Civics

1.
POWER SHARING
BELGIUM AND SRI LANKA
1. Ethnic composition of Belgium :

A small country in Europe, It has borders with Netherlands, France and Germany. It has a population of a little
over one crore. The ethnic composition of this small country is very complex. Of the country’s total population, 59
percent lives in the Flemish region and speaks Dutch language. Another 40 percent people live in the Wallonia
region and speak French. Remaining 1 percent of the Belgians speak German.
Problems– The minority French-speaking community was relatively rich and powerful. This led to tensions
between the Dutch-speaking and French-speaking communities during the 1950s and 1960s. Brussels presented
a special problem: The Dutch-speaking people constituted a majority in the country, but a minority in the
capital.
2. Ethnic composition of Sri Lanka :

The major social groups are the Sinhala-speakers (74 percent) and the Tamil-speakers (18 percent). Among
Tamils there are two subgroups. Tamil natives of the country are called ‘Sri Lankan Tamils’ (13 percent). The rest,
are called ‘Indian Tamils’.There are about 7 percent Christians, who are both Tamil and Sinhala.
MAJORITARIANISM IN SRI LANKA
1. Majoritarian measures to establish Sinhala supremacy : In 1956, an Act was passed to recognise Sinhala
as the only official language, thus disregarding Tamil.A new constitution stipulated that the state shall protect
and foster Buddhism.
2. Outcomes/Problems that emerged :

Majoritarianism has increased the feeling of alienation among the Sri Lankan Tamils. They felt that the constitution
and government policies denied them equal political rights, discriminated against them in getting jobs and other
opportunities and ignored their interests. By 1980s several political organisation were formed demanding an
independent Tamil Eelam (state) in northern and eastern parts of Sri Lanka.
ACCOMMODATION IN BELGIUM
Between 1970 and 1993, they amended their constitution four times so as to work out an arrangement that would
enable everyone to live together
Some of the elements of the Belgian model are–
1. Constitution prescribes that the number of Dutch and French-speaking ministers shall be equal in the central
government.
2. Many powers of the central government have been given to state government of the two regions of the country.
The state governments are not subordinate to the Central Government.
3. Brussels has a separate government in which both the communities have equal representation.
4. Apart from the Central and the State Government, there is a third kind of government. This ‘community government’
WHY POWER SHARING IS DESIRABLE ?
1. Prudential Reason :
Power sharing is good because it helps to reduce the possibility of conflict between social groups. Power sharing
is a good way to ensure the stability of political order.
2. Moral Reasons : Power sharing is the very spirit of democracy. A democratic rule involves sharing power with
those affected by its exercise, and who have to live with its effects. People have a right to be consulted on how
they are to be governed.
Vibrant Academy (I) Pvt. Ltd. [78]

POWER SHARING
1. Forms of Power-Sharing :
Power sharing
Among different organs Among Governments Among different Political Parties

of government at different levels social groups pressure groups
and movements
(i) Power is shared among different organs of government such as the legislature, executive and judiciary. Is
also termed as horizontal distribution of power because it allows different organs of government placed at the
same level.
(ii) Power can be shared among governments at different levels – A general government for the entire country and
governments at the provincial or regional level. Such a general government for the entire country is usually
called federal government.
(iii) Power can be shared among different social groups, such as the religious and linguistic groups. In some
countries there are constitutional and legal arrangements whereby socially weaker sections and women are
represented in the legislatures and administration.
(iv) Power sharing arrangements can also be seen in the way political parties, pressure groups and movements
control or influence those in power.
[79] Power Sharing

EXERCISE–I
1. The power sharing arrangement among different organs of the government is
(A) horizontal. (B) vertical. (C) multiple. (D) indirect.
2. An important principle under which the three organs of the government work, is
(A) each organ can work freely. (B) balance of power.
(C) power-management. (D) easy administration.
3. The group, which is fighting with arms for the demands of Sri Lankan Tamil is
(A) Dravida Munnettra Kazhagam. (B) All-Ceylon Tamil Congress.
(C) Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam. (D) Pattali Makkal Katchi.
4. Belgium has borders with
(A) Netherlands, France and Germany. (B) France, Germany and Spain.
(C) Spain, Nethwelands and France. (D) Germany, Spain and Netherlands.
5. The role played by the ‘pressure groups’ in politics is to
(A) influence policies and decisions. (B) launch political struggles.
(C) finance and mobilize political parties . (D) organize armed struggle.
6. Belgium has a
(A) bicameral legislature. (B) unicameral legislature.
(C) dictatorship form of government. (D) autocratic form of government.
7. The United Progressive Alliance is a
(A) pressure group. (B) coalition party. (C) regional party. (D) interest group.
8. In Sri Lanka, Sinhala was recognized as an official language in
(A) 1956. (B) 1968. (C) 1978. (D) 1996.
9. The concept of seperate, soverign national and state governments is known as
(A) unicameralism. (B) federalism. (C) aristocracy. (D) oligarchy.
10. The Indian democracy functions on the basis of
(A) one man and unlimited votes. (B) one man one vote.
(C) only elite adults can vote. (D) only educated people can vote.
11. Member of Parliament are representatives of
(A) party. (B) judiciary. (C) government. (D) people.
12. The basic principle of democracy is
(A) majority rule. (B) people are the ultimate source of power.
(C) only leaders are powerful. (D) political parties are powerful.
13. UPA stands for
(A) United Power Association. (B) United Professional Alliances.
(C) United Progressive Alliance. (D) United Progression Alliance.
14. An example of a one-party system is
(A) Myanmar. (B) Pakistan. (C) China. (D) Belgium.
15. The country with unicameral legislature is
(A) Belgium. (B) Germany. (C) Finland. (D) U.S.A.
16. The main objective of the federal system is to
(A) promote diversity. (B) make centre more powerful.
(C) accomodate regional diversity. (D) distribute finances to different organs.
17. The major objective of LTTE in Sri Lanka is to
(A) establish autonomy for Buddhist people. (B) attain independence for Christians.
(C) end Sinhala rule. (D) demand separate homeland for Tamils.

18. The institution that can bring changes in the existing laws in India is
(A) Executive. (B) Judiciary. (C) Parliament. (D) Press.
19. The first UPA alliance came to the power in
(A) 1996. (B) 1999. (C) 2004. (D) 2006.
20. The state that protects and fosters Buddhism is
(A) Nigeria. (B) Finland. (C) Sri Lanka. (D) Belgium.
21. Executive is responsible to
(A) Lok Sabha. (B) Judiciary. (C) Parliament. (D) President.
22. The voting age in India was reduced from 21 to 18 years by
(A) Indira Gandhi Government. (B) Rajiv Gandhi Government.
(C) Moraji Desai Government. (D) V.P.Singh Government.
23. The following government operates on the principle of ‘Collective Responsibility’
(A) Federal Government. (B) Parliamentary Government.
(C) Presidential Government. (D) Unitary Government.
24. Democracy originated in the
(A) UK, after the signing of Magna Carta. (B) France after the Revolution.
(C) Ancient Greece. (D) US after freeing itself from British tyranny.
25. The first general elections held in India was in the year
(A) 1971. (B) 1964. (C) 1951. (D) 1947.
26. In India the leader of ruling party in the Lok Sabha is
(A) Prime Minister. (B) President.
(C) Speaker of Lok Sabha. (D) Secretary of Lok Sabha.
27. The responsible party model
(A) makes it easier for voters to hold parties accountable for their actions.
(B) causes campaigns to be less negative.
(C) makes legislatures less divisive.
(D) increases citizen interest in politics.
28. Apart from the Central and the State government there is the third type of government in Belgium called the
(A) Regional government. (B) Ethnic government.
(C) Community government. (D) Federal government.
29. Power sharing is desirable because it
(A) ensures the stability of political order.
(B) imposes the will of the majority community over others.
(C) helps in promoting the communal feeling.
(D) helps the people of different communities to celebrate their festivals freely.
30. In 1830 Belgium declared its independence from
(A) France. (B) Netherlands. (C) Norway. (D) Germany.
31. The diverse groups and views are given due respect in
(A) Totalitarianism. (B) Autocracy. (C) Democracy. (D) Dictatorship.
32. The Sri Lankan Tamils felt that the major political parties led by the Buddhist Sinhala leaders were
(A) sensitive to their language and culture. (B) insensitive to their people and culture.
(C) supportive to their customs and traditions. (D) different to their colour and culture.
33. In Belgium, 40% people living in the Wallonia region speaks
(A) English language. (B) German language. (C) French language. (D) Dutch language.
34. In Sri Lanka , the democratically elected government adopted a series of
(A) reforms to establish Tamils power and to protect Buddhism.
(B) majoritarian measures to establish Sinhala supremacy.
(C) repressive measures to establish the supremacy of Indian Tamils.
(D) preferential policies to establish a strong democracy.
[81] Power Sharing

