Read the following two passages and answer the items that follow the passages. Your answers to these items should be based on the passages only.

“In simple matters like shoe-making, we think only a specially trained person will serve our purpose, but in politics, we presume that everyone who knows how to get votes knows how to administer a State. When we are ill, we call for a trained physician, whose degree is a guarantee of specific preparation and technical competence – we do not ask for the handsomest physician, or the most eloquent one: well then, when the whole State is ill should we not look for the service and guidance of the wisest and the best?”

Which one of the following statements best reflects the message of the author of the passage?

Option (a) is incorrect because it only captures the premise of the passage and fails to include the conclusion, which is the suggestion made by the author to choose the best administrators when the state is malfunctioning.

Option (b) is incorrect because it uses the word “selected” instead of “elected,” which is not suggested by the author. The author does not oppose elections.

Option (c) is correct because the passage suggests that there should be a method in place to prevent incompetence from occupying public office. This implies the need for a system that ensures individuals in positions of power have the necessary qualifications, expertise, and competence to administer a state effectively. Therefore, statement (c) best reflects the message conveyed by the author.

Option (d) is incorrect because it contradicts the suggestion of the author.