Political Science (10th) Textbook

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Chapter 1 Power Sharing

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

Answer: Different forms of power sharing in modern democracies:

Horizontal division of power: It is the sharing of power among the different organs of government. The division of government into the executive, the legislature and the judiciary is an example of horizontal division of power. In such a power sharing arrangement, different organs of government, placed at the same level, exercise different powers. This separation of powers ensures that no organ exercises unlimited power. Each organ checks the others, thereby putting in place a system of checks and balances. The division of power between the Council of Ministers headed by the Indian Prime Minister, the Parliament of India and the Indian Supreme Court is an example of this kind of power sharing.

Vertical division of power: It is the sharing of power among governments at different levels — a general government for the entire country and governments at the provincial or regional level. For example, in India, the Constitution defines the way power is to be shared between the Central or Union government and the various State governments. There are certain matters on which only the Central government can take decisions, while there are others on which only an individual state government has an exclusive right for decision making.

Division of power among social groups: Power can also be shared among different groups which differ socially. The system of ‘community government’ in Belgium is an example of this type of power division. This government is elected by people belonging to one language community (Dutch, French and German-speaking), and has the power to take decisions regarding cultural, educational and language related issues. The system of reserved constituencies in India is another example.

Division of power between political parties, pressure groups and movements:

Political parties are the organisations which aim to control power by contesting elections. In a democracy, citizens have the freedom to choose among the various contenders for power (the different political parties or the different alliances comprising political parties). Such a freedom of choice entails competition among the different parties, which in turn ensures that power does not remain in one hand, and is shared among different political parties representing different ideologies and social groups.

Pressure groups and movements also share governmental power, either through participation in governmental committees or by influencing the decision-making process.

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

Answer: While prudential reasons stress that power-sharing will bring out better outcomes. In India, the power is shared horizontally among various organs of government. The Legislature, Executive and Judiciary are responsible for administering India. Reservation is applicable in India, where various sections are given benefits over others to avoid conflicts.

Moral reasons emphasise the very act of power-sharing as valuable. In India, citizens are conferred with fundamental rights and directive principles of state policies are implied on the government.

Question 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, linguisticor ethnic divisions.

Mathayi − Power sharing is suitable only for big countries that have regional divisions.

Ouseph −Every society needs some form of power sharing even if it is small or does nothave social divisions.

Answer: The conclusion drawn by Ouseph is correct. Every society needs some form of power-sharing even if it is small or does not have social divisions because power-sharing helps to reduce the possibility of conflicts among individuals too. For example, there may be a difference of opinion among the members of a joint family. Such differences may be resolved if responsibilities and powers are divided among the members of the family. Similar is the case in societies and governments. Thus, there should be power-sharing in small or big societies or countries.

If there are different communities in a country, they should try to accommodate each other as has been done in Belgium – where the French-speaking people accepted equal representation in Brussels because the Dutch-speaking community has accepted equal representation in the central government.

Question 4: The Mayor of Merchtem, a town near Brussels in Belgium, has defended a ban on speaking French in the town’s schools. He said that the 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: 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.

Question 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 in the given passage is – “Giving power to Panchayats is also a way to reduce corruption and increase administrative efficiency.”

Question 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:

1. reduces conflict among different communities
2. decreases the possibility of arbitrariness
3. delays decision making process
4. accommodates diversities
5. increases instability and divisiveness
6. promotes people’s participation in government
7. undermines the unity of a country

	A	B	D	F
	A	C	E	F
	A	B	D	G
	B	C	D	G

Answer:

A

B

D

F

Question 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

Question 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	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 by two or more political parties	D.	Federal government

	1	2	3	4
	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

Question 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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Chapter 2 Federalism

Question 1:

Locate the following States on a blank outline political map of India:

Manipur, Sikkim, Chhattisgarh and Goa

ANSWER:

Question 2:

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

ANSWER:

Question 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.

Question 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.

Question 5:

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

ANSWER:

Local governments BEFORE the Constitutional amendment in 1992	Local governments AFTER the Constitutional amendment in 1992
Elections were not held regularly.	It is mandatory to hold regular elections to local government bodies.
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.

Question 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.

Question 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:

Sangeeta’s reaction is better than those of the other two. Unlike Sri Lanka (where the language of the majority has been promoted), the Indian polity has given equality of status to all the major languages spoken in the country. This has led to the avoidance of social conflict on linguistic basis. The policy of accommodation has made administration of States easier. It has also ensured a larger participation in the government’s activities by people who speak various languages.