35. In Sri Lanka, the two sub groups of Tamils are
(A) Sinhala Tamils and Sri Lankan Tamils. (B) Sri Lankan Tamils and Indian Tamils.
(C) Colombo Tamils and Indian Tamils. (D) Sinhala Tamils and Colombo Tamils.
36. The major cause of the civil war in Sri Lanka was the distrust between the two communities namely,
(A) Sri Lankan Tamils and the Indian Tamils. (B) Hindus and Muslims.
(C) Sinhalas and Moors. (D) Sinhalas and the Tamils.
37. Ethnic communities of Sri Lanka are composed of
(A) Sinhalese, Indian Tamil and Muslim Communities.
(B) Sinhalese, Sri Lankan Tamil, Indian Tamil and Muslim Communities.
(C) Muslim, Sinhalese and Indian Tamil Communities.
(D) Sri Lankan Tamils and Indian Tamils.
38. Prudential reason of power sharing is based on careful calculation of
(A) gains and losses. (B) money and man power.
(C) profit and gains. (D) total income and losses.
39. In Belgium, 59% people living in the Flemish region speaks
(A) Spanish language. (B) English language. (C) Dutch language. (D) Sinhala language.
40. European Union Parliament is in
(A) Switzerland. (B) Denmark. (C) Belgium. (D) Germany.
41. In Belgium, Constitution (1970-1993). prescribes that the number of
(A) Dutch and French speaking ministers shall be equal in the central government.
(B) German and English speaking people shall be equal in the state government.
(C) Spanish and French speaking leaders shall be unequal in the local government.
(D) German and Dutch speaking ministers shall be equal in union government.
42. The vertical division of power takes place in
(A) presidential rule. (B) dictatorship. (C) unitary government. (D) federalism.
43. Belgium is made up of
(A) German Region, the Flemish Region and the Brussels Region.
(B) Walloon Region, the Flemish Region and the Brussels Region.
(C) Walloon Region, the Flemish Region and the German Region.
(D) German Region, the Flemish Region and Walloon Region.
44. The period in which acute tension existed between Dutch and French-speaking people in Brussels was
(A) 1940s and 1950s (B) 1950s and 1960s (C) 1970s and 1980s (D) 1980s and 1990s
45. Belgium is made up of three Communities namely
(A) French Community, Flemish Community, and European Community.
(B) French Community, English Community, and German-speaking Community.
(C) French Community, Dutch Community, and German-speaking Community.
(D) Spain Community, Flemish Community, and German-speaking Community.
46. Power sharing is necessary for
(A) vote bank. (B) rules and freedom.
(C) dictatorship and diversity accommodation (D) prudential and moral.
47. The distribution of powers among Central, State and Local governments in India depicts the power sharing
arrangement among different
(A) departments. (B) levels of governments.
(C) socio-political groups. (D) political groups and movements.
48. The concept of power sharing is based on the principle of
(A) sovereignty. (B) distribution of powers.
(C) individuality. (D) concentration of power.

49. The unitary government is best defined as
(A) checks and balance.
(B) no constitutional division of powers between central and state government.
(C) balance of powers.
(D) seperation of powers between executive and parliament.
50. The horizontal distribution of power sharing takes place between the
(A) legislature and executive. (B) executive and judiciary.
(C) legislature, executive and judiciary. (D) legislature, executive, judiciary and press.
51. In a coalition government, power sharing takes place among different
(A) organs of government. (B) levels of government.
(C) religious groups. (D) political parties.
52. Inclusion of representatives of labour union, in the Management Board of an industry is an example of power
sharing among different (A) levels of government. (B) social groups.
(C) pressure groups. (D) organs of government.
53. During 1956 the Tamils feels alienated because government
(A) give due importance to Tamil elites only. (B) followed preferential policies.
(C) was exercising its emergency powers. (D) was not increasing their wages.
54. In Sri lanka the Sri Lankan Tamils are concentrated in the
(A) north and east part of the country. (B) south and east part of the country.
(C) west and north part of the country. (D) south and east part of the country.
55. Sharing of power among different levels of government is known as the
(A) Vertical power sharing. (B) Horizontal power sharing.
(C) Organizational power sharing. (D) Regional power sharing.
56. Indian Tamils are those people whose forefathers came from India as
(A) explorers. (B) artisans. (C) industralist. (D) plantation workers.
57. Vertical power sharing helps in
(A) concentration of power. (B) decentralization of power.
(C) creating differences. (D) motivating leaders.
58. Indian Parliament consists of
(A) Cabinet and President.
(B) Prime Minister and President.
(C) President, Council of States and House of the People.
(D) Ruling party, Opposition party and Cabinet.
59. Majoritarianism is a belief that the majority community should be able to rule a country by disregarding the
(A) Minority community. (B) Ethnic group. (C) Sinhala community. (D) Muslim Community.
60. Sri Lanka has a
(A) presidential system. (B) semi-presidential system.
(C) parliamentary system. (D) monarchical system.
61. The factor which led to the civil war in Sri Lanka is
(A) tyranny of majority. (B) mismanagement. (C) partial policies. (D) economic inequalities.
62. The country where a Grand Coalition came into being after the elections of 2005 is
(A) Belgium. (B) Lebanon. (C) Sri Lanka. (D) Germany.
63. Wallonia region is the predominantly
(A) Dutch-speaking southern region of Belgium. (B) French-speaking southern region of Belgium.
(C) German speaking northern region of Belgium. (D) Dutch-speaking northern region of Belgium.
64. Between 1970 and 1993, Belgian government amended their constitution
(A) two times. (B) three times. (C) four times. (D) five times.
[83] Power Sharing
65. Sri Lanka’s name before 1972 was
(A) Ceylon. (B) South India Island. (C) East Holland Colony (D) Oceania.
66. The rules of power distribution among the different levels of government are laid down by the
(A) Central government. (B) Supreme Court. (C) Constitution. (D) Legal laws.
67. Civil war is a violent conflict among various
(A) different countries. (B) political parties.
(C) organs of government. (D) opposing groups within a country.
68. The term ethnic implies
(A) people living in harmony. (B) a social division based on shared culture.
(C) people fighting for their community. (D) people fighting for power.
69. The social and ethnic crisis in Sri Lanka can be solved through power sharing among different
(A) political parties. (B) organs. (C) social groups. (D) pressure groups.
70. The meaning of the term ‘coalition government’ is
(A) alliances of various political parties. (B) grouping of two state government.
(C) government formed during state emergency. (D) united government.
71. The principle of ‘’Hindutva’’ is advocated by
(A) FICCI. (B) Lok Dal. (C) BJP. (D) Congress.
72. The voting age in Sri lanka is
(A) 24 years. (B) 21 years. (C) 18 years. (D) 16 years.
73. Sri Lanka emerged as an independent country in the year
(A) 1942. (B) 1944. (C) 1947. (D) 1948.
74. The percentage of Dutch-speaking people in Flemish region of Belgium is
(A) 40 %. (B) 55%. (C) 59%. (D) 63%.
75. The percentage of French speaking population in Brussels is
(A) 75% (B) 80% (C) 90% (D) 98%
76. The population of Sri Lanka is divided into
(A) Sinhala 55 % and Tamil 40%. (B) Sinhala 68 % and Tamil 25%.
(C) Sinhala 74 % and Tamil 18%. (D) Sinhala 80 % and Tamil 15%.
77. In Belgium the federal executive power, as regulated by the Constitution, belongs to the
(A) Prime Minister. (B) House of Representatives.
(C) Senate. (D) King.
78. Tamil natives of Sri Lanka are called
(A) Sri Lankan Tamilian Group. (B) Tamils of Sri Lanka.
(C) Sri Lankan natives. (D) Sri Lankan Tamils.
79. The religion followed by the majority of Sinhala speaking people is
(A) Hinduism. (B) Buddhism. (C) Islam. (D) Christianity.
80. The religion which is practiced by 7 percent of Sri Lankan population is
(A) Hinduism. (B) Buddhism. (C) Christianity. (D) Islam.
81. The 1993 constitutional revisions, Belgium government waschanged from a
(A) republican to monarchy. (B) unitary government to a federal system.
(C) dictatorship to democractic system. (D) military to participatory democracy.
82. Sri Lankan Tamils launched a struggle for

