from Ronald Reagan, Second Inaugural Address
Monday, January 21, 1985

We are creating a nation once again vibrant, robust, and alive. But there are many mountains yet to climb. We will not rest until every American enjoys the fullness of freedom, dignity, and opportunity as our birthright. It is our birthright as citizens of this great Republic, and we'll meet this challenge.
These will be years when Americans have restored their confidence and tradition of progress; when our values of faith, family, work, and neighborhood were restated for a modern age; when our economy was finally freed from government's grip; when we made sincere efforts at meaningful arms reduction, rebuilding our defenses, our economy, and developing new technologies, and helped preserve peace in a troubled world; when Americans courageously supported the struggle for liberty, self-government, and free enterprise1 throughout the world, and turned the tide of history away from totalitarian2 darkness and into the warm sunlight of human freedom.
My fellow citizens, our Nation is poised for greatness. We must do what we know is right and do it with all our might. Let history say of us, "These were golden years—when the American Revolution was reborn, when freedom gained new life, when America reached for her best."

Which statement best describes the author's perspective?
A.
Americans should make an effort to turn the tide of history and continue to create a great and strong nation.
B.
Americans should make efforts to build better technologies, improve their defenses, and develop peace in their own country and throughout the world.
C.
Americans should courageously strive to build their nation on the principles of liberty, equal opportunity, and self-government.
D.
Americans should continue to be confident and have faith in their families, employers, and courts.

In his inaugural address, President Reagan says, "We are creating a nation once again vibrant, robust, and alive. But there are many mountains yet to climb." He tells the people of his nation that every American must continue to support the struggle for liberty, self-government, and equal opportunity throughout the world. Therefore, the correct answer is "Americans should courageously strive to build their nation on the principles of liberty, equal opportunity, and self-government."