Critical reasoning – Should government offices offer jobs only to wards of government employees? Arguments to evaluate: I. No. It would deny opportunities to deserving individuals and harm the government in the long run. II. No. It violates equality; government owes responsibility to all citizens.

Introduction / Context:
The proposal is nepotistic hiring restricted to wards of government employees. We need to test arguments for fairness, merit, and constitutional equality in public employment.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• I argues merit and long-term institutional performance would suffer.
• II argues equality principles bind government to treat all citizens fairly.

Concept / Approach:
Public sector hiring is expected to be transparent, competitive, and merit-based. Any restriction to a family-based subset undermines equal opportunity and administrative efficiency.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Argument I: Excluding capable candidates reduces talent pool quality and risks institutional inefficiency. Directly addresses performance and fairness. Strong.Argument II: The government must honor equality and non-discrimination in access to public employment. Restricting to wards violates this norm. Strong.

Verification / Alternative check:
Both arguments independently show substantive, policy-relevant harms—one pragmatic (efficiency), one principled (equality).

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Only I / Only II: Incomplete; both are strong.
• Either I or II: Both independently hold; not an exclusive choice.
• Neither: Contradicted by clear merit and equality concerns.

Common Pitfalls:
Confusing benefits for employees with public interest; ignoring constitutional norms in public hiring.

Final Answer:
Both I and II are strong