(A) language recognition, autonomy and equal opportunities.
(B) language based division of country and major jobs.
(C) equal distribution of resources and separate land.
(D) government jobs and equal representation in government.
83. Christian Democratic Union is a political party in
(A) Srl Lanka. (B) Germany. (C) Netherlands. (D) Denmark.
84. The first countrywide pressure group of the organized Indian working class
(A) Hind Mazdoor Sabha. (B) Indian Mining Federation
(C) All India Trade Union Congress. (D) Indian National Trade Union Congress.
85. Belgian leaders amended their constitution four times between

(A) 1950 and 1983. (B) 1970 and 1993. (C) 1975 and 1995. (D) 1980 and 1999.
86. The term Eelam means

(A) country. (B) state. (C) nation. (D) territory.
87. The powers of three organs of Indian government are defined by the
(A) majority party. (B) opposition.
(C) members of parliament. (D) constitution.
88. The division of powers between different organs of Indian government is based on the principle of
(A) separation of powers. (B) centralization of powers.
(C) delegation of authority. (D) decentralization of powers.
89. The capital of Belgium is

(A) Walloon. (B) Brussels. (C) Paris. (D) Melbourne.
90. The head of the Sri Lankan government is

(A) Prime Minister. (B) President. (C) Governor. (D) Secretary of State.
91. The concept of Gram Swaraj was conceived by

(A) Jaya Prakash Narain.(B) Vinoba Bhave. (C) Swami Dayanand. (D) Mahatma Gandhi.
92. Which of the following is not an essential element of the State ? [M.P./NTSE StageI/2013]
(A) Population (B) Political Party (C) Definite Territory (D) Sovereignty
93. The majority people in Sri Lanka follow the religion : [Haryana/NTSE StageI/2013]
(A) Hinduism (B) Christianity (C) Islam (D) Buddhism
94. Match List - I with List - II and select the correct answer :
List – I List – II
(A) Division of powers among organs of government I. Community goverment
(B) Division of powers between Centre and States II. Coalition government
(C) Sharing of powers among different social groups III. Separation of powers
(D) Sharing of powers between two or more than two parties IV. Federal government
[Rajasthan_NTSE_Stage-1_2014]
A B C D A B C D A B C D A B C D
(A) I II III IV (B) III IV I II (C) II III IV I (D) IV III II I
95. There are some statements with reference to power sharing in Indian democratic system. Select the
irrevelevant statement : [Rajasthan_NTSE_Stage-1_2016-17]
(A) Participation of public in general election
(B) Activeness of Gram Panchayat
(C) Activities of Army
(D) We participated in Gram Sabha
[85] Power Sharing

96. Match List-I and List-II choose the correct code from the given codes :
[Rajasthan_NTSE_Stage-1_2017-18]
List-I List-II
(A) Union list (i) Computer Software
(B) State list (ii) Communications
(C) Concurrent list (iii) Police
(D) Residuary powers (iv) Forests
Code :
A B C D
(A) iii ii i iv
(B) ii iii iv i
(C) ii iv i iii
(D) iv iii ii i
ANSWER KEY
EXERCISE – I
Ques 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Ans. A B C A A A B A B B D B C C C
Ques 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
Ans. C D C C C C B B C C A A C A B
Ques 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45
Ans. C B C B B D B A C C A D B B C
Ques 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60
Ans. D B B B C D C B A A D B C A B
Ques 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75
Ans. A D B C A C D B C A C C D C B
Ques 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90
Ans. C D D B C B A B C B B D A B B
Ques 91 92 93 94 95 96
Ans. D B D B A B

2. FEDERALISM
MEANING OF FEDERALISM
A system of government in which the power is divided between a central authority and various constituent units of the
country. Normally has two or more than two levels of governments. All levels of government enjoy their power independent
of the others.
Difference between Unitary and Federal government
Unitary System :
Either there is only one level of government or the sub-units are subordinate to the central government. The central
government can pass on orders to the provincial or the local government.
FEDERAL SYSTEM
The cerntral government cannot order the state government to do something. State government has powers of its
own, both these governments are seperately answerable to the people.
1. Key features of Federalism :
(i) Two or more levels of government
(ii) Different tiers of government govern the same citizens, but area of jurisdictions are different in mattter of
Administration, Legislation & Taxation.
(iii) The jurisdictions of each level are specified in the constitution.
(iv) Fundamental provisions of constitution cannot be changed by any one level of government.
(v) Courts have the power to interpret the constitution and the powers of different levels of government.
(vi) Sources of revenue for each level are clearly specified.
(vii)Dual objectives: to safeguard and promote unity of the country, accommodate regional diversity.
2. Two kinds of routes to Federation
Com ing toge the r fe de ra tion Holding toge the r fe de ra tion

Independent states coming together on A large country decides to divide its
their own to form a bigger unit power between the constituent states
and the national government
e.g. USA, Switzerland and Australia e.g. India, Spain and Belgium
All the constituent states usually have The central government tends to be
equal power and are strong vis-a-vis more powerful vis-a-vis the States.
the federal government.
WHAT MAKES INDIA A FEDERAL GOVERNMENT ?
1. The Constitution declared India as a Union of States. Although it did not use the word federation, the India Union
is based on the principles of federalism.
2. The Constitution originally provided for a two-tier system of government. Late, a third tier of federalism was added.
3. Division of powers between the Union Government and the State Governments
Union List State List Concurrent list Residuary Powers

