UPSC Prelims 2021 CSAT Paper II · Q32 of 79 Comprehension medium

Passage

Passage – 2 It is certain, that seditions, wars, and contempt or breach of the laws are not so much to be imputed to the wickedness of the subjects, as to the bad state of a dominion. For men are not born fit for citizenship, but must be made so. Besides, men's natural passions are everywhere the same; and if wickedness more prevails, and more offences are committed in one commonwealth than in another, it is certain that the former has neither enough pursued the end of unity, nor framed its laws with sufficient forethought; and that, therefore, it has failed in making quite good its right as a commonwealth.

Which among the following is the most logical and rational inference that can be made from the passage given above ?

  1. (a) Seditions, wars and breach of the laws are inevitable in every dominion.
  2. (b) It is not the people, but the sovereign who is responsible for all the problems of any dominion.
  3. (c) That dominion is the best which pursues the aim of unity and has laws for good citizenship. ✓ UPSC's answer
  4. (d) It is impossible for men to establish a good dominion.

Why the answer is (c)

• The passage argues that seditions, wars, and law breaches are attributed to the 'bad state of a dominion' rather than the inherent wickedness of subjects.

• It states that men are not born fit for citizenship but must be made so, implying that the quality of a state depends on how well it cultivates good citizenship.

• The text explicitly links the prevalence of wickedness and offences to a failure in pursuing the 'end of unity' and framing laws with 'sufficient forethought'.

• Therefore, a dominion that successfully pursues unity and establishes laws for good citizenship is considered superior or 'best' in the context of the argument.

• Option (c) is the only inference that aligns with the passage's positive prescription for a well-governed state.

Why the other options are wrong

(a) Seditions, wars and breach of the laws are inevitable in every dominion.
The passage attributes these issues to the bad state of the dominion, implying they are preventable through good governance, not inevitable.
(b) It is not the people, but the sovereign who is responsible for all the problems of any…
The passage blames the 'bad state of a dominion' and its laws, not specifically the sovereign as an individual, for the problems.
(d) It is impossible for men to establish a good dominion.
The passage suggests that men can be made fit for citizenship and laws can be framed with forethought, implying a good dominion is possible.

Asked in the CSAT Paper II of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2021, held on 10 October 2021. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.

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