What does the above passage imply?
- (a) In a democracy, force is the main phenomenon in the actual exercise of sovereignty.
- (b) In a mature democracy, force to a great extent is the main phenomenon in the actual exercise of sovereignty.
- (c) In a mature democracy, use of force is irrelevant in the actual exercise of sovereignty.
- (d) In a mature democracy, force is narrowed down to a marginal phenomenon in the actual exercise of sovereignty. ✓ UPSC's answer
Why the answer is (d)
• The passage states that in a democratic state with high political maturity, the conflict between the sovereign law-making body and the organized will of the people 'seldom occurs'.
• This implies that the exercise of sovereignty is generally aligned with the people's will, reducing the need for coercion.
• The word 'seldom' indicates that while conflicts (and thus the potential use of force) are rare, they are not entirely impossible.
• Therefore, force is not the main phenomenon (as in options a and b) nor is it completely irrelevant (as in option c).
• Instead, force is reduced to a minor or 'marginal' phenomenon in the actual exercise of sovereignty, which aligns with option (d).
Why the other options are wrong
- (a) In a democracy, force is the main phenomenon in the actual exercise of sovereignty.
- The passage suggests that in a mature democracy, conflict is rare, implying force is not the main phenomenon.
- (b) In a mature democracy, force to a great extent is the main phenomenon in the actual…
- The passage indicates that in a mature democracy, force is not the main phenomenon but rather a rare occurrence.
- (c) In a mature democracy, use of force is irrelevant in the actual exercise of sovereignty.
- The use of the word 'seldom' implies that force is not entirely irrelevant, as conflicts can still occur occasionally.
Asked in the CSAT Paper II of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2017, held on 18 June 2017. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.