NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Social Science Civics Chapter 8 Challenges to Democracy

NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Social Science Civics Chapter 8 Challenges to Democracy

These Solutions are part of NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Social Science. Here we have given NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Social Science Civics Chapter 8 Challenges to Democracy.

TEXTBOOK EXERCISES

Different contexts, different challenges

Question 1.
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.
NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Social Science Civics Chapter 8 Challenges to Democracy 1
Answer:

  1. Rigging of elections – Challenge of deepening of democracy.
  2. Use of muscle power in elections – Challenge of deepening of democracy.
  3. Not adequate representation for women or discrimination against women – Challenge of expansion.
  4. Use of money power in elections or too much expenditure on election campaign – Challenge of deepening of democracy.

Question 2.
In the following cases and context (as given in the Textbook page 104) give description of the challenges for democracy in that situation.
Answer:

Case and contextYour description of the challenges for democracy in that situation
Chile : General Pinochet’s government defeated, but military still in control of many institutionsFoundational challenges i.e., Establishing civilian control over all governmental institutions, holding the first multi-party elections, recalling all political leaders from exile.
Poland : After the first success of Solidarity, the government imposed martial law and banned solidarity.Foundational challenges i.e., to bring down the existing non-democratic regime, to remove martial law and grant freedom of association.
Ghana : Just attained independence, Nkrumah elected president.Challenge of expansion – to apply basic principles of democracy in all regions.

Myanmar : Suu Kyi under \ house arrest for more than 15 years, army rulers getting global acceptance.

Foundational challenge to keep military away from controlling government and establishing a sovereign and functional state.

International Organisations : US as the only super power disregards the UN and takes

Challenge of expansion – to ensure equal powers and cooperation among members to solve international problems.
Mexico : Second free election after the defeat of PRI in 2000; defeated candidate alleges rigging.Challenge of deepening of democracy – to strengthen the institutions and practices of democracy; to conduct free and fair elections.
China : Communist Party adopts economic reforms but maintains monopoly over political power.Challenge of deepening of democracy – no division of power or public participation. To have free and fair elections.
Pakistan : General Musharraf holds referendum, allegations of fraud in voters’ list.Foundational challenge – to make transition to democracy – and establish civilian government on the basis of free and fair elections.
Iraq : Widespread sectarian violence as the new government fails to establish its authority.Foundational challenge to democracy – to set up democratic government on the basis of free and fair elections
South Africa : Mandela  retires from active politics, pressure on his successor Mbeki to withdraw some concessions given to White minority.Challenge of deepening of democracy – to safeguard the interests of White minority.

US, Guantanamo Bay : UN Secretary General calls this a violation of international law, US refused to respond.

Foundational challenge – to safeguard various rights of people including freedom. To refrain the USA from following unjust policies and compel them to obey international law.

Saudi Arabia : Women not allowed to take part in public activities, no freedom of religion for minorities.

Challenge of expansion – to grant equal rights to ‘ women without any discrimination. Interests of the minorities to be protected.

Yugoslavia : Ethnic tension between Serbs and Albanians on the rise in the province of Kosovo. Yugoslavia disintegrated.Challenge of expansion of democracy – basic principles . of democracy should have been applied in Yugoslavia i.e., extension of federalism, to protect the interests of minorities etc.
Belgium : One round of constitutional change taken place, but the Dutch speakers not satisfied; they want more autonomy.Challenge of deepening of democracy – to strengthen the institutions of democracy to realise the expectations of the people. More powers to local bodies.
Sri Lanka : The peace talks between the government and the LTTE break down, renewed violence.Challenge of expansion of democracy – to adopt federal principles – to avoid majoritarianism. To accommodate minorities and protect their interests.
US Civil Rights : Blacks have won equal rights, but are still poor, less educated and marginalised.Challenge of deepeni ng of democracy – equal opportunities in economic field, education to be provided such as reservation for SCs / STs / OBCs in India.

Northern Ireland : The civil war has ended but Catholics and Protestants yet to develop trust.

Challenge of expansion of democracy – extension of federal principle to all the units, women and minorities.
Nepal : Constituent Assembly about to be elected, unrest in Terai areas, Maoists have not surrendered arms.

Foundational challenge of making the transition – to democracy and setting up democratic government.To establish a sovereign functional state.

