LSAT Explanation PT 22, S4, Q24: Party spokesperson: The opposition party's proposal

LSAT Question Stem

The conclusion about whether there would be a resulting net increase in spending would not follow if the 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Weaken question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is E. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

First, let's break down the argument in the passage. The party spokesperson argues that the opposition party's proposal to stimulate the economy by refunding $600 million in taxes would not result in a net increase in spending. They claim that either new taxes would be needed to make up for the shortfall, or provincial workers would be dismissed. In either case, the spokesperson argues that there would be no net increase in spending to stimulate the province's economy. The structure of the argument consists of premises leading to a conclusion. The premises are the two potential outcomes (new taxes or worker dismissal), and the conclusion is that there can be no resulting net increase in spending.

Now let's consider an "Evaluate" question for this argument: "Is there any alternative way to use the $600 million that could result in a net increase in spending without raising new taxes or dismissing workers?"

The question type for this problem is Weaken, which means we are looking for an answer choice that weakens the conclusion that there can be no net increase in spending.

a) This answer choice does not weaken the conclusion because it still suggests that there would be no net increase in spending within the province. If taxpayers spend $300 million outside the province, it does not contribute to the province's economy.

b) The timing of the refund does not affect the central question of whether there can be a net increase in spending. Whether taxpayers receive the refund in partial payments or a lump sum does not change the overall amount of money being spent.

c) This answer choice is irrelevant to the argument. The argument's focus is on whether there can be a net increase in spending, not on whether taxpayers would be angry in response to new taxes.

d) While this answer choice presents an alternative use for the $600 million, it does not directly weaken the conclusion that there can be no net increase in spending if the money is refunded to taxpayers.

e) This is the correct answer choice. If the province could save $600 million in out-of-province expenditures by using its workers more effectively, it could result in a net increase of money within the province. This weakens the conclusion that there can be no net increase in spending to stimulate the province's economy.