Question 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.

Question 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

Β. Police

C. Agriculture

D. Education

E. Banking

F. Forests

G. 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

Question 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

Question 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

Question 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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Chapter 3 Gender, Religion and Caste

Question 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.

Question 2: State different forms of communal politics with one example each.

Answer: Different forms of communal politics are as given below:

Everyday beliefs: Religious prejudices, stereotypes of religious communities, and belief in the superiority of one’s religion over other religions are so common that we often fail to notice them even when we believe in it. For example even today the members of lower classes are not allowed to enter the temples in many regions.

Majoritarian dominance: A majority community tries to dominate other communities in politics. This may compel the minority community to form a separate political unit. For example, in Sri Lanka, majoritarianism has been followed which has resulted in conflict in the country.

Political mobilization on religious lines: Religious appeals are made to voters to attract their votes. Sometimes sacred symbols and religious leaders are used to bring the followers of one religion together in the political arena. Religious leaders are asked to propagate in favour of a political party. Emotional appeals are made on the basis of religion.

Communal violence: Sometimes communalism takes the ugliest form of communal violence, riots, and massacre. India and Pakistan suffered some of the worst communal riots at the time of the partition. Even after independence, riots on communal lines have taken place in India.

Question 3: State how caste inequalities are still continuing in India.

Answer: Caste inequalities have not completely disappeared from India. Even today, most people marry within their own caste or tribe. Despite constitutional prohibition, untouchability has not ended completely. Education is not easily available to the so called ‘low castes’. Economic status is closely linked to the caste system. In modern India, like in pre-independence India, the poor are mostly the ‘low castes’ while the rich are the ‘high castes’, thereby showing that caste inequalities are still continuing in India.

Question 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.

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

Answer: There are more than 10 lakh elected women representatives in rural and urban local bodies. Women’s organisations and activists have been demanding a similar reservation of at least one-third of seats in the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies for women. A bill with this proposal has been pending before the Parliament for more than a decade. But there is no consensus over this issue among all the political parties. The bill has not been passed.

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

Answer: Two constitutional provisions that make India a secular state are:

• The fundamental right to the freedom of religion clearly states that one has a right to practise, profess and propagate any religion.
• Prohibition of discrimination on the basis of religion is one of the tenets in the constitution under the fundamental right to equality.

Question 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

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.

(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? 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 the equality of citizens within religious communities.

Answer: (b) gives official status to one religion

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

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

Question 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	A. Communalist
2.	A person who says that religion is the principal basis  of community	B. 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
	B	C	A	D
(b)	B	A	D	C
(c)	D	C	A	B
(d)	C	A	B	D

Answer:

(b)

B

A

D

C

Class 10 Political Science (Civics) Chapter 4 Gender, Religion and Caste: Chapter Overview

In the previous chapter, you studied that the existence of social diversity does not threaten democracy. The political expression of social differences is possible and sometimes quite desirable in a democratic system. In this chapter, you have to apply these ideas to the practice of democracy in India. Going through the chapter you will learn about three kinds of social differences that can take the form of social divisions and inequalities. These are social differences based on gender, religion and caste. In each case, you will see the nature of this division in India and how it gets expressed in politics. Further, you will know whether different expressions based on these differences are healthy or otherwise in a democracy.

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Chapter 4 Political Parties

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

Answer: Functions performed by political parties in a democracy:

• Group together a large number of similar opinions, thereby providing a direction in which policies can be formulated Contest elections, providing the voters a choice between different policies.
• Winning party forms and runs the government. Losing parties form the opposition, and keep a check on the working of the government.
• Play a decisive role in making laws, especially by debating them in the legislature.
• Shape public opinion by raising and highlighting issues
• Provide people a way to access government machinery and welfare schemes

Question 2: What are the various challenges faced by political parties?

Answer: There are some challenges that political parties have to face:

• The lack of internal democracy – If there is a concentration of power in the hands of one or only a few ministers in the party, it gives space to internal conflicts.
• The dynastic succession – This has been in the political parties from time immemorial. The leader of the party sets a lineage and one after another, a dynastic succession keeps taking place, which affects the chances of other ministers in the party to gauge an effective position in the party.
• Money and muscle power – The participation of smaller regional parties is lesser due to growing prominence of muscle and money power. These powers can mostly be seen during the election period where parties’ rich candidates can gain more votes using both of these.

