Duty, in a way, contributed to the shallowness and failure of Ivan's life. Not because duty in itself is bad, but because it has become Ivan's only preoccupation, apart from pleasant life. Tolstoy's negative view of duty is seen in the second half of this sentence: "he considered his duty all things that were so designated by people in authority". So, we are talking about duty as Ivan sees it, and Ivan sees it as it was designated by people in authority. That means, Ivan structures his life and his priorities according to the view of those above him. His only ambition is to try and climb the social ladder. When he fails to do it, he is disappointed and has to find another obsession - of course, materialistic one. And that is the decoration of his new house. That's when he falls down and injures himself - so, indirectly, his materialism has cost him his health and, ultimately, his life.
Yes indeed good sir you are correct
"If you were an Anti-federalist, you would use the quote to support your argument that only a pure democracy of local governments is the best government" is the best description of how you would respond. The correct option among all the options that are given in the question is the fourth option or option "D".
Where the comma should go in the sentence