Logical ReasoningDifficulty: Easy

PT116 S3 Q12 Explanation

Some argue that because attaining

A free, expert breakdown of this official LSAT Logical Reasoning question.

TopicsNecessary Assumption

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Stimulus

Some argue that because attaining governmental power in democracies requires building majority coalitions, it is a necessary evil that policymakers do not adhere rigorously to principle when dealing with important issues, but rather shift policies as they try to please different constituents at different times. But it is precisely this behavior that interests, and thus it is more a benefit than an evil.

What this question is testing

Necessary Assumption

Your task

Find the assumption the argument requires in order for its conclusion to hold.

Common trap

Answers that would help the argument but aren't strictly required (sufficient, not necessary).

Winning move

Negate each choice — the right one breaks the argument when negated.

Reading along? Open the full official question in LawHub — we show a fragment here and keep the reasoning in our own words.

The question
12.

Which one of the following is an assumption required by

Answer choices

  1. Trap4% picked this

    Government policymakers cannot retain power if they ignore any of the various factions of their

  2. Trap1% picked this

    Democracies are more likely than nondemocratic forms of government to have policymakers who understand the

  3. Correct91% picked this

    In the formulation of government policy, the advantage conferred by adaptability to diverse or fluctuating public interests outweighs the detriment associated with a

    Why this is right

    Answer C is correct.

    Skill tested: Necessary Assumption · how this choice captures the argument's function is the move to repeat next time.

  4. Trap4% picked this

    In dealing with an important issue, policymakers in a democracy appeal to a principle in dealing with an issue only when

  5. Trap1% picked this

    Democracies appear to be more flexible than nondemocratic forms of government, but are

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