Question 3.
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     Nepal
Democratic rightsPoland, Myanmar, Pakistan, US and Guantanamo Bay, Saudi Arabia and US Civil Rights
Working of institutionsInternational organisations, Mexico and China
ElectionsMexico
Federalism, decentralisationYugosl avia an d Belgium
Accommodati on of diversityIraq and Northern Ireland
Political organisations .Ghana and South Africa
GlobalisationBolivia

Question 4.
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 challengesPoland, Myanmar, Pakistan, Iraq, US, Guantanamo Bay, Nepal, India (Naxalites problems, insurgency in North-Eastern states)
Challenge of expansionGhana, International organisations, Saudi Arabia, Yugoslavia, Sri Lanka, Northern Ireland, India (More power to local governments)
Challenge of deepeningMexico, South Africa, Belgium, US, Civil Rights, Bolivia, India (corruption, less public participation)

Question 5.
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:

PriorityChallenges to democracyExampleReasons for preference

1.

Challenge of deepening
  1. Use of money
  2. muscle power
  3. Free and fair elections
  4. Decentralisation – more powers to local governments to increase public participation.
To make India democratic in practice at all levels – national, state and local.
2.Challenge of expansion

5. Representation of women to elected bodies.

Women consist of half of the population. They should have adequate representation.

Question 6.
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 absenteeismPolitical 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.

Challenge:   

On an average, every candidate who contested the last Lok Sabha elections owned a property of more than ? 1 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:

Tire government should make it compulsory for the doctors to live in the village where they are posted, otherwise their service should be terminated. They should be given some monetary incentives.

Reform proposals:

The financial accounts of every political party should be made public. These accounts should be examined by government auditors

 

District administration and police should carry out surprise checks to ensure the attendance of the doctors.

There should be state funding of elections. Parties should be given some money by the government to meet their election expenditure.

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.Citizens should be encouraged to give more donations to parties and to political workers. Such donations should be exempt from income tax.
Problems like this can be solved only if Uttar Pradesh is split into several smaller states which can be administered more efficiently.

Answer:
(1) Doctor’s absenteeism :

  • Doctor’s absenteeism can be controlled by making it compulsory for the doctors to live in the village of their posting,
  • Secondly, they should be debarred from doing private practice.
  • They should be given some monetary incentives.
  • These rules should be part of their terms and conditions for appointment.
  • These conditions must be strictly followed,
  • Surprise checks by the department should be made.
  • The erring doctors should be punished by the department.

(2) Political funding :

  1. Role of money in elections in India has been increasing for the last few years,
  2. It is necessary to curb the role of money to make democracy more successful.
  3. The first, two proposals e., auditing of accounts of the political parties and state funding are good because these reforms will bring transparency in the finances of the political parties.
  4. Secondly, state funding will reduce the expenditure on elections. Role of money will be less and the poor candidates may also be able to fight elections.

Question 7.
Write your own definition of good democracy and its features.
Answer:

  1. Definition of good democracy : A government that is run and elected by the people to look after the interests of all people – rich and poor, rural, adivasis and others without any discrimination. Basic needs of all should be-fulfilled.
  2. Features :
    1. Government elected by the people.
    2. Run by the people directly or indirectly with maximum public participation at all levels.
    3. Public opinion should be respected as was done in Ram Rajya
    4. There should be no poverty, illiteracy, social divisions, unemployment in the state
    5. Citizens should be satisfied in different spheres of life. There should be no tension in the society.

We hope the NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Social Science Civics Chapter 8 Challenges to Democracy help you. If you have any query regarding NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Social Science Civics Chapter 8 Challenges to Democracy, drop a comment below and we will get back to you at the earliest.

NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Social Science Civics Chapter 7 Outcomes of Democracy

NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Social Science Civics Chapter 7 Outcomes of Democracy

These Solutions are part of NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Social Science. Here we have given NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Social Science Civics Chapter 7 Outcomes of Democracy.

TEXTBOOK EXERCISES

Question 1.
How does democracy produce an accountable, responsive and legitimate government ?
Answer:
Democracy produces an accountable, responsive and legitimate government in the ways as mentioned below :

(1) Accountability : In a democracy, decision-making process is based on norms and procedures. A citizen may know about the procedure process followed in the decision-making. It is known as transparency. Thus the government is accountable to the people. The government can develop mechanisms for citizens to hold the government accountable to the people. In India Right to Information is an example of this process. In non-democratic government there is no such accountability. However over all democratic governments do not have a very good record .when it comes to sharing information with citizens. But whatever be the case it can be said that the democratic governments are better than non-democratic regimes.

(2) Responsive government : Generally it is expected from a democratic government that it is attentive to the needs and demands of the people and is largely free of corruption. But in practice it is not so. Democracies often frustrate the needs of the people and often ignore the demands of a majority of its population. So it is not fully responsive. There are cases of corruption in democratic countries. At the same time, there is nothing to show that non- democratic government are less corrupt or more sensitive to the people.

(3) Legitimate government : In this respect democracy is better than other non-democratic governments. It 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.

Thus there is an overwhelming support for the idea of democracy all over the world. In addition to this democracy’s ability to generate its own support is itself an outcome that cannot he ignored.

