NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Civics Chapter 1 – Power-

sharing
The Solutions for Chapter 1 of Democratic Politics-I are given below. Students should also
check NCERT Solutions for Class 10 for other subjects.
Exercises Page No. 10
1. What are the different forms of power-sharing in modern democracies? Give an
example of each of these.
Answer.
There are different forms of power-sharing in modern democracies. These are given below:

a. Horizontal distribution of power – Power is shared among different organs of government,

such as the legislature, executive and judiciary. Example – India
b. The federal division of power – Power can be shared among governments at different
levels – a general government for the entire country and governments at the provincial or
regional level. Example – India (Union Government & State Government)
c. Community government – Power may also be shared among different social groups such
as the religious and linguistic groups. Example – Belgium
d. Power-sharing between political parties, pressure groups and movements – Such
competition ensures that power does not remain in one hand. In the long run, power is
shared among different political parties that represent different ideologies and social
groups.

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.
3. After reading this chapter, three students drew different conclusions. Which of these do
you agree with and why? Give your reasons in about 50 words. Thomman – Power
sharing is necessary only in societies which have religious, linguistic or ethnic divisions.
Mathayi – Power sharing is suitable only for big countries that have regional divisions.
Ouseph – Every society needs some form of power sharing even if it is small or does not
have social divisions.
Answer.
Ouseph’s conclusion is the right one. Every state should have some or the other form of power-
sharing. Power-sharing ensures an optimum balance between different sections in the society.
The chances of conflict lessen, and so does the injustice. Hence, power-sharing becomes the
value of democracy. Also, power-sharing is a good way to ensure the stability of political order
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 into 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.
The measure of Mayor of Merchtem to ban on French-speaking in the town’s schools near
Brussels is unfair. It does not keep with Belgium’s power-sharing arrangement. Power-sharing
helps maintain a balance between different sections of society, and in Belgium, there is a need to
maintain the power-sharing between Dutch and French to avoid civil unrest. Banning French will
promote the tendency of civil unrest. To promote peace among different communities, the Mayor
should promote bilingual education system in the town’s schools.
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. Giving 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.”
6. Different arguments are usually put forth in favour of and against power-sharing.
Identify those which are in favour of power-sharing and select the answer using the codes
given below? Power-sharing:

A. reduces conflict among different communities

B. decreases the possibility of arbitrariness
C. delays the decision-making process
D. accommodates diversities
E. increases instability and divisiveness
F. promotes people’s participation in government

G. undermines the unity of a country

(a) A B D F

(b) A C E F

(c) A B D G

(d) B C D G

Answer.

(a) A B D F
7. Consider the following statements about power-sharing arrangements in Belgium and
Sri Lanka.

A. In Belgium, the Dutch-speaking majority people tried to impose their domination

on the minority French-speaking community.
B. In Sri Lanka, the policies of the government sought to ensure the dominance of the
Sinhala-speaking majority.
C. The Tamils in Sri Lanka demanded a federal arrangement of power-sharing to
protect their culture, language and equality of opportunity in education and jobs.
D. The transformation of Belgium from unitary government to a federal one prevented
a possible division of the country on linguistic lines.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) A, B, C and D
(b) A, B and D
(c) C and D
(d) B, C and D
Answer.
(d) B, C and D
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

Answer.

List I List II

1. Power shared among different organs of government Separation of powers

2. Power shared among governments at different levels Federal government

 3. Power shared by different social groups Community government

4. Power shared by two or more political parties Coalition government

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

Power-sharing Summary
Chapter 1 of NCERT Social Science Civics textbook – Democratic Politics-II will introduce
students to a system called power-sharing in a democracy. This system of power-sharing allows
the government to share its responsibilities and powers among different levels. In India,
legislature, executive and judiciary are different organs who share powers to run the government
in one way or the other. Class 10 students will be introduced to different forms of power-sharing
with examples of Sri Lanka, Belgium and more.
The students will also get to know about the following topics:

1.
1. Belgium and Sri Lanka
2. Majoritarianism in Sri Lanka
3. Accommodation in Belgium

a. Why power sharing is desirable?

