NCERT Solutions for Class 10th: Ch 2 Long Walk to Freedom

NCERT Solutions for Class 10 will help the students in learning complex topics and problems in an easy way. Class 10 English First Flight NCERT Solutions will help students in understanding the topics in most simple manner and grasp it easily to perform better. You can study in an organized manner and set a good foundation for your future goals.

Page No: 18
Comprehension Check

1. Where did the ceremonies take place? Can you name any public buildings in India that are made of sandstone?
Answer
The ceremonies took place in the campus of the Union Building of Pretoria.The Parliament House in New Delhi, the Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi, the Supreme Court of India in New Delhi and Madras High Court in Chennai are some examples of Indian public buildings that are made of sandstone.

2. Can you say how 10 May is an ‘autumn day’ in South Africa?

Answer

10 May is an ‘autumn day’ in South Africa because on this day there was the largest gathering of international leaders on South African soil for the installation of South Africa’s first democratic, non-racial government.

Page No: 19
3. At the beginning of his speech, Mandela mentions “an extraordinary human disaster”. What does he mean by this? What is the “glorious … human achievement” he speaks of at the end?
Answer
By human disaster Mandela means to say that coloured people have suffered a lot due to discrimination in the hands of whites. He considered it as great glorious human achievement that a black person became the president of a country where the blacks are not considered as human being and are treated badly.
4. What does Mandela thank the international leaders for?
Answer
Mandela felt privileged to be the host to the nations of the world because not too long ago, the South Africans were considered outlaws. He thus thanked all the international leaders for having come to witness his investiture as President since this event could be considered as a common victory for justice, peace and human dignity.
5. What ideals does he set out for the future of South Africa?
Answer 
Mandela set out the ideals of poverty alleviation, removal of suffering of people. He also set the ideal for a society where there would be no discrimination based on gender or racial origins.

Page No: 21
Oral Comprehension Check 

1. What do the military generals do? How has their attitude changed, and why? 
Answer 
The highest military generals of the South African defence force and police saluted Mandela and pledged their loyalty.
Their attitude towards blacks had taken great change. Instead of arresting a black they saluted him.

2. Why were two national anthems sung?
Answer
On the day of the inauguration, two national anthems were sung, one by the whites, and the other by the blacks. This symbolized the equality of blacks and whites.
3. How does Mandela describe the systems of government in his country (i) in the first decade, and (ii) in the final decade, of the twentieth century?

Answer 

(i) In the first decade of the twentieth century, the white-skinned people of South Africa patched up their differences and erected a system of racial domination against the dark-skinned people of their own land, thus creating the basis of one of the harshest and most inhumane societies the world had ever known.
(ii) In the last decade of the twentieth century, the previous system had been overturned forever and replaced by one that recognized the rights and freedoms of all peoples, regardless of the colour of their skin.

4. What does courage mean to Mandela?

Answer

For Mandela courage does not mean the absence of fear but a victory over fear. According to him brave men need not be fearless but should be able to conquer fear.

5. Which does he think is natural, to love or to hate?

Answer

For Mandela, love comes more naturally to the human heart than hate.

Page No: 24

Oral Comprehension Check

1. What “twin obligations” does Mandela mention?

Answer

Mandela mentions that every man has twin obligations. The first is to his family, parents, wife and children; the second obligation is to his people, his community and his country.

2. What did being free mean to Mandela as a boy, and as a student? How does he contrast these “transitory freedoms” with “the basic and honourable freedoms”?

Answer 

Like any other kid for Mandela also the freedom meant a freedom to make merry and enjoy the blissful life. Once anybody becomes an adult then antics of childhood looks like transitory because most of the childish activity is wasteful from an adult’s perspective. Once you are adult then someday you have to earn a livelihood to bring the bacon home, then only you get an honourable existence in the family and in the society.

3. Does Mandela think the oppressor is free? Why/Why not?

Answer 

Mandela does not feel that the oppressor is free because according to him an oppressor is a prisoner of hatred, who is locked behind the bars of prejudice and narrow-mindedness. He feels that both the oppressor and the oppressed are robbed of their humanity.

Thinking about the Text 

1. Why did such a large number of international leaders attend the inauguration? What did it signify the triumph of?

Answer 

The presence of large number of international leaders was a gesture of solidarity from international community to the idea of the end of apartheid. It  signified the triumph of good over evil, the triumph of the idea of a tolerant society  without any discrimination.

2. What does Mandela mean when he says he is “simply the sum of all those African patriots” who had gone before him?

Answer 

Mandela wantsto pay his tribute to all the people who had sacrificed their lives for the sake of freedom. he feels that he is the sum of all those African patriots who had gone before him because those heroes of yesterday years had paved the path of co-operation and unity for him. Therefore, he got the support of his people to be able to come to power to bring equality for his own people.

3.Would you agree that the “depths of oppression” create “heights of character? How does Mandela illustrate this? Can you add your own examples to this argument?

Answer 

Yes, I agree that the “depths of oppression” create “heights of character”. Nelson Mandela illustrates this by giving examples of great heroes of South Africa who sacrificed their lives in the long freedom struggle. India is full of such examples. During our freedom struggle there was a galaxy of leaders of great characters. Probably the oppression of British rule created so many men of such characters. If we compare this with the quality of political leaders India is having today, then Nelson Mandela seems to be absolutely right.

4. How did Mandela’s understanding of freedom change with age and experience?

Answer

With age Nelson Mandela realised that he had a lot of responsibilities of his people, his community and his country. As a boy, Mandela did not have a hunger for freedom because he thought that he was born free. He believed that as long as he obeyed his father and abided by the customs of his tribe, he was free in every possible manner. He had certain needs as a teenager and certain needs as a young man. Gradually, he realized that he was selfish during his boyhood. He slowly understands that it is not just his freedom that is being curtailed, but the freedom of all blacks. It is after attaining this understanding that he develops a hunger for the freedom of his people.

5. How did Mandela’s ‘hunger for freedom’ change his life?

Answer 

Mandela realized in his youth that it was not just his freedom that was being curtailed, but the freedom of all blacks. The hunger for his own freedom became the hunger for the freedom of his people. This desire of a non-racial society transformed him into a virtuous and self-sacrificing man. Thus, he joined the African National Congress and this changed him from a frightened young man into a bold man.

Thinking about Language 

I. There are nouns in the text (formation, government) which are formed from the corresponding verbs (form, govern) by suffixing − (at)ion or ment. There may be change in the spelling of some verb − noun pairs: such as rebel, rebellion; constitute, constitution.

1. Make a list of such pairs of nouns and verbs in the text.

Noun	Verb
rebellion	rebel
constitution	constitute

Answer

Noun	Verb
Rebellion	Rebel
Constitution	Constitute
Formation	Form
Government	Govern
Obligation	Oblige
Transformation	Transform
Discrimination	Discriminate
Deprivation	Deprive
Demonstration	Demonstrate
Oppression	Oppress
Imagination	Imagine

2. Read the paragraph below. Fill in the blanks with the noun forms of the verbs in brackets.

Martin Luther King’s __________ (contribute) to our history as an outstanding leader began when he came to the __________ (assist) of Rosa Parks, a seamstress who refused to give up her seat on a bus to a white passenger. In those days American Blacks were confined to positions of second class citizenship by restrictive laws and customs. To break these laws would mean __________ (subjugate) and __________ (humiliate) by the police and the legal system. Beatings, __________ (imprison) and sometimes death awaited those who defied the System. Martin Lither King’s tactics of protest involved non-violent __________ (resist) to racial injustice.

