Question

The author implies which of the following about the comparison between individual and governmental present bias?

• A. Governments, unlike individuals, are not shielded from short-term concerns due to institutional gaps.
• B. Present bias in governments is primarily rooted in political rather than economic pressures.
• C. Like individuals, governments may neglect long-term interests due to uncertainty and lack of immediate payoff.
• D. Governmental present bias results in more significant societal harm than individual present bias.
• E. The absence of structural continuity in governments ensures their decisions do not consistently benefit future administrations.

Hint:

In boldface questions, first identify the main conclusion of the argument. Then, determine the relationship of each boldfaced statement to that conclusion. Is it evidence for the conclusion? Is it the conclusion itself? Is it an opposing viewpoint? Is it a consideration that the author must address?

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept
This is an inference question. Based on the likely topic, the passage probably draws a parallel between the decision-making flaws of individuals and those of governments to explain the concept of present bias.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation
The passage likely uses the well-understood concept of individual present bias (e.g., failing to save for retirement for a small immediate reward) as an analogy to explain governmental present bias.

(A) suggests a contrast ("unlike individuals"), but the core idea is likely a similarity.
(B) makes a specific claim about the root cause (political vs. economic) that might be true but is less likely to be the main point of the *comparison* itself.
(D) is a judgment about the scale of harm. While likely true, the author's primary goal in the comparison is probably to explain the *mechanism* of the bias, not just quantify its impact.
(E) is a statement about a structural cause of government bias, not a direct comparison to individual bias.
(C) establishes a direct and fundamental parallel: the core reason for the bias—a preference for immediate, certain rewards over delayed, uncertain ones—is the same for both individuals and governments. This is a very typical way to structure such an argument.
Step 3: Final Answer
Option (C) is the most plausible inference, as it describes the foundational similarity that would justify comparing individual and governmental present bias in the first place.