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

Answer: Some reforms which could strengthen political parties are:

• A law should be established to regulate the internal affairs of parties, thereby making them more transparent.
• Women should be given at least one-third tickets.
• The state should fund election campaigns, thereby eliminating lobbying groups and unfair competition.

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 promoting the collective good.

Question 5: What are the characteristics of a political party?

Answer: Characteristics of a political party are:

• The presence of a central ideology which defines what it stands for.
• Policies arising from this ideology; the party promises to implement these if it is voted to power.
• The presence of a leader, the party workers and supporters.

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

Answer: A group of people who come together to contest elections and hold power in the government is called a 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 I	List II
1.	Congress Party	A. National Democratic Party
2.	Bharatiya Janta Party	B. State Party
3.	Communist Party of India (Marxist)	C. United Progressive Alliance
4.	Telugu Desam Party	D. Left Front

	1	2	3	4
	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

Question 8: Who among the following is the founder of the Bahujan Samaj Party?

A. Kanshi Ram
Β. Sahu Maharaj
C. Β.R. Ambedker
D. Jotiba Phule

Answer: A. Kanshi Ram

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

A. Bahujan Samaj
B. Revolutionary democracy
C. Integral humanism
D. Modernity

Answer: D. Modernity

Question 10: Consider the following statements on parties.

A. Political parties do not enjoy much trust among the people.
B. Parties are often rocked by scandals involving top party leaders.
C. 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

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 Noble Peace Prize for 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 decisions, 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 Novel, 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.

Do you think Yunus made a right decision to float a new political party?

Do you agree with the statements and fears expressed by various people? How do you want this new party organised to make it different from other parties? If you were the one to begin this political party how would you defend it?

Answer: Yunus made a right decision to launch a political party and contest in the parliamentary elections. It’s a human tendency when a competitor comes in front of anybody, people look for excuses to quit the person out of the field. When there are more than one parties in the country, people have choice to select between good and bad. The new party should promote proper leadership, good governance and should be capable of bringing about new healthy political culture. Last but not least it should be democratic from the grassroots level.

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Chapter 5 Outcomes of Democracy

Answer the following questions:

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

Answer: The democratically elected government is answerable to people. If a government does not function as per the wishes of the people, it would lose the next elections and would be thrown out of power. Hence, it needs to be accountable to people. Similarly, the government has to be responsive to the problems and aspirations of people; otherwise people would choose the next better alternative when the opportunity comes. The government is elected by the majority of the people and hence is a legitimate government.

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

Asnwer: It is not possible to completely eliminate the conflicts arising out of social diversity. Yet such conflicts are kept at the minimum possible level in a democracy. Democracy builds on consensus in which interests of various sections of the society are respected and catered to. Thus, social diversities are accommodated in a democracy.

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.

Asnwer: Although examples of many countries under dictatorship suggest that economic growth can be good in such countries, yet some democracies are also in sound economic health. Many poor countries of the past have progressed under democratic rule, although the growth may have been slow. Looking at the cost benefit analysis, it can be said the even for a poor country, democracy is always a better option rather than dictatorship to strive for becoming rich.

(b) Democracy can’t reduce inequality of incomes between different citizens.

Asnwer: This is a true reality that inequality of incomes cannot be reduced between different citizens; no matter which type of government system is in place. Even the past experience of socialism in Russia and China suggest that it is almost impossible to create a society where everyone is equal in terms of economic power. The same holds true for democracy also.

(c) Government in poor countries should spend less on poverty reduction, health, education and spend more on industries and infrastructure.

Asnwer: While it is always prudent to spend on industries and infrastructure for better employment generation, the role of social security cannot be ignored. There are many people who are so poor and oppressed that they need some sort of help to improve their condition. Poverty eradication, health benefits and education schemes should always be in place for such people. A proper balance should be struck in spending on social security and on industries.

(d) In democracy all citizens have one vote, which means that there is absence of any domination and conflict.

Asnwer: In theory, it is true that the formula of one person one vote negates the effect of domination and conflict. But in the real world, a society can be very complex. It is a basic instinct of people or a group of people to dominate others at the very first opportunity. Similarly, conflicts are bound to arise in the society. However, democracy minimizes the effect of such tendency to a certain extent.

