Question

Background information: Helen Marot was an author and a labor advocate. The word stultified means losing energy. What does the author imply about the influence of unions? Check all that apply. 1)Unions weaken worker efforts. 2)Labor unions can help workers to achieve gains. 3)Unions can sometimes lead to negative results. 4)Labor unions provide no benefits for workers. 5)Unions can promote democracy.

Answer 1

The fact that Helen Marot was a labor advocate would indicate answer choices 2 and 5 as those which definitely apply to her position.  She also was realistic in acknowledging that unions aren't perfect institutions.  So here are your correct responses.

2) Labor unions can help workers to achieve gains.
3) Unions can sometimes lead to negative results.
5) Unions can promote democracy.

As to response #3, here's something Marot said in her book, American Labor Unions, published in 1914:  "The labor unions are group efforts in the direction of democracy. Like the political efforts in the same direction, they become many times stultified and lead up blind alleys. But the effort creates power. While the economic gains are themselves important and are measures of strength, the significance of the labor union is its assertion of the manhood of labor."   So, even though unions aren't perfect and don't always achieve ideal results, they still are the best approach (in Marot's view) for a democratic approach to workers' issues.

By the way, along with her work in regard to labor unions, Marot is remembered especially for her efforts to improve working conditions for women and to combat the problems of child labor in the United States.

Answer 2

2 and 5 are correct
-Labor unions can help workers to achieve gains
-Unions can promote democracy.