Answer 

Martin Luther King’s contribution (contribute) to our history as an outstanding leader began when he came to the assistance (assist) of Rosa Parks, a seamstress who refused to give up her seat on a bus to a white passenger. In those days American Blacks were confined to positions of second class citizenship by restrictive laws and customs. To break these laws would mean subjugation (subjugate) and humiliation (humiliate) by the police and the legal system. Beatings, imprisonment (imprison) and sometimes death awaited those who defied the System. Martin Luther King’s tactics of protest involved non-violent resistance (resist) to racial injustice.

Page No: 25

II.Here are some more examples of ‘the’ used with proper names. Try to say what these sentences mean. (You may consult a dictionary if you wish. Look at the entry for ‘the’)

1. Mr Singh regularly invites the Amitabh Bachchans and the Shah Rukh Khans to his parties.
2. Many people think that Madhuri Dixit is the Madhubala of our times.
3. History is not only the story of the Alexanders, the Napoleons and the Hitlers, but of ordinary people as well.

Answer 

1. This means that Mr Singh regularly invites famous personalities such as Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan to his parties.2. This means that Madhuri Dixit is compared to a landmark in acting in the form of legendary actress Madhubala.3. This means that history is not only the story of the great fighters and leaders such as Alexander, Napoleon and Hitler, but also of ordinary people.

Page No: 26 
III.Match, the italicised phrases in Column A with the phrase nearest meaning in Column B. (Hint: First look for the sentence in the text which the phrase in column A occurs.)

	A		B
1.	I was not unmindful of the fact.	(i)	had not forgotten: was aware of the fact
		(ii)	was not careful about the fact
		(iii)	forgot or was not aware of the fact
2.	When my comrades and I were pushed to our limits	(i)	pushed by the guards to the wall
		(ii)	took more than our share of beatings
		(iii)	felt that we could not endure the suffering any longer
3.	To reassure me and keep me going	(i)	make me go on walking
		(ii)	help me continue to live in hope in this very difficult situation
		(iii)	make me remain without complaining
4.	The basic and honourable freedoms of … earning my keep…	(i)	earning enough money to live on
		(ii)	keeping what I earned
		(iii)	getting a good salary

Answer

A	B
1.	I was not unmindful of the fact	(i)	had not forgotten; was aware of the fact
2.	When my comrades and I were pushed to our limits	(iii)	felt that we could not endure the suffering any longer
3.	To reassure me and keep me going	(ii)	help me continue to live in hope in this very difficult situation
4.	The basic and honourable freedoms of … earning my keep…	(i)	earning enough money to live on

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Short Summary- Long Walk to Freedom

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NCERT Solutions for Class 10th: Ch 1 A Letter to God First Flight English

NCERT Solutions for Class 10 will help the students in learning complex topics and problems in an easy way. Class 10 English First Flight NCERT Solutions will help students in understanding the topics in most simple manner and grasp it easily to perform better. You can study in an organized manner and set a good foundation for your future goals.

Page No: 5
Oral Comprehension Check
1. What did Lencho hope for?
Answer
Lencho hoped for rains as the only thing that his field of ripe corn needed was a shower.
2. Why did Lencho say the raindrops were like ‘new coins’?

Answer

Lencho’s crops were ready for harvest. As raindrops would have helped in getting a better harvest, resulting in more prosperity, so Lencho compared them with new coins.

3. How did the rain change? What happened to Lencho’s fields?

Answer 

The rain was pouring down. But suddenly, a strong wind began to blow and very large hailstones began to fall along with the rain.
All the crop in Lencho’s fields destroyed.

4. What were Lencho’s feelings when the hail stopped?

Answer 

After hail stopped, Lencho’s soul was filled with sadness.He could see a bleak future for him and his family. Hew was worried about lack of food for the coming year.

Page No: 6

Oral Comprehension Check

1. Who or what did Lencho have faith in? What did he do?

Answer 

Lencho had faith in God.He believed that God’s eyes see everything, even what is deep in one’s conscience. He wrote a letter to God saying that he needed a hundred pesos to sow his field again.

2. Who read the letter?

Answer

Postmaster read the letter.

3. What did the postmaster do then?

Answer

The Postmaster first laughed. But then he became serious. He was deeply moved by the writer’s faith in God. He did not want to shake this faith. So he decided to collect the money and send it to Lencho.
Page No: 7
Oral Comprehension Check

1.Was Lencho surprised to find a letter for him with money in it?

Answer

No. Lencho was not at all surprised to see the letter from God with money inside it. His confidence and faith in God was such that he had expected that reply from God.

2. What made him angry?

Answer 

When he finished counting moneyhe found only seventy pesos. But he demanded hundred pesos. He was confident that God could neither make a mistake nor deny him what he had requested. Therefore, he concluded that the post office employees must have taken the remaining thirty pesos.

Thinking about the Text

1. Who does Lencho have complete faith in? Which sentences in the story tell you this?

Answer 

Lencho had complete faith in God. The sentences in the story that show this are as follows:
(i) But in the hearts of all who lived in that solitary house in the middle of the valley, there was a single hope: help from God.
(ii) All through the night, Lencho thought only of his one hope: the help of God, whose eyes, as he had been instructed, see everything, even what is deep in one’s conscience.
(iii) “God,” he wrote, “if you don’t help me, my family and I will go hungry this year.”
(iv) He wrote ‘To God’ on the envelope, put the letter inside and, still troubled, went to town.
(v) God could not have made a mistake, nor could he have denied Lencho what he had requested.
(vi) It said: “God: of the money that I asked for, only seventy pesos reached me. Send me the rest, since I need it very much.”

2. Why does the postmaster send money to Lencho? Why does he sign the letter ‘God’?

Answer

Postmaster was moved by Lencho’s complete faith in the God. So, he decided to send money to Lencho. Moreover, the postmaster did not want to shake Lencho’s faith in God. So, he signed the letter ‘God’. It was a good ploy to convey a message that God had himself written the letter.

3. Did Lencho try to find out who had sent the money to him? Why/Why not?

Answer

No, Lencho does not try to find out who had sent the money to him. This is because he had great confidence in God and never suspected that it could be someone else other than God who would send him the money. His faith in God was so strong that he believed that God had sent him the money.

4. Who does Lencho think has taken the rest of the money? What is the irony in the situation? [Remember that the irony of a situation is an unexpected aspect of it. An ironic situation is strange or amusing because it is the opposite of what is expected.]

Answer 

Lencho thinks that the post office people have taken the money. It is the post office people who send the money to Lencho. But, on the other hand, Lencho thinks they have stolen his money. He calls them crooks. Thus there is an element of irony in this situation.

Page No: 8

5.Are there people like Lencho in the real world? What kind of a person would you say he is? You may select appropriate words from the box to answer the question.

Greedy	Naïve	stupid	ungrateful
selfish	comical	unquestioning

Answer 

I don’t think there can be any such people in the real world. Lencho is literate and yet he dosen’t know how his letter will reach God without any address.
He probably would be naïve and unquestioning.

6. There are two kinds of conflict in the story: between humans and nature, and between humans themselves. How are these conflicts illustrated?

Answer

The conflict between humans and nature is shown by the destruction of Lencho’s crops by the hailstorm. As the crops failed by hail, Lencho started feeling sad and gloomy after the storm appropriately projects the conflict of the nature and the man. The Story also shown another conflict, between humans themselves. The postmaster, along with the help of the other post office employees, sent Lencho the money that they could manage to collect. They were not related to Lencho in any manner. It was an act of kindness and selflessness on their part. Even though they did a good deed, Lencho blamed them for taking away some amount of money. This shows that man does not have faith in his fellow humans, thereby giving rise to this conflict.

