September 1995 LSAT Section 4 Question 10

It can be inferred that the objections raised by the critics mentioned in line 18 would be most clearly answered by a...

Batman on April 18, 2015

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I'm struggling to understand what this question really means. Is the answer (a), in fact, either directly or indirectly, mentioned on the passage? Does this question want test takers assume possible answers refuting the objections of those critics, even if those answers are not really mentioned in the passage? I don't think the answer (A) is mentioned on the passage, at least directly. Many Thanks,

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Naz on April 22, 2015

The objections raised in line 18 by the critics were in reference to the statement, "the power of the Supreme Court has been exercised in a manner that has usually been beneficial to Native Americans, at least on minor issues, and has not been wholly detrimental on the larger, more important issues."

So these critics objected to the validity of this assertion. We are asked how these objections would be most clearly answered by a United States Supreme Court decision, i.e. what decision by the United States Supreme Court would most clearly answer (be a response to) the objections raised by the critics of the assertion that the power exercised by the USSC has been beneficial for Native Americans?

Well we have been told in the passage that the power of the Supreme Court has been exercised in a manner that has usually been beneficial to the Native Americans. We also know that the critics "point to the patronizing tone of many Court opinions and the apparent rejection of Native American values as important points to consider when reviewing a case," (lines 18-21).

We are also told that the assertion that Supreme Court's actions are beneficial to the Native Americans are highlighted by the two examples given in lines 25 and 48. The first example states that the Court's interprets ambiguities in treaties are to be interpreted in favor of Native American claimants. The second example is the protection that has been provided against encroachment by the states into tribal affairs.

So, our correct answer should speak to the criticisms brought forth against the assertion that the USSC exercises its power to benefit the Native Americans. Answer choice (A) does exactly that: "demonstrated respect for the Native Americans and the principles and qualities they consider important." Thus, as you can see, (A) states that the USSC does demonstrate respect for the Native Americans and for what they consider important, which goes completely against the objections of the critics.

Therefore, the USSC would most clearly answer the objections with a decision such as that in answer choice (A) because it would nullify the criticisms against the assertion.

Hope this clears things up! Please let us know if you have any other questions.

Batman on April 22, 2015

Thanks a lot!! BTW, the mission you gave me was completed. ^^