Q63. 63.

Which one of the following statements best reflects the critical message conveyed by the author of the passage?

The passage strongly argues for the necessity of opposition. It states, "A good statesman... learns more from his opponents than from his fervent supporters," and "he ought also to pray never to be left without opponents; for they keep him on the path of reason and good sense." Furthermore, it emphasizes that "The national unity of free people depends upon a sufficiently even balance of political power to make it impracticable for the administration to be arbitrary and for opposition to be revolutionary and irreconcilable." This clearly indicates that opposition is vital for maintaining a balanced political system, preventing arbitrary rule, and ensuring rational decision-making, all of which contribute to good governance.

Option (a) contradicts the passage. Option (b) is incorrect because the passage explicitly warns against "revolutionary and irreconcilable" opposition. Option (c) misrepresents the role of opposition; it's about guidance and balance, not political survival.

The core message is the indispensable role of a balanced opposition in a democracy. This question tests the ability to identify the main argument and its implications in a political philosophy context.