A. Choose the correct answer
1. India is a democratic country as it has:
(a) elected head of the state
(b) elected representative of the people
(c) Universal Adult Franchise
(d) all of these
Answer: (d) all of these
2. Political equality is affected when there is:
(a) only one political party
(b) multi-party system
(c) Universal Adult Franchise
(d) none of these
Answer: (a) only one political party
3. Rule of law means:
(a) special laws for elected leaders
(b) same law for all the citizens
(c) special laws for ruling the country
(d) when armed forces rule the country
Answer: (b) same law for all the citizens
4. โEqual wages for equal workโ means there is:
(a) political equality
(b) social equality
(c) economic equality
(d) religious equality
Answer: (c) economic equality
B. Fill in the blanks
1. The Indian __________ is the primary source of all laws, rules and regulations in our country.
Answer: Constitution
2. The __________ is the __________ head of the executive.
Answer: President, nominal
3. In India, the practice of bonded labour restricts __________ freedom.
Answer: personal
4. Indian citizens can vote after attaining the age of __________ years.
Answer: 18
5. __________ gave the term โUnity in Diversityโ for India.
Answer: Jawaharlal Nehru
C. Match the columns
Column A | Column B
Rosa Parks | (b) Civil Rights Movement in the USA
Adult in India | (c) 18 years and above
Dr. B. R. Ambedkar | (d) Fought for the self-respect of the backward classes
Mid-day meals | (a) Special scheme for school children
D. Very Short Answer Type Questions (20โ30 words)
1. What is the primary source of laws in India?
Answer: The Constitution of India is the primary source of all laws, rules and regulations in the country.
2. Write the names of the three organs of the government.
Answer: The three organs of the government are the Legislature, the Executive and the Judiciary.
3. Which revolution led to the foundation of individual dignity? What was its main slogan?
Answer: The French Revolution led to the foundation of individual dignity. Its main slogan was Liberty, Equality and Fraternity.
4. Which article of the Constitution of India prohibits discrimination?
Answer: Article 15 of the Constitution of India prohibits discrimination.
5. How can you say that India follows Universal Adult Franchise?
Answer: India follows Universal Adult Franchise because every citizen above 18 years has the right to vote without discrimination.
E. Short Answer Type Questions (50โ60 words)
1. What is meant by equality in a democracy?
Answer: Equality in a democracy means that all citizens are treated equally before law. Everyone enjoys equal rights and freedoms without discrimination based on caste, religion, gender or economic status.
2. What is social equality?
Answer: Social equality means that all individuals are treated equally in society. There is no discrimination based on caste, religion, gender or social background, and everyone gets equal respect and opportunities.
3. Which movement swept through various nations demanding the right to vote for women in the 19th and 20th centuries?
Answer: The Womenโs Suffrage Movement swept through various nations in the 19th and 20th centuries demanding voting rights for women.
4. What steps have governments in India taken to bring social equality?
Answer: The Indian government has taken steps like abolition of untouchability, reservation for backward classes, right to education, mid-day meal scheme and laws against discrimination to promote social equality.
5. What does economic equality mean?
Answer: Economic equality means equal opportunities to earn a livelihood. It includes equal pay for equal work, fair wages and reducing the gap between the rich and the poor.
F. Long Answer Type Questions
(80โ100 words)
1. Political equality is provided by the Indian Constitution. Explain.
Answer:
Political equality means giving every citizen equal political rights. The Indian Constitution provides political equality through Universal Adult Franchise, which gives all citizens above 18 years the right to vote without discrimination. It ensures equal opportunity to contest elections and form political parties. The Constitution also guarantees equality before law and prohibits discrimination on the basis of caste, religion, gender or class. Thus, political power lies with the people, making Indian democracy inclusive and representative.
2. How is social equality sought to be achieved by the Constitution of India?
Answer:
The Constitution of India aims to achieve social equality by removing social discrimination and inequality. Article 15 prohibits discrimination on the grounds of caste, religion, race, sex or place of birth. Untouchability has been abolished under Article 17. The government has introduced reservations, laws against social injustice, and welfare schemes for backward classes, women and minorities. Education, equal opportunities and legal protection help promote dignity and equality for all citizens.
3. What is meant by economic equality? How is it sought to be achieved?
Answer:
Economic equality means providing equal opportunities to earn a livelihood and reducing economic disparities among citizens. It does not mean equal income for all but fair wages and equal pay for equal work. The Constitution promotes economic equality through minimum wage laws, labour welfare laws, land reforms and poverty alleviation programmes. Government schemes for employment, education and social security help reduce the gap between the rich and the poor.
4. Discuss how the Indian Constitution divides powers between different organs of the government.
Answer:
The Indian Constitution divides powers among three organs of governmentโthe Legislature, Executive and Judiciary. The Legislature makes laws, the Executive implements laws, and the Judiciary interprets laws. This separation of powers prevents misuse of authority and ensures smooth functioning of democracy. Each organ works independently but also keeps a check on the others through a system of checks and balances. This division protects citizensโ rights and maintains the rule of law.
5. What privileges have been given to Indian citizens keeping in mind Article 15 of the Indian Constitution?
Answer:
Article 15 of the Indian Constitution prohibits discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex or place of birth. At the same time, it allows special provisions for women, children and socially backward classes. Reservation in education and jobs, scholarships, and welfare schemes are provided to uplift disadvantaged groups. These privileges help promote equality, social justice and inclusive development, ensuring that weaker sections get equal opportunities in society.
G. Higher-Order Thinking Skills
1. The government has to accommodate various differences present in our country. Why is it so?
Answer:
India is a diverse country with different religions, languages, cultures, castes and traditions. To maintain unity and harmony, the government must accommodate these differences. Respecting diversity ensures equality, prevents discrimination and strengthens democracy. Inclusive policies help people feel secure and respected, promoting national integration.
2. What is the significance of equality in democracy?
Answer:
Equality is the foundation of democracy. It ensures that all citizens enjoy equal rights, opportunities and protection under law. Without equality, democracy cannot function properly, as discrimination leads to injustice and social conflict. Equality promotes dignity, participation and trust in democratic institutions.
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