Political theorist: Newly enacted laws need a period of immunity during which they can be repealed only if circums...

Victoria on May 24, 2021

Hi @amarachicynthia,

Happy to help!

The political theorist concludes that newly-enacted laws should have a period of immunity wherein they cannot be repealed unless dire circumstances arise.

Why? Because the short-term consequences of a newly-enacted law are likely to be painful whereas the long-term benefits require time to appear as people must adjust to the new law.

We are looking for the answer choice which outlines a principle that helps to justify this argument.

Answer choice (A) is incorrect because the stimulus is not focused on what people think the consequences will be; rather, the political theorist is focused on the actual consequences and benefits of the laws.

Answer choice (C) is incorrect because the stimulus does not discuss the process of passing a law. Therefore, this answer choice is out of scope.

Answer choice (D) is incorrect because the theorist does not address the short-term consequences of a newly-enacted law's repeal. They are focused on the importance of waiting to se the long-term benefits as opposed to repealing a new enactment due to the initial short-term consequences of its passage.

Answer choice (E) is incorrect because the theorist is not comparing the short- and long-term consequences of enacting a law. Rather, the theorist notes that the long-term benefits of a new enactment are more important to consider than the short-term "growing pains" associated with it.

Finally, answer choice (B) is correct because it supports the theorist's argument. The theorist is arguing that the period of immunity should be implemented so that there is an opportunity to witness and consider the long-term benefits of an enactment before it is repealed. Therefore, the theorist is suggesting that the question of whether a law should be retained or repealed should depend upon the long-term consequences (including benefits) of its enactment.

Hope this helps! Please let us know if you have any further questions.

Raheel on July 16 at 09:17PM

Doesn't B require an assumption, from consequences to benefits?

Emil-Kunkin on July 20 at 02:57PM

The long term benefits are one consequence of the passage of a law.