Includes subjects ofSubjects of State and Includes subjects of common Subjects that do not fall in
national importance local importance interests to both the Union any of the three lists
as well as the State
e.g. Defence of the e.g. police, trade, e.g. education, forest, trade e.g. subjects like computer
country, foreign commerce, unions, marriage, adoption software that came up
affairs, banking, agriculture and and sucession after the constitution was
communications and irrigation made
currency
Union government Sate governments Both governments can make Union Government alone
alone can make laws alone can make laws laws, in case of a conflict the can legislate in these
Union law will prevail subjects
[87] Federalism
4. Some states enjoy a special status. Jammu and Kashmir has its own Constitution. Special provisions exist for
other States of India as well.
5. The parliament on its own make changes to the power sharing arrangement. Any change to it has to be first
passed by both the Houses of Parliament with at least two-thirds majority. Then it has to be retified by the
legislatures of atleast half of the total States.
6. In case of any dispute about the divisions of powers, the High Courts and the Supreme Court make a decision.
HOW A FEDERALISM PRACTISED ?
1. Linguistic States -
(i) Some States were created to ensure that people who spoke the same language lived in the same State.
(ii) Some States were created to recognise differences based on culture, ethnicity or geography.
2. Language policy -
(i) Our Constituion does not give the status of national language to any one language.
(ii) Besides Hindi (the official language), there are 21 other languages recognised as Scheduled Languages by
the Constitution.
(iii) States have their own official language.
(iv) According to the Constitution, the use of English for official purposes was to stop in 1965, but Central
government has agreed to continue the use of English along with Hindi for official purposes.
3. Centre-State relations :
(i) Before 1990 many States (ruled by the party which was also ruling over the Centre)did not exercise their
rights as autonomous federal units. Central Government often misuse the Constitution to dismiss the State
Governments.
(ii) After 1990, in the era of Coalition Governments, a new culture of power sharing and respect for the autonomy
of State Governments has generated a major judgement of the Supreme Court has made it difficult for the
Central Government to dismiss the state governments in an arbitrary manner.
DECENTRALISATION IN INDIA
• Need
• Meaning and its importance
• 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992
(i) Has ensured regular elections to local government bodies.
(ii) Seats reserved for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes.
(iii) One-third of all positions reserved for women.
(iv) Creation of State Election Commission to conduct panchayat and municipal elections.
(v) State governments to share some powers and revenue with local government bodies.
1. Local Governments
Rural Urban
(A) Zila Parishads (A) Municipal Corporation headed by Mayor
(B) Block Samitis (B) Muncipalities headed by a Chairmen
(C) Panchayats
2. Positive outcomes of Local Governments
(i) Local government has helped to deepen democracy in our country.
(ii) Increased womens’s representation and their voice in our democracy.
3. Difficulties faced by Local Governments
(i) Gram Sabhas are not held regularly.
(ii) Most state governments have not transferred significant powers to the local governments.
(iii) State governments have not given adequate resources to local governments.

EXERCISE–I
1. The chairperson of Municipal Corporation is a

(A) Sarpanch. (B) Block Head. (C) Municipal Chairperson. (D) Mayor.
2. A few gram panchayats are grouped together to form, what is usually called a
(A) Panchayat Samiti. (B) Gram Panchayat. (C) Naya Panchayat. (D) Zilla Parishad.
3. The term ‘jurisdiction’ in a federation means
(A) law. (B) area of influence. (C) sovereignty. (D) autonomy.
4. The Constitution of India declares that India is a
(A) decentralization of states. (B) Centralized unit.
(C) Union of states. (D) the princely state.
5. The United Progressive Alliance is a
(A) interest group. (B) regional party. (C) coalition party. (D) pressure group.
6. The reason behind the formation of ‘coming together’ federations is to
(A) uphold sovereignty. (B) maintain peace. (C) provide security. (D) preserve culture.
7. The example of ‘holding together’ federation is
(A) Spain. (B) Australia. (C) Britain. (D) Sri Lanka.
8. The non-scheduled language is
(A) Khasi. (B) Konkani. (C) Santhali. (D) Bodo.
9. The place where India conducted its first nuclear test was
(A) Kota. (B) Ajmer. (C) Pokharan. (D) Barmer.
10. In a federal form of government, authority to interpret the constitution lies with the
(A) President. (B) Parliament. (C) Judiciary. (D) Central government.
11. The year in which use of English for official purpose was to end in India was
(A) 1950. (B) 1956. (C) 1965. (D) 1980.
12. Education is a part of which category?
(A) State List (B) Union List (C) Concurrent List (D) Residury Powers
13. The region that was not a part of India in August, 1947 was
(A) Assam. (B) Punjab. (C) Goa. (D) Travancore.
14. In order to make a “law”, the Parliament passes a
(A) filibuster. (B) judicial. (C) amendment. (D) bill.
15. Mark the correct sentence.
(A) Britain is a federal state. (B) U.S.A is a unitary state.
(C) States are more powerful in India. (D) India is a quasi- federal state.
16. A rural local government is popularly known by the name of
(A) Panchayati Raj (B) Municipal Corporation
(C) Municipal Council. (D) Ward Councils
17. A union territory in India is administered by the
(A) Governor. (B) Prime Minister. (C) Central government (D) State government.
18. The smallest union territory of India is
(A) Puducherry. (B) Lakshadweep. (C) Daman and Diu. (D) Delhi.
19. What was the first and major test for democratic politics in India?
(A) Integration of states. (B) Problems related to the partition
(C) Creation of linguistic states. (D) Independence of Goa.
[89] Federalism
20. Where are the municipal corporation set up?
(A) Big cities (B) Towns (C) Villages (D) Rural areas
21. The government organ that resolves the disputes between the Center and the State government is
(A) Parliament. (B) Armed Forces. (C) Supreme Court. (D) President.
22. In which year a major step towards decentralization was taken up?
(A) 1985. (B) 1991. (C) 1992. (D) 1993.
23. The Indian state that enjoys a special status is

(A) Punjab. (B) Haryana. (C) Jammu & Kashmir. (D) Delhi.
24. Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using the codes given below it.
List–I List–II
A. Union of India (i) the Prime minister
B. State (ii) Sarpanch
C. Municipal corporation (iii) the Governor
D. Gram Panchayat (iv) Mayor
(A) A-i, B-iii, C-iv, D-ii (B) A-i, B-iii, C-ii, D-iv
(C) A-ii, B-iv, C-iii, D-i (D) A-i, B-iv, C-iii, D-ii
25. The Indian state that was not created on November 2000 was
(A) Jharkhand. (B) Uttrakhand. (C) Chhattisgarh. (D) Sikkim.
26. Mark the correct example of the ‘coming together federations’.

(A) Belgium (B) India (C) USA (D) Spain
27. Belgium was shifted from unitary form of government to federal form of government in 1993. What does it
mean?
(A) The regional governments were given constitutional powers and were not dependent on the central
government.
(B) The regional governments were under the control of the central government.
(C) Constitution prescribes that the Dutch and French ministers shall be equal in the central government.
(D) Community government will undertake the powers of the central government.
28. Mark any one feature of the unitary form of government.

(A) In a unitary government the powers are divided between the centre and the state government.
(B) All the power is with the people.
(C) Power is concentrated with the central government.
(D) State government has all the powers.
29. Define federalism :

(A) A system of government in which the power is divided between a central authority and constituent political
units.
(B) A system of government in which the central government has all the powers.
(C) A system of government in which all the citizens has the power.
(D) A system of government which the minister’s exercise more powers.
30. What are the dual objectives of the federal system.

(A) To promote unity of the country and to accommodate regional diversity.
(B) To distribute powers and funds to the central government.
(C) To provide facilities and job to the citizens of the country.
(D) To ensure that the power would be transferred from the state to the central government.
31. The union territory that was given a special status in the year 1991 was
(A) Daman and Diu. (B) Chandigarh. (C) Delhi. (D) Lakshadweep.