Question 2.
What are the conditions under which democracies accommodate social diversities ?
Answer:
Democracies accommodate social diversities in the ways as mentioned below :

  1. Democracies usually develop a procedure to conduct their competition. The Belgian leaders recognised the existence of regional differences and cultural diversities. For example, the constitution prescribes the number of Dutch and French-speaking ministers shall be equal in the central government as well as Brussel’s government.
  2. Differences must be respected and there should be mechanism to negotiate differences. Democracy is best suited to reduce this outcome. Ability to handle social differences, divisions and conflicts is possible only in democracies. But for this democracy must fulfill two conditions as mentioned below :
  3. The majority always needs to work with the minority so that governments function to represent the general view.
  4. Rule by majority should not become rule by majority community in terms of religion, or race or linguistic group. Democracy remains democracy only as long as every citizen has a chance of being in majority at some point of time.

Question 3.
Give arguments to support or oppose the following assertions :
(a) Industrialised countries can afford democracy but the poor need dictatorship to become rich.
(b) Democracy can’t reduce inequality of incomes between different citizens.
(c) Government in poor countries should spend less on poverty reduction, health, education and spend more on industries and infrastructure.
(d) In democracy, all citizens have one vote, which means that there is absence of any domination and conflict.
Answer:
(a) It is not correct.

  • No doubt, a lot of expenditure is incurred on elections in a democracy but regular, fair and free elections make democracy a popular form of government.
  • Again to say that poor need dictatorship to become rich is not correct. For example, in African countries, where military dictatorships have been established, the poor have not become rich.
  • In Pakistan and Bangladesh too, the condition of the poor is far from satisfactory.
  • A poor country can be a democratic country such as India where democracy has been successful since its independence.

(b) It is correct to state that democracy cannot reduce inequality of incomes between different citizens. Democracy provides political equality e., right to vote and other rights but ultra-rich people enjoy a highly disproportionate share of wealth and incomes. Not only this their share in the total income of the country has been increasing. On the other hand poor are becoming poorer and they find it difficult to meet their basic needs of life i.e., food, clothing and shelter etc.

Thus in actual life the democracies have not been successful in reducing economic in­equalities. For example in India, the poor constitute a large population of our voters and no party will like to lose their votes. Yet democratically elected governments do not address the question of poverty satisfactorily. The result is that in some countries the situation is very bad. For example in Bangladesh, more than half of its population lives in poverty. People in several poor countries are now dependent on the rich countries even for food supplies.

(c) I do not agree with the view that the government in poor countries should spend less on poverty reduction, health, education and spend more on industries and infrastructure. The governments should spend more on poverty reduction, health and education due to the reasons as mentioned below :

  1. The poverty eradication programmes help the poor directly. For example poverty alleviation programmes such as NREGA help them directly.
  2. The opening of health centers will enable the poor to get health facilities in their localities. A healthy person can earn more and thus, in turn, will improve their standard of living.
  3. Education too will improve the condition of the poor. An educated person i.e., engineer, doctor, lawyer, IT professional not only can earn more but also help in improving the economy of the country.
  4. On the other hand if more money is spent on industries and infrastructure, it may help the industrialists more than the poor.

(d) It is correct to say that in democracy, all citizens have one vote, which means that there is absence of any domination and conflict. In democracy under universal adult franchise all citizens have right to vote without any discrimination on account of caste, creed and religion. In elections number is important. A candidate who secures maximum votes, gets elected. Rich or poor who ever has voted for him does not matter. Thus, there is no domination of upper class voters over the lower class voters.

Question 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.
(b) A large number of farmers are committing suicide in different states of India.
(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.
(a) Generally, we find in a democracy various social divisions based on caste which lead to tensions. The present challenge relates to social diversity. The High Court has ordered entry for all from the same door instead of having separate doors for dalits and non-dalits earlier. To deepen democracy there should be law banning discrimination on account of caste, religion or other factors.

(b) There is a challenge of poverty. A large number of farmers are committing suicide in different states of India due to the following factors :    

  1. Unable to pay loan that has been taken by them due to bad harvest due to lack of rain or irrigation facilities.
  2. Non-availability of government help at the time of necessity.
    In such situation, the government should set up an organisation to look after the interests of the farmers. They should be given financial help or loans at nominal rate of interest. Irrigation and other facilities should be provided to them.

(c) Dignity and freedom of the citizens has been challenged in the present case. Generally, cases of fake encounters are reported in the newspapers. In a democracy such incidents should not take place because the passion for respect and freedom are the basis of a democracy. All individuals are equal.
To avoid such fake encounters there should be transparency in the working of the government departments including police department. The culprits should be punished even if they occupy a higher post in any government department.

Question 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.

Question 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:
(D) equal treatment before law.

