1. Power Sharing
1.What are the different forms of power sharing in modern democracies? Give an example of each of these.
Ans:
The different forms of power sharing include:
Horizontal Division of Power: Power is shared between various branches of government, such as the executive, legislature, and judiciary. Each branch holds different powers, preventing any single department from wielding unlimited authority.
Vertical Division of Power: Power is distributed across different levels of government, such as central, state, municipality, and gram panchayat in India. The constitution delineates the powers of each level of government to ensure effective governance.
Division of Power among Social Groups: Power is shared among various social groups, transcending religious affiliations. Examples include community government in Belgium and reserved constituencies in India, ensuring equitable representation and participation in decision-making.
Division of Power among Political Parties, Pressure Groups, and Movements: Power is shared among competing political parties, pressure groups, and movements in a democratic system. This ensures that power is not concentrated in one entity and is dispersed among different ideologies and social groups, fostering pluralism and representation.
2.State one prudential reason and one moral reason for power sharing with an example from the Indian context.
Ans:
Prudential Reason: Power sharing serves to mitigate conflicts among different social groups, fostering social harmony and peace. In India, reservations of seats for marginalized communities like Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) enable their meaningful participation in governance, reducing tensions and promoting inclusivity.
Moral Reason: Power sharing upholds the essence of democracy by ensuring that citizens have a stake in governance. In India, democratic principles encourage citizens to engage in debates and discussions on government policies and decisions. This active participation of citizens exerts pressure on the government to reconsider its policies, fostering accountability and responsiveness to the needs of the people.3. After reading the chapter, three students drew different conclusions.
3.Which of these do you agree with and why? Give your reason in about 50 words.
Thomman – Power sharing is necessary only in societies which have religions, linguistic or ethnic divisions.
Mathayi – Power sharing is suitable only for big countries that have regional divisions.
Ouseph – Every society needs some from of power sharing even if it is small or does not have social divisions.
Ans:
Ouseph’s statement makes sense and should be accepted. Every society, regardless of size, needs power sharing. In a democracy, when people participate, they feel more connected. Power sharing prevents conflicts and creates a sense of belonging. It also ensures a fair distribution of power in different institutions. Regardless of society’s type or size, people feel satisfied when they have a say in decision-making. So, power sharing is crucial for any society’s smooth functioning.
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 this’ measure is in keeping with the spirit of Belgium’s power sharing arrangements? Give your reason in about 50 words.
No, this measure is not related to Belgium’s power-sharing arrangements. Instead, it aims to maintain peace between the French and Dutch-speaking communities in the country. The measure involves making both French and Dutch languages acceptable in schools within towns. Implementing a bilingual education system is seen as a more effective way to integrate people from different linguistic backgrounds, fostering understanding and harmony between the two communities.
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.”
Ans:
In the passage, one of the prudential reasons for power sharing offered is to reduce corruption and increase administrative efficiency by giving more power to the panchayats. By involving people in the planning and implementation of developmental schemes, they can exert greater control, eliminating corrupt middlemen and strengthening the foundations of democracy.
6. Different arguments are usually put forth in favor of and against power sharing. Identify those which are in favor 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. Increase 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 |
| a). | A | B | D | F |
|---|---|---|---|---|
7.Consider the following statements about power sharing arrangements in Belgium and Sri Lanka.
In Belgium, the Dutch-speaking majority people tried to impose their domination on the minority French-speaking community.
In Sri Lanka, the policies of the government sought to ensure the dominance of the Sinhala-speaking majority.
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.
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
Ans: Option d) B, C and D
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 1 | List 2 |
|---|---|
| 1. Power shared among different organs of government. | A. Community government |
| 2. Power shared among governments at different levels. | B. Separation of powers |
| 3. Power shared by different social groups | C. Coalition government |
| 4. Power shared bt two or more political parties | D. Federal government |
| a). | A | B | D | F |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| b). | A | C | E | F |
| c). | A | B | D | G |
| d). | B | C | D | G |
| a). | A | B | D | F |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Consider the following two statements on power sharing and select the answer using the codes given below:
Power sharing is good for democracy. It helps to reduce the possibility of conflict between social groups.
