Democracy's superior virtue lies in the fact that it calls into activity

The correct answer is A. The core idea is that democracy's distinctive worth lies in drawing out the judgment and character of ordinary citizens, not in producing a gifted ruler. Its legitimacy rests on the participation of the many, which is why the question asks what democracy 'calls into activity'.

• A (correct): Democracy assumes that common citizens can deliberate, judge and hold power to account. Elections, free debate and a free press are the machinery for this.
• B (wrong): Strong executive leadership is a feature of many systems, including non-democratic ones. It is not what makes democracy distinctive.
• C (wrong): The idea of a dynamic superior individual is the 'great man' view of politics. It leans towards charismatic or autocratic rule and runs against democracy's emphasis on collective judgment.
• D (wrong): Party workers are organisational instruments. They serve democracy but are not its defining virtue.

Concept and syllabus link: This sits within the study of democratic theory and participatory governance. In Mains GS-II, it connects to the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments, which deliberately bring ordinary citizens into local self-government, and to the RTI Act as a tool for civic participation.

Trap: Aspirants often pick C or B because they read 'superior' and 'leadership' as signs of strength. The question is about the people's capacity, not the leader's.