Question 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.

Question 8.
Read the passage below :

Nannu is a daily wage earner. He lives in Welcome Mazdoor Colony, a slum habitation in East Delhi. He lost his ration card and applied for a duplicate one in January 2004. He made several rounds to the local Food and Civil Supplies office for the next three months. But the clerks and officials would not even look at him, leave alone do his job or bother to tell him the status of his application. Ultimately, he filed an application under the Right to Information Act asking for the daily progress made on his application, names of the officials, who were supposed to act on his application and what action would be taken against these officials for their inaction. Within a week of filing application under the Right to Information Act, he was visited by an inspector from the Food Department, who informed him that the card had been made and he could collect it from the office. When Nannu went to collect his card next day, he was given a very warm treatment by the Food and Supply Officer (FSO), who is the head of a Circle. The FSO offered him tea and requested him to withdraw his application under the Right to Information, since his work had already been done.

What does Nannu’s example show ? What impact did Nannu’s action have on officials ? Ask your parents their experiences when they approach government officials to attend to their problems.
Ans.
(a) Nannu’s example shows that ordinary people should be aware of their rights. They should exercise those rights without any fear as has been done by Nannu.

(b) Nannu’s action has a significant effect on the officials who not only made his ration card but also offered him a cup of tea at the office of the Food and Supply Officer. He was given proper respect. However, the Food and Supply Officer requested him to withdraw his application because his ration card had been prepared.

(c) Generally, the government officials do not bother about the requests of the poor and disadvantaged people. Such people as Nannu go on visiting government offices without any success. Their problems are not solved. But now with the introduction of Right to Information, things would change. There will be more efficiency and transparency in the functioning of the government departments.

We hope the NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Social Science Civics Chapter 7 Outcomes of Democracy help you. If you have any query regarding NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Social Science Civics Chapter 7 Outcomes of Democracy, drop a comment below and we will get back to you at the earliest.

NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Social Science Civics Chapter 6 Political Parties

NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Social Science Civics Chapter 6 Political Parties

These Solutions are part of NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Social Science. Here we have given Extra Questions for NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Social Science Civics Chapter 6 Political Parties.

TEXTBOOK EXERCISES

Question 1.
State the various functions political parties perform in a democracy.
Answer:
Basically, the functions of political’parties are to fill political offices and exercise political power. This is done by performing the following functions as mentioned below :

(1) Contest elections : In democracies, elections are contested by the political parties by putting up their candidates. The candidates are selected in different ways. For example in USA, members and supporters of a party choose their candidates. In India, top party leaders choose candidates for contesting elections.

(2) Put forward different policies and programmes : Political parties have their own ideologies and programmes. These are put forward before the voters at the time of elections in the form of a manifesto. A. party weighs different views and takes a basic position about policy matters and a government takes its decisions accordingly.

(3) Role in making laws for a country : Laws are passed according to the directions of the ruling party or alliance in case of a coalition government. Members of political party vote in the legislature according to the decision of the party, irrespective of their personal opinions.

(4) Formation of governments : Party or group of parties that gets majority in the legislature forms and runs the government. In a parliamentary democracy, this function is so important that government is known by the name of the Party e., Congress or BJP govern­ment etc. Generally big policy decisions are taken by the political executive and the government is run accordingly.

(5) Role of opposition : Those parties that lose in the elections play the role of opposition to the government. They voice their views and criticise government for its failure or wrong policies. They do this by raising various type of motions in the legislature or by asking questions.

(6) Role in shaping public opinion : Political parties raise and highlight different issues of public importance. Political parties have links with pressure groups which influence the policies of the government. Many pressure groups are the extensions of political parties. Movements are also launched by the political parties in support of demands of public interest.

(7) Access to government machinery and welfare schemes : Ordinary citizens approach local party leaders about their demands and grievances. They get information about govern­ment policies from them. For an ordinary citizen it is easy to approach a local party leader than a government officer. They feel close to parties even when they do not fully trust them. Parties have to be responsive to people’s needs and demands. Otherwise people can reject these parties the next elections.

Question 2.
What are the various challenges faced by political parties ?
Answer:
Political parties play an important role in a democracy. So it is natural for the people to blame parties for its failures to perform their functions well. Popular dissatisfaction and criticism has focussed on various problems in the working of political parties. These are as mentioned below :

(1) Lack of internal democracy : There is lack of internal democracy within parties. For example organisational elections are not held regularly. Most of the decisions are taken by the President or top leaders in the party. Ordinary members do not have any say in the decision making process of the party. Sometimes, those who disagree with the leadership find it difficult to continue in the party. More than loyalty to party principles and policies, personal loyalty to the leader becomes more important. As a result of it, there is tendency towards the concentration of power in one or few leaders at the top.