Thinking about the Language 

1. There are different names in different parts of the world for storms, depending on their nature. Can you match the names in the box with their descriptions below, and fill in the blanks? You may use a dictionary to help you.

gale,	whirlwind,	cyclone,
hurricane,	tornado,	typhoon

1. A violent tropical storm in which strong winds move in a circle:
__ __ c __ __ __ __
2. An extremely strong wind: __ a __ __
3. A violent tropical storm with very strong winds: __ __ p __ __ __ __
4. A violent storm whose centre is a cloud in the shape of a funnel:
__ __ __ n __ __ __
5. A violent storm with very strong winds, especially in the western Atlantic ocean: __ __ r __ __ __ __ __ __
6. A very strong wind that moves very fast in a spinning movement and causes a lot of damage: __ __ __ __ l __ __ __ __

Answer

1. Cyclone2. Gale
3. Typhoon
4. Tornado
5. Hurricane
6. Whirlwind
2. Match the sentences in Column A with the meanings of ‘hope’ in Column B.

A	B
1.	Will you get the subjects you want to study in college? I hope so.	−	a feeling that something good will probably happen
2.	I hope you don’t mind my saying this, but I don’t like the way you are arguing.	−	thinking that this would happen (It may or may not have happened).
3.	This discovery will give new hope to HIV/AIDS sufferers.	−	stopped believing that this good thing would happen
4.	We were hoping against hope that the judges would not notice our mistakes.	−	wanting something to happen (and thinking it quite possible)
5.	I called early in the hope of speaking to her before she went to school.	−	showing concern that what you say should not offend or disturb the other person: a way of being polite
6.	Just when everybody had given up hope, the fishermen came back, seven days after the cyclone.	−	wishing for something to happen, although this is very unlikely

Answer

	A		B
1.	Will you get the subjects you want to study in college? I hope so.	−	wanting something to happen (and thinking it quite possible)
2.	I hope you don’t mind my saying this, but I don’t like the way you are arguing.	−	showing concern that what you say should not offend or disturb the other person: a way of being polite
3.	This discovery will give new hope to HIV/AIDS sufferers.	−	a feeling that something good will probably happen
4.	We were hoping against hope that the judges would not notice our mistakes.	−	wishing for something to happen, although this is very unlikely
5.	I called early in the hope of speaking to her before she went to school.	−	thinking that this would happen (It may or may not have happened.)
6.	Just when everybody had given up hope, the fisherman came back, seven days after the cyclone.	−	stopped believing that this good thing would happen

Page No: 9

3. Join the sentences given below using who, whom, whose, which as suggested.
1. I often go to Mumbai. Mumbai is the commercial capital of India. (which)
2. My mother is going to host a TV show on cooking. She cooks very well. (who)
3. These sportspersons are going to meet the President. Their performance has been excellent. (whose)
4. Lencho prayed to God. His eyes see into our minds. (whose)
5. This man cheated me. I trusted him. (whom)

Answer 

1. I often go to Mumbai, which is the commercial capital of India.
2. My mother, who cooks very well, is going to host a TV show on cooking.
3. These sportspersons, whose performance has been excellent, are going to meet the President.
4. Lencho prayed to God, whose eyes see into our minds.
5. This man, whom I trusted, cheated me.

Page No: 10

4. Find sentences in the story with negative words, which express the following ideas emphatically.

1. The trees lost all their leaves.
_______________________________________________________________
2. The letter was addressed to God himself.
_______________________________________________________________
3. The postman saw this address for the first time in his career.

Answer

1. The trees lost all their leaves.
Not a leaf remained on the trees.
2. The letter was addressed to God himself.
It was nothing less than a letter to God.
3. The postman saw this address for the first time in his career.
Never in his career as a postman had he known that address.

Page No: 11

5.In pairs, find metaphors from the story to complete the table below. Try to say what qualities are being compared. One has been done for you.

Object	Metaphor	Quality or Feature Compared
Cloud	Huge mountains of clouds	The mass or ‘hugeness’ of mountains.
Raindrops
Hailstones
Locusts
		An epidemic (a disease) that spreads very rapidly and leaves many people dead.
	An ox of a man.

Answer

Object	Metaphor	Quality or Feature Compared
Cloud	Huge mountains of clouds	The mass or ‘hugeness’ of mountains
Raindrops	A curtain of rain	The draping or covering of an area by a curtain
Hailstones	The frozen pearls	The resemblance in colour and hardness of a pearl
Locusts	A plague of locusts	The consequences (destruction) of plague
Locusts	A plague of locusts	An epidemic (a disease) that spreads very rapidly and leaves many people dead
Man	An ox of a man	The working of an ox in the fields (hard work)

Important Link

Short Summary- A Letter to God English

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NCERT Solutions for Class 10 civics Chapter 8 Challenges to Democracy

NCERT Solutions for Class 10 will help the students in learning complex topics and problems in an easy way. Class 10 Social Science NCERT Solutions will help students in understanding the topics in most simple manner and grasp it easily to perform better. You can study in an organized manner and set a good foundation for your future goals.

Intext Questions

Page no. 103

Different contexts, different challenges

Each of these cartoons represents a challenge to democracy. Please describe what that challenge is. Also place it in one of the three categories mentioned in the first section.

Answer:

1. Rigging of elections – Challenge of deepening of democracy.
2. Use of muscle power in elections – Challenge of deepening of democracy.
3. Inadequate representation of women – Challenge of expansion of democracy.
4. Use of money power in elections – Challenge of deepening of democracy.

Page No. 104

Question: Write a description of the challenges for democracy in the following situations.

Answer:

Case and Context	Your description of the challenges for democracy in that situation
Mexico: Second free election after the defeat of PRI in 2000; defeated candidates alleges rigging.	To hold free and fair elections without any malpractices and influence of the reigning government.
China: The Communist party adopts economic reforms but maintains a monopoly over political power.	To hold multiparty free and fair elections.
Pakistan: General Musharraf holds referendum, allegations of fraud in the voter’s list.	To eliminate fraud malpractices during referendum and elections.
Iraq: Widespread sectarian violence as the new government fails to establish its authority.	To prevent the killings based on sects.
South Africa: Mandela retires from active politics; pressure on his successor Mbeki to withdraw some concessions given to the white minority.	To prevent the domination of majority community over the minority community.
US, Guantanamo Bay: UN Secretary General calls this a violation of international law; US refused to respond.	To prevent the domination of the world body like UNO from domination of influential, rich and powerful countries like USA
Saudi Arabia: Women were not allowed to take part in public activities, no freedom of religion for the minority.	To establish the principle of universal adult franchise and the freedom to practice ones own religion.
Yugoslavia: Ethnic tension between Serbs and Albanians on the rise in the province of Kosovo; Yugoslavia disintegrated.	To minimize social differences and social divisions in disintegrated Yugoslavia and to establish the principle of power sharing.
Belgium: One round of constitutional change taken place, but the Dutch speakers not satisfied; they want more autonomy.	To give equal political rights to both the Dutch and French speaking communities. To prevent the partition of the country on linguistic basis.
Sri Lanka: Peace talks between the government and LTTE breaks down, renewed violence.	To prevent a civil war, the brutal state supported violence on the sectarian minority community.
US, Civil Rights: Blacks have won equal rights, but they are still poor, less educated and marginalised.	To establish economic equality and provide equal opportunities of education and health facilities to all including blacks.
Northern Ireland: The civil war has ended but Catholics and Protestants yet to develop trust.	To provide equal political, religious and economic freedom to both the communities.
Nepal: Constituent Assembly about to be elected; unrest in Taraiareas; Maoists have not surrendered arms.	To establish and strengthen democracy and to prevent violence that can threaten the forces of democracy.
Bolivia: Morales, a supporter of water struggle, becomes the Prime Minister, MNC’s threaten to leave the country.	To establish democratic principles, which are beneficial to each and every section of society.