32. Mark the correct statement related to the ‘Coming together’ federations.
(A) Division of powers between the states and central government.
(B) It is an attempt of the independent states to form a bigger unit.
(C) Government at different levels should not interfere with each other.
(D) Central government is unalterable.
33. ‘Mark one of the correct features of the ‘Holding together’ federation.
(A) The jurisdictions of the respective levels of government are not mentioned in the constitution.
(B) Central government is more powerful than the states.
(C) States tends to be more powerful than the central government.
(D) States exercises equal powers with the union.
34. The State Reorganization Commission was appointed by
(A) Mahatma Gandhi. (B) Sardar Patel. (C) Indira Gandhi. (D) Pt. Jawahar Lal Nehru.
35. In India, the relationship between the Centre and the States were deteriorated because of
(A) formation of different parties’ government at both levels.
(B) insurgency.
(C) Indo-Pak and Indo-China War. (D) end of congress era.
36. Identify the type of government for which Tamilians are fighting in Sri Lanka
(A) unitary. (B) federal. (C) community. (D) tyrant.
37. In Sri Lanka, Sinhala was recognized as an official language in
(A) 1950. (B) 1952. (C) 1954. (D) 1956.
38. Identify the federation which is an example of ‘pooling sovereignty and retaining identity’
(A) India. (B) Canada. (C) UK. (D) U.S.A.
39. Identify the nation that provides special power to its constituents
(A) U.S.A. (B) Australia. (C) Spain. (D) India.
40. Mark out the difference between ‘coming together’ and ‘holding together’ federations
(A) territory. (B) economy.
(C) number of states. (D) powers of central government.
41. Identify the amendment which led to the establishment of the State Election Commissions in India
(A) 52nd (B) 73rd (C) 76th (D) 79th
42. Identify the personality who said, “it is the formation of linguistic states that has allowed India to escape
what might have been a worse fate still”.
(A) Pt. Jawahar lal Nehru. (B) Bipin Chandra Pal.
(C) Ramachandra Guha. (D) Dr. Rajinder Prasad.
43. Mark out the majority that is required to bring changes in power sharing arrangement between centre and the
states in India
(A) one-third. (B) one-fourth (C) two-third. (D) full house.
44. The Centre and the State governments raise the resources to meet the requirements of administration by
(A) pursuing business activities. (B) forming cooperatives.
(C) levying taxes. (D) setting up Public Sector Undertaking (PSU).
45. The greatest fear of national leaders after an increase in the demand for new linguistic states was
(A) foreign attack. (B) insurgency. (C) clashes. (D) disintegration.
46. In India, the demands of linguistic states was accepted for the
(A) unity and administration. (B) sovereignty and diversity.
(C) finance and resources. (D) vote bank politics and autonomy.
47. The experiment of combining the decentralization with participative democracy was carried out in
(A) Tamil Nadu (B) Kerala (C) Andhra Pradesh (D) Karnataka
[91] Federalism
48. The movement to continue English as an official language became violent in
(A) Maharashtra. (B) Karnataka. (C) Andhra Pradesh. (D) Tamil Nadu.
49. The main objective of the federal system is to
(A) promote diversity. (B) accomodate regional diversity.
(C) make centre more powerful. (D) distribute finances to different organs.
50. In order to change the basic structure of the Constitution, it is important to get the consent of the
(A) Centre. (B) States. (C) Local Authorities. (D) Centre and States.
51. After independence, the boundaries of old states were changed to
(A) identify the area. (B) create new states. (C) rehabilitate migrants. (D) ensure participation.
52. The basic idea of the decentralization is
(A) the powers divided between central and state government.
(B) the powers shared between two state governments.
(C) the powers given to the local -self governments.
(D) the powers shared between different organs of government.
53. The municipalities are set up in
(A) big cities. (B) towns. (C) villages. (D) districts.
54. The subjects that are not included in the Union, State and Concurrent list fall under the
(A) reserve list. (B) neutral list. (C) residuary list. (D) judicial list.
55. The first major task for Indian democracy post-Independence was
(A) to conduct first general elections. (B) to remove poverty.
(C) the planning of economy. (D) to create linguistic states.
56. The authority that has the power to run the administration of the Union Territories is
(A) Election Commissioner. (B) Governor.
(C) Central Government. (D) Chief Minister.
57. Example of an Union Territory is
(A) Banda. (B) Garhwal. (C) Rudraprayag. (D) Lakshadweep.
58. The federal form of government was first established in the
(A) United States of America. (B) India.
(C) Belgium. (D) Sri Lanka.
59. Example of a residuary subject is
(A) Trade. (B) Computer software. (C) Commerce. (D) Irrigation.
60. The State created on the basis culture, ethnicity or geography, out of the following is
(A) Manipur. (B) Nagaland. (C) Tripura. (D) Meghalaya.
61. The example of the ‘’coming together federations’’ is
(A) Switzerland. (B) Belgium. (C) Spain. (D) India.
62. The federal country is
(A) Bolivia. (B) Belgium. (C) Bangladesh. (D) Bhutan.

EXERCISE–II
NTSE PREVIOUS YEARS’ QUESTIONS :
1. Which State became 22nd State of India on 26th April, 1975 ? ([M.P./NTSE Stage I/2013]
(A) Nagaland (B) Tripura (C) Himachal Pradesh (D) Sikkim
2. Which of the following is correct about India [Haryana/NTSE Stage I/2013]
(A) India is Union of state (B) India is federal (C) India is confederation (D) None of the above
3. What was the subject of Sarkaria Commission ? [Haryana/NTSE Stage I/2013]
(A) Election Reforms (B) Land Reforms (C) Tax System (D) Centre State Relation
4. Which among the following is the biggest and strongest obstacle in the way of National Integration of india.
(A) Linguistic policy declared by the government [Punjab_NTSE_Stage-1_2013]
(B) Financial crisis faced by the National Integration council
(C) Formation of states on the basis of Language
(D) Lack of strong and sound National Conciousness
1
5. The institution is which rd reservation for women has been constitutionally given, is
3
(A) Lok Sabha (B) State Legislature
(C) Panchayati Raj institution (D) Judiciary [Rajasthan_NTSE_Stage-1_2014]
6. Who is the Political Head of Municipal Corporation : [Delhi/NTSE Stage I/2014]
(A) Collector (B) Pradhan (C) Mayor (D) Sarpanch
7. In case of conflict between the centre and the State Government over a subject in the concurrent list :
(A) The state has the upper hand [Delhi/NTSE Stage I/2014]
(B) The centre has the upper hand
(C) Both are equally applicable
(D) Supreme Court decides whether the state Law should previl or Central law
8. Which consititutional Amendments implement Rural and Urban democracy in India. Tick the correct order ?
(A) 52nd and 46th Amendment (B) 73rd and 74th Amendment
(C) 42nd and 64th Amendment (D) 74 and 73rd Amendment
[Chandigragh/NTSE Stage I/2014]
9. Which Article of the Constitution of India gives special status to Jammu and Kashmir ?
(A) Article 365 (B) Article 370 (C) Article 375 (D) Article 380
[M.P./NTSE Stage I/2014]
10. Distribution of powers between the Centre and States is mentioned in which schedule ?
(A) I (B) III (C) V (D) VII
[M.P./NTSE Stage I/2014]
11. Which of the following is not a feature of fedaralism ?
(A) There are two or more levels of Government.
(B) Different tiers of Government govern the same citizens [Haryana NTSE Stage I/2015]
(C) Sources of revenue for each level of Government are clearly specified
(D) The central Government can order the State Governments.
12. A few Gram Panchayat's are grouped together to form what is usually called a ....... .
[Haryana NTSE Stage I/2015]
(A) Panchayat Samiti (B) Panchayati Raj (C) Local Government (D) State Government
13. Among the following, which two subjects are included in union list, on which centre government can make
law [Punjab NTSE Stage-1 2013]
(A) Marriage and divorce and Agriculture (B) Banking services and Police
(C) Defence and foreign Affairs (D) Post and Telegraph Department and Education
[93] Federalism
14. Which of the following is the smallest adminstrative unit in rural area ? [Haryana NTSE Stage-1 2013-14]
(A) Municipal Committee(B) Panchayat Samiti (C) Village Panchayat (D) Zila Parishad
15. Which one of the following regions has been given a ‘Special Status’? Identify it :
(A) Bombay, Karnataka (B) Old Mysore province [Karnataka_NTSE_Stage-1_2013]
(C) Hyderabad , Karnataka (D) Coorg and Bellary regions
16. Which of the following subjects is included in State list? [Gujarat_NTSE_Stage-1_2014]

