Today, education is perhaps the most important function of state and local governments. compulsory school attendance laws and the great expenditures for education both demonstrate our recognition of the importance of education to our democratic society. it is required in the performance of our most basic public responsibilities, even service in the armed forces. it is the very foundation of good citizenship. today it is a principal instrument in awakening the child to cultural values, in preparing him for later professional training, and in him to adjust normally to his environment. in these days, it is doubtful that any child may reasonably be expected to succeed in life if he is denied the opportunity of an education.

in the excerpt from the court's ruling, what doe's the word instrument mean ?

what does the word instrument mean ?

a. device that measures or controls

b. a document used for legal purposes

c. means to achieving a desired result

d. physical object used for a specific purpose