4. Forms of power-sharing

NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Civics Chapter 2 – Federalism

The solutions for Chapter 2 of Democratic Politics-I are given below. Students should also
check NCERT Solutions for Class 10 for other subjects.
Exercises Page No. 27
1. Locate the following States on a blank outline political map of India: Manipur, Sikkim,
Chhattisgarh and Goa.
Answer.

Green – Sikkim

Blue – Manipur
Orange – Chattisgarh
Red – Goa
2. Identify and shade three federal countries (other than India) on a blank outline political
map of the world.
Answer.
 1. South Africa
2. Pakistan
3. Australia

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.
Feature in the practice of federalism in India that is similar to that of Belgium – There is power-
sharing between the union government and state government.
Feature in the practice of federalism in India that is different from that of Belgium – India has no
community government in practice, while Belgium has one.
4. What is the main difference between a federal form of government and a unitary one?
Explain with an example.
Answer.

Federal Form Unitary Form

There is a sharing of power between union and state The power is centralised with the
government. union government, and there is no
role of state governments.

Example – India (India is a federal country with union Example – Sri Lanka (The national
government at the centre and state governments at the government has all the powers.)
state level and Panchayati Raj at the local level.)

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

Local Government Pre-1992 Local Government Post Constitutional Amendment 1992

 Elections to these local Now, it is constitutionally mandated to hold regular elections to
governments were not held local government bodies
regularly

Local governments did not have The State governments are required to share some powers
any powers or resources of their and revenue with local government bodies. The nature of
own. sharing varies from State to State.

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 the federation, all the constituent States
have equal powers and States are strong vis-à-vis the federal government. But India is
a holding together type of federation and some States have more power than others. In India,
the central government has more powers.
7. Here are three reactions to the language policy followed in India. Give an argument and
an example to support any of these positions.
Sangeeta: The policy of accommodation has strengthened national unity.
Arman: the 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.
The policy of accommodation mentioned by Sangeeta is a correct reaction to the language policy
followed in India. Due to this policy, India stands in unity with states having different languages.
Had India not followed the policy of accommodation, several states could have proposed
separation from the country.
8. The distinguishing feature of a federal government is:

a. The national government gives some powers to the provincial governments.

b. Power is distributed among the legislature, executive and judiciary.
c. Elected officials exercise supreme power in the government.
d. Governmental power is divided between different levels of government

Answer.
d. Governmental power is divided between different levels of government
9. A few subjects in various Lists of the Indian Constitution are given here. Group them
under the Union, State and Concurrent Lists as provided in the table below.

A. Defence
B. Police
C. Agriculture
D. Education
 E. Banking
F. Forests
G. Communications
H. Trade
I. Marriages

Union List

State List

Concurrent List

Answer.

Union List Defence Communications Banking

State List Police Agriculture Trade

Concurrent List Education Forests Marriages

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

State government State List

Central government Union List

Central and State governments Concurrent List

Local governments Residuary powers

Answer.

Local governments Residuary powers

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

Union of India Prime Minister

State Sarpanch

Municipal Corporation Governor

Gram Panchayat Mayor

Answer.

List-I List-II

Union of India Prime Minister

State Governor

Municipal Corporation Mayor

Gram Panchayat Sarpanch

12. Consider the following two 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

Federalism Summary
Chapter 2 of NCERT Social Science Civics textbook – Democratic Politics-II will introduce
students to federalism, which is a power-sharing system between two or more levels of the
government. In India, federalism exists. The power is divided amongst three levels – union
government, state government and local government. Students will learn the basics of federalism
in India with special mention to decentralisation. The local government called the ‘Panchayati
Raj’ will be discussed.
The students will also get to know about the following topics:

1.
1. What is federalism?
2. What makes India a federal country?
3. How is federalism practised?

a. Language policy
b. Centre-State relation
4. Decentralisation in India
‘Democratic Politics-II’ is an important book for Class 10 Social Science subject. Apart from this
chapter, the full set of NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Social Science is given in the linked article.

NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Civics Chapter 3 – Democracy

and Diversity
The Solutions for Chapter 3 of Democratic Politics-II are given below. Students should also
check NCERT Solutions for Class 10 for other subjects.
Exercises Page No. 37
1. Discuss three factors that determine the outcomes of politics of social divisions.
Answer.
The three factors that determine the outcomes of politics of social divisions:

a. The outcome depends on how people perceive their identities. If people see their
identities in singular and exclusive terms, it becomes very difficult to accommodate.
b. It depends on how political leaders raise the demands of any community. It is easier to
accommodate demands that are within the constitutional framework and are not at the
cost of another community.
c. It depends on how the government reacts to the demands of different groups.

2. When does a social difference become a social division?

Answer.
The social division takes place when some social difference overlaps with other differences.
Situations of this kind produce social divisions when one kind of social difference becomes more
important than the other and people start feeling that they belong to different communities. The
differences that turn into social divisions are called overlapping differences.
3. How do social divisions affect politics? Give two examples.
Answer.
Democracy involves competition among various political parties. Their competition tends to
divide any society. If they start competing in terms of some existing social divisions, it can make
social divisions into political divisions and lead to conflict, violence or even disintegration of a
country. This has happened in many countries:
a. In North Ireland – It has faced violent and bitter ethnopolitical conflict. Two major sects of
Christianity – Protestants (53 per cent) and Roman Catholics(44 per cent) are represented in the
country. The Catholics were represented by Nationalist parties who demanded that Northern
Ireland be unified with the Republic of Ireland, a predominantly Catholic country. The Protestants
were represented by Unionists who wanted to remain with the UK, which is predominantly
protestant. The fight between Nationalist and Unionist led to social conflicts where hundreds of
civilians died.
b. In Yugoslavia – Political competition along religious and ethnic lines led to the disintegration of
Yugoslavia into six independent countries.
4.________________ social differences create possibilities of deep social divisions and
tensions. ___________________ social differences do not usually lead to conflicts.
Answer.
Overlapping social differences create possibilities of deep social divisions and tensions. Cross-
cutting social differences do not usually lead to conflicts.
5. In dealing with social divisions which one of the following statements is NOT correct
about democracy?

a. Due to political competition in a democracy, social divisions get reflected in

politics.
b. In a democracy, it is possible for communities to voice their grievances in a
peaceful manner.
c. Democracy is the best way to accommodate social diversity.
d. Democracy always leads to the disintegration of society on the basis of social
divisions.

Answer.
d. Democracy always leads to the disintegration of society on the basis of social divisions.
6. Consider the following three statements.

A. Social divisions take place when social differences overlap.

B. It is possible that a person can have multiple identities.
C. Social divisions exist in only big countries like India.

Which of the statements is/are correct?

a. A, B and C
b. A and B
c. B and C
d. Only C

Answer.
(b) A and B
7. Arrange the following statements in a logical sequence and select the right answers by
using the code given below.

A. But all political expression of social divisions need not be always dangerous.
 B. Social divisions of one kind or the other exist in most countries.
C. Parties try to win political support by appealing to social divisions.
D. Some social differences may result in social divisions.

a) D, B, C, A
b) D, B, A, C
c) D, A, C, B
d) A, B, C, D
Answer.
(a) D, B, C, A
8.Among the following, which country suffered disintegration due to political fights on the
basis of religious and ethnic identities?

a. Belgium
b. India
c. Yugoslavia
d. Netherlands

Answer.
(c) Yugoslavia
9. Read the following passage from a famous speech by Martin Luther King Jr. in 1963.
Which social division is he talking about? What are his aspirations and anxieties? Do you
see a relationship between this speech and the incident in Mexico Olympics mentioned in
this chapter?
“I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not
be judged by the colour of their skin but by the content of their character. Let freedom
ring. And when this happens, and when we allow freedom ring—when we let it ring from
every village and every hamlet, from every state and every city, we will be able to speed
up that day when all of God’s children—black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles,
Protestants and Catholics—will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old
Negro spiritual: ‘Free at last! Free at last! Thank God Almighty, we are free at last!’ I have
a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: ‘We
hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal’.”
Answer.
Martin Luther King Jr. is referring to segregating policies used by the whites against the coloured
people. He mentioned that it is the reason for the social division between the two communities.
His aspiration was for people to move towards a secure society where different communities can
live together peacefully. He hoped for a non-racial society where racial abuse doesn’t exist. He
wanted the communities to respect each other and not discriminate against each other on the
basis of their colour.
Yes, there is a relationship between his speech and the incident at the Mexico Olympics, as both
reflect a stand against the plight of the African-American people.