(A) Railway (B) Law and Order (C) Post and Telegraph (D) Marriage and Divorce
17. Which state was created on the basis of culture, geography and ethnicity ?[Rajasthan_NTSE_Stage-1_2014]
(A) Gujarat (B) Punjab (C) Uttarakhand (D) Maharashtra.
18. How many seats are reserved for Scheduled Castes in the Lok Sabha ? [Rajasthan_NTSE_Stage-1_2014]
(A) 84 (B) 47 (C) 32 (D) 22
19. Match List-I with List-II and choose the correct code from the given code :
[Rajasthan_NTSE_Stage-1_2019]
List-I List-II
(A) Nagar Nigam (i) Zilla Pramukh
(B) Zilla Parishad (ii) Pradhan
(C) Panchayat Samiti (iii) Sarpanch
(D) Gram Panchayat (iv) Mayor (Mahapoura)
Code :
A B C D
(A) (i) (ii) (iii) (iv)
(B) (iii) (i) (ii) (iv)
(C) (iv) (iii) (ii) (i)
(D) (iv) (i) (ii) (iii)
ANSWER KEY
EXERCISE– I
Ques 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Ans. D A B C C A A A C C C C C D D
Ques 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
Ans. A C B C A C C C A D C A C A A
Ques 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45
Ans. C B B B A B D D D D B C C C D
Ques 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60
Ans. A B D B D B C B C D C D A B B
Ques 61 62
Ans. A B
EXERCISE– II
Ques 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Ans. D A D D C C B B B D D A C C C
Ques 16 17 18 19
Ans. B C A D
3. DEMOCRACY AND DIVERSITY
DIFFERENCES, SIMILARITIES, DIVISIONS
The examples of Belgium and Sri Lanka show both regional and social divisions. In the case of Belgium we noted that
people who live in different regions speak different languages. In Sri Lanka we noted linguistic as well as religious
differences. Thus social diversity can take different forms in different societies.
1. Origin of Social differences :

All kinds of social differences are not based on accident of birth. Some of the differences are based on our
choices. For examples, some people are theists. They don't believe in God or any religion. Some people choose
to follow a religion other than the one in which they were bom. Most of us choose what to study, which occupation
to take up and which games or cultural activities to take part in. All these lead to formation of social groups that
are based on our choices.
Every social difference not lead to social division. Social differences divide similar people from one another, but
they also unite very different people. People belonging to different social groups share differences and similarities
cutting across the boundaries of their groups.
It is fairly common for people belonging to the same religion to feel that they do not belong to the same community,
because their caste or section is very different. It is also possible to people from different religions to have the
same caste and feel close to each other. Rich and poor people from the same family often do not keep close
relations with each other for they feel they are very different. Thus we all have more than one identity and can
belong to more than one social group. We have different identities in different contexts.
2. Overlapping and Crosscutting differences :
Social division take place when some social difference overlaps with many other differences. The difference
between the Blacks and Whites becomes a social division in the US because the Blacks tend to be poor,
homeless and discriminated against. In our country Dalits tend to be poor and landless. They often face
discrimination and injustice. Situations of this kind produce social divisions, when one kind of social difference
becomes more important than any other and people start feeling that they belongs to different communities.
If social differences cross cut one another, it is difficult to point one group of people against the other. It means
that groups that share a common interest on one issue are likely to be in different sides on a different issue.
Consider the cases of Northem Ireland and the Netherlands. Both are predominantly Christian but divided between
Catholics and Protestants.
Social divisions of one kind or another exist in most countries today. It does not matter whether the country is
small or big. India is a vast country with many communities. Belgium is a small country with many communities.
Each those countries such as Germany and Sweden, that were once highly homogeneous, are undergoing rapid
change with influx of people from other parts of the world. Migrants bring with them their own culture and tend
form a different social community. In this sense most countries of the world are multi cultural now.
POLITICS OF SOCIAL DIVISIONS
It would appear that the combination of politics and social divisions is very dangerous and explosive. Democracy
involves competition among various political parties. This 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.
1. Range of outcome :
Politics and social divisions must not be allowed to mix. think that it would be best if there are no social divisions
in any country. If social divisions exist in a country, they must never be expressed in politics.
At the same time every expression of social divisions in politics does not lead to some disasters. We have
already seen that social divisions of one kind or another exist in countries of the world. Wherever they exist,
these divisions are reflected in politics. In democracy it is only natural that political parties would talk about these
divisions or different promises to different communi!ies, look after due representation of various communities and
make policies to redress this grievances of the disadvantaged communities. Social divisions affect voting in most
countries. People from one community tend to prefere some party more than others. In many countries there are
parties that focus only on one community. Yet all this does not lead to disintegration of the country.
[95] Democracy And Diversity

2. Three determinants: Three factors are crucial in deciding the outcome of politics social divisions.
(i) How people perceive their identities : If people perceive their identities in singular and exclusive terms,
it becomes very difficult to accommodate. As long as people in Ireland saw themselves as only Catholic or
Protestant, their difference were difficult to reconcile. It is much easier if the people see that their identities
are multiple and are complementary with the national identity.
This is now most people in our country see their identity. They think of themselves Indian as well as belonging
to a state or a language group or a social or religious community
(ii) 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. The demand for
'only Sinhala' was at the cost of the interest and identity of the Tamil community in Sri Lanka. In Yugoslavia,
the leaders of different ethnic communities presented their demands in such a way that these could not be
accommodated within a single country.
(iii) How the government reacts to demands of different groups : As we saw in the examples of Belgium
and Sri Lanka, if the rulers are willing to share power and accommodate the reasonable demands of minority
community, social divisions become less threatening for the country. But if they try to suppress such a
demand in the name of national unity, the end result is often quite the opposite. Such attempts at forced
integration often show the seeds of disintegration.
Thus, the assertion of social diversities in a country need not be seen as a source of danger. In a democracy,
political expression of social divisions is very normal and can be healthy. This allows various disadvantaged
and marginal social groups to express their grievances and get the government to attend to these. Expression
of various kinds of social divisions in politics often results in their cancelling one another out and thus
reducing their intensity. This leads to strengthening a democracy.
But a positive attitude towards diversity and a willingness to accommodate it do not come about easily.
People who feel marginalised, deprived and discriminated have to fight against the injustices. Such a fight
often takes the democratic path, voicing their demands in a peaceful and constitutional manner and seeking
a fair position through elections. Sometimes social differences can take the form of unacceptable level of
social inequality and injustice. The struggle against such inequalities sometimes take the path of violence.
However history shows that democracy is the best way to fight for recognition and also to accommodate
diversity.

