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Question 23: The passage given below is followed by four alternate summaries. Choose the option that best captures the essence of the passage.

With the Treaty of Westphalia, the papacy had been confined to ecclesiastical functions, and the doctrine of sovereign equality reigned. What political theory could then explain the origin and justify the functions of secular political order? In his Leviathan, published in 1651, three years after the Peace of Westphalia, Thomas Hobbes provided such a theory. He imagined a “state of nature” in the past when the absence of authority produced a “war of all against all.” To escape such intolerable insecurity, he theorized, people delivered their rights to a sovereign power in return for the sovereign’s provision of security for all within the state’s border. The sovereign state’s monopoly on power was established as the only way to overcome the perpetual fear of violent death and war.

Options:
A. Thomas Hobbes theorized the voluntary surrender of rights by people as essential for emergence of sovereign states.
B. Thomas Hobbes theorized the emergence of sovereign states as a form of transactional governance to limit the power of the papacy.
C. Thomas Hobbes theorized that sovereign states emerged out of people’s voluntary desire to overcome the sense of insecurity and establish the doctrine of sovereign equality.
D. Thomas Hobbes theorized the emergence of sovereign states based on a transactional relationship between people and sovereign state that was necessitated by a sense of insecurity of the people.

Solution with Explanation

Correct Answer: D

Detailed Explanation by Wordpandit:

The passage outlines how Thomas Hobbes offered a secular theory of political order following the Treaty of Westphalia. The church’s role was reduced to religious matters, and sovereignty became the organizing principle. Hobbes, in his work Leviathan, responded to this political shift by introducing the idea of a social contract. He imagined a chaotic "state of nature" filled with violence and fear, where people agreed to "deliver" their rights to a sovereign in exchange for peace and protection. This act of transfer formed the foundation of sovereign states and justified their monopoly on power.

Option D best captures the transactional nature of this theory—people give up certain rights in return for security—motivated by fear and insecurity. It clearly reflects Hobbes's key ideas: insecurity, authority, and a mutually dependent relationship between the governed and the sovereign.

  • Option A: Incorrect. The phrase “voluntary surrender” implies passivity and lacks the nuance of mutual benefit emphasized by Hobbes. Also, “surrender” does not carry the same weight as “transfer” in the context of a contract.
  • Option B: Incorrect. While the Treaty of Westphalia restricted papal influence, Hobbes's theory was not developed to challenge the papacy but to justify secular governance. This option misattributes intent.
  • Option C: Partially correct, but incomplete. It omits the central idea of a “transactional” relationship—the heart of Hobbes’s argument—which makes it an insufficient summary.
  • Option D: Correct. It captures the core idea that sovereign states emerged from a security-driven, reciprocal agreement between people and the state.

Final Answer: D

Word 1: Ecclesiastical

Context:

"With the Treaty of Westphalia, the papacy had been confined to ecclesiastical functions, and the doctrine of sovereign equality reigned." - Source Unknown

Explanatory Paragraph:

“Ecclesiastical” refers to anything related to the Christian Church or its clergy. In the given context, it describes the narrowing of the pope's role after the Treaty of Westphalia (1648), which ended the religious wars in Europe and marked the beginning of the modern system of nation-states. By saying the papacy was confined to **ecclesiastical functions**, the author means it was limited to spiritual and religious affairs, with no longer having political or secular power in international relations.

Meaning: Relating to the Church or its clergy, especially in a Christian context (Adjective)

Pronunciation: eh-KLEE-zee-AS-ti-kuhl

Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Advanced

Etymology: From Late Latin *ecclesiasticus*, from Greek *ekklēsiastikos*, from *ekklēsia* (assembly, church).

Prashant Sir's Notes:

“Ecclesiastical” is a formal term often used in history, theology, and political science. It specifically deals with church-related institutions, authority, and rituals—very different from secular or civil governance. Know its use in contexts like “ecclesiastical law” or “ecclesiastical hierarchy.”

Synonyms & Antonyms:

Synonyms: religious, clerical, church-related, canonical, spiritual

Antonyms: secular, political, civil, worldly

Usage Examples:

  1. The reforms aimed to separate civil governance from ecclesiastical authority.
  2. He studied ecclesiastical law in preparation for becoming a bishop.
  3. The Vatican holds immense ecclesiastical influence in Catholic nations.
  4. Ecclesiastical duties included conducting mass and overseeing church discipline.

Cultural Reference:

The **Treaty of Westphalia (1648)** is a landmark in European history where the Holy Roman Empire recognized the sovereignty of nation-states, reducing the **ecclesiastical** power of the pope in international affairs and helping create the foundation of modern diplomacy.

Think About It:

What are the benefits and drawbacks of separating ecclesiastical authority from political power in a modern state?

Quick Activity:

Write a sentence using “ecclesiastical” in a historical or political context. Then try replacing it with “religious”—how does the tone change?

Memory Tip:

“Ecclesiastical” = think of “ecclesia” (church/assembly) → It always points to church-related matters, not everyday civil affairs.

Real-World Application:

This word appears frequently in law, history, international relations, and religious studies—especially when analyzing the power dynamics between church and state.