Page No. 106

Different types of challenges :
Now that you have noted down all these challenges, let us group these together into some broad categories. Given below are some spheres or sites of democratic politics. You may place against each of these the specific challenges that you noted for one or more countries or cartoons in the previous section. In ease you find that some challenges do not fit into any of the categories given below, you can create new categories and put some items under that.
Answer:

Constitutional design	It is related to framing of the Constitution and giving rights and freedom to people. It applies for countries like Saudi Arabia, China, Belgium, Nepal and Poland.
Democratic rights	To provide people with basic rights and freedoms in countries like Saudi Arabia, Guantanamo Bay and Poland.In India, even now in villages, people of lower caste are discriminated.
Working of institutions	Challenge to non-democratic countries like Mexico, Myanmar and China. In India, some parties and organisations work on caste and communal lines.
Elections	To hold free and fair elections in countries like Mexico, Chile and Poland.In India, rigging of elections is a big challenge to democracy.
Federalism, decentralization	To establish democratic institutions at local levels also in Yugoslavia and Belgium.In India, the challenge is to establish linguistic equality.
Accommodation of diversity	To resolve social diversified issues in countries like Northern Ireland, Yugoslavia, Belgium and Sri Lanka.In India, conflicts due to caste and communal differences pose a challenge to democracy.
Political Organisation	To democratise organisations in countries like Ghana, Northern Ireland, Sri Lanka and South Africa.In India, there is increased criminalisation of political parties.
Religious and equality	To establish religious equality in countries like Saudi Arabia and Northern Ireland.In India, religious, social and economic discrimination of people belonging to lower castes exists.

Page No. 107

1. Let us group these again, this time by the nature of these challenges as per the classification suggested in the first section. For each of these categories, find at least one example from India as well.

Answer:

Foundational Challenge	Poland, Myanmar, Pakistan, Iraq, US, Guantanamo Bay, NepalIn India, Naxal problem and insurgency in North-Eastern states.
Challenge of Expansion	Ghana, International organisations, Saudi Arabia, Yugoslavia, Sri Lanka, Northern Ireland.In India, to grant more powers to local governments like municipal bodies and village panchayats.
Challenge of deepening	Mexico, Saudi Arabia, Belgium, Bolivia and US- Civil rights.In India, to increase women representation in Parliament and state legislatures.

2. Now let us think only about India. Think of all the challenges that democracy faces in contemporary India. List those five that should be addressed first of all. The listing should be in order of priority, i.e., the challenge you find most important or pressing should be mentioned at number 1, and so on. Give one example of that challenge and your reasons for assigning it the priority.

Answer:

Priority	Challenges to democracy	Example	Reasons for Preference
1.	Challenge of expansion	To distribute power among various units of the government.	To give power to the local self governments..
2.	Challenge of Deepening	To provide 33% reservation to women in parliament.	To give better representation to women who constitute half of the country’s population.
3.	Criminalisation of Politics	To prevent people with criminal records to participate in elections.	To elect deserving candidates with a clean image who will govern and frame laws for the country.
4.	Challenge of Deepening	To provide religious, social and economic equalities to the people of lower castes.	To eliminate any kind of discriminations based on casts, creeds and religions.
5.	Challenge of Corruption	To attract poor voters by offering money and food grains like wheat and rice at low costs.	To conduct free and fair elections to give chance to the independent candidates.

Page No. 109

Here are some challenges that require political reforms. Discuss these chal­lenges in detail, study the reform options offered here and give your preferred solution with reasons. Remember that none of the options offered here is ‘right’ or ‘wrong’. You can opt for a mix of more than one option, or come up with something that is not offered here. But you must give your solution’in details and offer reasons for your choice.

Doctors’ absenteeism Challenge:

Political funding Challenge:

Uttar Pradesh government got a survey done and found out that most of the doctors posted in the rural primary health centres are simply not there. They live in a town, carry out private practice and visit the village where they are posted only once or twice in the entire month. Villagers have to travel to towns and pay very high fee to private doctors even for common ailments. Reform proposals: • The government should make it compulsory for the doctors to live in the village where they are posted, otherwise their service should be terminated. • District administration and police should carry out surprise raids to check the attendance of the doctors. • Village panchayat should be given the power to write the annual report of the doctor which should be read out in the gram sabha meeting. • Problems like this can be solved only if Uttar Pradesh is split into several smaller states which can be administered more efficiently.

On an average, every candidate who contested the last Lok Sabha elections owned a property of more than Rs one crore. There is a fear that only wealthy people or those with their support can afford to fight elections. Most of the political parties are dependent on money given by big business houses. The worry is that the role of money in politics will reduce whatever little voice the poor have in our democracy. Reform proposals: • The financial accounts of every political party should be made public. These accounts should be examined by government auditors. • There should be state funding of elections. Parties should be given some money by the government to meet their election expenditure. • Citizens should be encouraged to give more donations to parties and to political workers. Such donations should be exempt from income tax.

Any other problem of your choice
Challenge:
Reform proposals:

Answer:

Criminalisation of Politics Challenge:  There is an increased criminalisation of politics. People with criminal records get nomination to stand for the central and the state elections. This is a matter of concern about the outcome of the elections. Often such contestants get themselves elected either by rigging the votes or by distributing money to the people.

Reform Proposals:

People with serious criminal charges should be disqualified from contesting the elections.

Fast courts should be set up for the trial of convicted MPs and MLAs.

Any kind of monetary and material distribution to attract the voters should be completely prevented.

Page No. 112

1. (Write your name here) ________________________ ’s definition of good democracy (not more than 50 words).

2. Features (use only as many points as you want. Try to compress it in as few points as possible)

Answer:

1. Definition of good democracy : A good democracy is the government that is run and elected by the people to work for the welfare of all people of the country irrespective of their cast, religion or financial status. In a democracy, people have freedom of speech and expression and judiciary is independent of the control of executive and legislature.
2. Features of democracy:

• Government elected by the people
• Free and fair elections
• Government run by the people
• Accommodation of diversities
• All citizens possess democratic rights

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NCERT Solutions for Class 10 civics Chapter 7 Outcomes of Democracy

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Page No: 99

Exercises

1. How does democracy produce an accountable, responsive and legitimate government?

Answer

→ Democracy produces an accountable government: Democracy produces an accountable governments, as the people has the right in choose their representatives through the electoral process. These elected representatives form the government and participate in the decision-making process on behalf of the people. If these elected representatives not work properly, people have a chance to not elect them in next election.
→ Democracy Produces Responsive Government: Democratic governments are elected by the people and are responsible towards the people and Parliament. These governments promote the formation of public opinion and take care of the needs and expectations of the people.
→ Democracy Produces Legitimate Government: A democratic government is people’s own government. People wish to be ruled by representatives elected by them. They also believe that democracy is suitable for their country. Democracy’s ability to generate its own support is itself an outcome that cannot be ignored.

2. What are the conditions under which democracies accommodate social diversities?

Answer

Democracies accommodate social diversities when it is well understood that democracy is not just the rule of the majority, and that the rule of the majority is not just the rule of a single religious or social community.