EXERCISE–I
1. The social differences that prevailed in Sri Lanka were

(A) regional (B) economical (C) political (D) religious
2. Along with birth, some of the social differences are based on
(A) abilities. (B) appearances (C) disabilities. (D) choices.
3. The differences that are difficult to tackle in a society are based on
(A) birth. (B) region. (C) class. (D) culture.
4. In Mexico Olympics, American athletes were supported by an athlete of
(A) Germany (B) France (C) Australia (D) New Zealand
5. The social differences are usually based on
(A) caste. (B) skin colour. (C) birth. (D) religion.
6. Olympics were held in the Mexico City in
(A) 1932. (B) 1936. (C) 1964. (D) 1968.
7. The migrants always bring with them their own
(A) religion. (B) culture. (C) civilization. (D) epics.
8. The social group in a country can be formed on the basis of:
(A) Choice. (B) Tendency. (C) Purpose. (D) Need.
9. Which of the following parties represents interests of Catholics in the UK?
(A) Unionist (B) Nationalist (C) Socialist (D) Liberals
10. In the United States, till mid-1970s, the Blacks were regarded to be
(A) poor. (B) ugly. (C) enemies. (D) beggers.
11. Who of the following athlete won silver medal in 200 meter race in Olympics – 1968 – Mexico?
(A) Peter Smith. (B) Peter Norman. (C) Peter Pan. (D) Peter Carlos.
12. Which one of the following form of governments is best to maintain unity in the diversity?
(A) Autocracy (B) Democracy (C) Monarchy (D) Communism
13. Which one of the following countries does the region of Ireland belong to?
(A) France. (B) United Kingdom.
(C) United States of America. (D) Russia.
14. Which of the following parties represents the interests of Protestants in the Ireland?
(A) Nationalists. (B) Unionists. (C) Communists. (D) Conservatives
15. What percentage of protestants live in the Northern Ireland?
(A) 43 percent (B) 38 percent (C) 53 percent (D) 67 percent
16. Which one of the following countries disintegrated on the basis of competition along religious and ethnic
lines?
(A) Yugoslavia. (B) America. (C) Belgium. (D) Austria.
17. Give an example of a country which got divided on the basis of linguistic and religious differences.
(A) Yogoslavia (B) Ireland
(C) Sri Lanka and Belgium (D) USA
18. Social differences can take the form of
(A) economic equality. (B) social inequality. (C) political stability. (D) cultural equality.
19. Which of the following countries were homogeneous in Europe but due to migration it had to witness rapid
cultural changes?
(A) UK - Ireland. (B) UK - Sweden. (C) Italy - France. (D) Germany - Sweden.

20. The one who led civil-rights movement in US from 1954 to 1968 was
(A) Peter Norman. (B) Jessy Owen. (C) Martin Luther King Jr. (D) John Carlos.
21. Which one of the following does not take place when there is social difference in a society or country?
(A) Economic division. (B) Regional division. (C) Cultural division. (D) Social division.
22. How many independent countries emerged after the disintegration of Yugoslavia?
(A) Seven (B) Nine (C) Six (D) Eleven
23. All athletes at 1968, Mexico Olympics, stood against the:
(A) Religious discrimination. (B) Racial discrimination.
(C) Physical discrimination. (D) Economic discrimination.
24. Who of the following won gold and bronze medals respectively in 200 meters race in Mexico City Olympics
in 1968?
(A) Tomme Smith, John Carlos. (B) Peter Norman, Jessie Owen.
(C) Carl Lewis, F. Benjamin. (D) Ben Johnson, Carlos John.
25. King Martin Luther Jr.was influenced by
(A) John Carlos. (B) Abraham Lincoln. (C) Mahatma Gandhi. (D) Jawaharlal Nehru.
26. Some Dalit groups decided to participate in the UN Conference against racism in Durban in _______________.
(A) 1938. (B) 2001. (C) 2000. (D) 2002.
27. Mark the correct objective of Civil Rights Movement in the U.S.A.?
(A) Use of the violent means to end corruption.
(B) Fight for the rights of the women.
(C) To and arbitrary use of power.
(D) Abolistion of legal racial discrimination against African-Americans.
28. ‘Homogenous society’ stands for:
(A) Society with different kinds of people.
(B) Society with similar kinds of people especially with no significant ethnic differences.
(C) People shift from one country to another country.
(D) Migrants from other countries to a society are called homogenous society.
29. Which among the following countries have many communities in the society
(A) Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq. (B) Bangladesh and India.
(C) India, Belgium, Germany, Sweden. (D) Sri Lanka, India, Belgium.
30. In many countries of the world there are parties that focus only on
(A) four communities. (B) two communities. (C) three communities. (D) one community
31. What is meant by the term migrant?
(A) People who shift from one country to another country for economic opportunities.
(B) People who shifts from one place to another place in the same village.
(C) People who shifts from one society to another society to celebrate festivals.
(D) People who shift from India to U.S.A. are called migrant.
32. Identify the community which was brought to America during the 17th century
(A) Afro- American (B) Australian (C) Mexican (D) Dalits
33. Identify the factor responsible for the migration
(A) political (B) economic (C) social (D) cultural
34. Identify the community in Bulgaria, whose dresses and colour sense are considered strange and distracting
(A) African-americans (B) Roman (C) Protestants (D) Catholics
35. The first factor crucial in deciding the outcome of politics of social division is
(A) peaceful thoughts (B) policies of parties
(C) decisions of leaders (D) how people perceive their identities.

36. In Belgium the demands related to linguistic and social differences was resolved through
(A) armed forces (B) new policy of discrimination
(C) power sharing (D) peace treaty
37. The act of Tommie Smith and John Carlos was considered by the International Olympic association as a
(A) racial symbol (B) political statement
(C) religious act (D) social difference
38. If a nation is unwilling to take up the internal social issue to the international forum, then this would be
considered
(A) democratic (B) anti-economic (C) diplomatic (D) undemocratic
39. Identify the reason responsible for the cease-fire among Nationalists and British security forces in Northern
Ireland
(A) partition of state (B) loss of nationalist in war
(C) peace agreement (D) victory of Labour party in UK’s election
40. The second factor responsible for the outcome of politics of social division is
(A) issue related to national identity. (B) approach by political parties.
(C) how demands are raised. (D) response of discriminated group.
41. The third factor responsible for the outcome of politics of social division is
(A) role of movements. (B) positive attitude of government.
(C) political support. (D) legal laws.
42. The primary objective of Black Power Movement was to eliminate
(A) caste discrimination. (B) gender inequality.
(C) racial discrimination. (D) economic inequalities.
43. The person who said, “This water tap is open to all castes and religions,” was
(A) Daya Pawar. (B) Waman Nimbalkar. (C) Namdeo Dhasal. (D) Dr. B.R.Ambedkar.
44. The social difference that prevailed in Belgium were
(A) religious. (B) political. (C) class. (D) linguistic.
45. The nation which was highly homogenous was
(A) Germany. (B) US. (C) United Kingdom. (D) Mexico.
46. An example of crosscutting differences is
(A) religion. (B) caste. (C) political conditions. (D) views.
47. The political expression of social division is very healthy for the
(A) Monarchy (B) Dictatorship (C) Aristocracy (D) Democracy
48. Democracy involves competition among
(A) people. (B) non-governmental organizations.
(C) political parties. (D) nations.
49. The conflicts which were prevatent in the Northern Ireland for a long time were
(A) religious. (B) militant. (C) racism. (D) ethno-political.
50. The groups which provided the support to the Unionists in the Northern Ireland were
(A) catholics. (B) australians. (C) african-americans. (D) protestants.
51. The number of factors which are crucial in deciding the outcome of politics of social divisions are
(A) two. (B) three. (C) four. (D) six.
52. The association that held Carlos and Smith guilty of violating the norms of Olympics was
(A) International Olympic Committee. (B) British Olympic Association.
(C) International Olympic Association. (D) International Olympic Alliances.