Democracy and Diversity Summary

Chapter 3 of NCERT Social Science Civics textbook – Democratic Politics-II will introduce
students to politics of racial discrimination. As the Class 10 students have already studied about
the social divisions and the democracy, this chapter will help them learn how people also identify
themselves not only on the basis of linguistics and ethnicity but also race, colour, physical
appearance, class, caste, gender, tribe, etc. How the state public expresses social divisions on
the mentioned grounds will be discussed in the chapter. The state also plays a role in either
suppressing social conflicts or to promoting social conflicts.
The students will also get to know about the following topics:

1. A Story from Mexico Olympics

2. Differences, similarities, divisions
a. Origins of social differences
b. Overlapping and cross-cutting differences
3. Politics of social divisions
a. Range of outcomes
b. Three determinants

‘Democratic Politics-II’ is an important book for Class 10 Social Science subject. Apart from this
chapter, the full set of NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Social Science is given in the linked articl

NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Political Science Chapter 4 –

Gender, Religion and Caste
The Solutions for Chapter 4 of Democratic Politics-I are given below. Students should also
check NCERT Solutions for Class 10 for other subjects.
Exercises Page No. 55
1. Mention different aspects of life in which women are discriminated or disadvantaged in
India.
Answer.
The women in India are discriminated or disadvantaged in the following ways:

a. Literacy – The literacy rate for women is 65.46 per cent, against 82.14 per cent for men.
This shows that since independence, the gap between the ratio of men and women with
respect to literacy still cannot be filled.
b. Higher education – When you compare the percentage of boys and girls opting for higher
studies after school, it is lower for girls as they tend to drop out after schools. This is
because parents do not wish to spend their resources on a girl’s education, which is quite
expected in boys’ cases.
c. High-Paid jobs – The percentage of women working in high-paying jobs is still smaller
than men. On an 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.
d. The Equal Remuneration Act, 1976 states that equal wages should be paid to equal
work. However, in almost all areas of work, from sports and cinema to factories and
fields, women are paid less than men, even when both do exactly the same work.
e. Sex-ratio – Sex Ratio of India is 107.48, i.e., 107.48 males per 100 females in 2019.

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

Answer.
The different forms of communal politics are:

a. Communalism takes a form of religious prejudices, stereotypes of religious communities

and a belief in the superiority of one’s religion over other religions. E.g. Militants religious
groups.
b. The quest for political dominance of one religion over another in a community. It takes a
form of majoritarianism. For example, the tiff between Hindus and Muslims.
 c. Political mobilisation on religious lines is another frequent form of communalism.
Example – During elections, hate speeches come to the surface, revealing the
communalism.
d. Communal violence is another form of communalism in politics.
Example – Indian and Pakistan.
The tiff between the two countries has a long history and the violence that followed is well
known.

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

Answer.
According to the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO), the following evidence reflects the
present caste inequalities in India:

a. The average economic status (measured by criteria like monthly consumption

expenditure) of caste groups still follows the old hierarchy – the ‘upper’ castes are best
off, the Dalits and Adivasis are worse off, and the backward classes are in between.
b. Although every caste has some poor members, the proportion living in extreme poverty
(below the official ‘poverty line’) is much higher for the lowest castes and much lower for
the upper castes, with the backward classes once again in between.
c. Although every caste has some members who are rich, the upper castes are heavily
over-represented among the rich while the lower castes are severely under-represented.

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

a. In India, no parliamentary constituency 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.
b. No party wins the votes of all the voters of 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.

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

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

7. When we speak of gender divisions, we usually refer to:

a. Biological differences 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
8. In India, seats are reserved for women in

a. Lok Sabha
b. State legislative assemblies
c. Cabinets
d. Panchayati Raj bodies

Answer.
(d) Panchayati Raj bodies
9. Consider the following statements on the meaning of communal politics. Communal
politics is based on the belief that:

A. One religion is superior to that of others.

B. People belonging to different religions can live together happily as equal citizens.
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
10. Which among the following statements about India’s Constitution is wrong? It

a. prohibits discrimination on grounds of religion.

b. gives official status to one religion.
c. provides to all individuals freedom to profess any religion.
d. ensures equality of citizens within religious communities.