3. Give arguments to support or oppose the following assertions:• Industrialised countries can afford democracy but the poor need dictatorship to become rich.• Democracy can’t reduce inequality of incomes between different citizens.
• Government in poor countries should spend less on poverty reduction, health, education and spend more on industries and infrastructure.
• In democracy all citizens have one vote, which means that there is absence of any domination and conflict.
Answer• This statement is incorrect as can be seen from the examples of India and Zimbabwe. In 1947, India was included in the Third World nations, but now, it is one of the fast-growing economies in the world. On the other hand, Zimbabwe, which was a fairly prosperous nation, has run into huge international debt with the progression of Robert Mugabe’s regime.

• Democracy can’t reduce inequality of incomes between different citizens. This statement is incorrect. The Minimum Wages Act enacted by the government and other policies which regulate the basic price at which agricultural producers and small industries sell their goods, have helped increase the per capita income of the country, thereby making its citizens more prosperous.• Government in poor countries should spend less on poverty reduction, health, education and spend more on industries and infrastructure. This is not a wise option as in poor countries, the people cannot afford health and education services.• In democracy all citizens have one vote, which means that there is absence of any domination and conflict. This is not true as conflict can be eliminated only in an ideal situation. In real democracies, though every person has one vote, there are divisions among the people. These divisions lead to conflict.

4. Identify the challenges to democracy in the following descriptions. Also suggest policy/institutional mechanism to deepen democracy in the given situations:• Following a High Court directive a temple in Orissa that had separate entry doors for dalits and non-dalits allowed entry for all from the same door.
• A large number of farmers are committing suicide in different states of India.
• Following allegation of killing of three civilians in Gandwara in a fake encounter by Jammu and Kashmir police, an enquiry has been ordered.
Answer
• The challenge to democracy in the first statement is to provide equal status to all its citizens in spite of their caste.• The challenge to democracy in the second instance is providing farmers with subsidies which will help them to earn profits and have a satisfactory level of livelihood.• The challenge to democracy is to preserve the people’s trust in government arms like the police.

5. In the context of democracies, which of the following ideas is correct – democracies have successfully eliminated:
A. conflicts among people
B. economic inequalities among people
C. differences of opinion about how marginalised sections are to be treated
D. the idea of political inequality

Answer

D. the idea of political inequality

6. In the context of assessing democracy which among the following is odd one out. Democracies need to ensure:
A. free and fair elections
B. dignity of the individual
C. majority rule
D. equal treatment before law

Answer

C. majority rule

7. Studies on political and social inequalities in democracy show that
A. democracy and development go together
B. inequalities exist in democracies
C. inequalities do not exist under dictatorship
D. dictatorship is better than democracy

Answer

B. inequalities exist in democracies

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NCERT Solutions for Class 10 civics Chapter 6 Political Parties

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Page No: 87

Exercises

1. State the various functions political parties perform in a democracy.

Answer

The various functions political parties perform in a democracy are:
→ Candidates are put forward by political parties to contest in elections. These candidates may be chosen by the top leaders, or by members of the party.
→ Parties put forward their policies and programmes for voters to chose from them.
→ Political parties play a major role in making laws for the country. No law can become a bill unless majority parties support it.
→ Political parties form and run governments.
→ Parties that lose election play the role of opposition.to the party in power.
→ Parties shape public opinion.
→ Political parties form an important link between the government and the people. It is easy for the public to approach their local leader than a government official.The local leader has to listen to the public demand, otherwise he will lose the next election.

2. What are the various challenges faced by political parties?

Answer

The various challenges faced by political parties are:

→ Lack of Internal democracy:
• Every member of the party does not have a chance to take part in decision-making process.
• Every member is not consulted before taking a decision.
• There is no proper organisation or registration of members.
• Power remains in the hands of a few top leaders, who do not consult ordinary members.
• Ordinary members have no information about the internal working of the party.

→ Dynastic Succession: With power in the hands of a few top leaders, all party positions go to their family members. These members may not be qualified or have the ability to hold their positions.

→ Money and Muscle Power:
• Money is needed to organise demonstrations, public meetings and speeches to publicise the image of the party. Parties choose those candidates who can raise money for the party and win elections with their money.
• Sometimes parties also support criminals candidates because they can win elections.

→ Meaningful choice to others: Most of the political parties have same fundamental and ideological issues. Voters do not have a meaningful choice. Even leaders keep changing parties, thus confusing the voter.

3. Suggest some reforms to strengthen parties so that they perform their functions well?

Answer

Some reforms to strengthen parties are:
→ A law should be made to regulate the internal affairs of political parties.
→ It should be mandatory for political parties to give a minimum number of tickets, about 1/3rd to the women candidates.
→ There should be state funding of elections. The government should give parties money to support the election expenses.

4. What is a political party?

Answer

A political party is a group of people who follow an ideology and thus come together to contest elections and hold power in the government.

5. What are the characteristics of a political party?

Answer

Characteristics of a political party are:
→ A political party has members who agree on some policies and programmes for the society
with a view to promote common good.
→ It seeks to implement the policies by winning popular support through elections.
→ The presence of a leader, the party workers and supporters.
→ It is a group of people who come together to contest elections and hold power in the government.

6. A group of people who come together to contest elections and hold power in the government is called a ______________________.

Answer

Political Party

7. Match List I (organisations and struggles) with List II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists:

	List I		List II
1.	Congress Party	Α.	National Democratic Alliance
2.	Bharatiya Janata Party	Β.	State party
3.	Communist Party of India (Marxist)	C.	United Progressive Alliance
4.	Telugu Desam party	D.	Left Front

	1	2	3	4
(a)	C	A	B	D
(b)	C	D	A	B
(c)	C	A	D	B
(d)	D	C	A	B

Answer

	1	2	3	4
(c)	C	A	D	B

9. Who among the following is the founder of the Bahujan Samaj Party?
A. Kanshi Ram
B. Sahu Maharaj
C. B.R. Ambedker
D. Jotiba Phule

Answer

A. Kanshi Ram

Page No: 88

10. What is the guiding philosophy of the Bharatiya Janata Party?
A. Bahujan Samaj
B. Revolutionary democracy
C. Integral humanism
D. Modernity

Answer

D. Modernity

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NCERT Solutions for Class 10 civics Chapter 5 Popular Struggles and Movements

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Page No: 69

Exercises

1. In what ways do pressure groups and movements exert influence on politics?

Answer

Pressure groups and movements exert influence on politics in a variety of ways.
→ They try to gain public support and sympathy for their cause by carrying out information campaigns, organising meetings, filing petitions, etc.
→ By organising strikes and disruptions, they seek to make the government take note of their demands.
→ They also influence decision-making by lobbying.
→ The issues raised by them often influence the policies of political parties.

2. Describe the forms of relationship between pressure groups and political parties?

Answer

The relationship between political parties and pressure groups can take different forms.
→ Pressure groups are often formed and led by politicians and political parties. Most trade unions and students’ organisations in India are either established by, or affiliated to one or the other major political party.
→ Political parties sometimes grow out of movements. Parties like DMK and AIADMK were formed this way.
→ Many a times, the issues raised by pressure or movement groups are taken up by political parties, leading to a change in the policies of the parties.

3. Explain how the activities of pressure groups are useful in the functioning of a democratic government.

Answer

Pressure groups help in the deepening of democracy. As long as everyone gets the opportunity, putting pressure on the rulers is not an unhealthy activity in a democracy. Governments can often come under undue pressure from a small group of rich and powerful people. Pressure groups perform a useful role of countering this undue influence of reminding the government of the needs and concerns of ordinary citizens.

