Question

read the passage from benito mussolinis \the doctrine of fascism.\

in the fascist state, the individual is not suppressed, but rather multiplied, just as in a regiment a soldier is not weakened, but multiplied by the number of his comrades. the fascist state organizes the nation, but it leaves sufficient scope for individuals; it has limited useless or harmful liberties and has preserved those that are essential. it cannot be the individual who decides in this manner, but only the state.

according to the passage, which statement would most likely have been compatible with mussolinis philosophy?

• by strengthening the rights and liberties of individuals, the state is able to thrive and expand.
• by strengthening the military, the state can protect the rights and liberties of individuals.
• by strengthening the state, individuals are able to preserve essential rights and liberties.
• by strengthening the state, the dictatorship ensures individual rights and liberties.

Explanation:

1. Analyze Option A: The passage says the state (not individual rights) is the decider of liberties, so strengthening individual rights doesn't match Mussolini's philosophy. Eliminate A.
2. Analyze Option B: The passage focuses on the state organizing the nation and deciding liberties, not on military strengthening for limiting individual rights. The passage's emphasis is on the state's role, not military. Eliminate B.
3. Analyze Option C: The passage states "The Fascist State... has preserved those [liberties] that are essential" and "it cannot be the individual... but only the State" to decide. So strengthening the state allows preservation of essential rights/liberties, which matches.
4. Analyze Option D: The passage is about a Fascist State, not a dictatorship (though Fascism has dictatorial elements, the passage's focus is on the state's organization, not dictatorship ensuring rights). Also, the state (not dictatorship) is the actor here. Eliminate D.

Answer:

C. By strengthening the state, individuals are able to preserve essential rights and liberties.