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.

Asnwer: This example shows the challenge of ensuring dignity and freedom of its citizens. In this case, the judiciary interfered in the matter and the Right to Equality was enforced.

(b) A large number of farmers are committing suicide in different states of India.

Asnwer: This is a challenge of economic inequality. The government can implement some bailout package so that farmers are not forced to commit suicide. This can be done through providing a minimum support price for the farm produce and some sort of loan waiver scheme for the 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.

Asnwer: This is a challenge of dignity and freedom of citizens and the Right to Equality. The police department and the Judiciary can take corrective measures in this case.

Question 5: In the context of democracies, which of the following ideas is correct – democracies have successfully eliminated:

1. Conflicts among people
2. Economic inequalities among people
3. Differences of opinion about how marginalised sections are to be treated
4. The idea of political inequality

Asnwer: (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:

1. Free and fair elections
2. Dignity of the individual
3. Majority rule
4. Equal treatment before law

Asnwer: (c) Majority rule

Question 7: Studies on political and social inequalities in democracy show that

1. Democracy and development go together.
2. Inequalities exist in democracies.
3. Inequalities do not exist under dictatorship.
4. Dictatorship is better than democracy.

Asnwer: (b) Inequalities exist in democracies

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Chapter 6 Challenges to Democracy

Intext Questions

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.

A)

Answer: This represents the influence of the rich and powerful people on the election, the basic procedure of democracy.

Challenge – Deepening of democracy.

B)

Answer: This represents the existence of non-democratic regimes in the world. It tries to show that democracy does not come by the use of bullet.

Challenge : Foundational challenge.

C)

Answer: This represents that in principle, we talk about gender equality, but in practice male dominancy is observed in democracy.

Challenge – Challenge of expansion.

D)

Answer: This represents how the money is used to influence decision making in democracy by the rich and powerful people.

Challenge – 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 Context	FeaturesYour description of the challenges for democracy in that situation
Mexico: Second free election after the defeat of PRI in 2000; defeated candidates allege rigging.	Challenge of Deepening of democracy –To hold free and fair elections without any malpractices.
China: The Communist party adopts economic reforms but maintains a monopoly over political power.	Challenge of Deepening of democracy – To hold multiparty free and fair elections.
Pakistan: General Musharraf holds referendum, allegations of fraud in the voter’s list.	Foundational challenge – To eliminate fraud malpractices during referendum and elections.
Iraq: Widespread sectarian violence as the new government fails to establish its authority.	Challenge of Deepening of democracy – 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.	Challenge of Deepening of democracy – To prevent the domination of the majority community over the minority community.
US, Guantanamo Bay: UN Secretary General calls this a violation of international law; US refused to respond.	Foundational Challenge – To prevent the domination of the world body like UNO from domination of influential, rich and powerful countries like the USA.
Saudi Arabia: Women were not allowed to take part in public activities, no freedom of religion for the minority.	Challenge of Expansion of democracy – To establish the principle of universal adult franchise and the freedom to practice one’s own religion.
Yugoslavia: Ethnic tension between Serbs and Albanians on the rise in the province of Kosovo; Yugoslavia disintegrated.	Challenge of Expansion of democracy – To minimize social differences and divisions 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.	Challenge of Deepening of democracy – To give equal political rights to both the Dutch and French speaking communities.
Sri Lanka: Peace talks between the government and LTTE breaks down, renewed violence.	Challenge of Expansion of democracy – To adopt federal principles and prevent 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.	Challenge of Deepening of democracy – 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.	Challenge of Expansion of democracy – To provide equal political, religious and economic freedom to both the communities.
Nepal: Constituent Assembly about to be elected; unrest in Terai areas; Maoists have not surrendered arms.	Foundational Challenge – 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.	Challenge of Deepening of democracy – To establish democratic principles, which are beneficial to each and every section of society.

