Critical Reasoning – Public holiday on the demise of national leaders Statement: Should public holidays be declared upon the demise of important national leaders? Arguments: I. No. Such unscheduled holidays hamper national progress. II. Yes. People would like to pay their homage to the departed soul.

Introduction / Context:
The issue is whether to declare ad-hoc public holidays after the demise of a leader. We judge the strength of each argument based on direct policy relevance and practicality without assuming extra facts.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Public holidays cause stoppage of productive activity and public services.
• Commemoration can occur through non-holiday means (state mourning, ceremonies).
• Citizens’ desire to pay homage is acknowledged but not necessarily tied to a holiday.

Concept / Approach:
In governance reasoning, a strong argument cites efficiency, continuity of essential services, or proportionality. An argument that appeals only to sentiment, when alternatives exist, is weaker.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
When multiple, less disruptive ways exist to honor leaders, the argument for a sweeping holiday loses policy strength.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Only II: weak sentiment baseline.
• Either/Neither/Both: misconstrue the differing strengths.

Common Pitfalls:
Equating respect with mandatory holidays; ignoring economic and service impacts of sudden closures.

Final Answer:
Only argument I is strong