Difficulty: Medium
Correct Answer: If only Conclusion I follows
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
The sentence frames democracy’s meaningfulness as contingent on achieving both economic equality and political freedom. We must parse what is being claimed about the relationship among these elements.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
Read the statement as establishing prerequisites: for democracy to be meaningful, political freedom must be present (as must economic equality). This supports I (they go hand in hand in the sense of co-requirements). Conclusion II adds a stronger causal claim that economic equality leads to political freedom and democracy, which is not stated.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Verification / Alternative check:
Construct models: (a) Economic equality achieved without political freedom—democracy still meaningless; (b) Political freedom without economic equality—still meaningless. The premise is about joint necessity, not one leading to another.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Asserting II overreaches to causation; “neither” ignores the clear co-requirement suggested by the text.
Common Pitfalls:
Confusing necessary conditions with causal pathways; reading normative political theory beyond the literal statement.
Final Answer:
If only Conclusion I follows.
Discussion & Comments