by christine.defenbaugh Fri Feb 28, 2014 2:27 pm
Great question Mab6q!
The first step on a Principle-example question is to identify exactly what the principle really is.
In this question, it is not enough to say that things should benefit both individual and community. The principle is actually far more specific than that! It says that the government should adjust incentives and disincentives so that when people have a choice to make, the choice they would make that will benefit themselves is the same choice that would benefit the community.
(E) captures this idea in its entirety. The best choice for the community is for each individual to limit their electricity use. But each individual benefits from their own electricity use. However, if the government adjusts the incentives and disincentives by making electricity more expensive, then individuals may make the choice to limit their electricity use - not for the good of the community, but for the good of their own pocketbook! The government, by raising the costs, will make it so that the choice that an individual will make to benefit themselves (limiting their electricity bill) will align with the choice that benefits the community (reducing the likelihood of shortages).
The government action in (C), on the other hand, doesn't affect anyone's choices. The government is diverting funds from one program to another program, and the second program could arguably (as you point out) benefit both individuals and the community. But the original premise was all about people's choices, and this answer is simply about a beneficial program being offered.
Let's take a brief look at some of the other incorrect answers:
(A) This is a manipulation of public opinion or appearances, not an attempt to influence individual choices.
(B) This is about appeasement of a powerful group, not an attempt to influence individual choices.
(D) Like (A), this is a manipulation of public opinion or appearances, not at attempt to influence individual choices.
Remember to glean a very specific understanding of the principle in play before matching it to the examples in the answer choices!
Does this help clear things up a bit?