Answer.
(b) gives official status to one religion.
11. Social divisions based on _________ are peculiar to India.
Answer.
Social divisions based on caste are peculiar to India.
12. Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the
Lists:

1 2 3 4
 (a) B C A D

(b) B A D C

(c) D C A B

(d) C A B D

Answer.

(b) B A D C

Gender, Religion and Caste Summary

Chapter 4 of NCERT Social Science Civics textbook – Democratic Politics-II will introduce
students to social divisions in the country based on gender, religion and caste. How social
differences based on these three fragments affect the politics of the country will be discussed.
Students will learn about gender equality, inequality, communal differences and also how
government works to fill the gaps through constitutional provisions.
The students will also get to know about the following topics:

1. Gender and politics

a. Public/private division
b. Women’s political representation
2. Religion, communalism and politics
a. Communalism
b. Secular state
3. Caste and politics
a. Caste inequalities
b. Caste in politics
c. Politics in caste

‘Democratic Politics-II’ is an important book for Class 10 Social Science subject. Apart from this
chapter, the full set of NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Social Science is given in the linked article.

NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Civics Chapter 5 – Popular

Struggles and Movements
The Solutions for Chapter 5 of Democratic Politics-II are given below. Students should also
check NCERT Solutions for Class 10 for other subjects.
Exercises Page No. 69
1. In what ways do pressure groups and movements exert influence on politics?
Answer.
Pressure groups and movements exert influence on politics in the following ways:
 a. They attempt to influence government policies
b. They gain public support and sympathy for a cause
c. They carry out protests, campaigns and exhibitions to gather people
d. They lobby together to alter a decision

2. Describe the forms of relationship between pressure groups and political parties?
Answer.
The relationship between political parties and pressure groups can take different forms:

a. Some pressure groups can have political ministers as their leaders. The ministers from
one party could try to affect the policies of another party by forming a pressure group.
b. Political parties participate in trade unions and students’ unions, either as a host or by
mobilising support for such unions to fight against their rival parties.
c. Movements for a cause can end up being a pressure group in various cases. An example
of such a pressure group would be the Assam students movement that later became
Asom Gana Parishad.
d. They have an indirect relationship too, where they are in dialogue and negotiation.

3. Explain how the activities of pressure groups are useful in the functioning of a
democratic government.
Answer.
The activities led by the pressure groups can push the government to rethink on the policies and
acts proposed by them for the country. Depending on the demands put forward by the pressure
groups, they can make a positive change in the country. Their activities, like campaigns or
protests, can bring attention to the wrongful acts of the government, which otherwise remain
behind the curtains. These pressure groups can help bring awareness to the citizens of the
governmental activities, and hence, the political parties have to act in a responsible manner.
4. What is a pressure group? Give a few examples.
Answer.
There are many indirect ways in which people can get governments to listen to their demands or
their points of view. They could do so by forming an organisation and undertaking activities to
promote their interests or their viewpoints. These are called interest groups or pressure groups.
Example – Farmers’ Organisation – Bhartiya Kisan Union and All India Trade Union Congress
5. What is the difference between a pressure group and a political party?
Answer.

Pressure Group Political Party

Organised or unorganised Organised

Participation is open to all Participation is through a set norm

The cause is to fight against a common purpose Their role is to form a government
 They don’t contest elections They contest elections

All participants have the same ideology Ministers can have different ideologies

6. Organisations that undertake activities to promote the interests of specific social

sections such as workers, employees, teachers, and lawyers are called
_____________________ groups.
Answer.
Organisations that undertake activities to promote the interests of specific social sections such as
workers, employees, teachers, and lawyers are called sectional interest groups.
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 a larger
number of people.
c. Pressure groups do not seek to get into power, while political parties do.
d. Pressure groups do not seek to mobilise people, while parties do.

