Question #N1384
Although many people regard the United States Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. as a symbol of democracy and American power, the building was originally intended to showcase the strength and resilience of the newly formed nation. The Capitol Building’s design reflects the neoclassical architecture that was popular in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. However, the building’s design features—such as its dome, which was added in the mid-nineteenth century—were also inspired by the architecture of ancient Rome. According to historians, the architects who designed the Capitol Building believed that referencing ancient Roman architecture would help to show that the new nation was capable of greatness and would one day rival the Roman Empire in its power. What is the main idea of the passage?
Which choice best summarizes the main idea of the passage?Correct Answer is: B
The main idea of the passage is that the Capitol Building’s design is inspired by neoclassical architecture and ancient Roman architecture. The passage explains the reasoning behind the design choice, but that is secondary to the main point of the passage. Choices A, C, and D, while mentioned in the passage, are not the main idea.