Statement: Should India have only two political parties? Arguments: I. Yes. Many developed countries have only two parties. II. No. Indian voters are not mature enough to choose between only two parties. Choose the option that best identifies the strong argument(s).

Difficulty: Medium

Correct Answer: if neither I nor II is strong

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Party-system design emerges from electoral rules (e.g., first-past-the-post vs proportional representation), federalism, and social diversity. Strong arguments should appeal to institutional fit and representation, not simplistic comparisons or disparaging claims.



Given Data / Assumptions:

  • India is a federal, multilingual, multi-ethnic democracy.
  • Electoral laws and districting shape party proliferation more than aspirational copying.


Concept / Approach:
Evaluate whether each argument justifies the system change.



Step-by-Step Solution:
Argument I: Citing “developed countries” is a weak analogy. Their party structures reflect unique institutions and histories; this does not prove suitability for India.Argument II: Claiming voters are “not mature enough” is pejorative and irrelevant to institutional design; it neither respects democratic agency nor addresses representation needs. Hence weak.



Verification / Alternative check:
Stronger arguments would address coalition stability, regional representation, and electoral reform (runoffs, thresholds) rather than stereotypes.



Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Any option favouring I/II treats non-reasons as decisive. “Either” elevates two weak claims; “both” is self-contradictory and still unreasoned.



Common Pitfalls:
Confusing correlation (two-party outcomes) with causation (electoral laws) and normative desirability.



Final Answer:
Neither I nor II is strong.

More Questions from Statement and Argument

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