For some Americans, the political concepts that are set forth in the Declaration of Independence—particularly the concept of equality—have become standards by which American institutions should be measured. For example, as you will see, the Constitution did not allow for equal treatment for many Americans, including African Americans (who were not considered citizens) and women. The disparity
between the declaration's promise of equality and the Constitution's unequal treatment of Americans set the example for future conflicts over the issue of equality. Neither Thomas Jefferson nor the framers of the Constitution interpreted the word equality to mean equal income. Rather, they envisioned a nation in which all citizens had what we would now call equal opportunity. Equal opportunity promotes other American ideals, such as individualism and self-reliance. It also often leads to a meritocracy based on individual talent and effort. Those who have the advantage of more education, more money to invest in an enterprise, greater talent, and higher levels of energy will have a competitive edge and come out the winners. In recent times, some people have been unwilling to accept the results of simple equality of opportunity if it creates a gross maldistribution of wealth. Some have argued that the founders, who lived in a largely agrarian economy, could not have envisioned the huge disparities in income in an industrial age and certainly would not have thought them consistent with democratic government. Some reformers have thus backed the creation of a welfare safety net by which the government protects and promotes the economic security of its citizens. Other reformers have tried to level the playing field through programs known as "affirmative action." These programs give preferences to minorities and other groups to make up for past discrimination. Those who favor affirmative action views its opponents as heartless individualists, who would let other Americans remain in poverty because they lack the talent, luck, or education to rise above it. Opponents of affirmative action argue that such programs perpetuate unequal treatment and emphasize racial divisions in society. What is the main idea of this passage?
a. The framers of the Constitution wanted equal opportunity for all Americans.
b. The Constitution's unequal treatment of Americans set the example for futureconflicts over equality.
c. The Constitution of the United States failed to provide for equal treatment ofAfrican Americans.
d. Affirmative action programs have been put into place to provide equality forminorities.
b
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1. _____ Carter and Wilson were excited when he went in to claim his prize yesterday. 2. _____ It is said that, “The early bird gets the worm.” 3. _____ They believe that it is never too late to learn new tricks. 4. _____ Ellie knew that she had the contest won when the judges kept looking at her quilt. 5. _____ He always remembered her birthday, because it was the same day as Independence Day.
Fill in the blank with the correct word according to the context.
El en una finca es las vacas y los toros.