(2) Dynastic succession : Family members pr people more close to top leaders are favoured at the time of granting tickets for contesting elections. Sometimes deserving members are denied tickets. Political parties do not practice open and transparent procedures. Top positions such as President or General Secretary are always controlled by members of one family. This is unfair to the other members of the party. It is also bad for democracy because people without adequate experience come to occupy the top positions in the party. This tendency is present in some measure all over the world, including in some of the older democracies.

(3) Use of money and muscle power : Political parties want to win elections at all costs. Parties use money power to purchase votes and finance high pitched campaigns. Rich candi­dates are nominated so that they may win elections. Not only this muscle power is also used during elections. It is used to coerce voters, capture booths and threaten opposition campaign. In some cases, political parties support and select criminals who can win elections. Democrats all over the world are worried about the increasing role of rich people and criminals in democratic politics.

(4) Hardly any meaningful choice : In order to offer meaningful choice parties must be significantly different. But in recent years there has been a decline in the ideological differences among parties in most parts of the world. For example the difference between the Labour Party and the Conservative Party in Britain is reduced. In our country too, the differences among all the major parties on the economic policies have reduced.People have no option available to them. Sometimes people cannot even elect very different leaders either, because the same set of leaders keep shifting from one party to another.

Question 3.
Suggest some reforms to strengthen parties so that they perform their functions well.
Answer:
Following reforms are suggested to strengthen political parties so that they perform their functions well :

(1) Regulate the internal affairs of political parties : A law should be made to regulate internal affairs of political parties. Basic principle of election from lower tier to higher level should be followed. Open elections to the higher posts should be held. The parties should maintain a register of its members. They should follow the party constitution and have an independent authority to act as a judge in case of party disputes.

(2) Representation to women candidates : It should be made mandatory for the political parties to give one-third tickets to women candidates. They should be given adequate represen­tation in the decision making bodies.

(3) State funding of elections : In order to put curb on money power, there should be state funding of elections e., the government should give parties money to support their election expenses. This support could be given in kind such as petrol, paper and telephone. It could be given in cash, on the basis of the votes secured by the party in the last election.There is, however, very little chance of accepting above suggestions by the political parties. Most of the parties find ways to cheat the laws. Besides, political parties will not agree to pass a law that is not liked by them. In such circumstance there are two other ways, as mentioned below to reform political parties.

Pressure by people :

  • People can also put pressure on political parties through petitions, publicity and agitations. Such pressure may make political parties more serious about reforms.
  • People should join political parties large number so that they may improve the working of political parties being members of that party. It is easier to reform a party from within rather than from outside.

Question 4.
What is a political party ?
Answer:
A political party is a group of people who come together to contest elections and hold power in the government. They agree on some policies and programmes for the society with a view to promote the collective good. A political party, therefore, possesses features like an organisation, definite views on political issues, a well formulated line of action, a will and desire to implement the proclaimed policies.

Question 5.
What are the characteristics of a political party ?
Answer:
The characteristics of a political party are as given below :

  1. A political party is an organised body. Each party has its organisation.
  2. It has definite views on various issues.
  3. It has a general ideological identity. For example, a party may be a leftist or rightist party.
  4. It represents a part of society. For example, a party may represent the capitalists, the poor, the upper class or a lower class. A party, therefore, may represent a particular part of a society.
  5. A party has three components i.e., the leaders, the active members and the followers.

Question 6.
A group of people who come together to contest elections and hold power in the government is called a_____________ .
Answer:
political party

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

List IList II
1. Congress PartyA. National Democratic Alliance
2. Bharatiya Janata PartyB. State party
3. Communist Party of India (Marxist)C. United Progressive Alliance
4. Telugu Desam PartyD. Left Front

 

1234
(a)CABD
(b)CDAB
(c)cADB
(d)DCAB

Answer:
(c) C, A, D, B.

Question 8.
Who among the following is the founder of the Bahujan Samaj Party ?
1. Kanshi Ram Sahu Maharaj
2. B.R.Ambedker D. JyotibaPhule
Answer:
(A) Kanshi Ram.                                                                              ‘

Question 9.
What is the guiding philosophy of the Bharatiya Janata Party ?

1. Bahujan Samaj B. Revolutionary democracy
2. Integral humanism D. Modernity

Answer:
(C) Integral humanism.

Question 10.
Consider the following statements on parties :

1. Political parties do not enjoy much trust among the people.
2. Parties are often rocked by scandals involving top party leaders.
3. Parties are not necessary to run governments.
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.

