Author Archives: Swati

Q1. A parliamentary executive means:a. Executive where there is a parliamentb. Executive elected by the parliamentc. Where the parliament functions as the Executived. Executive that is dependent on support of the majority in the parliament►

Answer

d. Executive that is dependent on support of the majority in the parliament

Q2.  Read this dialogue. Which argument do you agree with? Why?Amit: Looking at the constitutional provisions, it seems that the President is only a rubber stamp.Shama: The President appoints the Prime Minister. So, he must have the powers to remove the Prime Minister as well.Rajesh: We don’t need a President. After the election, the Parliament can meet and elect a leader to be the Prime Minister.
Answer

I agree with argument given by Amit that the President is only a rubber stamp because according to constitutional provision there is no real power which is in the hands of the president. Despite having certain discretionary powers 

Q3. Match the following:

i. Works within the particular State in which recruited	a. Indian Foreign Services
ii. Works in any central government office located either at the national capital or elsewhere in the country	b. State Civil Services
iii. Works in a particular State to which allotted; can also be sent on deputation to the centre	c. All India Services
iv.Works in Indian missions abroad	d. Central Services

Answer

i. Works within the particular State in which recruited	b. State Civil Services
ii. Works in any central government office located either at the national capital or elsewhere in the country	c. All India Services
iii. Works in a particular State to which allotted; can also be sent on deputation to the centre	d. Central Services
iv.Works in Indian missions abroad	a. Indian Foreign Services

Q4. Identify the ministry which may have released the following news items. Would this be a ministry of the central government or the State government? Why?
a. An official release said that in 2004-05 the Tamil Nadu Textbooks Corporation would release new versions for standards VII, X and XI.
b. A new railway loop line bypassing the crowded Tiruvallur-Chennai section to help iron ore exporters. The new line, likely to be about 80 km long, will branch off at Puttur and then reach Athipattu near the port.
c. The three-member sub-divisional committee formed to verify suicide by farmers in Ramayampet mandal has found that the two farmers who committed suicide this month have had economic problems due to failure of crops.

Answer

a. Ministry of Human Resource Development, State government may have released because textbooks are published for a particular state.

b. Railway Ministry, Central government because railway is managed by the central government.

c. Ministry of Agriculture, State Government because sub-divisional is supervised by the agricultural department of the state government.

Q5. While appointing the Prime Minister, the President selects
a. Leader of the largest party in the Lok Sabha
b. Leader of the largest party in the alliance which secures a majority in the Lok Sabha
c. The leader of the largest party in the Rajya Sabha
d. Leader of the alliance or party that has the support of the majority in Lok Sabha►

Answer

d. Leader of the alliance or party that has the support of the majority in Lok Sabha

Q6. Read this discussion and say which of these statements applies most to India.Alok: Prime Minister is like a king, he decides everything in our country.Shekhar: Prime Minister is only ‘first among equals’, he does not have any special powers. All ministers and the PM have similar powers.Bobby: Prime Minister has to consider the expectations of the party members and other supporters of the government. But after all, the Prime Minister has a greater say in policy making and in choosing the ministers.
Answer
The statement of Bobby applies most to India. Prime Minister has to consider the expectations of the party members and other supporters of the government. But after all, the Prime Minister has a greater say in policy making and in choosing the ministers.

Q7.Why do you think is the advice of the Council of Ministers binding on the President? Give your answer in not more than 100 words.
Answer
As the Constitution of India provides for a parliamentary system of government, the Council of Ministers headed by the prime minister is the real executive authority. The President exercises his powers only on the advice of the Council of Ministers. According to Article 74, there shall be a council of ministers with Prime Minister at the head to aid and advise the President who shall, in the exercise of his functions, act in accordance with such advice.
Consequently, the President has been made only a nominal executive; his place in administration is that of a ceremonial device or a seal by which the nation’s decision are made known.

Q8. The parliamentary system of executive vests many powers in the legislature for controlling the executive. Why, do you think, is it so necessary to control the executive?

Answer

There are two systems of democracy exist in the world. One is the parliamentary system and the other is presidential system.
In presidential system, there is clear separation of powers between legislature and executive. Executive is not accountable to legislature. Legislature can’t exercise its control over executive. But in the parliamentary system executive is a part of the legislature. They are accountable to the legislature. The legislature exercises its control over executive by different instruments like adjournment motion, no confidence motion etc.
The Parliament keeps a day-to-day watch over the activities of the Executive. As ours is a parliamentary system of Government, the Executive is responsible to the Parliament for all acts of omissions and commissions.
In a parliamentary form of government, the legislature and executive aren’t really separated. In a nominal sense, the legislature is in control, in that the executive must report to the legislature and is entitled to rule by virtue of having the confidence of a majority in the legislature. But this nominal control doesn’t describe the realities of power.
When a single party holds a majority in the legislature, this entitles it to complete control of the executive. That party then has control of both branches. But the party leadership will also take the leading roles in the executive, so as far as the two branches are concerned, the reality is that the executive controls the legislature, and when no single party holds a majority, the legislature is in a more powerful position, and the executive will depend for its continuation on trade-offs between parties in the legislature.

Q9. It is said that there is too much political interference in the working of the administrative machinery. It is suggested that there should be more and more autonomous agencies which do not have to answer to the ministers.
a. Do you think this will make administration more people- friendly?
b. Do you think this will make administration more efficient?
c. Does democracy mean full control of elected representatives over the administration?
Answer

a. No, i don’t think so it’ll make administration more people friendly because in a democracy, the elected representatives and the ministers are in charge of government and the administration is under their control and supervision. Hence forth, the elected representatives and the ministers are the representative of the people and the administration is under their control and regulation, hence they cannot act in violation of the policies adopted by the legislature. It is the responsibility of the ministers to retain political control over the administration. India has established professional administrative.

b. This will not make administration more efficient as it would lead to defiance of bureaucratic executives with government policies. Thus, it would lead to contradiction of the bureaucracy with the goals of the government. Competence in this situation is not valid as social welfare would be compromised. So, it not sounds like that it’ll make administration more efficient at all.

c. Simply put; in a democracy, there is no sonorous control of the elected representatives over administration. The main work of these elected representatives is to make laws, apply them and keep the administration libel. Simply, it is the responsibility of the administrative machinery to faithfully and efficiently participate in drafting the policy and in its implementation.

Q10. Write an essay of two hundred words on the proposal to have an elected administration instead of an appointed administration.

Answer

Elected administration is a very reliable type of administration. The elected administration would change the policies. And there would be unstability to implement different policies. The appointed administration is non-partial. The civil servants are selected impartially on the basis of merit. Thus, the welfare policies of the government can be effectively handled. Policies would be implemented without any political interference. The elected administration would have lack of technical knowledge of their departments while members of administration have full knowledge of their departments. Hence, they are more successful to implement the policies effectively and efficiently. They will be able to implement and perform the developmental functions. They will be also able to perform the functions of planning and social welfare.
A major difference is that appointed administrations are not permanent and can be removed but in the elected administration it is permanent, and they must fail to be re-elected at the next election. In some areas there is a procedure called a recall election, where the voters have lost confidence in an official and vote to remove him. They then elect someone else. However, this remedy is not always available.
In either case, an elected administration can resign or retire at his own request or if he has committed a crime he can be removed. 

Long Answer Type Questions :

Q1.Describe the powers and functions of the President of India.
Answer:
The powers of the President can be summarised as follows:
Executive Powers:

• The President appoints the Prime Minister who is the leader of the majority party and the other members also on the advice of the Prime Minister.
• The President appoints the high officials in India, i.e. Governors of the state, Lt. Governors of Union Territories, Attorney General, Controller and Auditor General, the Chairman and the members of UPSC, the Ambassadors or High Commissioners in other countries.
• The President of India is the supreme commander of the Defense forces. The President can declare war and make peace.

2. Legislative Powers:

• The President nominates 12 persons to the Rajya Sabha who are distinguished in the fields of art, literature, science and social service, as well as he can nominate two Anglo-Indian members to the Lok Sabha also.
• The President can summon both the houses, if there are some differences on any bill issued by the parliament, the joint session might be summoned.
• The President has the power to dissolve the Lok Sabha before completion of its term and can order for fresh elections, but on the recommendation of the Prime Minister.
• The President has the power to give his assent to the bill, because no bill passed by the Parliament can become an Act without the assent of the President. He has no power to reject the Money Bill passed by the Parliament.
• The President has the power to issue the ordinances during the intervals of the sessions of parliament which have the force of laws.

3. Financial Powers:

• The President has the duty to place the budget before the beginning of financial year by the finance minister on behalf of the President.
• Money bills can be introduced only in the Parliament on the recommendation of the President.
• The President has a full control over the contingency fund to spend it according to his will even prior to the consent of the Parliament.
• The President has the power to distribute the share of income-tax among the states.

