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

1. A

   the intelligence and character of ordinary men and women.

   (a) The intelligence and character of ordinary men and women. Democratic theory (the question’s ‘superior virtue’) locates legitimacy in calling ordinary citizens’ judgment and civic character into public activity. This is the official key.

2. B

   the methods for strengthening executive leadership.

   (b) Methods for strengthening executive leadership. That is a managerial, not a democratic, virtue. Not the key.

3. C

   a superior individual with dynamism and vision.

   (c) A superior individual with dynamism and vision. That is the language of dictatorship or heroic leadership, not democracy’s superior claim. Not the key.

4. D

   a band of dedicated party workers.

   (d) A band of dedicated party workers. Parties matter, but they are not the distinctive moral claim of democracy over other forms. Not the key.

Summary. Official key is (a) the intelligence and character of ordinary men and women. The standard comparative claim is that democracy uniquely summons the ordinary citizen into public reason and responsibility. Strengthening the executive, waiting for a superior individual, or relying on a party cadre can exist under non-democratic regimes as well. NCERT and Mill-style arguments about development of character sit behind this letter. Honour (a).