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Question 3: 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 addition to that write one item for India for each of these spheres. In case 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. e.g. Saudi Arabia, China, Belgium, Iraq, Myanmar.
Democratic rights	To provide people with basic rights and freedom. e.g. Saudi Arabia, Guantanamo Bay, China, Poland. In India, discrimination against lower caste.
Working of institutions	Setting up of effective administration and judiciary. e.g. Mexico, Myanmar and Chile. In India, control on custodial deaths.
Elections	To hold free and fair elections. e.g. Mexico, Chile, Pakistan, Poland. In India, taking measures to check rigging of elections.
Federalism, decentralization	To establish democratic institutions like administration and judiciary at local levels. e.g. Yugoslavia, Ghana, Belgium. In India, providing more power and resources to the local governments.
Accommodation of diversity	To resolve social diversified issues based on ethnicity, linguistic groups, etc. e.g. Ireland, Yugoslavia, Belgium, Sri Lanka. In India, conflicts due to caste and communal differences pose a challenge to democracy.
Political Organisation	To democratise organisations in countries. e.g. Ghana, Ireland, Saudi Arabia, Myanmar. In India, corruption of political parties is a challenge.
Any other category – Religious equality	To establish religious equality in countries. e.g. Saudi Arabia, Mayanmar, Iran. In India, religious, social and economic discrimination of people belonging to lower castes exists

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 Challenge	Poland, Myanmar, Pakistan, Iraq, Nepal, Chile, China, Saudi Arabia Example from India – Naxal problem and insurgency in North-Eastern states.
Challenge of Expansion	Ghana, Saudi Arabia, Yugoslavia, Sri Lanka, Ireland, Mexico, Iraq. Example from India – To grant more powers to local governments like municipal bodies and village panchayats.
Challenge of deepening	South Africa, Pakistan, Belgium, Bolivia, US, Guantanamo Bay. Example from India – To increase women representation in Parliament and state legislatures.

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:

Priority	Challenges to Democracy	Example	Reasons for Preference
1.	Challenge of Deepening	Corruption among government officials	People lose faith in democracy, and weakens the functioning of democracy.
2.	Challenge of Expansion	Women’s participation in the legislature	Women constitute of half of the population so should have a fair amount of participation in
3.	Foundational Challenge	Delay in justice from courts	People lose faith in democracy and weaken the foundations of democracy.
4.	Foundational Challenge	Inflation and increasing poverty	A large section of the population is affected by this problem
5.	Challenge of Expansion	Poor literacy amongst women	A large part of our population is not being adequately educated, hence, it is underutilized affecting the development of the country.

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 options, or come up with something that is not offered here. But you must give your solution in detail and offer reasons for your choice.

Answer:

(A) Doctor’s absenteeism :

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

(B) Political funding :

To curb the flow of money in elections which distort the very meaning of democracy the first, two proposals i.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. State funding will reduce the expenditure on elections. Role of money will be less and the poor candidates will get a chance to fight elections.

Question 7: Any other problem of your choice.

Answer:

Criminalisation of Politics Challenge:
Number of criminals in politics is increasing day by day. In 2019, 43 percent MPs have criminal records. 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.
• As suggested by Supreme court, 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.

Question 8: Here is your space for writing your own definition of good democracy.

Answer: Bindhu’s definition of good democracy :

A good democracy is one in which the rulers elected by the people take major decisions under the framework of the Constitution of fulfill the wishes of the people, but if they do not withstand their expectations, people can call them back.

Features:

• If the representatives do not perform, people should have the right to call them back before time.
• People should be banned from contesting elections if found guilty of instances of breaking laws.
• Socio-economic matters should be taken care of equally to minimize economic inequality among citizens.
• A sufficient representation of the minority and disadvantaged classes should be provided in a democracy.
• The elected leaders should follow certain moral principles.

Question 9: Is it democratic for someone to dictate to us what a good democracy is?

Answer: No, it is not democratic for someone to dictate us what a good democracy is. Because democracy is a way of life how people utilise their voting rights to select political who rule them. In case if someone comes up with any good definition for democracy, it should be made public by authenticated persons like teachers, bureaucrats, lawyers. All people must get equal rights and opportunities in a democracy. Whether to accept that definition of democracy is to be left for public conscience.

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Chapter 7 The Jammu & Kashmir Reorganization Act, 2019

 Q1. GIVE A BRIEF INTRODUCTION TO THE JAMMU AND KASHMIR REORGANIZATION ACT, 2019.