4. Judicial Powers:

• The President has the power to appoint the judges of the Supreme Court and the High Courts.
• The President of India has the power to pardon, reprieve or commute the punishment of any criminal for whom he thinks to deserve pardon.

Q2.Describe the powers and functions of the Prime Minister of India.
Answer:

• The Prime Minister forms the Council of Ministers according to the capability of the ministers, he assigns duty to them.
• The Prime Minister allocates the department to the ministers and if he does not find the working satisfactory, can change the departments of the ministers.
• The Prime Minister presides over the meetings of cabinet, he prepares an agenda for meetings and controls it.
• The Prime Minister makes the appointments of state Governors, Ambassadors, members of UPSC by giving the advice to the President to appoint the same.
• The Prime Minister works as a link between the President and the Council of Ministers. No minister can discuss the issues directly with the President without the permission of the Prime Minister.
• The Prime Minister leads the cabinet in the Parliament as he explains the policy and decisions of the cabinet to parliament and if the President requires any information regarding the functioning of Parliament, he would demand such information from the Prime Minister only.

Short answer Type Question:

Q1. Which of the following resembles most a direct democracy?a. Discussions in a family meetingb. Election of the class monitorc. Choice of a candidate by a political partyd. Decisions taken by the Gram Sabhae. Opinion polls conducted by the media
Answer
b. Election of the class monitord. Decisions taken by the Gram Sabha

Q2. Which of the following tasks are not performed by the Election Commission?a. Preparing the Electoral Rollsb. Nominating the candidatesc. Setting up polling boothsd. Implementing the model code of conducte. Supervising the Panchayat elections
Answer
b. Nominating the candidatese. Supervising the Panchayat elections
3. Which of the following is common to the method of election of the members of Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha?
a. Every citizen above the age of 18 is an eligible voter
b. Voter can give preference order for different candidates
c. Every vote has equal value
d. The winner must get more than half the votes
► c. Every vote has equal value
4. In the First Past the Post system, that candidate is declared winner whoa. Secures the largest number of postal ballotsb. Belongs to the party that has highest number of votes in the country
c. Has more votes than any other candidate in the constituency
d. Attains first position by securing more than 50% votes
► c. Has more votes than any other candidate in the constituency

Q3.Which of the following is common to the method of election of the members of Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha?

a. Every citizen above the age of 18 is an eligible voter

b. Voter can give preference order for different candidates

c. Every vote has equal value

d. The winner must get more than half the votes

Answer

c. Every vote has equal value

Q4.In the First Past the Post system, that candidate is declared winner who

a. Secures the largest number of postal ballots

b. Belongs to the party that has highest number of votes in the country

c. Has more votes than any other candidate in the constituency

d. Attains first position by securing more than 50% votes

Answer

c. Has more votes than any other candidate in the constituency

Q5. What is the difference between the system of reservation of constituencies and the system of separate electorate? Why did the Constitution makers reject the latter?
Answer
In system of reservation of constituencies, all voters in a constituency are eligible to vote but the candidates must belong to only a particular community or social section for which the seat is reserved whereas in the system of separate electorate, for electing a representative from a particular community, only those voters would be eligible who belong to that community.
The constitution makers reject the system of separate electorate because it went against their purpose of unity, secularism and a state that is free from discrimination.

Q6. Which of the following statements are incorrect? Identify and correct them by substituting, adding or rearranging only one word or phrase.

a. FPTP system is followed for all the elections in India.
► Incorrect. FPTP system is followed for Panchayats, Legislative Assemblies and the Lok Sabha elctions.

b. Election Commission does not supervise Panchayat and Municipal elections.
► Corrcet
c. President of India cannot remove an Election Commissioner.
► Incorrect, President of India can remove an Election Commissioner on the recommendation of both houses of the Parliament.

d. Appointment of more than one Election Commissioners in the Election Commission is mandatory.
► Incorrect. Appointment of more than one Election Commissioner in the Election Commission is not mandatory.

Q7. Indian electoral system aims at ensuring representation of socially disadvantaged sections. However we are yet to have even 10 percent women members in our legislatures. What measures would you suggest to improve the situation?
Answer
The percent of women members would improve through following measures:
• Using proportional representation system, we can ensure the proper representation of women in legislature according to their percentage in population.–
• Also, we can have reserved constituencies from which seat is reserved for women which ensure proper representation of women.

Q8. Here are some wishes expressed in a conference to discuss a constitution for a new country. Write against each of these whether FPTP or Proportional Representation system is more suited to meet each of these wishes.

a. People should clearly know who is their representative so that they can hold him or her personally accountable.
► FPTP system

b. We have small linguistic minorities who are spread all over the country; we should ensure fair representation to them.
► Proportional representation system

c. There should be no discrepancy between votes and seats for different parties.
► Proportional representation system

d. People should be able to elect a good candidate even if they do not like his or her political party.
► FPTP system

Q9. A former Chief Election Commissioner joined a political party and contested elections. There are various views on this issue. One view is that a former Election Commissioner is an independent citizen and has a right to join any political party and to contest election. According to the other view, leaving this possibility open can affect the impartiality of the Election Commission. So, former
Election Commissioners must not be allowed to contest any elections. Which position do you agree with and why?

Answer

The former Election Commissioner is an independent citizen and has a right to join any political party and to contest election. After leaving the post of election commissioner, he/she became an ordinary citizen and just like any citizen he/she has all rights which a citizen have. He/She has no responsibility of conducting fair election so they can be a part of election as it is their right.

Q10. “Indian democracy is now ready to shift from a crude First Past the Post system to a system of Proportional Representation”. Do you agree with this statement? Give your reasons for or against this statement.

Answer

Indian democracy is not yet ready to replace the First Past the Post system with Proportional Representation because

• Proportional representation system complicated system which would be difficult to work in a sub-continental country like India.

• In PR system, voters have only choice to choose a party and the representatives are elected on the
basis of party lists. There is no representative for one locality which would be held accountable.

• Indian is a vast country with a large number of ethnic and social groups. PR system would encourage each community to form its own party which endanger the social fabric of the country.

• PR based election may not be suitable for giving a stable government in a parliamentary system.

Long Answer Type Questions :

Q1.Explain the role of Election Commission of India.
Answer:
The role of Election Commission can be summarized as follows:

• The Election Commission controls over the election machinery to conduct free and fair elections as supervises and makes changes if needed in the electoral rules of the elections.
• The Election Commission prepares the voters’ list who enjoy the right to vote as well as considers objections also to be raised by voters in reference of voters’ list.
• Election Commission provides the election symbols to the political parties as well as to independent candidates. As Congress (I) has been assigned the symbol of hand and lotus has been provided to BJP. The independent candidates are provided symbols on temporary basis.
• The Election Commission declares and recognizes the political parties as national or regional.

Q2.How does the Election Commission of India ensure its independence?
Answer:
The Election Commission ensures its independence by the following provisions

• Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners and Regional Election Commissioners are appointed for a fixed term.
• The Chief Election Commissioner cannot be removed from his office before the expiry of his term except on the grounds of incapacity and misbehavior only if a resolution to this effect is passed by both the houses of parliament by a two-third majority.
• Other Election Commissioners and Regional Election Commissioners can be removed from the Office only on the recommendations of the Chief Election Commissioner.
• Salaries and other allowances of the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners are to be paid out of consolidated fund of India.
• Tenure and other service conditions of Chief Election Commissioner and others, are fixed by the president, but they cannot be changed to their disadvantage during their term of office.

Q3.What is the composition of Election Commission of India?
Answer:

• The Election Commission consists of Chief Election Commissioner and the number of other Election Commissioners may also be fixed by the president from time to time.
• Thus, the Election Commission may be single member or multi member body. Till 1989, the Election Commission was a single member body.
• In 1993, two more Election Commissioners were also appointed and become multi¬member body since then.
• The Chief Election Commissioner presides over the Election Commission, but the other Election Commissioners also enjoy the same power to work mainly on consensus as a collective body only.
• The constitution of India has ensured independence of Election Commission and declared it can important body to conduct free and fair elections.

Q4.Sometimes criticism has taken place against Universal Adult Suffrage. Explain them.
Answer:
Universal Adult Suffrage refers to the right to vote given to all adult citizens without any distinction of caste, class, colour, creed, language, religion, etc. It has faced some criticisms also:

• Right to vote is a special privilege to confer on those who utilize it for the welfare of the state. Hence, it should be conferred only to the educated persons and illiterate persons should be debarred from it because they cannot understand who is the best candidate for the state.
• The Universal Adult Suffrage establishes the government of fools because fools and ignorant form the majority in the society which can create some dangerous consequences in the state.
• All the people should not be given the right to vote equally and to contest elections as well because God has not created everybody equal.
• The right to vote should be extended to those persons only who are competent or capable of using it because it is a responsibility not the right and a responsibility cannot be extended to the incompetent persons.
• The Universal Adult Suffrage leads to corruption because contesting and voting, both are usually made on the bases of money and muscle power by dominating the poor the downtrodden people.

