Text 1: Political philosopher Dr. Emma Davis supports participatory democracy. "Citizens should directly decide policy through deliberation and referendum," Davis argues. "Representative democracy distances people from power. Direct participation is more legitimate."
Text 2: Political scientist Dr. James Liu studies citizen competence. "Policy complexity exceeds most citizens' expertise and attention," Liu observes. "Voters often hold ill-informed views on technical matters. Some decisions may be better delegated to knowledgeable representatives."
What assumption does Liu's research challenge in Davis's argument?
That citizens exist as political actors
That citizen competence is sufficient for direct policy decision-making
That democracy has any value
That representatives can ever be elected
Correct Answer: B
Choice B is the correct answer. Davis assumes direct citizen decision-making is desirable. Liu questions whether citizens have requisite "expertise and attention" for complex policy. Competence is the challenged assumption.
- Evidence: Liu: citizens "hold ill-informed views on technical matters."
- Reasoning: Direct participation is problematic if participants lack competence.
- Conclusion: Liu challenges the competence assumption underlying Davis's model.
Choice A is incorrect because Liu studies citizen behavior. Choice C is incorrect because Liu advocates informed representation. Choice D is incorrect because Liu supports representation as alternative.