Question 11.
Read the following passage and answer the questions given below : Muhammad Yunus is a famous economist of Bangladesh. He received several international honours for his efforts to promote economic and social development for the benefit of the poor. He and the Grameen Bank he started jointly, received the Nobel Peace Prize for the 2006. In February 2007, he decided to launch a political party and contest in the parliamentary elections. His objective was to foster proper leadership, good governance and build a new Bangladesh. He felt that only a political party different from the traditional ones would bring about new political culture. His party would be democratic from the grassroots level.

The launching of the new party, called Nagarik Shakti (Citizens’ Power), has caused a stir among the Bangladeshis. While many welcomed his decision, some did not like it. “Now I think Bangladesh will have a chance to choose between good and bad and eventually have a good government”, said Shahedul Islam, a government official. “That government, we hope, would not only keep itself away from corruption but also make fighting corruption and black money a top priority.”

But leaders of traditional political parties who dominated the country’s politics for decades were apprehensive. “There was no debate (over him) winning the Nobel, but politics is different – very challenging and often controversial”, said a senior leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party. Some others were highly critical. They asked why he was rushing into politics. “Is he being planted in politics by mentors from outside the country”, asked one political observer.

(a) Do you think Yunus made a right decision to float a new political party ?
(b) Do you agree with the statements and fears expressed by various people ?
(c) How do you want this new party organised to make it different from other parties ?
(d) If you were the one to begin this political party how would you defend it ?

Answer:
(a) Yunus made a right decision to float a new political party because in a democracy every citizen has a right to form political party or join a political party of his own choice. There is nothing wrong in it. Secondly, Yunus is a Nobel Peace Prize winner and is known in Bangladesh as well as by people all over the world. He has his own political ideas. He has set an example by setting up the Grameen Bank in Bangladesh. People may support him and enable him to form a good government and build a new Bangladesh of his dreams.
.
(b) I do not agree with the statements and fears expressed by various people because these are baseless. No doubt, politics is different from other fields but Yunus has achieved success by establishing Grameen Bank for the ,.welfare of the people. After all democracy is also for the welfare of the people. The statements and fears are from those people who may lose power in future.

(c) The new party should be organised on democratic lines. Organisational elections should be held regularly. There should be transparency in the working of the party. Due representation should be given to all sections of the society including women and minorities.

(d) I would defend the formation of the party on the ground that in a democracy, every citizen has a right to join or form a political party of his choice.

We hope the NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Social Science Civics Chapter 6 Political Parties help you. If you have any query regarding NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Social Science Civics Chapter 6 Political Parties drop a comment below and we will get back to you at the earliest.

NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Social Science Civics Chapter 5 Popular Struggles and Movements

NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Social Science Civics Chapter 5 Popular Struggles and Movements

These Solutions are part of NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Social Science. Here we have given Extra Questions for NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Social Science Civics Chapter 5 Popular Struggles and Movements.

TEXTBOOK EXERCISES

Question 1.
In what ways do pressure groups and movements exert influence on politics?
Answer:
Like an interest group, a movement group also attempts to influence politics rather than directly take part in electoral competition. But unlike the interest groups, movements have a loose organization. Their decision making is more informal and flexible. They depend much more on spontaneous mass participation than an interest group.

Question 2.
Describe the forms of relationship between pressure groups and political parties.
Answer:
In most cases, the relationship between parties and interest or movement groups is not so direct. They often take positions that are opposed to each other. Yet they are in dialogue and negotiation. Movement groups have raised new issues that have been taken up by political parties. Most of the new leadership of political parties comes from interest or movement groups.

Question 3.
Explain, how the activities of pressure groups are useful in the functioning of a democratic government.
Answer:
The activities of pressure groups are useful in the functioning of a democratic government in the following ways :

  1. Deepens democracy and counter undue influence on the government : Sometime rich and powerful put pressure on the government to form a policy or take a decision in their interest. In such situations pressure groups can counter such move by putting pressure on the government to take a decision in the interest of ordinary citizens. To put pressure on the government in public interest is good and it strengthens democracy.
  2. Sectional groups and balance of power : Even sectional interest groups play a valuable role. As there are different sectional groups, no one can achieve dominance over society. If one group brings pressure on government to make policies in its favour, another will bring counter pressure not to make policies in the way the first group desires. Thus, different sectional interest groups help the government to maintain a balance of power and accommodation of conflicting interests.

Question 4.
What is a pressure group ? Give a few examples.
Answer:
Pressure groups are organizations that attempt to influence government policies. But unlike political parties, pressure groups do not aim to directly control or share political power. These organizations are formed when people with common occupation, interests, aspirations, or opinions come together in order to achieve a common objective.

The struggle in Nepal was called a movement for democracy. We often hear the word people’s movement to describe many forms of collective action: Narmada Bachao Andolan, Movement for Right to Information, Anti-liquor Movement, Women’s Movement, Environmental Movement.