Q5.Suggest some major suggestions for electoral reforms.
Answer:
The various committees have worked on electoral reforms, i.e. the Goswami Committee and Tarkunde Committee, but these have not brought substantial changes in electoral system and law. It seems that political parties are indifferent to electoral reforms because in some cases, political parties have neutralized the steps taken by the Election Commission to bring in some desired changes. It is now widely recognized to preserve and strengthen the democratic setup a comprehensive agenda of reforms is necessary in system, structure and processes:

• Criminalization should be checked in politics.
• Political parties’ functions should be regulated.
• Voters’ participation and awareness should be ensured.
• Make the election machinery effective and credible.
• The use of money and muscle power should be stopped.
• A proportionate share to every class, section and society should also be provided in the parliament.

Q6.What is the electoral process in India?
Answer:
The electoral process is performed into different stages under the provisions of Representation of People Act, 1950 and 1951:

• First of all, constituencies are formed in a territorial area from where a candidate contest election.
• The nomination papers are filled with the returning officer.
• The scrutiny is made to check whether the information filled in nomination form, are correct.
• After the scrutiny is over, the candidate is given a date for withdrawal.
• Then Election campaign takes place by various techniques by holding rallies, meetings, processions, distributing handbills and door-to-door canvassing, etc.
• The election campaign stops 48 hours earlier before polling is held on the due date. Presiding officers and polling officers supervise the whole polling process. The voters vote through the secret ballot.
• After the voting is over, the counting made on a fixed date and time. The candidate getting highest number of votes, is declared elected

Short Answer Type Question:

Q1.Write true or false against each of these statements:

a) A Bill of Rights lays down the rights enjoyed by the people of a country.

b) A Bill of Rights protects the liberties of an individual.

c) Every country of the world has a Bill of Rights.

d) The Constitution guarantees remedy against violation of Rights.

ANSWER:

a) True

b) True

c) False

d) True

Q2.Which of the following is the best description of Fundamental Rights?

a) All the rights an individual should have.

b) All the rights given to citizens by law.

c) The rights given and protected by the Constitution.

d) The rights given by the Constitution that cannot ever be restricted.

ANSWER:

c) The rights given and protected by the Constitution.

Q3.Read the following situations. Which Fundamental Right is being used or violated in each case and how?

a) Overweight male cabin crew are allowed to get promotion in the national airlines but their women colleagues who gain weight are penalised.

b) A director makes a documentary film that criticises the policies of the government.

c) People displaced by a big dam take out a rally demanding rehabilitation.

B)dhra society runs Telugu medium schools outside Andhra Pradesh.

ANSWER:

a) The Right being violated is the Right to equality of opportunity in employment.

b) The Right being used is the Freedom of speech and expression.

c) The Right being used is the Freedom of expression and Freedom to assemble peacefully.

d) The Right being used is the Cultural right to represent and protect one’s own language and culture.

Q4.Which of the following is a correct interpretation of the Cultural and Educational Rights?

a) Only children belonging to the minority group that has opened educational institution can study there.

b) Government schools must ensure that children of the minority group will be introduced to their belief and culture.

c) Linguistic and religious minorities can open schools for their children and keep it reserved for them.

d) Linguistic and religious minorities can demand that their children must not study in any educational institution except those managed by their own community.

ANSWER:

b) Government schools must ensure that children of the minority group will be introduced to their belief and culture.

Q5.Which of the following is a violation of Fundamental Rights and why?

a) Not paying minimum wages

b) Banning of a book

c) Banning of loudspeakers after 9 pm.

d) Making a speech

ANSWER:

a) Not paying minimum wages is a violation of fundamental right as it is a form of exploitation.

b) Banning of a book is against freedom of expression of the citizens.

Q6.An activist working among the poor says that the poor don’t need Fundamental Rights. What they need are Directive Principles to be made legally binding. Do you agree with this? Give your reasons.

ANSWER:

Any answer supported with argument or explanation would solve the purpose. It is strongly recommended that you prepare the solution on your own. However, one sample solution has been provided for your reference:

• No, I do not agree with this statement. Fundamental Rights cannot be denied to any section of the society and this is applicable to the poorer sections as well. While implementation of directive principles is required for improving the condition of the poor, fundamental rights are universal as they ensure dignity to every citizen and form the basis for equality among people.
• Certain rights like right to constitutional remedy are important to secure protection for the poorest and weakest sections of the society from the arbitrary action of the state.
• Enforcement of directive principles is important for ensuring social, economic and political justice. However, freedom of expression is still required to raise voice against any form of discrimination or injustice.

Q7.Several reports show that caste groups previously associated with scavenging are forced to continue in this job. Those in positions of authority refuse to give them any other job. Their children are discouraged from pursuing education. Which of their Fundamental Rights are being violated in this instance?

ANSWER:

• Fundamental right against exploitation, such as prohibition of forced labour, is violated in this situation by forcing certain castes to continue in the same job that is associated with their caste.

• Right to practice any profession is violated as they are refused any other jobs by the authorities.
• Prohibition of employment of children in hazardous jobs is also violated in this instance.

Q8.A petition by a human rights group drew attention of the court to the condition of starvation and hunger in the country. Over five crore tonnes of food grains was stored in the godowns of the Food Corporation of India. Research shows that a large number of ration cardholders do not know about the quantity of food grains they can purchase from fair price shops. It requested the court to order the government to improve its public distribution system.

a. Which different rights does this case involve? How are these rights interlinked?

b. Should these rights form part of the right to life?

ANSWER:

a.

• The case involves the use of Right to speech and expression and constitutional remedy. These rights were used by the human rights group to inform the court about the prevailing condition of hunger and starvation, thus requesting the court to order the government to improve public distribution system.
• The right to life of people is also invoked to address hunger and starvation.
• These rights are interlinked as freedom of speech provides the basis for constitutional remedies.

b. Yes, these rights should form part of the right to life as they are necessary for the sustenance of people.

Q9.Read the statement by Somnath Lahiri in the Constitutent Assembly quoted in this chapter. Do you agree with him? If yes, give instances to prove it. If not, give arguments against his position.

ANSWER:

Any answer supported with argument or explanation would solve the purpose. It is strongly recommended that you prepare the solution on your own. However, one sample solution has been provided for your reference:

Yes. Somnath Lahiri said that minimum rights have been conceded and are almost invariably followed by a proviso and have been framed from the point of view of police constable. This is visible in certain provisions that are invoked to place restrictions on fundamental rights.

• The provision of preventive detention contradicts the right to life and personal liberty and has often been misused by the government.
• There are several rights under right to freedom that are restricted by the government in various ways. For example, the provision of restriction over assembly of five or more people in certain areas can be misused by the administration.

Q10.Which of the Fundamental Rights is in your opinion the most important right? Summarise its provisions and give arguments to show why it is most important.

ANSWER:

The right to constitutional remedies is the most important right. The provisions of this right include the right to move the courts for issuance of writs. The Supreme Court and High Courts can issue directives to the government for the implementation of rights. The special orders issued by courts for enforcement of rights are as follows:

• Habeas Corpus−The court can order the arrested person to be presented before it under the writ of Habeas Corpus. It can also order the release of a person arrested on unlawful grounds.
• Mandamus−This writ is issued by courts when a particular official does not perform the assigned legal duty and violates upon the rights of the individual.
• Prohibition−This writ is issued by a higher court when a case is beyond the jurisdiction of lower court.
• Quo Warranto−This writ is issued by the court when it finds an individual holding the office, which is not entitled to him.
• Certiorari−The court orders the transfer of a pending matter from a lower court or another authority to the higher court.

The Right to Constitutional Remedies provides a legal solution within the framework of the constitution, to the violation of fundamental rights and provides a check on state power. This is the most important right as it safeguards the other fundamental rights. It ensures the realisation of other rights as well as providing a defence for them. According to Dr. Ambedkar, this right is the ‘Heart and Soul of the Constitution’.

Long Answer Type Questions:

Q1.“The Right to Freedom is a cluster of several rights”. Explain.
Answer:
The Right to Freedom guarantees various freedoms to the citizens of India:

• Freedom of Speech and Expression:Every citizen of India enjoys the Right to Freedom of Speech and Expression of his views/ideas freely either orally or in written form.
• Freedom to form Unions and Associations:Citizens of India enjoy the freedom to form unions or associations to safeguard the interests to secure justice and equal opportunities.
• Freedom to Assemble Peacefully: Citizens of India can assemble at a place peacefully without arms to interact with each other.
• Freedom to reside in any part of India: Indian citizen may reside in any part of India which may be limited only for the sake of public order.
• Freedom to move freely within the territory of India: Citizens of India are free to move freely within the territory of India subject to the restrictions imposed in the interest of  public order or to safeguard the interest of ST’s.
• Freedom to Practice any Profession or Occupation: Every citizen has the freedom to choose one’s profession as per choice as well as enjoy the right to change the profession  according to will and circumstances.

