Answer Explanation

[PASSAGE] According to this view, these are the essential prerequisites for a stable democracy; without a certain threshold of economic development, substantive democratic institutions are unlikely to take root or survive. This means that these societal transformations, like increased wealth and education, are necessary conditions for a strong democracy. [WHY CORRECT] Option 1, "requirements," is correct because the sentence states "these are the essential prerequisites for a stable democracy; without a certain threshold...democratic institutions are unlikely to take root or survive." This clearly indicates that prerequisites are necessary conditions, or requirements, for democracy. [TRAPS] Option 2, "indicators," is incorrect because while these factors might indicate development, the passage emphasizes their necessity for democracy, not just their signaling presence. Option 3, "consequences," is incorrect because prerequisites are conditions that come *before* something, not results that follow it. Option 4, "variables," is too general; while they are indeed changing factors, the specific meaning here is about necessary conditions, not just any changing factor. [TIP] When encountering a vocabulary question, always substitute each answer choice back into the original sentence to see which one makes the most logical and coherent sense in the context of the surrounding ideas.

Why the Other Options Are Incorrect

• Option B (“indicators”) fits a different collocation than the one used here.
• Option C (“consequences”) matches a dictionary sense that does not fit this context.
• Option D (“variables”) is a related word but changes the sentence meaning.

Key Language in Context

Watch how academic vocabulary around Political Science signals meaning. TOEFL vocabulary items reward readers who track tone, transitions, and precise word choice rather than surface keywords.

Skill Takeaway

Let the surrounding clause, not the word in isolation, decide the meaning.