Q. In simple matters like shoe-making, we think only a specially trained person will serve our purpose, but in politics, we presume that everyone who knows how to get votes knows how to administer a State.
When we are ill, we call for a trained physician, whose degree is a guarantee of specific preparation and technical competence—we do not ask for the handsomest physician, or the most eloquent one : well then, when the whole State is ill should we not look for the service and guidance of the wisest and the best?
Q. 1. Which one of the following statements best reflects the message of the author of the passage?
a. We assume that in a democracy, any politician is qualified to administer a State
b. Politicians should be selected from those trained in administration.
c. We need to devise a method of barring incompetence from public office.
d. As voters select their administrators, the eligibility of politicians to administer a State cannot be questioned.
Question from UPSC Prelims 2022 CSAT Paper
Explanation :
Q1: Correct Answer – b. Politicians should be selected from those trained in administration.
Explanation – The author of the passage is making a comparison between how we approach selecting someone for a specific task in our personal lives versus how we approach selecting someone to administer a state. The author argues that just as we look for specific qualifications and expertise when choosing a physician or a shoemaker, we should also look for the same when choosing someone to administer a state. The statement that best reflects the message of the author is (b) Politicians should be selected from those trained in administration.