Q2.What are the provisions of the Right to Equality?
Answer:
‘Right to Equality’ refers that all citizens of India are equal before law, not to be discriminated on the grounds of caste, colour, religion, language, race, sex or place of birth, etc.
Right to Equality has been included under Articles 14 to 18 of Indian Constitution:

•  Article 14: Guarantees equality before law and equal protection of law to persons living within territory of India without any discrimination on the ground of caste, colour, race, religion, language, sex, etc.
• Article 15: Guarantees social equalities, i.e. no discrimination on any ground as well as equal access of each and every person to the public places and facilities. And state cannot be prevented from making any special provision for women and children.
• Article 16: Guarantees equal opportunities for all citizens in the matters of employment or appointment to any office under the state without any discrimination means employment and appointments should be on the basis of merit.
• Article 17: Abolishes untouchability and its practices in any of the form are also forbidden.
• Article 18: Abolishes titles except the degrees and titles concerned with military and education. Even foreigners who are serving in India are not entitled to receive any title from foreign government without the consent of the President of India.

Q3.Mention the Fundamental Duties of a Citizen in Constitution of India.
Answer:
By the 42nd Amendment in 1976, ten Fundamental Duties of Citizens of India were incorporated under Article 51A of the Constitution of India:

• To abide by the Constitution and respect its ideals and institutions, national flag, and national anthem.
• To cherish and follow the noble ideals which inspired our national struggle for freedom.
• To uphold and protect sovereignty, unity and integrity of India.
• To defend the country and render national services whenever required.
• To promote harmony and the spirit of common brotherhood amongst all the people of India and to renounce those practices which seem to be indignified towards women.
• To value and preserve the rich heritage of our composite culture.
• To protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers and wildlife as well as to have compassion towards all living creatures.
• To safeguard public property.
• To develop scientific temper and the spirit of inquiry and reform.
• To strive towards excellence in all spheres of individual or collective activities to reach the nation to the higher levels of endeavours and achievements.

Q4.Throw some light on the relationship between the Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles of State Policy.
Answer:
The Fundamental Rights are guaranteed to the individuals but the Directive Principles are the instructions to the State:

• The Fundamental Rights are justiciable means in case of their violation, it can be challenged either in the High Court or Supreme Court that, oars a duty to safeguard the rights.Whereas Directive Principles of State Policy are not justiciable, these are only to remind to central and state governments about their duties.
• Fundamental Rights are directly concerned with each and every individual whereas Directive Principles of State Policy are directly concerned with the State only, where a State is expected to implement and also to achieve the goal of Welfare State.
• Fundamental Rights may be suspended during the case of emergency by the President including the Right to Constitutional Remedies also whereas Directive Principles of State Policy cannot be suspended even during these circumstances.
• Fundamental Rights concern with the overall development of an individual whereas Directive Principles of State Policy concern with society as a whole which have been mentioned in Article 38 to create a society by the State where all enjoy social and economic justice.

Q5.What is the importance of the Right to Constitutional Remedies? Explain.
Answer:
‘Right to Constitutional Remedies’ is the ‘Heart and Soul’ of Indian Constitution to protect the rest of the Fundamental Rights of the Citizens under Article 32 and 226. This right contains various writs to be issued by the Supreme Court and High Court from time to time:
The Writ of Habeas Corpus:

• The Court orders that the arrested person should be presented before it.
• Court can order to set free an arrested person if the grounds of arrest are unlawful.

Mandamus:

• When the court finds that the particular office holder is not performing legal duty.
• Thereby, he is infringing on the right of an individual.

Prohibition:

• It is issued by a higher court to a lower court on considering a case to go beyond its jurisdiction.
• Higher court orders to stop the proceedings of certain case.

Quo Warranto:

• If the court finds that a person is holding office but is not entitled to hold that office.
• This restricts that person from acting as an office holder.

Certiorari:

• The Court orders a lower court or another authority to transfer a matter pending before it to the higher authority or court.

Short Answer Type Question:

Q1. Give two examples each to support the following conclusions about the Indian Constitution:
a. The Constitution was made by credible leaders who commanded peoples’ respect.
b. The Constitution has distributed power in such a way as to make it difficult to subvert it.
c. The Constitution is the locus of people’s hopes and aspirations.

Answer

a. The Constitution was made by credible leaders who commanded peoples’ respect.
• The members of Constituent Assembly have people from all sections and religions of society. Its members were chosen by indirect election by the members of the Provincial Legislative Assemblies that had been established under the Government of India Act, 1935.
• The constituent assembly also have members such as Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Patel, Rajendra Prasad, Ambedkar etc. which were part of national movement and also credible leaders.

b. The Constitution has distributed power in such a way as to make it difficult to subvert it.
• The Indian Constitution horizontally fragments power across different institutions like the Legislature, Executive and the Judiciary and even independent statutory bodies like the Election Commission.
• It strike the right balance between certain values, norms and procedures as authoritative, and at the same time allow enough flexibility in its operations to adapt to changing needs and circumstances as too rigid a constitution is likely to break under the weight of change whereas too flexible, will give no security, predictability or identity to a people.

c. The Constitution is the locus of people’s hopes and aspirations.• The Indian Constitution drew upon a long history of the nationalist movement that had a remarkable ability to take along different sections of Indian society together.
• The many provisions ensures institutional expression to fundamental commitments equality, liberty, democracy, sovereignty and a cosmopolitan identity.

Q2. Why is it necessary for a country to have a clear demarcation of powers and responsibilities in the constitution? What would happen in the absence of such a demarcation?

Answer

It is necessary for a country to have a clear demarcation of powers and responsibilities in the constitution because it allows different institutions to work efficiently without any confusion without any interference or overlapping of power and responsibilities.
In the absence of such demarcation there is always chances of clash regarding exercising of power between the various institutions that derive their power from the constitution and ultimately subvert it.

Q3. Why is it necessary for a constitution to place limitations on the rulers? Can there be a constitution that gives no power at all to the citizens?

Answer

It is necessary for a constitution to place place limitations on the rulers because in the absence of this the government may pass a law which violates certain specified fundamental rights that all of us possess as citizens.
No, there cannot be a constitution that gives no power at all to the citizens because any authority cannot exist without citizens.

Q4. The Japanese Constitution was made when the US occupation army was still in control of Japan after its defeat in the Second World War. The Japanese constitution could not have had any provision that the US government did not like. Do you see any problem in this way of making the constitution? In which way was the Indian experience different from this?

Answer

Yes, Japanese constitution did not represent the view of its citizens. The constitutions is forcedly imposed on them so there is no any provision which represent the goals and aspirations of the Japanese people. The constitution was made by the will of external country it compromises on the sovereignty of the country.
The Indian experience is very different from this because the constitution reflects the ideologies that were influenced by nationalist movement.  It was framed by Constituent Assembly which have members elected indirectly by the members of the Provincial Legislative Assemblies. It represents the voice of nation and have sovereign character.

Q5.  Rajat asked his teacher this question: “The constitution is a fifty year old and therefore outdated book. No one took my consent for implementing it. It is written in such tough language that I cannot understand it. Tell me why should I obey this document?” If you were the teacher, how would you answer Rajat?

Answer

The Constitution is not an outdated book as it accepts the required changes to keeps updated with requirements of the changing times. The amendment in the provision of constitution made time to time but according to rigid law so that no one can alter it for their own interest.

The language of Indian constitution is elaborative. Its vast size and also inclusion of some legal languages stands it as tough. However, it is written in too detailed manner clearing all confusion that may come.

The Indian constitution is a body fundamental principles according to which India is governed. It provides democratic form of government in India. It grants fundamental rights and privileges to all its citizens. It lay down th basic ideals of secularism, equality and fraternity. It is very necessary for smooth functioning and working of various institutions and also maintains stability. Therefore, we should obey this document.

Q6. In a discussion on the experience of the working of our Constitution, three speakers took three different positions:
a. Harbans: The Indian Constitution has succeeded in giving us a framework of democratic government.
b. Neha: The Constitution made solemn promises of ensuring liberty, equality and fraternity. Since this has not happened, the Constitution has failed.
c. Nazima: The Constitution has not failed us. We have failed the Constitution.
Do you agree with any of these positions? If yes, why? If not, what is your own position?

Answer

Yes, I agree with Nazima’s view. The constitution has effective principles for proper governance of country. However, the people who are responsible for execution and implementation of the principles have failed to do so because of their own interest. It is all about welfare of citizens and giving equal oppurtunities to all but without thinking of welfare of the nation they using it for their profit. Therefore, the constitution has not failed us but we failed the constitution.

