UPSC Prelims 2015 · CSAT

Question 23: Reading Comprehension

Passage beginning “The ultimate aim of government is not…” — Passage – 3 · as printed by UPSC

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

aThe true aim of government is to secure the citizens their social and political freedom.

bThe primary concern of government is to provide absolute social security to all its citizens.

cThe best government is the one that allows the citizens to enjoy absolute liberty in all matters of life.

dThe best government is the one that provides absolute physical security to the people of the country.

AnswerUPSC’s answer is (a).

The passage says the true aim of government is not to rule through fear or demand obedience but to free people from fear so that they live in security and can develop mind and body and use reason without being shackled. So the inference is that government exists to secure citizens' freedom, social and political. The word 'absolute' in the other options goes beyond the passage: it does not promise absolute security or limitless liberty, and physical security is only part of the aim.

Why each option is right or wrong

(a) Right: government should free people from fear and let them develop and reason unshackled.
(b) Wrong: 'absolute social security' goes too far; the passage speaks of freedom from fear, not total social security.
(c) Wrong: 'absolute liberty in all matters' is an overstatement; the passage speaks of security to develop one's reason.
(d) Wrong: security is only one part, and 'absolute physical security' is not claimed.

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

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2015, General Studies Paper II (CSAT), Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.