9.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
Ans: Option b) Both A and B are true.
2. Federalism
Short Answers:
1.Locate the following States on a blank outline political map of India: Manipur, Sikkim, Chhattisgarh and Goa
2.Identify and shade three federal countries (other than India) on a blank outline political map of the world.
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.
Ans:
Similarity: Both countries involve a division of powers between the central government and regional governments.
Difference: Unlike India, Belgium also features a community government alongside its central and state governments.
4.What is the main difference between a federal form of government and a unitary one?
Ans:
In a Federal form of government, power is distributed between the Central government and the other constituent units of the country. For example, in India, power is shared between the Central and State governments.
In contrast, a unitary form of government concentrates power in a single government entity. In Sri Lanka, all power is vested in the national government.
5.State any two differences between the local government before and after the constitutional amendment in 1992.
Ans:
Before 1992, local governments were under state control, with elections being irregularly held and no allocation of power or resources to these bodies.
Since 1992, elections are conducted regularly by an independent State Election Commission, and state governments 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.
Ans:
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.
Ans:
I concur with Sangeeta’s reaction. Had the policy of accommodation not been followed and states not been created on a linguistic basis, India would have suffered further partition.
For example, if Hindi had been declared as the national language, the south would have broken away from the north and become an independent nation.
8.The distinguishing feature of a federal government is:
(a) The 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.
Ans:
(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.Forests
G.Communications
H.Trade
I.Marriages
| Union List | Defence, Banking, Communication |
|---|---|
| State List | Police, Agriculture, Trade |
| Concurrent List | Education, Forest, Marriages |
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 Governament | State List |
|---|---|
| (b).Central Governament | Union List |
| (c).Central and StateGovernament | Concurrent List |
| (d).Local Governament | Residuary Powers |
Ans: (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 | B. Sarpanch |
| 3. Municipal Corporation | 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 |
Ans: (c) A-1,C-2, D-3, B-4
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 C. jurisdiction on their respective subjects.
D. Sri Lanka is a federation because the country is divided into provinces.
IE. ndia 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
Ans : (c) A and B only
3. Gender, Religion and Caste
1.Mention different aspects of life in which women are discriminated against or disadvantaged in India.
Ans:
Women face discrimination in India in the following aspects of life:
a.Many regions in India do not allow female education.
b.Females are expected to be homemakers after marriage and are discouraged from working to earn their living.
c.Female workers receive lower wages than their male counterparts in the unorganized sector.
d.Female foeticide and infanticide are still practiced in various parts of India.
2.State different forms of communal politics with one example each.
Ans:
The various forms of Communal Politics are as follows:
a.In the state of Mizoram, which has a Christian majority, International Yoga Day celebrations are not held unlike in other states.
b.Separatists in Kashmir demand an independent region for Muslims.
c.The formation of political parties based solely on the agenda of advocating for a particular community, such as the Bhim Army, All India Majlis-Ittehad-ul-Muslimeen, etc.etc.
3.State how caste inequalities are still continuing in India.
Ans:
Caste inequalities persist in India due to the following reasons:
People use their caste names as their last names to maintain their association with their caste.
Inter-caste marriages are less common in rural India.
iii. The provision of reservations has divided Indian society into categories such as OBCs, SCs, and STs, apart from the unreserved category.
4.State two reasons to say that caste alone cannot determine election results in India.
Ans:
The reasons why caste alone cannot determine election results in India are as follows:
No party has ever won all the votes of a particular caste.
No parliamentary constituency in India comprises voters of a single caste alone.
5.What is the status of women’s representation in India’s legislative bodies?
Ans:
When it comes to the representation of women in legislative bodies, India ranks among the bottom group of nations worldwide. Women’s representation has consistently remained below 10% in the Lok Sabha and 5% in the State Assemblies.
However, the situation differs concerning local government bodies. With one-third of seats reserved for women in local government bodies such as panchayats and municipalities, 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.
Ans:
The two constitutional provisions that make India a secular state are as follows:
Everyone is free to practice, profess, and propagate their own religion in India.