Question 5.
What is the difference between a pressure group and a political party ?
Answer:
A pressure group is an organised Or unorganised body that tries to promote its interests. They fight and try to achieve a common objective. They do not take part in competitive politics but try to influence the government by different means.
On the other hand, political parties take direct participation in competitive politics. They contest elections in order to win majority and form government. Their aim is to achieve political power. They have more than one interest. They have their own ideology and have their own way of achieving their aim.

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

Question 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.

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

List IList II
1. Organisations that seek to promote the interests of a particular section or groupA. Movement
2. Organisations that seek to promote common interestB. Political parties
3. Struggles launched for the resolution of a social problem with or without an organisational structureC. Sectional interest groups
4. Organisations that mobilise people with a view to win political powerD. Public interest groups

 

1234
(a)CDBA
(b)cDAB
(c)DCBA
(d)BCDA

Answer:
(b) C, D, A, B.

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

List IList II
1. Pressure groupA. Narmada Bachao Andolan
2. Long term movementB. Asom Gana Parishad
3. Single issue movementC. Women’s Movement
4. Political partyD. Fertiliser Dealers’Association

 

1234
(a)DCAB
(b)BADC
(c)CDBA
(d)BDCA

Answer:
(a) D, C,A, B.

Question 10.
Consider the following statements about pressure groups and parties :
A. Pressure groups are an organized 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

Question 11.
Mewat is one of the most backward areas in Haryana. It used to be a part of district Gurgaon and Faridabad. The people of Mewat felt that the area will get better attention if it were to become a separate district. But political parties were indifferent to this sentiment. The demand for a separate district was raised by Mewat Educational and Social Organisation and Mewat Saksharta Samiti in 1996. Later Mewat Vikas Sabha was founded in 2000 and carried out a series of public awareness campaigns. This forced both the major parties, Congress and the Indian National Lok Dal, to announce their support for the new district before the assembly elections held in February 2005. The new district came into existence in July 2005. In this example, what is the relationship that you observe among movement, political parties, and the government? Can you think of an example that shows a relationship different from this one?
Answer:
It was a movement that was supported by different organizations viz., Mewat Educational and Social Organisation, Mewat Saksharta Samiti, and Mewat Vikas Sabha. The awareness campaigns started by Mewat Vikas Sabha forced two major parties, Congress and the Indian National Lok Dal to support them.

Generally, movements are started against the policies of the government. In the present case, the government of the Indian National Lok Dal was in power and it also supported the demand for the new district in view of coming elections in the state. None of the party wanted to go against the demands of the people. As Congress won the election in 2005 and had supported the movement, the new district came into existence in July 2005.

Thus, this movement was different from other movements. In other movements such as Narmada Bachao Andolan, different organizations were against the policy of the government regarding the construction of big dams. In such a movement, the government is not a party to the movement.

We hope the NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Social Science Civics Chapter 5 Popular Struggles and Movements help you. If you have any query regarding NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Social Science Civics Chapter 5 Popular Struggles and Movements, drop a comment below and we will get back to you at the earliest.

NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Social Science Civics Chapter 4 Gender Religion and Caste

NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Social Science Civics Chapter 4 Gender Religion and Caste

These Solutions are part of NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Social Science. Here we have given NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Social Science Civics Chapter 4 Gender Religion and Caste.

TEXTBOOK EXERCISES

Question 1.
Mention different aspects of life in which women are discriminated or disadvantaged in India.
Answer:
Sexual difference is biological but gender difference is sociological. Women on the basis of gender have always been discriminated in almost all the societies of the world including India. Ours is a male-dominated patriarchal society. Women face disadvantage, discrimination, and oppression in various ways as mentioned below :

(1) Different aspects of life in which women are discriminated or disadvantaged in India are as given below :

  1. Education :
    • Women are deprived of equal access to education. Thus, the literacy rate among women is only 54 percent as compared to 76 percent among men.
    • A smaller proportion of girl students go for higher education because in spite of their better performance than boys, they drop out as parents prefer to spend their resources for their son’s education,
    • They do not want to spend equally on their sons and.daughters.
  2. Discrimination in job opportunities and remuneration or salary :
    • The number of women on highly paid jobs is less than men.
    • Women are discriminated in job opportunities as well as in appointment among highly paid and valued jobs,
    • Under Equal Wages Act, equal wages should be paid for equal work. In practice almost in every sphere, women are paid less than men, even when both do exactly the same work,
    • On average an Indian woman works one hour more than an average man every day. Yet much of her work is not paid and therefore often not valued.
  3. Preference for sons: Even now in many parts of India, parents prefer to have sons, There are cases where a girl child is aborted before she is born. Due to sex-selective abortion, the sex-ratio has declined from 927 in 2001 to 850 or 800 in some places.
  4. Cases of harassment, exploitation, and violence: Women are exploited by their employers. They are sexually assaulted at homes. They are not safe during their journey at night. They are subjected to various forms of domestic violence such as beating and harassment.