Answer.
(c) Pressure groups do not seek to get into power, while political parties do.
8. Match List I (organisations and struggles) with List-II and select the correct answer
using the codes given below the lists:

List-I List-II

1. Organisations that seek to promote the interests of a particular A. Movement

section or group

2. Organisations that seek to promote a common interest B. Political parties

3. Struggles launched for the resolution of a social problem with or C. Sectional

without groups an organisational structure interest groups

4. Organisations that mobilise people with a view to win political D. Public interest
power groups

1 2 3 4
 (a) C D B A

(b) C D A B

(c) D C B A

(d) B C D A

Answer.

1 2 3 4

(b) C D A B

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

List-I List-II

1. Pressure group A. Narmada Bachao Andolan

2. Long-term movement B. Asom Gana Parishad

3. Single issue movement C. Women’s movement

4. Political party D. Fertilizer dealers’ association

1 2 3 4

(a) D C A B

(b) B A D C
 (c) C D B A

(d) B D C A

Answer.

1 2 3 4

(a) D C A B

10. Consider the following statements about pressure groups and parties.

A. Pressure groups are the organised expression of the interests and views of
specific social sections.
B. Pressure groups take positions on political issues.
C. All pressure groups are political parties.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

a. A, B, and C
b. A and B
c. B and C
d. A and C

Answer.
(b) A and B

Popular Struggles and Movements Summary

Chapter 5 of NCERT Social Science Civics textbook – Democratic Politics-II will discuss what a
pressure group is and their role in the Indian society. Students will be taught about the popular
struggles in India and across the world. The idea behind this chapter is to expose students to the
sectional interest groups, which are a form of a pressure group. The popular movements in India,
like Assam students’ movement will be introduced along with the role of pressure groups in the
politics of the government.
The students will also get to know about the following topics:

1. Popular struggles in Nepal and Bolivia

a. Movement for democracy in Nepal
b. Bolivia’s Water War
c. Democracy and popular struggles
2. Mobilisation and organisations
3. Pressure groups and movements
a. Is their influence healthy?

‘Democratic Politics-II’ is an important book for Class 10 Social Science subject. Apart from this
chapter, the full set of NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Social Science is given in the linked article.
NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Civics Chapter 6 – Political
Parties
The Solutions for Chapter 6 of Democratic Politics-II are given below. Students should also
check NCERT Solutions for Class 10 for other subjects.
Exercises Page No. 87
1. State the various functions political parties perform in a democracy
Answer.
The functions performed by the political parties are:

a. They contest elections.

b. They introduce various policies and programmes for the people.
c. They play an important role in decision-making to legislate and execute.
d. These parties, when successful in elections, form and run the government.
e. These parties, if they lose, become the opposition parties and play the role of criticizing
the government.
f. The parties mould the public’s opinion on various issues. They can help them form an
opinion and can also influence them to alter their opinion.
g. These parties help the citizenry to access the government’s policies and acts.

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

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

a. 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.
b. 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.
c. 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.

3. Suggest some reforms to strengthen parties so that they perform their functions well?
Answer.
The various reforms that a political party can take are:

a. A provision within a political party to tackle internal conflicts.

b. The 1/3rd representation in the party should be given to women candidates.
c. The parties should not promote candidates having criminal records.
d. State funding during elections should be promoted so that candidates coming from a
poor background stand an equal chance to win.

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.
5. What are the characteristics of a political party?
Answer.
The political party has the following characteristics:

a. They have members who share the same interests in policies and programmes.
b. They seek to introduce policies which are for the welfare of the citizens.
c. There are three components – leader, active members and followers.

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.
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 Alliance

2. Bharatiya Janata 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

(a) C A B D

(b) C D A B

(c) C A D B

(d) D C A B
Answer.