Word 2: Doctrine

Context:

"With the Treaty of Westphalia, the papacy had been confined to ecclesiastical functions, and the doctrine of sovereign equality reigned." - Source Unknown

Explanatory Paragraph:

“Doctrine” refers to a principle, policy, or set of beliefs that is promoted or upheld by a particular group, often in political, legal, or religious contexts. In this sentence, the **doctrine of sovereign equality** is a key idea born out of the Treaty of Westphalia, which declared that all nation-states, regardless of size or power, are equal in international law. This **doctrine** became a foundational principle in the modern international system, replacing earlier systems that allowed greater religious or imperial control.

Meaning: A belief or set of beliefs held and taught by a group, especially in religion, law, or politics (Noun)

Pronunciation: DOK-trin

Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Intermediate

Etymology: From Latin *doctrina* (teaching, instruction), from *docere* (to teach).

Prashant Sir's Notes:

“Doctrine” is often used in political science, law, and theology. Think of it as a formal idea that guides decisions—like the Monroe Doctrine in U.S. history or religious doctrines in Christianity or Islam. In international relations, it usually refers to guiding principles or rules of conduct among nations.

Synonyms & Antonyms:

Synonyms: principle, belief, policy, ideology, dogma

Antonyms: doubt, disbelief, ambiguity, flexibility (in some contexts)

Usage Examples:

  1. The doctrine of separation of powers is central to democratic constitutions.
  2. Religious doctrines often influence cultural norms and laws.
  3. The doctrine of sovereign equality shaped the structure of the United Nations.
  4. Military strategy in the Cold War followed the doctrine of deterrence.

Cultural Reference:

The **Treaty of Westphalia** (1648) is often credited with introducing the **doctrine of sovereignty**, fundamentally changing how modern nation-states interact. This doctrine still underpins the United Nations Charter today.

Think About It:

When does a doctrine help establish order and fairness, and when might it limit progress or flexibility?

Quick Activity:

Name one political or religious doctrine you’ve studied. Briefly explain its main idea and impact.

Memory Tip:

“Doctrine” = from “docere” (to teach) → Think of it as a **taught rule or principle** that guides belief or behavior.

Real-World Application:

“Doctrine” is crucial in law, foreign policy, religion, and philosophy. Knowing key doctrines—like those in legal systems, diplomacy, or theology—helps in understanding how institutions and ideologies operate.

Word 3: Sovereign

Context:

"With the Treaty of Westphalia, the papacy had been confined to ecclesiastical functions, and the doctrine of sovereign equality reigned." - Source Unknown

Explanatory Paragraph:

“Sovereign” refers to the ultimate authority or power to govern oneself or a territory without outside interference. In political terms, a **sovereign** state is independent, self-ruling, and equal to other states in legal standing. The phrase **sovereign equality** in this context refers to the principle established by the Treaty of Westphalia (1648), which recognized each state’s independence, laying the foundation of modern international law. No matter how large or small, every sovereign state was to be treated as legally equal.

Meaning: Possessing supreme or independent political power; a ruler or state with complete self-governance (Adjective/Noun)

Pronunciation: SOV-er-in or SOV-rin

Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate

Etymology: From Old French *soverain*, from Latin *superanus* (supreme), from *super* (above).

Prashant Sir's Notes:

“Sovereign” can be used both as a noun (a ruler) and an adjective (independent power). It's especially important in international relations and political theory. The term is foundational for understanding the modern state system, diplomacy, and conflicts over autonomy.

Synonyms & Antonyms:

Synonyms: independent, autonomous, self-governing, supreme, ruling

Antonyms: dependent, subordinate, colonized, subject

Usage Examples:

  1. Each country is recognized as a sovereign state under international law.
  2. The king was once considered the absolute sovereign of the realm.
  3. The Treaty of Westphalia reinforced the concept of sovereign equality among nations.
  4. Despite external pressure, the nation insisted on its sovereign rights.

Cultural Reference:

The **Treaty of Westphalia (1648)** marked the rise of the **sovereign state system**, reducing the influence of religious authorities in state affairs and initiating the principle that no state should interfere in the internal matters of another.

Think About It:

In today’s globalized world, is full sovereignty still possible? How do global organizations and treaties affect a nation's sovereign rights?

Quick Activity:

List three characteristics of a sovereign state. Then name one real-world example where sovereignty is disputed or challenged.

Memory Tip:

“Sovereign” = **super + reign** → Someone or something that reigns above all others, free from external control.

Real-World Application:

Understanding “sovereign” is crucial in law, politics, and diplomacy—especially when analyzing issues like national independence, statehood claims, and global governance.

Word 4: Monopoly

Context:

"The sovereign state’s monopoly on power was established as the only way to overcome the perpetual fear of violent death and war." - Source Unknown

Explanatory Paragraph:

“Monopoly” refers to the exclusive control or possession of something by a single entity, leaving no room for competition or shared authority. In economic contexts, it means one company dominates a market. In political theory—as in this example—a **monopoly on power** means that the sovereign state is the only legitimate entity allowed to use force or enforce laws. This idea is rooted in the political philosophy of thinkers like Thomas Hobbes, who argued that centralizing power was necessary to maintain peace and prevent chaos in society.