The state does not interfere in matters of religion as long as the beliefs are constitutional.
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
Ans:(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
Ans:(d) Panchayati Raj bodies
9. Consider the following statements on the meaning of communal politics. Communal politics is based on the belief that:
One religion is superior to that of others.
People belonging to different religions can live together happily as equal citizens.
Followers of a particular religion constitute one community.
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
Ans: (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
Ans: (b) gives official status to one religion
11. Social divisions based on _______ are peculiar to India.
Ans: Social divisions based on caste are peculiar to India.
12. Match List I with List II and select the correct Ans: using the codes given below the Lists:
| List 1 | List 2 |
|---|---|
| 1. A person who believes in equal rights and opportunities for woman and men | A. Communalistt |
| 2. A person who says that religion is the principal basis of community | B. Ferminist |
| 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 |
Ans: (a) 1-B, 2-C, 3-AA, 4-D
4. Political Parties
1.State the various functions political parties perform in a democracy.
Ans:
“Political parties fulfill various functions in a democracy:
Nominating candidates for elections, chosen by party leaders or members.
Providing policies and programs for voters to consider.
Playing a significant role in creating legislation, as laws require majority support in the legislature.
Creating and governing governments.
Serving as the opposition when not in power.
Shaping public opinion.
Acting as a vital link between the government and the public, as local leaders are more accessible to citizens and must respond to public demands to secure reelection.”
2.What are the various challenges faced by political parties?
Ans:
“The challenges faced by political parties include:
Lack of Internal Democracy:
Not all members have a say in the decision-making process.
Decisions are made without consulting members.
Lack of proper organization or member registration.
Power remains concentrated among a few elite leaders who don’t consult ordinary members.
Ordinary members have limited knowledge of the party’s internal workings.
Dynastic Succession:
Authority is concentrated in the hands of a few top leaders, leading to all party positions being filled by family members.
These members may lack competence or capability for their positions.
Money and Muscle Power:
Parties require funding for organizing demonstrations, public gatherings, and speeches to enhance their image.
Candidates who can gather funds for the party and win elections using their resources are preferred.
Parties may endorse candidates with criminal backgrounds if they believe they can win elections.
Limited Meaningful Choice:
Many political parties share similar fundamental and ideological stances, offering voters limited meaningful alternatives.
Party leaders frequently switch parties, causing confusion among voters.”
3.Suggest some reforms to strengthen parties so that they perform their functions well?
Ans:
“Reforms to strengthen parties include:
Enacting a law to govern political parties’ internal affairs.
Requiring political parties to allocate a certain number of tickets, with approximately one-third reserved for female candidates.
State funding for elections, with the government providing funds to political parties to cover election expenses.”
4.What is a political party?
Ans:
“A political party is a collective of individuals who share a common ideology and unite to contest elections and wield influence in government.”
5.What are the characteristics of a political party?
Ans:
“The characteristics of a political party are as follows:
– Comprised of members who share common goals and programs for societal advancement, aiming to promote the common good.
– Seeks to implement its plans by garnering popular support through elections.
– Includes a party leader, staff, and supporters.
– Consists of individuals who unite to contest elections and wield power in government.”
6. A group of people who come together to contest elections and hold power in the government is called a ______________________.
Ans: Political Party
7. Who among the following is the founder of the Bahujan Samaj Party?
Kanshi Ram
Sahu Maharaj
B.R. Ambedkar
Jotiba Phule
Ans: A. Kanshi Ram
8. What is the guiding philosophy of the Bharatiya Janata Party?
Bahujan Samaj
Revolutionary democracy
Integral humanism
Modernity
Ans: D. Modernity
9.Consider the following statemesta on parties.
A.Political parties do not enjoy much trust among the people
Parties are often rocked by scandals involving top party leaders.
Parties are not necessary to run govenments
Which of the statement given above are correct?
a) A, B, and C b) A and B c) B and C d) A and C
5. Outcomes of Democracy
1.How does democracy produce an accountable, responsive and legitimate government?