Ans:- On the basis of a resolution passed in both the houses of the Parliament, the President issued an order on 6 of August declaring that all the clauses of Article 370 except clause (1) to be inoperative thus effectively ending special rights & privileges upon the J&K permanent residents, to the exclusion of other citizens of India, more specifically with regard to the acquisition of immovable property and appointment to services. On the same day Parliament of India passed the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act of 2019. President of India assented it for implementation on 9" August 2019. It contains the provisions for the reconstitution of the State of Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories, one to be designated as Jammu and Kashmir and the other as Ladakh. The Act came into effect on 31 October 2019. The Legislation abrogated Article 35-A of the Indian Constitution applicable to the State of Jammu and Kashmir: By virtue of the Reorganisation Act, Parliament of India placed J&K State under the direct control and supervision of Central government after splitting it into two Union Territories: the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir and the Union Territory of Ladakh.

Q.2: WHAT WAS INSTRUMENT OF ACCESSION?

Ans: The Instrument of Accession (IOA) that was executed by Maharaja Hari Singh, the
then ruler of the princely State of Jammu & Kashmir with Union of India on Oct. 26
1947. declaring accession of the state to India. The IOA gave Indian Parliament the
Power to Legislate in respect of Jammu & Kashmir only on the matters of Defence,
Communication and External Affairs. Apart from Defence, Communication and
External allars, the IOA mentions ancillary subjects that include elections to Jammu
and Kashmir and offences against laws with respect to any of the said matters.

Q. 3.HOW WAS ARTICLE 370 INCORPORATED IN THE CONSTITUTION OF INDIA? WHAT SPECIAL POWERS TO CONFERRED TO STATUS OF J&K?

Ans: The Article was incorporated in the Constitution of India through a presidential order constitution order (Application to J&K) 1954. issued by the President of India on 14
May 1954 under article 370. Article 370 was incorporated in the constitution of India under 10A and gave special status to J&K conferring it with certain powers like

A. Separate constitution.

B. State flag

C. Autonomy over the internal administration of the state

D. Article 238 of Indian Constitution was not applicable to the State of Jammu and

Kashmir whereas it was applicable to all other States of India. Article 35-A of the Indian Constitution was an article that empowered the J&K State legislature to define the status of permanent residents of the State.

The Constitutional safeguards provided under Article 15. A were instance of the Special privileges granted to the residents of Jammu and Kashmir under licreditary State Subject Order of 1927 passed by Maharaja Hari Singh Article 370, along with anicle 35.A. dermed that the residents of J&K State shall reside under a separate set of laws, including those related to Citizenship. Ownership of Property and Fundamental Rights as compared to the residents of other States

Q4.DESCRIBE THE PROVISIONS OF THE J&K REORGANIZATION ACT OF 2019,

Ans: 1.The J&K Reorganization Act of 2019 came into effect on 31 of October, 2019 and

thereupon superseded the Constitution (application to J&K) Order, 1954 as amended

from time to time. Provisions of The Act

Formation of Union Territory of Ladakh: There shall be formed a new territory to be known as the Union Territory of Ladakh comprising the territory of Kargil and Leh Districts of the erstwhile State of Jammu and Kashmir and thereupon the territory shall cease to be a part of Jammu and Kashmir. It came into being on 31"

of October 2019. The UT of Ladakh will be without legislature and under the direct control of President of India and shall be administered through a lieutenant Governor.

2. Formation of Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmír: New Union territory known as the UT of Jammu and Kashmir, comprising the territory of the existing State of J&K other than the Kargil and Leh Districts. It came into being, on 31" of October 2019. The UT of J&K shall have a legislative Assembly and shall be under the direct control of president of India administered through a Lieutenant Governor The Legislative Assembly of J&K UT shall have 107 seats, out of which 24 shall be reserved for Residents of POJK. 

Lieutenant Governor can nominate two women members to the assembly. The working period for the assembly shall be five years. The J&K U.T shall have Ministerial Council consisting of 8 ministers headed by Chief Minister. There shall be no Legislative Council for the Union Territory of J&K

3. Reservation: There shall be reservation for scheduled castes, scheduled tribes, OBCs and others as per Central Government Rules in both the Union Territories.

4. Application of Central Laws: All the Central laws shall now be applicable to both J&K and Ladakh U.Ts. 106 central laws shall become applicable with immediate effect

5. Common High Court for both Union Territories: The High Court of J&K shall function as the high court for both the U.Ts.

6. Representation in Parliament: Out of the six Lok Sabha seats allocated to the erstwhile state of J&K one will be allocated to U.T of Ladakh and 5 will be allocated to the U.T of J&K. Members of Council of States: As per the schedule, section: 9. UT of J&K shall have four members.

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