LSAT Explanation PT 39, S2, Q10: Claude: To introduce greater public accountability

LSAT Question Stem

Which one of the following, if true, provides the most support for Lorraine's conclusion? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Weaken question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is C. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

In this passage, we have an argument between Claude and Lorraine. Claude proposes that France should hold referenda on major foreign-policy issues to introduce greater public accountability. Lorraine disagrees, arguing that the general public is unwilling or unable to become informed about foreign-policy issues, and therefore, introducing such referenda would lead to foreign-policy disaster. The structure of the argument is as follows:

Premise: The general public is unwilling or unable to become informed about foreign-policy issues.

Conclusion: Introducing referenda on major foreign-policy issues would lead to foreign-policy disaster.

To better understand the concept of referenda, think of it as a direct vote by the public on a specific issue or policy, as opposed to voting for a candidate who represents a range of policies. For example, imagine if people were asked to vote directly on whether their country should enter a trade agreement with another country, rather than voting for a political party that supports or opposes the trade agreement.

An "Evaluate" question for this argument could be: "Would the public's lack of knowledge on foreign-policy issues necessarily result in a foreign-policy disaster if referenda were introduced?"

Now, let's analyze the answer choices. The question type is Weaken, so we are looking for an answer that provides the most support for Lorraine's conclusion.

a) This answer choice actually weakens Lorraine's argument, as it suggests that the public would become more informed if a referendum were held on a foreign-policy issue.

b) This answer choice also weakens Lorraine's argument, as it implies that the public might be able to handle voting on major policy outlines, leaving the details to foreign policy experts.

c) This is the correct answer. It supports Lorraine's conclusion by suggesting that decision by referendum would make the overall course of policy unpredictable, which would hinder countries friendly to France from making reasonable decisions based on a consistent French line. In simpler terms, if France's foreign policy keeps changing due to referenda, it becomes difficult for other countries to cooperate and work with France, potentially leading to foreign-policy disasters.

d) This answer choice seems to weaken Lorraine's argument, as it implies that requiring a large number of signatures for a referendum would ensure that many people consider the issue important and treat it seriously.

e) This answer choice supports Claude's argument instead of Lorraine's, as it states that elections decided mainly on foreign-policy issues may not provide judgments about future issues posing new problems. This supports Claude's claim that election results are too imprecise to count as a mandate.

In conclusion, the correct answer is (C), as it provides the most support for Lorraine's conclusion that introducing referenda on major foreign-policy issues would lead to foreign-policy disaster.