What does it mean to read "read defensively"?​

The excerpt above is from page 21 of harry potter and the sorcerers stone by j.k rowling. which passage represents a

The town should regulate the height of buildings allowed on main street. this would be categorized as a: a. claim of fact. b. claim of policy. c. claim of cause and effect. d. claim of definition.

What is the main idea of this amendment from the bill of rights english 10 sem2 amendment vlll