Given below are two statements, one labelled as Assertion (A) and the other labelled as Reason (R): Assertion (A): In Machiavellian political thought, the end justifies the means. Reason (R): The primary objective of the Prince was to secure and maintain the power, unity, and integrity of the State. Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

The origin of the conceptual idea of the modern sovereign state is primarily attributed to which Renaissance political thinker?

Which of the following statements are correct regarding Plato's conceptualization of good governance? A. The state is structurally divided into three specific classes: rulers (philosophers), auxiliaries (warriors), and producers (farmers and artisans). B. Good governance is achieved through strict functional specialization, where each societal class performs its designated role without interfering in the functions of others. C. Democracy is endorsed as the ideal political system to prevent uninformed decision-making and to actively encourage mass mob participation. D. Governance should be led by philosopher-kings who possess rationality and are driven by the pursuit of the common good rather than personal desires. Choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below: