Read the excerpt from “George Washington.” He did not infringe upon the policy making powers that he felt the Constitution gave Congress. But the determination of foreign policy became preponderantly a Presidential concern. When the French Revolution led to a major war between France and England, Washington refused to accept entirely the recommendations of either his Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson, who was pro-French, or his Secretary of the Treasury Alexander Hamilton, who was pro-British. Rather, he insisted upon a neutral course until the United States could grow stronger. Which is the central idea in this excerpt?
Answer
A
Washington’s secretary of state was Thomas Jefferson and his secretary of the treasury was Alexander Hamilton.
B
The French Revolution led to a major war between France and England during Washington’s presidency.
C
Washington followed a foreign policy of not taking sides in conflicts between other countries.
D
Washington’s understanding of the Constitution meant that he did not infringe on the powers of Congress.
Explanation
The excerpt emphasizes that Washington rejected both Jefferson’s pro-French advice and Hamilton’s pro-British advice, choosing neutrality instead. This supports choice C: Washington followed a foreign policy of not taking sides in conflicts between other countries. The other choices give supporting details, but they do not capture the excerpt’s main point.
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