Question

Among members of George Washington's cabinet, __________ had a pessimistic view of human nature and a dread of democratic excess.
A. Hamilton
B. Marshall
C. Adams
D. Jefferson

Answer 1

Welcome to Openstudy. (*^▽^*)

I think it was C, Adams. Adams was unalterably pessimistic about the ability of human beings to improve themselves or their society through the use of reason. Adams had seen what a mob can do, and as a matter of fact acted as legal counsel to the British soldiers who fired on the mob at the so-called Boston Massacre. I've read his writings and his accounts of those times and I understand his thoughts and observations.