64. With reference to the above passage, the following assumptions have been made : I. In a democracy, a strong opposition is required only if the Head of Government is indifferent. II. The more aggressive the opposition, the better is the governance in a democracy. Which of the above assumptions is/are valid ?

1. A. I only
2. B. II only
3. C. Both I and II
4. D. Neither I nor II

Answer: D

Explanation

Assumption I: The passage states that a statesman “ought also to pray never to be left without opponents; for they keep him on the path of reason and good sense.” This implies that opposition is always necessary to ensure good governance and prevent arbitrary decisions, regardless of whether the Head of Government is indifferent or not. The role of opposition is presented as a constant check, not a conditional one. Therefore, this assumption is invalid.
Assumption II: The passage advocates for 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 explicitly warns against an opposition that is “revolutionary and irreconcilable,” suggesting that an overly aggressive or extreme opposition can be detrimental. The passage values reason and good sense, not aggression, in the opposition’s role. Therefore, this assumption is invalid.
Since neither assumption is supported by the passage, option (d) is the correct answer. This question tests the ability to critically evaluate statements against the nuances of the text, particularly in identifying what the author *does not* imply.