Long Answer Type Questions :

Q1.Write the Preamble to the Indian Constitution.
Answer:
The Preamble: We, the people of India, having solemnly resolved to constitute India into a SOVEREIGN, SOCIALIST, SECULAR, DEMOCRATIC, REPUBLIC and to secure to all its citizens: justice, social, economic and political, liberty of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship.

Equality of status and of opportunity, and to promote among them all:
Fraternity assuring the dignity of the individual and the unity and integrity of the nation. In our Constituent Assembly, this twenty-sixth day of November 1949, do hereby adopt, enact and give to ourselves this Constitution.

Q2.What was ‘Objectives Resolution’? Explain.
Answer:
The best summary of the principles that the nationalist movement brought to the Constituent Assembly is the Objectives Resolution that defines the aims of the Assembly, moved by Nehru in 1946. It encapsulated the aspirations and values behind the Constitution:

• India is an independent, sovereign, republic;
• India shall be a Union of erstwhile British Indian territories, Indian States and other parts outside British India and Indian States as are willing to be a part of the Union.
• Territories forming the Union shall be autonomous units and exercise all powers and functions of the Government and administration, except those assigned to or vested in the Union;
• All people of India shall be guaranteed and secured social, economic and political justice. Equality of status and opportunities and equality before law and fundamental- freedom of speech, expression, belief, faith, worship, association and action-subject to law and public morality.
• The minorities, backward and tribal areas, depressed and other backward classes shall be provided adequate safeguards.
• The land would make full and willing contribution to the promotion of world peace and welfare of mankind;
• All powers and authority of sovereign and independent India and its constitution shall flow from the people;
• The territorial integrity of the Republic and its sovereign rights on land, sea and air shall be maintained according to justice and law of civilized nations

Q3.What are the unique features of Indian Constitution?
Answer:
The unique features of Indian Constitution are as follows:

• Indian Constitution is written set of rules and regulations and it is the lengthiest Constitution in the world containing 395 articles, 12 schedules and a book of more than 250 pages.
• Indian Constitution has provided to Indian citizens fundamental rights and to establish a welfare state, directive principles of state policy have also been generated.
• By the 42nd Amendment in 1976, some (ten) fundamental duties have also been added up in the Constitution.
• Indian Constitution is federal in structure but unitary in spirit.
• The Indian Constitution is a blend of flexibility and rigidity, i.e. some of the Articles in Constitution can be amended by simple-majority but some require 2/3 majority of the parliament and voting in each house as well as to be ratified by at least half of the state legislatures.

Q4.Mention the sources of the Indian Constitution along with the feature taken from these sources.
Answer:
The Government of India Act, 1935:
About two-thirds of the Indian Constitution is derived from the Government of India Act, 1935

• Provincial autonomy
• Parliamentary system
• Federal count
• Federal system

British Constitution:

• Parliamentary form of government
• The idea of the rule of law
• Institution of the speaker and his role
• Law-making procedure
• Single citizenship
• Single integrated judiciary

United States Constitution:

• Charter of Fundamental Rights
• Power of judicial review and independence of the judiciary
• Preamble to Constitution

Irish Constitution:

• Provided for the guidelines to the state
• Included directive principles of state policy

French Constitution:

• Principles of liberty
• Principles of equality and fraternity

Canadian Constitution:

• A quasi-federal form of government (a federal system with a strong central government).
• The idea of residual powers.

German Constitution:

• Emergency provisions
• Indian President’s powers to impose external or internal emergencies.

Q1. What do you understand by the term development? Would all sections of society benefit from such a definition of development?

Answer

Development conveys the ideas of improvement, progress, well-being and an aspiration for a better
life. Through its notion of development a society articulates what constitutes its vision for the society as a whole and how best to achieve it. This definition of development would benefit all the sections of society as it shows the basic need which is the food, shelter, education, clothes etc.

However, development has become the subject of considerable controversy today. It has unfortunately often come to be identified with achieving pre-set targets, or completing projects like dams, or factories, hospitals, rather than with realising the broader vision of development which the society upholds. In the process some sections of society may have benefited while others may have had to suffer loss of their homes, or lands, or way of life, without any compensatory gains.

Q2. Discuss some of the social and ecological costs of the kind of development which has been pursued in most countries.

Answer

Social Costs of Development

• A large number of people have been displaced from their homes and localities due to the construction of big dams, industrial activities and mining activities, or other projects.

• Displacement causes loss of livelihood and increased impoverishment along with destruction of local culture and community life.

• Displacement of rural agricultural communities has resulted in increased number of urban and rural poor and has brought them into the category of marginalised people.

• It is responsible for many struggles and social disorganisation.

Ecological Costs of Development
• The model of development we are pursuing is heavily dependent on the increasing use of energy which is currently generated in the world is from non-renewable sources like coal or petroleum.
• The ice in the Arctic and Antarctic is melting because of increased emission of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere and this has the potential to cause floods and actually submerge low lying areas like Bangladesh and the Maldives.s
• Air pollution is already a problem which does not discriminate between the rich and the poor.
• Loss of forests affects the poor who use forest resources for a variety of subsistence needs like firewood, medicinal herbs or food.
• Drying up of rivers and ponds and falling ground water levels means that women have to walk longer in order to procure water.
• Large tracts of the Amazon rainforests are being deforested in order to provide for the increased consumer needs.

Q3.What are some of the new claims for rights which the process of development has generated?
Answer

• The protection of people affected by development from the state and the society as a whole.

• The right of people to be consulted about decisions that affect their lives.

•The right to livelihood of people when their regular livelihood activities are threatened by developmental activities.

• Rights of communities, particularly tribal and aboriginal, to the use of natural resources.

• Rights of future generations to the resources that are common to the entire humanity.

Q4. What would be the advantages of democracy over other forms of government for ensuring that decisions regarding development are made to promote the common good?
Answer
• In a democracy conflicts over resources, or different visions of the good life, are resolved through debate and a respect for the rights of all. These cannot be imposed from the higher authorities.
• Democracy ensure participation of local decision-making bodies to take decisions about development projects in the local
• The people have to be consulted on issues which most affect them and it should be possible to reject projects which can adversely affect the community.
• A decentralised approach to development makes it possible to use various kinds of technologies traditional and modern in a creative manner.
Q5. In your view how successful have popular struggles been in making the state responsive to the social and environmental costs of development? Discuss with examples.
Answer
The popular struggles such as Narmada Bachao Aandolan and Chipko Movement tired to make state responsive in their own way.
• Narmada Bachao Aandolan is a social movement against a number of large dams being built across the Narmada River. It first started as a protest for not providing proper rehabilitation and resettlement for the people who have been displaced by the construction of Sardar Sarovar Dam. Later on, the movement turned its focus on the preservation of the environment and the eco-systems of the valley. A large forest was submerged during the construction and many people were displaced. This social movement has been partially successful in reducing the height of Sardar Sarovar Dam.
• Chipko Movement main objective was to protect the trees on the Himalayan slopes from the axes of contractors of the forest. This movement against deforestation was successful in Uttrakhand. The people hugged the trees and stopped the contractors from cutting them down. This ecological movement also secured the livelihood of the local people who are depended on these forests.

Short Answer Type Question:

Q1. Do you think that a change towards a peaceful world, needs a change in the way people think? Can mind promote peace and is it enough to focus only on the human mind?

Answer

Peace is the central theme of all religion. We think from our minds and this is the place where all conflicts arises. So if people can think from different irrespective then we can take step towards a peaceful world. However, the mind by itself is not enough to promote peace because you cannot control the outside harmful elements of the society Thus, the creation of a peaceful society requires the elimination of these harmful elements.

Q2. A State must protect the lives and rights of its citizens. However, at times its own actions are a source of violence against some of its citizens. Comment with the help of some examples.

Answer

Each state sees itself as an independent and supreme entity, it tends to protect its own perceived self-interest. The state is expected to use its force, its army or its police, to protect its citizens, in practice these forces could be deployed against its own members to suppress dissent. This is most clearly evident in authoritarian regimes and military dictatorships.
•  In America, until 1865, slavery existed. In Germany, during Hitler’s regime genocide was commited.  In South Africa, policy of racial discrimination was followed until 1992.• In certain countries the policy of racial discrimination is followed even today. • Immigrants from Asia, Latin America and Africa are not treated well in western countries. • In Myanmar, under the military regime, many democratic leaders and citizens were  put in jail. Aung San Suu Kyi, the leading opposition leader was kept under House arrest from 1989 to 1995.

Q3. Peace can be best realised when there is freedom, equality and justice. Do you agree?
Answer: Peace can be best realised when there is freedom, equality and justice. Freedom allows people to express themselves freely on the other hand equality and justice help in removing the grounds for conflict. Through equality, we can ensure get equal treatment and reduce the chance of negative thinking. Justice ensures the prevention of oppression of individuals and groups based on class, gender, etc.

