Logical Reasoning

PT6 · S2 · Q1 A law that is not consistently enforced

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A law that is not consistently enforced does not serve its purpose.

Conclusion

To institute real law is not merely to declare that such and such behavior is forbidden; it is also to punish those who violate that edict. Furthermore, those who enforce law must punish without favor for their friends or malice for their enemies.

Rephrase: Instituting real law requires unbiased punishment of rule-breakers.

Evidence

A law that is not consistently enforced does not serve its purpose. Law without enforcement is not law; it is merely statute—a promise of law. To punish only those one dislikes while forgiving others is not to enforce law but to engage in the arbitrary and unjust exercise of power.

Evaluate

The passage clearly delineates what is necessary for instituting real law, making it both a statement of what should be avoided and a guidance on correct procedure. It tells us that enforcement needs to be unbiased, a crucial point emphasized towards the end. This fits a pattern where the argument builds up to a main idea by offering principles that lead to the conclusion, rather than starting with it or pivoting to it.

Goal

Find the best available meaning match for the idea that instituting real law requires unbiased punishment of rule-breakers.

1.

The main point of the passage is that instituting real law consists in

  1. the exercise of power

    Too Broad

    The passage discusses the misuse of power when enforcement is biased, but not the mere exercise of power in itself. Real law will involve the exercise of power, as the transgressors need to be punished, but this is too broad to capture the main point, because the author specifies proper vs. improper exercises of power.

    3% picked this

  2. authorizing the enforcement of punishments

    Too Weak

    The passage discusses enforcement, not just authorizing enforcement of punishments. It implies something beyond the mere authorization — actual, consistent, and fair enforcement.

    16% picked this

  3. Correct

    the unbiased punishment of prohibited

    Why this is right

    This matches the core message of the passage regarding unbiased and fair punishment as essential to the real institution of law. A very clear connection to the unbiased enforcement and punishment of prohibited behavior.

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

    75% picked this

  4. understanding the purpose of law

    Assumption-Bait

    While understanding the purpose of law might be inferred as important, the passage predominantly highlights the necessity of fair enforcement, not just purpose understanding.

    5% picked this

  5. clearly defining unacceptable behavior

    Assumption-Bait

    Although defining unacceptable behavior is an element of law making, the passage focuses more on the law's enforcement rather than its definition.

    1% picked this

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