4. What is a pressure group? Give a few examples.

Answer

A pressure group is an organisation which attempts to influence government policies through protests and demonstrations. Pressure groups are formed when people with similar opinions get together for similar objectives. Examples of pressure groups are FEDECOR and BAMCEF.

5. What is the difference between a pressure group and a political party?

Answer

A pressure group is an organised or an unorganised body that tries to promote its interests. They fight and try to achieve a common objective. Political parties contest elections because their aim is to achieve political power. They have more than one interests, they have their own ideology. They represent various interests and have their own way of achieving their aims.

6. Organisations that undertake activities to promote the interests of specific social sections such as workers, employees, teachers, and lawyers are called _____________ groups.

Answer

sectional interest

7. Which among the following is the special feature that distinguishes a pressure group from a political party?
(a) Parties take political stances, while pressure groups do not bother about political issues.
(b) Pressure groups are confined to a few people, while parties involve larger number of people.
(c) Pressure groups do not seek to get into power, while political parties do.
(d) Pressure groups do not seek to mobilise people, while parties do.

Answer

(c) Pressure groups do not seek to get into power, while political parties do.

8. Match List I (organisations and struggles) with List II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists:

	List I		List II
1.	Organisations that seek to promote the interests of a particular section or group	Α.	Movement
2.	Organisations that seek to promote common interest	Β.	Political parties
3.	Struggles launched for the resolution of a social problem with or without an organisational structure	C.	Sectional interest groups
4.	Organisations that mobilise people with a view to win political power	D.	Public interest groups

	1	2	3	4
(a)	C	D	B	A
(b)	C	D	A	B
(c)	D	C	B	A
(d)	B	C	D	A

Answer

	1	2	3	4
(b)	C	D	A	B

Page No: 70

9. Match List I with list II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists:

	List I		List II
1.	Pressure group	Α.	Narmada Bachao Andolan
2.	Long-term movement	Β.	Asom Gana Parishad
3.	Single issue movement	C.	Women’s Movement
4.	Political party	D.	Fertilizer dealers’ association

	1	2	3	4
(a)	D	C	A	B
(b)	B	A	D	C
(c)	C	D	B	A
(d)	B	D	C	A

Answer

	1	2	3	4
(a)	D	C	A	B

10. Consider the following statements about pressure groups and parties.
A. Pressure groups are the organised expression of the interests and views of specific social sections.
B. Pressure groups take positions on political issues.
C. All pressure groups are political parties.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) A, B and C
(b) A and B
(c) B and C
(d) A and C

Answer

(b) A and B

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NCERT Solutions for Class 10 civics Chapter 4 Gender, Religion and Caste

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Page No: 55

Exercises

1. Mention different aspects of life in which women are discriminated or disadvantaged in India.

Answer

In India, women are discriminated and disadvantaged in the following ways:
→  They are not provided adequate education. Thus, the literacy rate among women is just 54%.
→ Most of the labour done by them is unpaid. Where they are paid for their work, they receive lesser wages than men.
→ Due to the preference for the boy child, female foeticide is practiced in many parts of the country.

2. State different forms of communal politics with one example each.
Answer
Different forms of communal politics:
→ The expression of communal superiority in everyday beliefs
Militant religious groups are a good example of this.
→ The desire to form a majoritarian dominance or a separate state
Separatist leaders and political parties in Jammu and Kashmir and Central India are an example of this.
→ The use of religious symbols and leaders in politics to appeal to the voters
This technique is applied by many politicians to influence voters from the two largest religious communities in the country.
→ In addition to all this, communal politics can take the form of communal violence and riots, like the riots in Gujarat in 2002.

3. State how caste inequalities are still continuing in India.
Answer
Caste has not disappeared from contemporary India.
→ Even now most people marry within their own caste or tribe.
→ Untouchability has not ended completely despite constitutional prohibition.
→ Effects of centuries of advantages and disadvantages continue to be felt today, e.g., Caste continues to be closely linked to economic status.

4. State two reasons to say that caste alone cannot determine election results in India.

Answer

Caste alone cannot determine election results in India because:
→ No parliamentary constituency has a clear majority of one single caste.
→ No party wins all the votes of a particular caste.

5. What is the status of women’s representation in India’s legislative bodies?

Answer

When it comes to representation of women in legislative bodies, India is among the bottom group of nations in the world. Women’s representation has always been less than 10% in Lok Sabha and 5% in the State Assemblies.
On the other hand, the situation is different in the case of local government bodies. As one-third of seats in local government bodies (panchayats and municipalities) is reserved for women, there are more than 10 lakh elected women representatives in rural and urban local bodies.

6. Mention any two constitutional provisions that make India a secular state.

Answer

Two constitutional provisions that make India a secular state are:
→ Freedom to practice, profess and propagate the religion of one’s choice.
→ The Constitution prohibits discrimination on grounds of religion.

7. When we speak of gender divisions, we usually refer to:
(a) Biological difference between men and women
(b) Unequal roles assigned by the society to men and women
(c) Unequal child sex ratio
(d) Absence of voting rights for women in democracies

Answer

(b) Unequal roles assigned by the society to men and women

8. In India seats are reserved for women in
(a) Lok Sabha
(b) State Legislative Assemblies
(c) Cabinets
(d) Panchayati Raj bodies

Answer

(d) Panchayati Raj bodies

9. Consider the following statements on the meaning of communal politics. Communal politics is based on the belief that:
A. One religion is superior to that of others.
B. People belonging to different religions can live together happily as equal citizens. Followers of a particular religion constitute one community.
D. State power cannot be used to establish the domination of one religious group over others.
Which of the statements is/are correct?
(a) A, B, C and D
(b) A, B and D
(c) A and C
(d) B and D

Answer

(c) A and C

10. Which among the following statements about India’s Constitution is wrong? It
(a) prohibits discrimination on grounds of religion
(b) gives official status to one religion
(c) provides to all individuals freedom to profess any religion
(d) ensures equality of citizens within religious communities

Answer

(b) gives official status to one religion

11. Social divisions based on ______________ are peculiar to India.

Answer

caste

Page No: 56

12. Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the Lists:

	List I		List II
1.	A person who believes in equal rights and opportunities for women and men	Α.	Communalist
2.	A person who says that religion is the principal basis of community	Β.	Feminist
3.	A person who thinks that caste is the principal basis of community	C.	Secularist
4.	A person who does not discriminate others on the basis of religious beliefs	D.	Castiest

	1	2	3	4
(a)	B	C	A	D
(b)	B	A	D	C
(c)	D	C	A	B
(d)	C	A	B	D

Answer

	1	2	3	4
(b)	B	A	D	C

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NCERT Solutions for Class 10 civics Chapter 3 Democracy and Diversity

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Page No: 37

Exercises

1. Discuss three factors that determine the outcomes of politics of social divisions.

Answer

Three factors which determine the outcomes of politics of social divisions:
→ The people’s perception of their identities: When this is singular, the accommodation of other identities becomes difficult.
→ Representation of a community by political leaders: While representing a community, if politicians raise demands that are constitutional, then it is easier to accommodate those demands.
→ The government’s reaction: If the reasonable demands of a community are suppressed by the government, then it leads to social divisions, which in turn threaten the integrity of the country.

2. When does a social difference become a social division?
Answer
A social difference becomes a social division when it overlaps with some other social difference. For example, the Whites were rich and powerful and the Blacks were poor and homeless and discriminated against. When one kind of social difference becomes more important than the other, then it leads to division.

