which of the following best describes the purpose of the non-intercourse act?

a. To forbid the US from trading with Britain and France, so the countries would recognize US trading rights.
b. To allow US merchants to resume trade with all countries except Britain and France.
c. To limit the types of goods that US merchants would trade with Britain and France.
d. To allow US merchants to trade only with Britain and France but not any other countries.

a. To forbid the US from trading with Britain and France, so the countries would recognize US trading rights.

The correct answer is b. To allow US merchants to resume trade with all countries except Britain and France.

The purpose of the Non-Intercourse Act was to forbid the US from trading with Britain and France, so the countries would recognize US trading rights.

To determine the correct answer, we can break down the options:

a. To forbid the US from trading with Britain and France, so the countries would recognize US trading rights. - This option accurately describes the purpose of the Non-Intercourse Act.

b. To allow US merchants to resume trade with all countries except Britain and France. - This option contradicts the purpose of the Non-Intercourse Act, as it specifically restricted trade with Britain and France.

c. To limit the types of goods that US merchants would trade with Britain and France. - This option overstated the purpose of the Non-Intercourse Act, as it focused on limiting goods instead of prohibiting trade altogether.

d. To allow US merchants to trade only with Britain and France but not any other countries. - This option also contradicts the purpose of the Non-Intercourse Act, as it prohibited trade with Britain and France rather than allowing it exclusively.

Therefore, the correct answer is option a.