Cracking down on dissent during world war i was part of what larger governmental goal in the united states?
seizing absolute power for the government
preventing demonstrations against the war
uniting americans around the war effort
demonstrating american strength to the world

The larger goal was uniting Americans around the war effort.

Cracking down on dissent would be a negative action in support of the larger, positive goal the government sought. The government wanted a fully united public in support of the war, and so it put out the message that that freedom of speech might have its limits in times of war.  

not to sure thinking it would be a hope this