3. How do social divisions affect politics? Give two examples.
Answer
In politics, there is competition between political parties. If these political parties use this
competition in support of some social divisions, it can lead to political divisions. This can lead
to conflict, violence or even disintegration of a country.
→ One example is of Northern Ireland where religious divisions led to ethno-political conflict. Two major sects of Christianity : 53% Protestants and 44% Catholics dominate the country. The Catholics wanted Northern Ireland to join the Republic of Ireland and the Protestants wanted to remain with UK. This led to years of violence where thousands were killed. Only in 1998, peace returned when the UK government and the Nationalists reached a peace treaty and stopped all violence.
→  The second example is of Yugoslavia where the political parties refused to accommodate each other. Each ethno-religious group wanted to dominate the other. Result – disintegration of Yugoslavia into seven independent countries.

4. ________________ social differences create possibilities of deep social divisions and tensions. ________________ social differences do not usually lead to conflicts.

Answer

Overlapping social differences create possibilities of deep social divisions and tensions.
Cross cutting social differences do not usually lead to conflicts.

Page No. 38

5. In dealing with social divisions which one of the following statements is NOT correct about democracy?
(a) Due to political competition in a democracy, social divisions get reflected in politics.
(b) In a democracy it is possible for communities to voice their grievances in a peaceful manner.
(c) Democracy is the best way to accommodate social diversity.
(d) Democracy always leads to disintegration of society on the basis of social divisions.

Answer

(d) Democracy always leads to disintegration of society on the basis of social divisions.

6. Consider the following three statements.
A. Social divisions take place when social differences overlap.
B. It is possible that a person can have multiple identities.
C. Social divisions exist in only big countries like India.
Which of the statements is/are correct?
(a) A, B and C
(b) A and B
(c) B and C
(d) Only C

Answer

(b) A and B

7. Arrange the following statements in a logical sequence and select the right answers by using the code given below.
A. But all political expression of social divisions need not be always dangerous.
B. Social divisions of one kind or the other exist in most countries.
C. Parties try to win political support by appealing to social divisions.
D. Some social differences may result in social divisions.
(a) D, B, C, A
(b) D, B, A, C
(c) D, A, C, B
(d) A, B, C, D

Answer

(a) D, B, C, A

8. Among the following, which country suffered disintegration due to political fights on the basis of religious and ethnic identities?
(a) Belgium
(b) India
(c) Yugoslavia
(d) Netherlands

Answer

(c) Yugoslavia

9. Read the following passage from a famous speech by Martin Luther king Jr. in 1963. Which social division is he talking about? What are his aspirations and anxieties? Do you see a relationship between this speech and the incident in Mexico Olympics mentioned in this chapter?
“I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the colour of their skin but by the content of their character. Let freedom ring – when we let it ring from every village and every hamlet, from every state and every city, we will be able to speed up that day when all of God’s children – back men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics – will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual: ‘Free at last! Free at last! Thank God Almighty, we are free at last!’ I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: ‘we hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal’.”

Answer
There is mention of racial discrimination in the speech of Martine Luther King Jr in USA. He is referring to the segregation policies adopted by the Whites towards the Coloured people. He aspires for a country where there will be security for all; where racial abuse will not occur; and where everyone will be treated as equal irrespective of the colour of their skin. This speech and the incident at the Mexico Olympics are both part of a movement that wanted to highlight the plight of the African-American people.

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NCERT Solutions for Class 10 civics Chapter 2 Federalism

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Page No: 27

Exercises

1. Locate the following States on a blank outline political map of India:
Manipur, Sikkim, Chhattisgarh and Goa

Answer

2. Identify and shade three federal countries (other than India) on a blank outline political map of the world.
Answer

3. Point out one feature in the practice of federalism in India that is similar to and one feature that is different from that of Belgium.
Answer
In India, just like in Belgium, the central government has to share its powers with the regional governments. However, unlike India, Belgium has a community government in addition to the central and the state government.

4. What is the main difference between a federal form of government and a unitary one? Explain with an example.
Answer
In a federal form of government, the central government shares its powers with the various constituent units of the country. For example, in India, power is divided between the government at the Centre and the various State governments.
In a unitary form of government, all the power is exercised by only one government. For example, in Sri Lanka, the national government has all the powers.

5. State any two differences between the local government before and after the constitutional amendment in 1992.

Answer

Local governments Before 1992	Local governments After 1992
Elections were controlled by the state and not held regularly.	An independent State Election Commissionis responsible to conduct elections regularly.
Local governments did not have any powers or resources of their own.	The State governments are required to share some powers and revenue with local government bodies.

6. Fill in the blanks:
Since the United States is a ____________________ type of federation, all the constituent States have equal powers and States are _______________ vis-à-vis the federal government. But India is a _________________ type of federation and some States have more power than others. In India, the ___________________ government has more powers.

Answer

Since the United States is a coming together type of federation, all the constituent States have equal powers and States are strong vis-à-vis the federal government. But India is a holding together type of federation and some States have more power than others. In India, the Central government has more powers.

7. Here are three reactions to the language policy followed in India. Give an argument and an example to support any of these positions.
Sangeeta: The policy of accommodation has strengthened national unity.
Arman: Language-based States have divided us by making everyone conscious of their language.
Harish: This policy has only helped to consolidate the dominance of English over all other languages.

Answer

I agree with Sangeeta’s reaction. If the policy of accommodation was not followed, and states were not created on linguistic basis, there would have been further partition of India. For example, imposition of Hindi as the national language would have led the South to break away from the North and Tamil Nadu would have become an independent nation.

8. The distinguishing feature of a federal government is:
(a) National government gives some powers to the provincial governments.
(b) Power is distributed among the legislature, executive and judiciary.
(c) Elected officials exercise supreme power in the government.
(d) Governmental power is divided between different levels of government.

Answer

(d) Governmental power is divided between different levels of government.

9. A few subjects in various Lists of the Indian Constitution are given here. Group them under the Union, State and Concurrent Lists as provided in the table below.
A. Defence
B. Police
C. Agriculture
D. Education
E. Banking
F. ForestsG. Communications
H. Trade
I. Marriages

Union List	–
State List	–
Concurrent List	–

Answer

Union List	Defence, Banking, Communications
State List	Police, Agriculture, Trade
Concurrent List	Education, Forests, Marriages

Page No: 28

10. Examine the following pairs that give the level of government in India and the powers of the government at that level to make laws on the subjects mentioned against each. Which of the following pairs is not correctly matched?

(a)	State government	State List
(b)	Central government	Union List
(c)	Central and State government	Concurrent List
(d)	Local governments	Residuary powers

Answer

(d)

Local governments

Residuary powers

11. Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists:

List I	List II
1. Union of India	A. Prime Minister
2. State	Β. Sarpanch
3. Municipal	C. Governor
4. Gram Panchayat	D. Mayor

	1	2	3	4
(a)	D	A	B	C
(b)	B	C	D	A
(c)	A	C	D	B
(d)	C	D	A	B

Answer

	1	2	3	4
(c)	A	C	D	B

12. Consider the following statements.
A. In a federation the powers of the federal and provincial governments are clearly demarcated.
B. India is a federation because the powers of the Union and State Governments are specified in the Constitution and they have exclusive jurisdiction on their respective subjects.
C. Sri Lanka is a federation because the country is divided into provinces.
D. India is no longer a federation because some powers of the states have been devolved to the local government bodies.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) A, B and C
(b) A, C and D
(c) A and B only
(d) B and C only

Answer

(c) A and B only

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NCERT Solutions for Class 10 civics Chapter 1 Power sharing

NCERT Solutions for Class 10 will help the students in learning complex topics and problems in an easy way. Class 10 Social Science NCERT Solutions will help students in understanding the topics in most simple manner and grasp it easily to perform better. You can study in an organized manner and set a good foundation for your future goals.

