"A network of voluntary associations stands as a 'buffer' between the relatively powerless individual and the potentially powerful State."
Which one of the following statements reflects the best explanation of the above passage?
A.It emphasizes the inability of the State to enforce its will in practice against the opposition of certain groups within it.
B.It is a cooperative organization for the promotion of the well-being and development of the personality of its members.
C.It takes individuals out of a state of isolation and gives them a chance to participate in the common endeavour.
D.It permits citizens to have a variety of loyalties and allegiance.✓ Correct
Explanation
The passage describes voluntary associations as a 'buffer' between the individual and the State. The key idea of a buffer is that the individual is not solely subject to the State's authority — he/she has intermediate associations and loyalties. Option (d) best captures this because voluntary associations give citizens multiple loyalties and allegiances besides the State, which is what creates the buffer. Option (a) wrongly focuses on State's inability. Option (b) describes a cooperative, not the buffer role. Option (c) talks about participation but not the protective buffer character that limits State power over the individual.
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