• In a democracy, where freedom, justice and equality is the right of every individual, we see people are more peaceful as compared to Iraq, Iran and North Korea. These ideals help in building a society that cooperate with others.

Q4. Use of violence does not achieve just ends in the long run. What do you think about this statement?

Answer

Use of violence does not achieve just ends in the long run as it tends to spin out of control, leaving behind a trail of death and destruction. Violence involved in forcefully removing oppressors, liberation struggle and self-defence is often justified. However, the removal of oppressors by the oppressed class through violent struggle leads to another cycle of violence fuelled by a feeling for revenge.
It is for this reason that pacifists, who considerpeace to be a supreme value, take a moral stand against the use of violence even for attaining just ends. They too recognise the need to fight oppression but they advocate the mobilisation of love and truth to win the hearts and minds of the oppressors.

Q5. Differentiate between the major approaches, discussed in the chapter, to the establishment of peace in the world.

Answer

The major approaches that are discuss in the chapter to the establishment of peace in the world are:

• The First Approach: It is related centrally to states which favours sovereignty and deals with fair competition between the states. Its chief concern is with the proper management of this competition and with the containment of possible conflict.

• The Second Approach: It put emphasis on increasing social and economic cooperation among nations. The economic integration and interdependence that leads to political unification.

• The Third Approach: It considers state as passing phase of human history. It cisualises the state as a transitory system and the emergence of a global community surpassing the state system to maintain world peace. The process of globalisation has accelerated the process by reducing the influence of state and diluting the concept of sovereignty.

Long Answer Type Questions :

Q1.List the names of few Nobel Peace Prize winners and write a note on any one of them.
Answer:

• Mrs. Aung Saan Suu Kuyi (Myanmar)-1991
• Miss Riyoberta Manchu (Guatemala)-1992
• Nelson Mandela and F.W.D. Clark (South Africa)-1993
• Yasser Arafal (PLO) and Yitzhok Robin (Israel)-1994
• Joseph Rotblat anti-nuclear campaigner (UK) and the Purgwash Conference on Science and World Affairs which he chairs-1995
• Jose Romos Horta and Bishop Carlos Felipe (East Timor)-1996
• Jody Williams (USA)-International Campaign to Ban Landmines and Its Coordinator-1997.
• John Home and David Trimble (Northern Ireland)-1998
• Medicine Sans Frantiers (Doctors without Borders)-1999
• Kim Dae Jung (South Korea)-2000
• Kofi Annan (UN Secretary-General)-2001

Aung Saan Suu Kuyi:

• Inspired much from the thoughts of Mahatma Gandhi.
• Remained under house arrest in Myanmar for restoration of democracy and the freedom of her people.
• She says “for me, real freedom is freedom from fear to live a dignified human life”. id) Her words suggest not to be afraid of the opinions of others or of the attitude of authority, or of the reactions of the members of out community.
  Her book of essays also bears the title “Freedom from Fear”.

Q2.Mention different types of structural violence?
Answer:
Caste as a cause of structural violence:

• In India, traditional caste system has been existed.
• This system considers the lower caste people as ‘untouchables’.
• This ‘untouchability’ resulted in social exclusion and deprivation of the worst sort. id) Though a social order based on class appears to be more flexible, still it generates a great deal of inequality and oppression.

Class-based structural violence capitalist vs. Labour class:

• A sizeable unclass exists even in the developed countries.
• In the developing countries, the majority of labour classes faces the conditions of wages underpaid and ill-conditions of working.

Based on ill-treatment with women:

• To treat women with discrimination.
• Its examples are abortion of female foeticides, inadequate nourishment to women, child marriage, education to girl-child, wife battering, etc.
• The low sex-ratio in India (933 females per 1000 males).

Political based structure violence:

• Though imperialism and colonialism has been a rare phenomenon.
• Still Palestinian struggle against Israeli domination shows not be rooted out this phenomenon.
• Even European Imperialist countries also have to recover completely from manifold exploitation during colonial era.

Racism and communalism based structure violence:

• It involve stigmatization and oppression of entire racial group.
• It has been used to justify insidious practices like Negro slavery in USA, slaughter of Jews during Nazism and Apartheid policy in South Africa.
• Racial discrimination is still in practice in the west and directed against immigrants from countries in Asia, Africa and Latin America.
• Communalism may be seen in South Asian counterpart of racism where the victims tend to be minority religious groups.

Q3.How India has implemented Human Rights?
Answer:

• India has granted and guaranteed all the human rights to its citizens which soever have been included in the UN declaration of human rights.
• India is the largest democracy in the world to grant fundamental rights to its citizens constitutionally as well as opposed the violation of human rights by any country to raise voice against it.
• India has established National Humans Rights Commission at the central level and state Human Rights Commissions at the state level to look into the complaints and to take their own initiatives to stop violation of human rights.
• As far as, human rights are concerned, various laws have been passed by the government of India to point out the case of torture by police, state managed encounters, and custodial death in violation of human rights.

Q4.What is the role of the UNO in maintaining world peace?
Answer:
The UNO has adopted various methods for the realisation of its objectives:

• To unite the nations in maintaining international peace and security.
• To ensure that armed forces will not be used except in common interest.
• To employ international machinery for the promotions of social and economic development of peoples.
• To practicise tolerance.

The UNO has played following crucial role in the maintenance of world peace:

• In 1950, North Korea attacked on South Korea, the UNO intervened and sent the armies of 16 nations to control the war and it was stopped successfully.
• In 1956, Egypt declared nationalization of Suez Canal, hence England and France attacked on Egypt through Israel. The UNO made best efforts to end this war.
• In 1965, Pakistan attacked on India and the UNO intervened to end this war with the treaty of Tashkent in 1966.
• In 1991, the Gulf war took place between the USA and other European countries against Iraq. The UNO passed a resolution to end the war.
• The UNO has made many efforts for disarmament by passing many resolutions to maintain international peace and order.

Short Answer type Question:

Q1. Which of the following do you feel are compatible with the idea of secularism? Give reasons.
(a) Absence of domination of one religious group by another.
(b) Recognition of a state religion.
(c) Equal state support to all religions.
(d) Mandatory prayers in schools.
(e) Allowing separate educational institutions for any minority community.
(f) Appointment of temple management bodies by the government.
(g) Intervention of state to ensure entry of Dalits in temples.

Answer

(a) Compatible
Secularism opposes all forms of inter-religious domination.

(b) Not Compatible
Secular state has no official religion.

(c) Compatible
In Secularism, all regions are treated similar.

(d) No Compatible
Making religious activity compulsory is not accepted in secular state.

(e) Compatible
Minority community should be given right to to maintain its cultural identity.

(f) Not Compatible
Government should not interfere or involve in any kind of religious activity.

(g) Compatible
Government should prevent discrimination and provides equal rights to every social group.

Q2. Some of the key characteristics of western and Indian model of secularism have got mixed up. Separate them and make a new table.

Western Secularism	Indian Secularism
Strict non-interference of religion and state in each other’s affairs.	State supported religious reforms allowed.
Equality between different religious groups is a key concern.	Equality between different sects of a religion is emphasised
Attention to minority rights	Less attention to community based rights
Individual and his rights at the centre	Rights of both individual and religious community protected.

Answer

Western Secularism	Indian Secularism
State supported religious reforms allowed.	Strict non-interference of religion and state in each other’s affairs.
Equality between different religious groups is a key concern.	Equality between different religious groups is a key concern.
Less attention to community based rights.	Attention to minority rights
Individual and his rights at the centre.	Rights of both individual and religious community protected.

Q3. What do you understand by secularism? Can it be equated with religious tolerance?

Answer

Secularism opposes all such forms of inter-religious domination. Secularism cannot be equated with religious tolerance as tolerance may be compatible with religious domination by one group. It promotes freedom within religions, and equality between, as well as within, religions.

Q4. Do you agree with the following statements? Give reasons for supporting or opposing any of them.
(a) Secularism does not allow us to have a religious identity.
(b) Secularism is against inequality within a religious group or between different religious groups.
(c) Secularism has a western-Christian origin. It is not suitable for India.

Answer

(a) Secularism allow us to have a religious identity. In India, people enjoy freedom of religion.A citizen can have a religious identity and can practice, preserve and develop their religion and religious institutions.

(b) The Indian government tries to maintain equality within religious groups to prevent discrimination and eradicate practices that are derogatory to human dignity.

(c) India has diverse culture, ethnicity and religion. Therefore, it is necessary to ensure equal treatment to all groups both within and between different religions to maintain harmony and integrate the country.

Q5. Indian secularism focuses on more than the religion-state separation. Explain.

