincoln, The Gettysburg Address
Question
Which of the following best summarizes President Lincoln's meaning in this last sentence of his Gettysburg Address?
(1 point)
Responses
Soldiers must be given more power in the government because of their actions in the war.
Soldiers must be given more power in the government because of their actions in the war.
Americans should honor the sacrifice of soldiers by continuing democratic government.
Americans should honor the sacrifice of soldiers by continuing democratic government.
Presidents should decide important issues, including the debates over slavery.
Presidents should decide important issues, including the debates over slavery.
Government of the people, by the people, and for the people is no longer important.
Government of the people, by the people, and for the people is no longer important.
Americans should honor the sacrifice of soldiers by continuing democratic government.
The correct answer is: Americans should honor the sacrifice of soldiers by continuing democratic government.
To determine the best summary of President Lincoln's meaning in the last sentence of his Gettysburg Address, we need to analyze the sentence itself. The sentence states, "government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth."
The key phrase in this sentence is "government of the people, by the people, for the people." Lincoln is emphasizing the importance and the endurance of this type of government. He is asserting that this government, which involves the active participation of the citizens in decision-making and is for the benefit of the citizens, should continue to exist and thrive.
Based on this analysis, we can conclude that the best summary of President Lincoln's meaning in the last sentence is: "Americans should honor the sacrifice of soldiers by continuing democratic government." This summary upholds the principles of a government that is based on the people's involvement and is intended to serve their interests.