Meaning: Exclusive control by one person, group, or institution over an activity, resource, or market (Noun)

Pronunciation: muh-NOP-uh-lee

Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Beginner

Etymology: From Greek *monos* (alone) + *polein* (to sell), via Latin *monopolium*, originally meaning “exclusive right to sell.”

Prashant Sir's Notes:

“Monopoly” is commonly used in economics, politics, and digital culture. Whether discussing state authority or corporate dominance (like Google or Amazon), monopoly always implies **power without competition**. In political contexts, the term carries more weight in terms of legitimacy and order.

Synonyms & Antonyms:

Synonyms: exclusivity, dominance, control, possession, supremacy

Antonyms: competition, distribution, plurality, decentralization

Usage Examples:

  1. The state holds a monopoly on the legitimate use of violence.
  2. Tech giants are often accused of creating data monopolies.
  3. The company’s monopoly over the local energy grid raised concerns.
  4. To prevent chaos, the sovereign must have a monopoly on law enforcement.

Cultural Reference:

Political philosopher **Max Weber** famously defined the state as “a human community that successfully claims the monopoly of the legitimate use of physical force within a given territory,” a foundational idea in modern political science.

Think About It:

Is a monopoly on power always necessary for peace, or can it lead to abuse and authoritarianism?

Quick Activity:

List two examples of monopolies—one in politics and one in business. What are the advantages and risks of each?

Memory Tip:

“Monopoly” = **mono** (one) + **poly** (seller) → Think of **one player ruling the board**—like in the Monopoly game.

Real-World Application:

“Monopoly” is key to understanding power structures in law, economics, governance, and technology. It helps analyze who holds control—and how that affects fairness, security, or efficiency in society.

Word 5: Perpetual

Context:

"The sovereign state’s monopoly on power was established as the only way to overcome the perpetual fear of violent death and war." - Source Unknown

Explanatory Paragraph:

“Perpetual” refers to something that continues indefinitely, without interruption or an end. In the context of this sentence, it describes a constant, ongoing fear—a **perpetual fear**—of violence and war that existed before the establishment of strong, centralized political authority. The idea comes from political philosophy, particularly Thomas Hobbes, who argued that without a central power (the state), humans live in a condition of **perpetual insecurity**. The word underscores how deep and unrelenting that fear was until the state assumed control.

Meaning: Lasting forever or for a very long time without stopping (Adjective)

Pronunciation: per-PECH-oo-uhl

Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Intermediate

Etymology: From Old French *perpetuel*, from Latin *perpetuus*, from *per-* (through) + *petere* (to seek or go).

Prashant Sir's Notes:

“Perpetual” is useful for describing things that feel endless—fear, conflict, cycles, habits. It can carry a **positive** tone (perpetual peace) or a **negative** one (perpetual war). Use it carefully to enhance the intensity and emotional tone of your writing.

Synonyms & Antonyms:

Synonyms: endless, unending, constant, everlasting, ceaseless

Antonyms: temporary, momentary, intermittent, occasional, fleeting

Usage Examples:

  1. They lived in a state of perpetual anxiety due to the civil unrest.
  2. The goal of the peace treaty was to end the region’s perpetual cycle of war.
  3. He was a perpetual optimist, always expecting the best.
  4. The sovereign state arose to eliminate the perpetual fear of violence in early society.

Cultural Reference:

Philosopher **Thomas Hobbes** used the phrase "perpetual fear" in his work *Leviathan* (1651), describing life in the state of nature as "solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short"—filled with **perpetual danger** until social contracts were formed.

Think About It:

Can fear ever truly be eliminated, or is some degree of perpetual fear necessary for societies to stay alert and responsible?

Quick Activity:

Write one sentence with a negative use of “perpetual” (e.g., conflict), and one with a positive use (e.g., inspiration).

Memory Tip:

“Perpetual” sounds like “perpetuate” → something that **keeps going** without an end, like a loop that never stops.

Real-World Application:

“Perpetual” is widely used in literature, politics, philosophy, and even environmental discussions—highlighting lasting issues, emotions, or systems that resist resolution.

Actual CAT VA-RC 2020 Slot 2: Question-wise Index

Reading ComprehensionWords from the Passage
RC Passage 1 (Q 1 to 5) Must-Learn Words (Passage 1)
RC Passage 2 (Q 6 to 9) Must-Learn Words (Passage 2)
RC Passage 3 (Q 10 to 13) Must-Learn Words (Passage 3)
RC Passage 4 (Q 14 to 18) Must-Learn Words (Passage 4)
Verbal Ability
Ques 19 (Paragraph Summary) Ques 20 (Paragraph Summary)
Ques 21 (Misfit/Odd one out) Ques 22 (Para-jumble)
Ques 23 (Paragraph Summary) Ques 24 (Misfit/Odd one out)
Ques 25 (Para-jumble) Ques 26 (Para-jumble)
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