Social Science (087) — AI-generated practice question

Ernst Renan's phrase "a daily plebiscite" means that a nation exists not as a fixed, permanent entity but as a continuous choice — its people must constantly wish to live together and renew their sense of belonging every day.

This challenges the idea that national identity is simply inherited through birth, ethnicity, or language. Renan argues that a nation is built on shared glories, common will, and collective sacrifice — not on race or mother tongue. Thus, national identity is an active, ongoing commitment, not a passive biological inheritance.

Source: Chapter 1 — The Rise of Nationalism in Europe, Source A (Ernst Renan, 'What is a Nation?')

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• The key phrase examiners look for is the voluntary/active nature of nationhood — "daily plebiscite" = daily renewal of consent.
• Contrast it clearly with ethnic/linguistic determinism (Herder's view) to show the challenge.
• Quote or closely paraphrase Renan's criteria: common glories, common will, shared sacrifice — these are earned, not inherited.
• Keep the two parts distinct: (1) what the phrase means, (2) how it challenges inherited identity.