Reading Comprehension

Some writers have so confounded society with government, as to leave little or no distinction between them, whereas they are not only entirely different, but have different origins. Society is a blessing brought forth naturally by our wants, uniting our affections and promoting our happiness. Government is a necessary evil originating from the need to restrain our vices.

Suppose a small number of persons represent the first peopling of any country, or of the world. In this state of natural liberty, a thousand motives will excite them to society: the strength of one is so unequal to his wants, and his mind so unfitted for perpetual solitude, that he is soon obliged to seek assistance and relief from another, who in turn requires the same. Considering the slavish times in which it developed, the form of government known as "•constitutional monarchy"– is granted to have been a noble creation. When the world was overrun with tyranny, the least remove therefrom was a glorious rescue. However, government, if unchecked, evolves over time to a form so complex that a nation may suffer for years without being able to discover in which part the fault lies; and every political physician will advise a different medicine.


Four or five united in a society would be able to raise a dwelling, but one might labour out the period of life without accomplishing anything. Disease or misfortune could soon reduce an individual to a state in which he could easily perish. As time passes, however, in proportion as they surmount their early difficulties, the people will inevitably relax in their duty and attachment to each other; and this laxity will point out the necessity for each to surrender a part of his property in order to establish some form of government to protect the rest. Here then is the origin of government: the inability of moral virtue to govern the world; here, too, is the design and end of government: freedom and security.


And it unanswerably follows that whatever form of government which appears most likely to ensure the protection which constitutes government's essential purpose, with the least expense, is preferable to all others. As the community expands, public concerns will increase and the distance at which the members are separated may render it inconvenient for all to meet on every occasion. Thus the members may consent to leave the legislative part to be managed by a number of chosen representatives, who are supposed to have the same concerns as those who appointed them, and who will act in the same manner as the whole would, if present.
That the interest of every part of the colony may be attended to, the whole may be divided into convenient parts, each part sending its proper number. And so that there be assured a common interest with every part of the community, on which the strength of government depends, prudence will point to the need for frequent elections, thereby assuring that the elected return and mix often with the community.


1. As evidenced by the arguments posed by the author in each paragraph, the primary purpose of the passage is to:
A. chronicle the development of a particular form of government.
B. advocate a simple form of representative government.
C. contrast society and government.
D. distinguish representative government from constitutional monarchy.
E. criticise all forms of government as an unnecessary burden on people


2. The author concluded in the passage that the essential purpose of government is protection of property. In doing so the author assumes that:

I. there actually existed a time in which the disparity between an individual's needs and wants motivated cooperation, and not transgressions against property.
II. the part of property surrendered to establish some form of government is less than that which would be lost if it were left unprotected.
III. the moral laxity resulting from reduction in hardship results in acts against property, rather than failure to assist those experiencing disease or misfortune.
A. I, II, and III
B. II and III only
C. I and II only
D. I and III only
E. II only


3. It can be inferred from the passage that its author would most probably respond to the view that the resources of government should be employed to relieve the effects of poverty by stating that:
A. since the strength of an individual must be recognized to, at times, be unequal to his needs, it is natural for government, once it has evolved, to perform such functions.
B. these activities should be performed by individuals or associations outside of government.
C. since poverty is correlated with crime against property, government must perform these functions if non-governmental efforts are not fully effective.
D. this should be decided by the representatives elected by the people as a whole.
E. relieving poverty would be impossible unless efforts were taken to reduce illiteracy

B -

And it unanswerably follows that whatever form of government which appears most likely to ensure the protection which constitutes government‘s essential purpose, with the least expense, is preferable to all others

E - 20% will fail initially; moral laxity might lead to transgression
I.

there actually existed a time in which the disparity between an individual‘s needs and wants motivated cooperation, and not transgressions against property

-- Nope
II.

the part of property surrendered to establish some form of government is less than that which would be lost if it were left unprotected

-- True; if surrendered=or> lost if left unprot, there is not benefit in having the govt protect these assets

III. the moral laxity resulting from reduction in hardship results in acts against property, rather than failure to assist those experiencing disease or misfortune. -- moral laxity will lead to transgression

- Nope


A -

the strength of one is so unequal to his wants, and his mind so unfitted for perpetual solitude, that he is soon obliged to seek assistance and relief from another, who in turn requires the same