1 2 3 4

(c) C A D B
8. Who among the following is the founder of the Bahujan Samaj Party?
A. Kanshi Ram
B. Sahu Maharaj
C. B.R. Ambedkar
D. Jotiba Phule
Answer.
A. Kanshi Ram
9. What is the guiding philosophy of the Bharatiya Janata Party?
A. Bahujan Samaj
B. Revolutionary democracy
C. Integral humanism
D. Modernity
Answer.
C. Integral humanism
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

Answer.
(b) A and B

Political Parties Summary

Chapter 6 of NCERT Social Science Civics textbook – Democratic Politics-II will discuss the
political parties which form the basis of the government. India has a multi-party system where
various political parties contest elections and the party that wins the elections run the
government. Students will be introduced to the basic characteristics of the political parties and
the basic components. There are several challenges that a party has to face in the name of
internal conflicts, dynastic successions and more, which too will be introduced in the NCERT
Chapter 10.
The students will also get to know about the following topics:

1. Why do we need political parties?

a. Meaning
b. Functions
c. Necessity
2. How many parties should we have?
3. National parties
a. All India Trinamool Congress (AITC)
b. Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP)
c. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
d. Communist Party of India (CPI)
 e. Communist Party of India – Marxist (CPI-M)
f. Indian National Congress (INC)
g. Nationalist Congress Party (NCP)
4. State parties
5. Challenges to political parties
6. How can parties be reformed?

‘Democratic Politics-II’ is an important book for Class 10 Social Science subject. Apart from this
chapter, the full set of NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Social Science is given in the linked article.

NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Civics Chapter 7 – Outcomes of

Democracy
The Solutions for Chapter 7 of Democratic Politics-II are given below. Students should also
check NCERT Solutions for Class 10 for other subjects.
Exercises Page No. 99
1. How does democracy produce an accountable, responsive and legitimate government?
Answer.
The government can be accountable by framing and developing various laws and policies in
which citizens can hold the government responsible if any of those policies and laws are not
implemented or are held against the welfare of the citizens.
The government can be responsible when people start taking action when the government
becomes insensitive about their aspirations. People can hold protests, carry out campaigns and
organise rallies and force the government to respond to them. A democratic government is a
legitimate government, as it is elected by citizens and enjoys the confidence and trust of the
citizens.
2. What are the conditions under which democracies accommodate social diversities?
Answer.
Social diversities can be accommodated by focusing on all the communities of the society. The
majority and minority communities should be given equal attention. Democracy is not the rule of
the majority. In democratic countries, both the majority and minority work together to achieve
progress and development of the nation. It is equally important to understand that the rule of the
majority is not expressed in terms of religion or languages. Any person or group may become a
majority in a democracy.
3. Give arguments to support or oppose the following assertions:

a. Industrialised countries can afford democracy but the poor need dictatorship to
become rich.
b. Democracy can’t reduce inequality of incomes between different citizens.
c. The government in poor countries should spend less on poverty reduction, health,
education and spend more on industries and infrastructure.
d. In a democracy, all citizens have one vote, which means that there is an absence
of any domination and conflict.

Answer.

a. Industrialised countries can afford democracy, but the poor need dictatorship to become
rich – There is no relationship between democracy and the wealth of the nation. The
economic development of the nation is dependent upon the resources, the policies and
the openness of the government to attract investment. If the dictatorship could have
 brought wealth in the nation, countries like Nigeria would be having all rich people, which
is not the case in reality.
b. Yes, democracy cannot reduce income inequality as there are sectional communities
which have different professions. Income equality is not a value of democracy as
democracy brings social and political equality. People have the right to vote and can
access fundamental rights, but income is self-generated, and that depends on their ability
to work.
c. The statement is untrue. For any country to be developed, the focus should be on human
resources. The country is made up of its people, and if the citizens are uneducated, ill
and under-sufficient, the country cannot grow. The human development report in itself
judges the development of the country by the education and health of the citizen along
with the income. Hence, it is important for a country to invest in health and education
infrastructure.
d. The statement is partly true. Yes, democracy offers one vote to each of its citizens.
However, it is not a fool-proof system that does not invite any conflicts. Take the example
of India, which has a diverse diaspora. The social divisions in the society are reflected in
the form of riots, protests and strikes. Hence, no democracy can eliminate social
divisions.