Page No: 2

1. I have a simple equation in mind. Sharing power = dividing power = weakening the country. Why do we start by talking of this?Answer
Sharing of power does not always mean weakening the country. Sometimes, it may create the problem by delaying decisions which are for the welfare of the people but many times it creates the possibilities of better decision making.→ It ensures that people coming from different spheres have ‘say’ in the government.→ It also ensures that maximum people can participate in the government making decision more democratic.→ It also helps in reducing conflict between different social groups hence, make country more powerful.
Page No: 4
1. What’s wrong if the majority community rules? If Sinhalas don’t rule in Sri Lanka, where else will they rule?
Answer
Ruling by the majority does not mean oppression of the minority. Sinhalas which are in majority and in government in Sri Lanka disregarding the wishes and needs of the minority. In modern era, oppression is not morally correct to be in power. Democracy works on the majority of opinion, not by major community. A democratically elected government must be sensible to the people’s demands and protect citizen’s basic rights.
Page No. 9
1. In my school, the class monitor changes every month. Is that what you call a power sharing arrangement?
Answer
This is not power sharing arrangement as the class monitor has all the power at a time and this power is shifted to another in next month. There is no check on his/her power. The power must be shared among others which is an important feature of power sharing. 
Page No: 10

Exercises

1. What are the different forms of power sharing in modern democracies? Give an example of each of these.

Answer

The different forms of power sharing in modern democracies are:

→ Horizontal Distribution of Power: The power is shared among the different organs of government, such as the legislature, executive and judiciary. Example: The distribution of power between Indian Parliament (legislature), the council of ministers headed by chief ministers (executive) and Courts of India.
→ Vertical Distribution of Power: The power is shared among governments at different levels– a general government for the entire country and governments at the provincial or regional level. Example: In India, power is shared among Central government, State government and local governments.
→ Distribution of Power among different Social Groups: Power may also be shared among different social groups such as the religious and linguistic groups.Example: ‘Community Government’ in Belgium.

→ Distribution of Power among Political Parties, Pressure Groups and Movements: Political Parties, Pressure Groups and Movements control or influence those who are in power. Different political parties contest elections for power which ensures that power does not remain in one hand and shared among different political parties that represent different ideologies and social groups. Pressure groups and movements influence the decision making process.

2. State one prudential reason and one moral reason for power sharing with an example from the Indian context.

Answer

→ Prudential Reason: Power sharing helps in reducing the conflict between various social groups. Hence, power sharing is necessary for maintaining social harmony and peace. In India, seats are reserved for the weaker sections of society. Example: reservation of seats for scheduled castes and scheduled tribes. This allows the weaker sections also to participate in the running of the Government.

→ Moral Reason: It upholds the spirit of democracy. In a truly democratic setup, the citizens too have a stake in governance. In India, the citizens can come together to debate and criticise the policies and decisions of the government. This in turn puts pressure on the government to rethink its policies and reconsider its decisions.

3. After reading this chapter, three students drew different conclusions. Which of these do you agree with and why? Give your reasons in about 50 words.
Thomman – Power sharing is necessary only in societies which have religious, linguistic or ethnic divisions.
Mathayi – Power sharing is suitable only for big countries that have regional divisons.
Ouseph – Every society needs some form of power sharing even if it is small or does not have social divisions.

Answer

Ouseph’s statement is the most logical, and thus, should be agreed on. Every society needs some form of power sharing even if it is small or does not have social divisions. A democratic society is one where its members or citizens through participation acquire a stake in the system. Power sharing not only prevents conflict between various groups in the society but it also generates a sense of belongingness among them to the society. Power sharing helps to maintain a balance of power among various institutions and also keep a check on how it is exercised. Irrespective of the size of a country or the type of a society, people will be more satisfied where they have a say in the functioning and decision making processes of the system.

4. The Mayor of Mrchtem, a town near Brussels in Belgium, has defended a ban on speaking French in the town’s schools. He said that a ban would help all non-Dutch speakers integrate in this Flemish town. Do you think that this measure is in keeping with the spirit of Belgium’s power sharing arrangements? Give your reasons in about 50 words.

Answer

No, This measure is not in keeping with Belgium’s power sharing arrangements. The arrangements seek to maintain peace between the French and Dutch-speaking communities. By banning French, the mayor will cause civil unrest. Both the languages should be made acceptable in the town’s schools. This bilingual education system will be a better way to integrate the people of the town.

Page No: 5

5. Read the following passage and pick out any one of the prudential reasons for power sharing offered in this.
“We need to give more power to the panchayats to realise the dream of Mahatma Gandhi and the hopes of the makers of our Constitution. Panchayati Raj establishes true democracy. It restores power to the only place where power belongs in a democracy – in the hands of the people. Given power to panchayats is also a way to reduce corruption and increase administrative efficiency. When people participate in the planning and implementation of developmental schemes, they would naturally exercise greater control over these schemes. This would eliminate the corrupt middlemen. Thus, Panchayati Raj will strengthen the foundations of our democracy.”

Answer
The prudential reason for power sharing offered in this passage is giving power to panchayats is also a way to reduce corruption and increase administrative efficiency.

6. Different arguments are usually put forth in favour of and against power sharing. Identify those which are in favour of power sharing and select the answer using the codes given below? Power sharing:
A. reduces conflict among different communities
B. decreases the possibility of arbitrariness
C. delays decision making process
D. accommodates diversities
E. increases instability and divisiveness
F. promotes people’s participation in government
G. undermines the unity of a country

(a)	A	B	D	F
(b)	A	C	E	F
(c)	A	B	D	G
(d)	B	C	D	G

Answer

(a)

A

B

D

F

7. Consider the following statements about power sharing arrangements in Belgium and Sri Lanka.
A. In Belgium, the Dutch-speaking majority people tried to impose their domination on the minority French-speaking community.
B. In Sri Lanka, the policies of the government sought to ensure the dominance of the Sinhala-speaking majority.
C. The Tamils in Sri Lanka demanded a federal arrangement of power sharing to protect their culture, language and equality of opportunity in education and jobs.
D. The transformation of Belgium from unitary government to a federal one prevented a possible division of the country on linguistic lines.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) A, B, C and D
(b) A, B and D
(c) C and D
(d) B, C and D

Answer

(d) B, C and D

Page No: 12

8. Match list I (forms of power sharing) with List II (forms of government) and select the correct answer using the codes given below in the lists:

	List I		List II
1.	Power shared among different organs of government	Α.	Community government
2.	Power shared among governments at different levels	Β.	Separation of powers
3.	Power shared by different social groups	C.	Coalition government
4.	Power shared by two or more political parties	D.	Federal government

	1	2	3	4
(a)	D	A	B	C
(b)	B	C	D	A
(c)	B	D	A	C
(d)	C	D	A	B

Answer

	1	2	3	4
(c)	B	D	A	C

9. Consider the following two statements on power sharing and select the answer using the codes given below:
A. Power sharing is good for democracy.
B. It helps to reduce the possibility of conflict between social groups.
Which of these statements are true and false?

(a) A is true but B is false

(b) Both A and B are true

(c) Both A and B are false

(d) A is false but B is true

Answer

(b) Both A and B are true

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