Answer

Indian secularism does not only focus on the religion-state separation but it is also concerned with peace, religious freedom, freedom from religiously grounded oppression, discrimination and exclusion, as also inter-religious and intra-religious equality. To promote these ends the state must be separated from organised religion and its institutions for the sake of some of these values. Indian secularism allows every religion to flourish and develop. The Indian state allows the promotion of all religions and treats each of them equally. The state does not interfere in religious matters but it checks the influence of religion in public life.

Q6. Explain the concept of principled distance.

Answer

Principle distance means a secular state should not interfere in any religion actively to promote peace between communities and it may also intervene to protect the rights of specific communities. The state gives equal preference to every religion and respects them all equally.However, the state may interfere if religious groups try to exercise their power on the political and social life of the people. This balanced distance of state from any religion is the concept of principled distance.

Long Answer Type Questions :

Q1.What are the elements to make India a secular state and suggestions to strengthen secularism in India?
Answer:
A secular state:

• Consider religion and belief as a personal matter of individual.
• Civil administration is free from domination of religious parties and organisations.
• Laws made by elected representatives are enforced only.
• Political system should not be theocratic.
• No discrimination should be made in job opportunity and recognition of status.
• Fraternity should be recognised.

Elements to make India a secular state:

• State has no religion at its own.
• State is neutral and impartial in matters of religion.
• Every citizen has a right to adopt or profess any religion and to practicise in one’s own way.
• No one can be discriminated on the ground of religion.
• Minorities have been guaranteed the right to establish and run their educational institutions for protection of their language, script and culture.
• state cannot compel an individual to embrace or renounce any religion.

Suggestions to strengthen secularism:

• Religion should be kept separate from state politics.
• The political parties based upon religion or encourage communalism should be banned.
• If any candidate or political party campaigns on the ground of religions sentiments, should be punished or banned forever.
• Education should be imparted to students from the very first stage to embrace the principles of secularism along with scientific and national thinking.

Q2.Mention the constitutional provisions in India to promote secularism.
Answer:

• The preamble to the constitution speaks of the liberty in important matters like faith, worship and belief.
• Article 14 states not to deny equality before law within the territory of India.
• Article 15 states not to discrimination any citizen on the grounds of caste, colour, race, religion, etc. and not to deny access to public places also.
• Article 16 states not to discriminate among individuals on any ground in matters of public employment or to deny admission in educational institutions.
• Article 17 declares untouchability a punishable offence under law.
• Article 25 provides right to adopt, practices, profess and propogate any religion of one’s choice.
• Article 26 provides to have rights to establish and maintain institutions for religions and charitable purposes, to mange its own affairs of religion, to own and acquire movable and immovable property and to administer it as well.
• Article 27 states that no person shall be compelled to pay taxes to proceed the payment of expenses for promotion and maintenance of particular religions denomination.
• Article 28 states that no religions instructions shall be provided in any educational institution wholly maintained by the state.
• Article 29 provides that the state shall not impose upon it any culture other than community’s own culture.

Short Answer type Question:

Q1. How is a nation different from other forms of collective belonging?
Answer

• A nation is not any casual collection of people. At the same time it is also different from other groups or communities found in human society.

• Nation is different from the family which is based on face-to-face relationships with each member having direct personal knowledge of the identity and character of others.

• Nation is also different from tribes and clans and other kinship groups in which ties of marriage and
descent link members to each other so that even if we do not personally know all the members we can, if need be, trace the links that bind them to us.

• In nation we may never come face to face with most of our fellow nationals nor need we share ties of descent with them but nations exist, are lived in and valued by their members.

Q2. What do you understand by the right to national self-determination? How has this idea resulted in both formation of and challenges to nation-states?

Answer

Right to national self-determination means nations seek the right to govern themselves and determine their future development. In making this claim a nation seeks recognition and acceptance by the international community of its status as a distinct political entity or state.

Most often these claims come from people who have lived together on a given land for a long period of time and who have a sense of common identity. In some cases such claims to self-determination are linked also to the desire to form a state in which the culture of the group is protected if not privileged.

In the world today, more and more people are beginning to realise that the solution does not lie in creating new states but in making existing states more democratic and equal. That is, in ensuring that people with different cultural and ethnic identities live and co-exist as partners and equal citizens within the country. This may be essential not only for resolving problems arising from new claims for self-determination but also for building a strong and united state.

Q3. “We have seen that nationalism can unite people as well as divide them, liberate them as well as generate bitterness and conflict”. Illustrate your answer with examples.

Answer

Nationalism as unifying factor:

• In the 19th century Europe, the spirit of Nationalism led to the unification of a number of small kingdoms into larger nation states.

• The present day German and Italian states were formed through such a process of unification and consolidation.

Nationalism as dividing factor:

• Nationalism is also responsible for the breakup of big empires such as Austro-Hungarian and Russian empires in the early 20th century.

• Nationalism was also mainly responsible for the break up of the British, French, Dutch and Portuguese empires in Asia and Africa.

Q4. Neither descent, nor language, nor religion or ethnicity can claim to be a common factor in nationalisms all over the world. Comment.

Answer
descent, nor language, nor religion or ethnicity can claim to be a common factor in nationalisms all over the world. It is not possible to find purity of race in a single nationality. There is in fact no common set of characteristics which is present in all nations. Many nations do not have a common language. For example, Canada that includes English speaking as well as French speaking peoples. India also has a large number of languages which are spoken in different regions and by different communities. Nor do many nations have a common religion to unite them. The same could be said of other characteristics such as race or descent.
Q5. Illustrate with suitable examples the factors that lead to the emergence of nationalist feelings.
Answer
• Shared Beliefs: It is to refer to the collective identity and vision for the future of a group which aspires to have an independent political existence. A nation exists when its members believe that they belong together.

• History: People who see themselves as a nation also embody a sense of continuing historical identity. They articulate for themselves a sense of their own history by drawing on collective memories, legends, historical records, to outline the continuing identity of the nation.
• Territory: Sharing a common past and living together on a particular territory over a long period of time gives people a sense of their collective identity. It helps them to imagine themselves as one people.
• Shared Political Ideals: A shared vision of the future and the collective aspiration to have an independent political existence that distinguishes groups from nations. Members of a nation share a vision of the kind of state they want to build. They affirm among other things a set of values and principles such as democracy, secularism and liberalism.

Long Answer Type Questions :

Q1.What is nationalism? Mention its merits and demerits also.
Answer:
Nationalism is a desire for having separate region for free and independent development of one’s culture, race, language, etc.
Merits of Nationalism:

• Nationalism makes an individual to feel that the nation is above all and raises the standard of thinking and behaving of individuals about nation.
• Nationalism asserts independent living and thinking among the citizens of country.
• Nationalism creates a sense to make country free from colonial rule or from those who rule over the nation from outside (foreigners, etc.)
• Nationalism gives an opportunity to each nation for development of its culture and develop a sense of pride towards the culture and heritage of a nation.
• Nationalism makes a country self-sufficient to meet the basic necessities of a nation during a crisis.
• Nationalism creates healthy rivals at international level to get better standard of living, social life, etc.

Demerits of nationalism:

• Nationalism has resulted in the World War I and II due to greed of people to expand their own nationalism beyond territories.
• In nationalism, each fact is exaggerated, i.e. national achievements are given wide publicity to pose a major problem.
• Nationalism misuses the authority which creates a larger gap between the rich and the poor by making the rich richer and the poor poorer.
• Nationalism can be used against slave countries by capitalist countries.

Short Answer Type Question:

Q1. Citizenship as full and equal membership of a political community involves both rights and obligations. Which rights could citizens expect to enjoy in most democratic state today? What kind of obligation will they have to their state and fellow citizens?
Answer
The rights that citizens are expected to enjoy in most democratic state today are some political
rights like the right to vote, civil rights like the freedom of speech or belief, and some socio-economic rights which could include the right to a minimum wage, or the right to education.
There are legal and moral obligations on citizens to participate in and contribute to the shared life of the community as well as the state. Citizens are also considered to be the inheritors and trustees of the culture and natural resources of the country.
Q2. All citizens may be granted equal rights but all may not be able to equally exercise them. Explain.
Answer
All citizens may be granted equal rights but all may not be able to equally exercise them because
• Differences in their economic and social position.
• Differences in their opinions, choices, interests.
• Lack of information and awareness
• Corruption in government framework

Q3. Write a short note on any two struggles for full enjoyment of citizen rights which have taken place in India in recent years. Which rights were being claimed in each case?