4. Identify the challenges to democracy in the following descriptions. Also, suggest

policy/institutional mechanism to deepen democracy in the given situations:
a) Following a High Court directive, a temple in Orissa that had separate entry doors for
Dalits and non-Dalits allowed entry for all from the same door.
Answer:
The biggest challenge to democracy, in this case, is if such practices continue in the country,
there is a threat that discrimination based on caste, colour and creed cannot be eliminated. If
people indulge in such practices, legal actions can be taken against them. The Constitution
clearly states that discrimination of any kind will be considered a crime and a big threat to the
peace of the country. In such cases, serious actions must be taken against the people so that the
communal harmony of the country does not gets disturbed.
b) A large number of farmers are committing suicide in different states of India.
Answer: A large number of farmers are committing suicides in different states of India because
of the economic inequality in the country. Farmers in villages grow crops on a small piece of
land, and if the weather conditions do not stay stable, the farmer has to suffer serious loss. He is
further unable to repay the loan taken from the moneylender or the bank and gets overburdened
by the loan. These cases have increased in the country over the past few years, and the poor
farmers take such severe steps like committing suicide. The government should provide these
farmers with cheap fertilizers and seeds and provide them with better irrigation methods.
c) Following allegation of killing of three civilians in Gandwara in a fake encounter by
Jammu and Kashmir police, an enquiry has been ordered.
Answer: Allegations of killing three civilians in Gandwara by the Jammu and Kashmir police in a
fake encounter raises questions on the police force of the state. The challenge here is to control
the power of the police and other authoritative officials.
5. In the context of democracies, which of the following ideas is correct – democracies
have successfully eliminated?

A. conflicts among people

B. economic inequalities among people
C. differences of opinion about how marginalised sections are to be treated
D. the idea of political inequality

Answer.
D. the idea of political inequality
6. In the context of assessing democracy which among the following is odd one out?
Democracies need to ensure:

A. free and fair elections

B. the dignity of the individual
C. majority rule
D. equal treatment before the law

Answer.
C. Majority rule
7. Studies on political and social inequalities in democracy show that

A. democracy and development go together.

B. inequalities exist in democracies.
C. inequalities do not exist under a dictatorship.
D. dictatorship is better than democracy.

Answer.
B. inequalities exist in democracies.

Outcomes of Democracy Summary

Chapter 7 of NCERT Social Science Political Science textbook – Democratic Politics-II will throw
open the question of why we need democracy. Students will be taught the outcomes of
democracy and what we try to achieve in a democratic country. Students will also read about the
features of democracy and the chapter will also discuss if a democratic country can work
accordingly in reality. Quality of government, economic well-being, inequality, social differences,
conflict and finally freedom and dignity will be discussed with respect to democracy.
The students will also get to know about the following topics:

1. How do we assess democracy’s outcomes?

2. Accountable, responsive and legitimate government
3. Economic growth and development
4. Reduction of inequality and poverty
5. Accommodation of social diversity
6. Dignity and freedom of the citizens

‘Democratic Politics-II’ is an important book for Class 10 Social Science subject. Apart from this
chapter, the full set of NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Social Science is given in the linked article.

NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Civics Chapter 8 Challenges to

Democracy

NCERT Solutions – Social Science Civics Chapter 8

1. (Write your name here) ________________________ ’s definition of good democracy
(not more than 50 words):
Answer.
Good democracy should have a political system that chooses and replaces the government
through free and fair elections. People should actively participate in the policies introduced by the
government. There should be a fair implementation of all the tenets of the constitution. The
fundamental rights provided to the citizens should be adhered to, and states should focus on the
directive principles. In a democracy ‘of the people, by the people and for the people,” the people
should be given the utmost importance by promoting equality, fraternity and justice.

Challenges to Democracy Summary

Chapter 8 of the NCERT Social Science Civics textbook – Democratic Politics-II will address the
fundamental questions of democratic politics. The discussion on the challenges that democracy
faces in our country will take place in the chapter, and also the reforms that should be taken will
be given. The reforms needed to make a democratic country, democratic in nature, and practise
will be suggested. Suggestions about the way in which we can approach the questions of
challenges and reforms will be given to students. Through this chapter, a student will learn to
answer himself/herself what democracy means for him/her.
The students will also get to know about the following topics:

1. Thinking about challenges

2. Different contexts, different challenges
3. Different types of challenges
4. Thinking about political reforms
5. Redefining democracy

‘Democratic Politics-II’ is an important book for Class 10 Social Science subject. Apart from this
chapter, the full set of NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Social Science is given in the linked article