Statement — “It was a decade of graftocracy. Politicians became a law unto themselves, using every discretionary power at their command to earn a fast buck.”\n\nConclusions —\nI. No one can earn black money without the help of politicians.\nII. Politicians can change the law in their favour.

Difficulty: Medium

Correct Answer: if neither I nor II follows

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
The statement criticizes abuse of discretionary power by politicians to enrich themselves. We must test two sweeping conclusions: exclusivity of political facilitation for black money (I) and politicians’ ability to change laws in their favour (II).



Given Data / Assumptions:


  • Premise: misuse of discretion and impunity (“law unto themselves”).
  • No mention of legislative change or monopoly over illicit earnings.


Concept / Approach:
I claims nobody can earn illicit money without politicians — an absolute generalization unsupported by the premise; illicit earnings can exist in many spheres. II claims power to change laws; “law unto themselves” refers to acting with impunity within discretionary space, not necessarily altering statutes. Hence neither conclusion is mandated.



Step-by-Step Solution:


Test I: Overbroad; premise does not assert exclusivity.Test II: Discretionary misuse ≠ legislative amendment power; not implied.


Verification / Alternative check:
Replace “change the law” with “abuse discretion within existing law.” The critique still holds, showing II is not necessary.



Why Other Options Are Wrong:


Only I/Only II/Either/Both: import claims not present in the premise.


Common Pitfalls:
Interpreting rhetorical phrases literally (e.g., “law unto themselves”).



Final Answer:
Neither I nor II follows.

More Questions from Statement and Conclusion

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