Ans:
“The government can be held accountable by establishing and enhancing laws and policies, enabling citizens to hold it responsible if these regulations are not implemented or are contrary to the welfare of the people. Additionally, responsibility is demonstrated when citizens take action in response to government insensitivity to their aspirations. Through protests, campaigns, and rallies, people can compel the government to address their concerns. A democratic government is considered legitimate as it is elected by citizens and enjoys their confidence and trust.”
2.What are the conditions under which democracies accommodate social diversities?
Ans:
“Social diversities can be accommodated by prioritizing all communities within society. Both majority and minority communities should receive equal attention. Democracy isn’t merely about the rule of the majority. In democratic countries, both majority and minority groups collaborate to foster progress and national development. It’s crucial to recognize that the rule of the majority isn’t defined by religion or language. Any individual or group has the potential to become the majority in a democracy.”
3.Give arguments to support or oppose the following assertions:
a.Industrialised countries can afford democracy but the poor need dictatorship to become rich.
Ans:
“Industrialized countries may afford democracy, but the argument that poorer nations require dictatorship to achieve prosperity lacks merit. There is no direct correlation between democracy and a nation’s wealth. Economic development is contingent upon factors such as available resources, government policies, and openness to attract investments. If dictatorship were a path to wealth, countries like Nigeria would predominantly comprise wealthy individuals, which is not the case in reality.”
b. Democracy can’t reduce inequality of incomes between different citizens.
Ans:
“Yes, democracy alone cannot reduce income inequality due to the existence of various sectional communities with diverse professions. Income equality is not an inherent principle of democracy, which primarily focuses on fostering social and political equality. While democracy ensures people’s right to vote and access fundamental rights, income levels are primarily determined by individuals’ abilities and efforts in the workforce.”
c.The government in poor countries should spend less on poverty reduction, health, education and spend more on industries and infrastructure.
Ans:
“The statement is untrue. For any country to achieve development, the primary focus should be on human resources. A nation’s strength lies in its people, and if citizens are uneducated, unhealthy, and lacking in resources, the country cannot progress. The Human Development Report assesses a country’s development based on factors such as education, health, and income. Therefore, it is crucial for a country to invest in its healthcare and education infrastructure.”
d.In a democracy, all citizens have one vote, which means that there is an absence of any domination and conflict.
Ans:
“The statement is partly true. While democracy indeed grants one vote to each citizen, it is not a flawless system immune to conflicts. Consider India, with its diverse population. Social divisions within society often manifest through riots, protests, and strikes. Thus, no democracy can completely eliminate social divisions.”.
4.Identify the challenges to democracy in the following descriptions. Also, suggest policy/institutional mechanism to deepen democracy in the given situations:
a. 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.
Ans: “The greatest challenge to democracy arises when such practices persist, posing a threat to the elimination of discrimination based on caste, color, and creed. Legal actions can be pursued against those who engage in such practices. The Constitution explicitly declares any form of discrimination a crime and a significant threat to the country’s peace. In such instances, strict actions must be taken against individuals to preserve communal harmony.”
b. A large number of farmers are committing suicide in different states of India.
Ans:
A significant number of farmers in various states of India are resorting to suicide due to economic inequality in the country. Farmers in rural areas cultivate crops on small plots of land, and if weather conditions become unstable, they face substantial losses. Consequently, they struggle to repay loans obtained from moneylenders or banks, leading to overwhelming debt. The incidence of such cases has surged in recent years, particularly among impoverished farmers, compelling them to take drastic measures like suicide. The government should intervene by offering affordable fertilizers and seeds, as well as implementing improved irrigation methods to support these farmers.
c. Following allegation of killing of three civilians in Gandwara in a fake encounter by Jammu and Kashmir police, an enquiry has been ordered.
Ans:
The allegations of the Jammu and Kashmir police killing three civilians in a fake encounter in Gnadwara raise serious concerns about the state’s police force. The challenge lies in effectively controlling the power wielded by the police and other authoritative officials.
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
Ans: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
Ans: 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 a dictatorship.
d. dictatorship is better than democracy.
Ans: B. inequalities exist in democracies.