Read this prompt for an argumentative essay. abraham lincoln once stated, “the legitimate object of government, is to do for a community of people, whatever they need to have done, but can not do, at all, or can not, so well do, for themselves—in their separate, and individual capacities.” do you agree or disagree with this position? write an argumentative essay that explains your opinion of the quotation. what will be the topic of the essay?

The topic of the essay:  a. the purpose of government.

I won't write your essay for you, but as a Teacher can provide some advice as you prepare to write.  Lincoln's assertion is that the proper purpose of government is do for the people of a nation or community what individuals could not do very well if they each tried to do it themselves.  You might think of examples like infrastructure -- road building, ports, public utilities -- as matters that need community to come together rather than "every man for himself."  Similarly, matters of public safety like police protection in cities or national protection through a military are better done by a government working as a cooperative entity of the citizenry, rather than expecting each individual to provide all of his own protection and security.  There could be many other examples (including a contested one, such as health care) that could be used to give support in agreement with Lincoln's argument.

c. it required that townships set aside land for public schools.

i think they came to washington to protest