Political analyst
Political analyst: A party that temporarily positions itself in the negligible crack between the American right and left will do little to expand the public debate. What America needs is a permanent third party. Some claim that America’s success stems from the two party system. These people say that a third party would make the passage of legislation and thus governance impossible. Furthermore, they point to the current sluggish pace of government as proof that the country cannot bear the burden of a third party. Yet, most European countries have multi-party systems and few complain about any inability to govern there. Which of the following best describes the functions of the two sections in boldface in the argument above?
• The first is the main point of the argument; the second is a premise that supports that point.
• The first opposes the premises of the argument; the second is the claim that the argument supports.
• The first supports the main position held by opponents of the main point; the second is a premise that argues against that position.
• The first is the primary claim made by opponents of the main point of the argument; the second is evidence proposed in opposition to the first.
• The first is a claim made by opponents of the main point of the argument; the second is the claim that the first opposes.
My Ques: Confused with the answer options. Please elaborate.
Analyst’s main point/main point of argument – What America needs is a permanent third party.
First bold-face – Some claim that America’s success stems from the two party system – Against a third party and hence against the analyst’s main point.
Second bold-face – Yet, most European countries have multi-party systems and few complain about any inability to govern there – A point that is in favor of a third party and hence in support of the analyst’s main point.
Option A – First is not the main point. Eliminate
Option B – Premises of the argument will be anything in support of the main point. In this case:
A party that temporarily positions itself in the negligible crack between the American right and left will do little to expand the public debate.
Yet, most European countries have multi-party systems and few complain about any inability to govern there
The first bold face doesn’t directly oppose any of the above. Also, the second bold faced is not a claim. Eliminate
Option C – The opponents of the main point are people who are against third party. We do not know what exactly their main position is. Eliminate
Option D – Correct answer. The opponents of the main point are people who are against third party. These are people who say America’s success stems from the two party system. The second bold face is evidence that the analyst points out in support of the third party.
Option E – The second is not a claim. Eliminate
