Consider the statement which is followed by two arguments (I) and (II) :…

Concept

In a statement-and-arguments item, each argument is assessed independently. A strong argument is directly relevant to the proposal, materially affects the decision, follows logically, and rests on a reasonable assumption rather than an extreme or unsupported claim. It may support either side and may concern consequences, feasibility, legality, or implementation, provided the consideration is substantial and well connected to the decision. Therefore, arguments pointing in opposite directions can both be strong.

Applying the test to each argument

1. Argument (I): ‘Yes, it will lead to stability of Government.’ A two-party system is one in which two major parties dominate competition and alternation in government. Such concentration can make single-party majorities more likely and reduce dependence on multi-party coalitions, which can increase government stability. This is a direct and substantial consequence of the proposed change, so Argument (I) meets the strength test.

2. Argument (II): ‘No, it will limit the choice of voters.’ When two parties dominate, smaller regional, ideological, or single-issue platforms may have less realistic influence and voters may face a narrower range of viable governing alternatives, even if other names remain on the ballot. This concerns effective political choice rather than claiming that the ballot literally contains only two parties. It is a direct and substantial consequence of the proposed change, so Argument (II) also meets the strength test.

Cross-check and contrast

• The two arguments point in opposite directions, but that does not disqualify either. Strength is a property of the reasoning offered, not of the side taken; a ‘yes’ argument and a ‘no’ argument can both meet the same test.

• ‘Only argument (I) is strong’ omits the voter-choice consequence, even though that consequence is directly relevant and material to the proposal.

• ‘Only argument (II) is strong’ omits the government-stability consequence, even though that consequence is directly relevant and material to the proposal.

• ‘Neither of the arguments is strong’ dismisses both material consequences instead of assessing each one independently.

Result

Each argument is directly related to the proposal and identifies a material consequence that can influence the decision, so both arguments are strong.