Read the passage from President James Polk’s 1844 inaugural address. I regard the question of annexation as belonging exclusively to the United States and Texas. They are independent powers competent to contract, and foreign nations have no right to interfere with them or to take exceptions to their reunion. Foreign powers do not seem to appreciate the true character of our Government. Our Union is a confederation of independent States, whose policy is peace with each other and all the world. To enlarge its limits is to extend the dominions of peace over additional territories and increasing millions. The world has nothing to fear from military ambition in our Government. Which of these BEST summarizes Polk’s message in the passage? The United States is a complicated democracy. Annexation is an urgent matter of national defense. Annexation is a noble act rather than an aggressive act. Other countries should give land to the United States.