UPSC Prelims 2012 · CSAT

Question 35: Reading Comprehension

Passage beginning “Most champions of democracy have been…” — Passage – 2 · as printed by UPSC

What does a “constitutive” connection between democracy and development imply ?

aThe relation between them has to be seen through external links.

bPolitical and civil rights only can lead to economic development.

cPolitical liberties and democratic rights are essential elements of development.

dNone of the statements (a), (b) and (c) given above is correct in this context.

AnswerUPSC’s answer is (c).

A constitutive connection means political freedoms and democratic rights are themselves part of what development consists of, so their relevance does not have to be proved by showing they raise GNP. The contrast is the external or instrumental link, where democracy matters only for the growth it brings. So option (c) is correct. Option (a) describes the external link, and (b) wrongly says only political and civil rights lead to development.

Why each option is right or wrong

(a) Wrong. External links are the contrasting view, in which democracy matters only through what it causes.
(b) Wrong. The passage does not say only these rights lead to development, and treating them as causes is the external view.
(c) Right. Political liberties and democratic rights are among the components of development itself.
(d) Wrong. Option (c) is correct.

Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2012, General Studies Paper II (CSAT), Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.