Answer
https://9b12eb40f35359b0072a687c8cb7a0ef.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-38/html/container.htmlNarmada Bachao Andolan is a protest against a large number of dams being contrasted near Narmada river because the dam will flood the area and people will get displaced. This brought a large number of adivasis, farmers, environmentalists, and human rights activists together.  The movement force the government to stop the work at the dam and directing the concerned states to first complete the rehabilitation and replacement process. Later, Court allowed the construction to proceed, subject to conditions. In this movement, right to shelter, food and security were being claimed.
Nirbhaya Movement is protest against the 2012 Delhi rape case which forced the people to came out on streets in several parts of the country. The movement also created a stir in social media where people changed their display picture to a black dot and tens of thousands of people signed a petition protesting the incident. Taking the movement into consideration, the government at the centre and various states announced several steps to ensure the safety of women. In this case, right to security and against sex discrimination were being claimed.

Q4. What are some of the problems faced by refugees? In what ways could the concept of global citizenship benefit them?

Answer
Some of the problems that are faced by refugees are:
• Problem of shelter
• Problem of food
• Problem of their children’s education
• Problem of employment opportunities
• They don’t have citizenship and any rights.
The concept of global citizenship would be beneficial for refugees as this make it easier to deal with problems which extend across national boundaries and which therefore need cooperative action
by the people and governments of many states. It ensures refugees basic rights and protection regardless of the country in which they may be living.

Q5. Migration of people to different regions within the country is often resisted by the local inhabitants. What are some of the contributions that the migrants could make to the local economy?
Answer
Some of the contributions that the migrants could make to the local economy are:
• They increase the labour force of the country which decrease the labour cost.
• They bring new techniques and technology which is helpful in doing work faster and effectively.
• They pay taxes in which they are living.

Long Answer Type Questions :

Q1.How can we classify rights?
Answer:
Rights can be classified into the following two types:
(a) Moral rights are our moral senses which cannot be demanded or cannot be forced. Even if moral rights are violated, no legal action can be taken, i.e. to make children educated to look after parents, etc.
(b) Legal rights are recognized by the state which are enforceable and can be classified as:

• Civil rights help to lead a secured social life, i.e. right to life and education.
• Political rights are given to the citizens by the state, i.e. right to contest election, right to vote, right to hold any public office, etc.
• Economic rights include right to work, to rest, to housing, to buy own property in any part of country and to possess any job or profession in the country.

Q2.Explain some political rights of the citizens.
Answer:
Political rights are given to the citizens to participate in the affairs of the state:

• Right to vote is the most important political right to participate in the formation of government without any discrimination, i.e. every citizen in the age of 18 years and above enjoys the right to vote.
• Every voter enjoys the right to contest elections, i.e. right to be elected as a representatives on the attainment of 25 years of age.
• All the citizens are eligible to hold public offices equally, i.e. on one can be discriminated on the ground of colour, language, religion, caste, etc.
• Every citizen enjoys the right to address petitions of complaints to the competent authorities, i.e. people’s grievance can be redressed by the government.
• Citizens can enjoy the right to form political parties also at their own.
• The citizens are provided the right to equality before law, i.e. equal opportunities are available to one and all without any discrimination on any ground.

Q3.Explain some civil rights of its citizens.
Answer:
Civil rights are as follows:

• The life of an individual is considered the property of state also as its human resource. Hence, it protects the life of individual also by providing the right to life. To commit suicide or to murder has been declared punishable offence.
• The citizens are allowed to enjoy the right to personal liberty. Hence, no individual can be arrested arbitrarily and cannot be deprived of his life, liberty and property without a breach of law established in an ordinary court of law.
• The citizens enjoy the right to equality in all spheres in a democratic state, i.e. all individuals should enjoy equal opportunities and nobody should be discriminated on any ground.
• Every individual enjoys the right to move freely in any part of country and to reside also in any part of the territory. No one can be compelled to leave one place without one’s own will.
• Every citizen in a state exercises the right to freedom of thought and expression, i.e. writing, speaking, free expression of opinion and even to criticise the governmental policies, etc.
• The citizens are provided with the freedom to form social, economic, political and cultural association. The state cannot interfere in the functioning of these associations, i.e. trade unions, commercial associations, etc.

Short Answer Type Question:

Q1. What are rights and why are they important? What are the bases on which claims to rights can be made?
Answer
Rights are those claims which are necessary for leading a life of respect and dignity. It is important because:
• It helps individuals to develop their talents and skills.
• It helps to develop one’s capacity to reason.
• It gives individuals useful skills and enables us to make informed choices in life.
The bases on which claims to rights can be made are
• They represent conditions that we collectively see as a source of self-respect and dignity
• They are necessary for our well-being.

Q2. On what grounds are some rights considered to be universal in nature? Identify three rights which you consider universal. Give reasons.

Answer

Some rights are considered to be universal in nature because they are important for all human beings
who live in society. Three universal rights are:
• Right to a livelihood is necessary for leading a life of respect and dignity.
• Right to education is universal because it helps to develop our capacity to reason, gives us useful
skills and enables us to make informed choices in life
• Freedom of expression is important as it allows for the free expression of beliefs and opinions.

Q3. Discuss briefly some of the new rights claims which are being put forward in our country today — for example the rights of tribal peoples to protect their habitat and way of life, or the rights of children against bonded labour.

Answer

Some of the new rights claims which are being put forward in our country today are: The rights for tribal people: These people are dependent on forest and land for their livelihood since ancient times. They want no interference in their habitat and way of life which is going on in the name of modernisation. According to them their demands justified and essential for leading secure and respectful life.
• The rights of children against bonded labour: Childrens are future of the country so they must be free from any kind of exploitation or bonded labour.
• The right to education: Every child must have right to receive the basic education as it helps in the development of their potential.

Q4. Differentiate between political, economic and cultural rights. Give examples of each kind of right.

Answer

• Political rights give to the citizens the right to equality before law and the right to participate in the political process. For example: right to vote and elect representatives, the right to contest elections, the right to form political parties or join them.

• Economic rights give the citizens the right to their basic needs of food, shelter, clothes etc. For example: right to minimum wage.

• Culture rights give the citizens right to preserve their culture and its dignity. For Example: right
to establish institutions for teaching one’s language and culture.

Q5. Rights place some limits on the authority of the state. Explain with examples.

Answer

Rights place some limits on the authority of the state as it suggests what the state must refrain from doing. It places certain obligations upon the state to act in a certain way. For example if right suggests that the state can not simply arrest an individual at its own will. If it wishes to put an individual behind bars it must defend that action. It must give reasons for curtailing that individual liberty before a judicial court. This is why the police are required to produce an arrest warrant before taking any person away. Thus, rights  place certain constraints upon state actions.

Long Answer Type Questions :

Q1.How can we classify rights?
Answer:
Rights can be classified into the following two types:
(a) Moral rights are our moral senses which cannot be demanded or cannot be forced. Even if moral rights are violated, no legal action can be taken, i.e. to make children educated to look after parents, etc.
(b) Legal rights are recognized by the state which are enforceable and can be classified as:

• Civil rights help to lead a secured social life, i.e. right to life and education.
• Political rights are given to the citizens by the state, i.e. right to contest election, right to vote, right to hold any public office, etc.
• Economic rights include right to work, to rest, to housing, to buy own property in any part of country and to possess any job or profession in the country.

Q2.Explain some political rights of the citizens.
Answer:
Political rights are given to the citizens to participate in the affairs of the state:

• Right to vote is the most important political right to participate in the formation of government without any discrimination, i.e. every citizen in the age of 18 years and above enjoys the right to vote.
• Every voter enjoys the right to contest elections, i.e. right to be elected as a representatives on the attainment of 25 years of age.
• All the citizens are eligible to hold public offices equally, i.e. on one can be discriminated on the ground of colour, language, religion, caste, etc.
• Every citizen enjoys the right to address petitions of complaints to the competent authorities, i.e. people’s grievance can be redressed by the government.
• Citizens can enjoy the right to form political parties also at their own.
• The citizens are provided the right to equality before law, i.e. equal opportunities are available to one and all without any discrimination on any ground.

Q3.Explain some civil rights of its citizens.
Answer:
Civil rights are as follows:

• The life of an individual is considered the property of state also as its human resource. Hence, it protects the life of individual also by providing the right to life. To commit suicide or to murder has been declared punishable offence.
• The citizens are allowed to enjoy the right to personal liberty. Hence, no individual can be arrested arbitrarily and cannot be deprived of his life, liberty and property without a breach of law established in an ordinary court of law.
• The citizens enjoy the right to equality in all spheres in a democratic state, i.e. all individuals should enjoy equal opportunities and nobody should be discriminated on any ground.
• Every individual enjoys the right to move freely in any part of country and to reside also in any part of the territory. No one can be compelled to leave one place without one’s own will.
• Every citizen in a state exercises the right to freedom of thought and expression, i.e. writing, speaking, free expression of opinion and even to criticise the governmental policies, etc.
• The citizens are provided with the freedom to form social, economic, political and cultural association. The state cannot interfere in the functioning of these associations, i.e. trade unions, commercial associations, etc.