2017 GS Paper I, all questions

UPSC Prelims 2017 · GS Paper I

Question 42: Polity and Governance

Democracy’s superior virtue lies in the fact that it calls into activity

athe intelligence and character of ordinary men and women.
bthe methods for strengthening executive leadership.
ca superior individual with dynamism and vision.
da band of dedicated party workers.

AnswerUPSC’s answer is (a).

The classic defence of democracy is that it calls into play the intelligence and character of ordinary men and women, who take part in choosing and holding government to account, and so develop as citizens. Its worth does not lie in a stronger executive, in a superior individual leading the people, or in a band of party workers, all of which suit other forms of rule. Remember: democracy's virtue is the participation and judgment of ordinary citizens.

Why each option is right or wrong
  • (a) Right: democracy draws on the intelligence and character of ordinary citizens.
  • (b) Wrong: strengthening executive leadership is not democracy's distinctive virtue.
  • (c) Wrong: reliance on a superior individual is the logic of autocracy or elite rule.
  • (d) Wrong: dedicated party workers are not the source of democracy's virtue.

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

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2017, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.