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- Mon Jun 13, 2016 1:54 pm
#26479
Passage Discussion
VIEWSTAMP Analysis:
The sole Viewpoint represented here is that of the author, who presents three possible reasons for democratic reform of authoritarian rule.
The Structure of the passage is as follows:
This is a beautifully structured passage, with a clear introduction, a list of possible reasons for democratic reform, and a nice conclusion.
Like many LSAT passages, this one presents a single perspective (on several types of change) and a single Argument: the assertion that democratic reforms are brought about by several societal changes.
The Main Point of this passage is basically stated in the first paragraph: often when authoritarian rules undertake democratic reforms, these are based on political necessity, and on various societal changes, rather than changing ideals of authoritarian rulers.
VIEWSTAMP Analysis:
The sole Viewpoint represented here is that of the author, who presents three possible reasons for democratic reform of authoritarian rule.
The Structure of the passage is as follows:
This is a beautifully structured passage, with a clear introduction, a list of possible reasons for democratic reform, and a nice conclusion.
- Paragraph One: The author uses the first paragraph of this passage to introduce the notion that democratic reforms to authoritarian rule generally come about based on practical need more than democratic ideals.
Paragraph Two: In this paragraph the author starts a list of possible causes of democratic reform, beginning with changing societal values and norms, which can cause the people to place greater value on freedom, rise up, and organize, often beginning by denouncing human rights violations (as was the case in the provided examples of some Latin American countries during the 1970s and 1980s).
Paragraph Three: Here the author continues the list, with discussion of shifting economic values. When the wealthy begin to believe that their interests would be better served by a more democratic regime, this can bring about reform (as with another example provided—that of the Philippines “and other authoritarian nations.”)
Paragraph Four: In this paragraph the author presents the third possible cause of democratic reform: that of the increasing societal voice of various smaller segments. Students, workers, and lawyers are all presented as examples of groups who can gain strength, alter the societal power balance, and put authoritarian leadership “on the defensive.”
Paragraph Five: In this concluding paragraph, the author asserts that all three changes tend to be brought about by authoritarian rule, and that authoritarian financial success can, ironically, lead to stability sufficient to catalyze these changes.
Like many LSAT passages, this one presents a single perspective (on several types of change) and a single Argument: the assertion that democratic reforms are brought about by several societal changes.
The Main Point of this passage is basically stated in the first paragraph: often when authoritarian rules undertake democratic reforms, these are based on political necessity, and on various societal changes, rather than changing ideals of authoritarian rulers.