Question 2.
State different forms of communal politics with one example each.
Answer:
The most common expression of communalism is in everyday beliefs. These routinely involve religious prejudices, stereotypes of religious communities and belief in the superiority of one’s religion over other religions. This is so common that we often fail to notice it, even when we believe in it.

A communal mind often leads to a quest for political dominance of one’s own religious community. For those belonging to the majority community, this takes the form of majoritarian dominance. For those belonging to the minority community, it can take the form of a desire to form a separate political unit.

Question 3.
State how caste inequalities are still continuing in India.
Answer:
Caste has not disappeared from contemporary India. Some of the older aspects of caste have persisted. Even now most people marry within their own caste or tribe. Untouchability has not ended completely, despite constitutional prohibition. The effects of centuries of advantages and disadvantages continue to be felt today. The caste groups that had access to education under the old system have done very well in acquiring modern education as well. Those groups that did not have access to education or were prohibited from acquiring it have naturally lagged behind. That is why there is a disproportionately large presence of ‘upper caste’ among the urban middle classes in our country. Caste continues to be closely linked to economic status.

Question 4.
State reasons to say that caste alone cannot determine election results in India.
Answer:
The caste alone cannot determine election results in India due to the reasons as mentioned
below :

  1. No majority of one caste in a constituency: No parliamentary constituency in the country has a clear majority of one single caste. So, every candidate and party needs to win the confidence of more than one caste and community to win elections.
  2. No votes of one cast/community: No party wins the votes of all the voters of a caste or community. When people say that caste is a vote bank of one party, it usually means that a large proportion of the voters from that caste vote for that party.
  3. Candidates from the same caste :
    • Many political parties may put up candidates from the same caste if that caste is believed to dominate the electorate in a particular constituency.
    • In addition to this some voters have more than one candidate from their caste while many voters have no candidate from their caste. All these factors divide the voters between two or more candidates.
  4. The ruling party and the sitting members frequently lose elections in our country. This could not have happened if all castes and communities were frozen in their political preferences.
  5. Sometimes the voters have strong attachment to political parties which is often stronger than their attachment to their caste or community.
  6. People within the same caste or community may have different interests depending on their economic condition. Rich and poor or men and women from the same caste often vote very differently.
  7. Lastly people make their own assessment about the performance of their leaders and this differs with one another.
    Thus it can be concluded that caste alone cannot determine election results in India.

Question 5.
What is the status of women’s representation in India’s legislative bodies?
Answer:
In India, the proportion of women in the legislature has been very low. For example, the percentage of elected women members in Lok Sabha has never reached even 10 percent of its total strength. Their share in the state assemblies is less than 5 percent. In this respect, India is among the bottom group of nations in the world. India is behind the averages for several developing countries of Africa and Latin America. In the government, cabinets are largely all-male even when a woman becomes the Chief Minister or the Prime Minister.

Question 6.
Mention any two constitutional provisions that make India a secular state.
Answer:
Two constitutional provisions that make India a secular state are given below :

  1. There is no official religion in India. Our Constitution does not give a special status to any religion like Islam in Pakistan, Buddhism in Sri Lanka and Christianity in England. State observes an attitude of neutrality and impartiality towards all religions.
  2. The Constitution provides to all persons and communities freedom to profess, practice and propagate any religion or not to follow any.

Question 7.
When we speak of gender divisions, we usually refer to :
(a) Biological difference between men and women.
(b) Unequal roles assigned by 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 society to men and women.

Question 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

Question 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.
C. 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

Question 10.
Which among the following statements about India’s Constitution is wrong?

(a) prohibits discrimination on grounds of religion.
(b) gives official status to one religion.
(c) provides to all individuals the freedom to profess any religion.
(d) ensures the equality of citizens within religious communities.
(b) gives official status to one religion.
Answer:
(b) gives official status to one religion.

Question 11.
Social divisions based on ……………… are peculiar to India.
Answer:
caste

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

List IList II
1.A person who believes in equal rights and opportunities for women and men      A. Communalist
2.A person who says that religion is the principal basis of communityB. Feminist
3.A person who thinks that caste is the principal basis of communityC. Secularist
4.A person who does not discriminate others on the basis of religious beliefsD. Castiest

 

1234
(a)BCAD
(b)BADC
(c)DCAB
(d)CABD

Answer:
(b) B, A, D, C is the correct answer.

We hope the NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Social Science Civics Chapter 4 Gender Religion and Caste help you. If you have any query regarding NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Social Science Civics Chapter 4 Gender Religion and Caste, drop a comment below and we will get back to you at the earliest.