Q14

[dagen.m.downard]

How is the answer to this question D instead of A?

On lines 52-55 it states, "... he nevertheless ends his book by asking what changes in structures and consciousness might make political life more democratic in present polyarchies." Also, in paragraph 2, it is defending polyarchy. Is it because there are 2 contrasting paragraphs, one defending it and the other criticizing it, that it is a discussion of the strengths and weaknesses? I thought it was more about the strengths. Is A too specific?

Thanks!

[matthew.mainen]

The only discussion of an inquiry as to how polyarchies can be made more democratic is in the last paragraph, but even in this brief mention, an inquiry does not take place. Rather, it notes that Dahl is calling for an inquiry.

Looking at the structure:

Paragraph 1) It presents a weakness of polyarchy (it's imperfection) followed by a contextualization of its weaknesses (it can nonetheless approach the ideal) followed by an explicit declaration that Dahl thinks its defensible.

Paragraph 2) Dahl's defense of polyarchy based on its details. In short, its workings leads to a pretty good result - it's difficult for a single group to get too much influence.

Paragraph 3) Legitimate criticism (weakness)

Paragraph 4) reiteration of Dahl's sympathetic views to polyarchy and an expansion of the scope by calling for further research.

(D) fits the structure of the passage perfectly. This can't be chalked up as a "best answer" among "good answers' but hands down a perfect answer.