LSAT 110 | Section 1 | Reading Comprehension: Q2

RC Question 2 Explanation

DISCUSSION: The passage’s author seems to believe that authoritarian governments will inevitably be pushed towards the democratic changes mention in lines 59-60. And if authoritarian governments don’t make changes, then they will lose power (lines 5-7).

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1. The first paragraph implies that the democratic changes are real. If the changes were just superficial then it’s unlikely that the rulers could hold onto power. Society demands real change.
2. The motives of authoritarian rulers are clear: keep power. The passage says changes in society are what lead to the end of authoritarian rule. 
3. CORRECT. The author seems certain that most authoritarian societies will change in the ways he describes (lines 50-52). That will force authoritarian rulers to make the changes described in lines 59-60. 
4. We tend to dislike authoritarian rulers. But the author doesn’t say what they think of them. So be careful about bringing in unwarranted outside assumptions. Not everyone dislikes dictators. 
5. Lines 50-52 show that the author believes most authoritarian societies will undergo the changes mentioned, and force democratic change.