"In simple matters like shoe- making, we think only a specially trained person will serve our purpose, but in politics, we presume that everyone who knows how to get votes knows how to administer a State. When we are ill, we call for a trained physician, whose degree is a guarantee of specific preparation and technical competence—we do not ask for the handsomest physician, or the most eloquent one: well then, when the whole State is ill should we not look for the service and guidance of the wisest and the best?" Which one of the following statements best reflects the message of the author of the passage?

The author uses analogies of shoemaking and medicine to highlight that specialized tasks require specially trained and competent individuals. The core message is that administering a state is also a specialized task that requires specific preparation and competence, not just the ability to win votes. Analyzing the options: A) We assume that in a democracy, any politician is qualified to administer a State This statement describes the *problem* the author is critiquing, not the author's *message*. The author is arguing against this assumption. B) Politicians should be selected from those trained in administration This option directly aligns with the author's argument. The passage emphasizes the need for "specific preparation and technical competence" and "the wisest and the best" for administering the state, just like a "specially trained person" for shoes or a "trained physician" for illness. This implies that politicians should possess relevant training and expertise in administration. C) We need to devise a method of barring incompetence from public office While related, this is a consequence or a broader goal. The passage's primary focus is on the *positive requirement* for specific training and competence (like a physician's degree guaranteeing preparation), rather than just the negative act of barring incompetence. Option B is a more direct reflection of the positive emphasis on expertise. D) As voters select their administrators, the eligibility of politicians to administer a State cannot be questioned. This statement directly contradicts the author's message. The entire passage is an argument *questioning* the eligibility of those selected merely for their ability to get votes, without specific competence. Therefore, B best reflects the author's message by advocating for the selection of trained individuals for administrative roles, mirroring the need for specialized skills in other fields.