53. The political reason behind the conflicts in Sri Lanka is
(A) preferential policies of government. (B) failure of non government organizations.
(C) unwillingness of parties to resolve conflict. (D) absence of representation for weak.
54. The social difference that is based on the principle “accident of birth” is
(A) priest or soldier. (B) male or female. (C) rich or poor. (D) atheists or non atheists.
55. Marginalized and discriminated people fight against
(A) government. (B) rich. (C) political parties. (D) injustice.
56. The percentage of Protestant’s population in Northern Ireland is
(A) 56% (B) 53% (C) 50% (D) 47%
57. The correct percentage of Roman Catholics in Northern Ireland was
(A) 44% (B) 51% (C) 56% (D) 61%
58. The positive side of social differences is
(A) division on religious lines. (B) harmony among people of different groups.
(C) differences crosscut each other. (D) easy demarcation of society.
59. Social divisions can be turned into political divisions by
(A) pressure groups. (B) non government organisations.
(C) political parties. (D) people.
60. The factor behind the discrimination of dalits in Indiais
(A) religion. (B) language. (C) profession. (D) class or caste.
61. Peace treaty was signed between the UK government and the Nationalists in
(A) 1989. (B) 1998. (C) 2001. (D) 2005.
62. The university that had installed a 20-foot high sculpture of Tommie Smith is
(A) Johnson and Wales. (B) San Jose State. (C) San Diego Christian. (D) Tufts University.
63. The movement emerged in 1966 and lastes till 1975 to end racism in the US. Identify the movement :
[Haryana NTSE Stage I/2015]
(A) The Black Power Movement (B) African-American Movement
(C) Civil Rights Movement (D) Non-Cooperation Movement
64. Apartheid was the name of a system unique to : [Chandigrah_NTSE_Stage-1_2013]
(A) South America (B) South Africa (C) Asia (D) Europe
65. Homogeneous Society means - [Rajasthan_NTSE_Stage-1_2016-17]

(A) Similar kind of cultural heritage (B) Exist Caste based differences
(C) Absence of community feeling (D) Different kinds of living style of people
ANSWER KEY
EXERCISE– I
Ques 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Ans. D D A C C D B A B A B B B B C
Ques 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
Ans. A A B D C C C B A C B D B D D
Ques 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45
Ans. A A B B D C B D C B B C A D A
Ques 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60
Ans. D D C D A B C A B D B A B C D
Ques 61 62 63 64 65
Ans. B B A B B

4. GENDER, RELIGION AND CASTE
SEXUAL DIVISION OF LABOUR
The result of this division of labour is that women have been confined to a private domain of family, while the public
domain has been monopolised by the men.
FEMINIST MOVEMENTS
Movements which are organised by various women organisations to create equality for women in personal and family
life have been termed as Feminist Movement.
Different aspects of life in which women are discriminated :
1. Literacy rate : The literacy rate among women is only 54 percent as compared to 76 percent among men.
2. Unpaid work : The proportion of women among the highly paid and valued jobs is still very small.
3. Sex ratio : Decline in child sex-ratio, mere 927 girl child per thousand boys.
4. Domestic violence : Both urban as well as rural areas have become unsafe for women. They are not safe even
within their own home from beating and other forms of domestic violence.
WOMEN’S POLITICAL REPRESENTATION

The percentage of elected women members in Lok Sabha has never reached even 10 percent of its total strength.
Their share in the state assemblies is less than 5 percent.
In the government, cabinets are largely all male even when a woman becomes the Chief Minister or the Prime
Minister.
One-third of seats in local government bodies–in Panchayats and Municipalities– are now reserved for women.
At least one–third of seats in the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies should be reserved for Women. A bill with this
proposal has been pending before the Parliament for more than a decade.
RELIGION, COMMUNALISM AND POLITICS

1. Different considerations about religion and politics :
(i) Gandhiji’s view regarding Religion and Politics : Gandhiji used to say that religion can never be separated
from politics. He believed that politics must be guided by ethics drawn from religion.
(ii) Humanist, Religion and Politics : Most of the victims of communal riots in our country are people from
religious minorities. The government should take special steps to protect religious minorities.
(iii) Women, Religion and Politics : Family laws of all religions discriminate against women. Government
should change these laws to make them more equitable.
2. Communalism :
Communalism is a situation when a particular community tries to promote its own interest at the cost of other
communities.
(i) Communal Politics :
Religion is used in politics in exclusive and partisan terms. This manner of using religion in politics is
communal politics.
Communal politics is based on the idea that religion is the principal basis of social community.
(ii) Various forms of communalism in politics :
The most common expression of communalism is in everyday beliefs.
A communal mind often leads to a quest for political dominance of one’s own religious community.
Political mobilisation on religious lines is another frequent form of communalism.
Sometimes communalism takes its most ugly form of communal violence, riots and massacre.
(iii) Secular state :
There is no official religion for the Indian state. Our Constitution does not give a special status to any religion.
(a) The Constitution provides to all individuals and communities freedom to profess, practice and propagate
any religion, or not to follow any.
(b) The Constitution prohibits discrimination on grounds of religion.
(c) The Constitution allows the state to intervene in the matters of religion in order to ensure equality within
religious communities.
[101] Gender, Religion And Caste

CASTE AND POLITICS
1. Reasons for the decline of the caste system : Many political leaders and social reformers have worked to
establish a society where caste inequalities are absent. Due to increase in education and awareness, the caste
system is on a decline in India. With economic development, urbanization and growth in literacy, the old ideas
of the caste system are breaking down.
2. Caste has not disappeared from contemporary India: Even now most people marry within their own caste
or tribe.
Untouchability has not ended completely, despite constitutional prohibition.
Effects of centuries of advantages and disadvantages continue to be felt today.
3. Various forms of Caste in Politics : When parties choose candidates in elections, they keep in mind the caste
composition of the electorate and nominate candidates from different castes so as to gather necessary support
to win elections.
When governments are formed, political parties usually take care that representatives of different castes and
tribes find a place in it.
Political parties and candidates in elections make appeals to caste sentiment to muster support. Some political
parties are known to favour some castes and are seen as their representatives.
4. Caste system a great threat to Indian democracy : Most of the politicians and scholars accept that the caste
system has become very complicated presently. It has become a great threat to Indian democracy. Caste
system implies denial of equality and freedom, and hence in contrary to the principles of equality.
5. Steps taken by the government to do away with casteism :

(i) Untouchability has been abolished by Indian Constitution and it has been made a criminal offence.
(ii) The fundamental rights guaranteed in our Constitution provide equality and freedom to all citizens.
(iii) Reservation has been provided to scheduled castes, scheduled tribes and people of the other backward
castes in educational institutions, jobs and legislatures.
(iv) As per Directive Principles, State is duty-bound to promote and protect the interest of scheduled castes and
scheduled tribes.
(v) Education is provided to more and more people. Inter-caste marriages are being welcomed by most of the
state governments, progressive parties and leaders.

EXERCISE–I
1. An institution, in which one third of seats are reserved for women in India, is
(A) Lok Sabha. (B) Rajya Sabha. (C) State Assemblies. (D) Panchayati Raj.
2. The correct literacy rate of women in India is
(A) 45%. (B) 65%. (C) 61%. (D) 70%.
3. Which one of the following aspects was recommended by the Gandhiji__ that politics must be guided by the:
(A) Manusmriti. (B) Religious books.
(C) Ethics. (D) Ramayana and Mahabharata.
4. Mark the correct feature of the caste system in India.
(A) It is a recent development
(B) Political parties try to resolve the issues related to the caste
(C) It is favourable for any political system
(D) It is responsible for backwardness of Indian society.
5. Mark the correct statement of gender division.
(A) Gender division is natural
(B) It is unchangeable
(C) Strictly based on biology
(D) Gender division is based on social expectations and stereotypes.
6. The statement that is true regarding the feminist movement is
(A) It strengthens relationship between man and woman.
(B) It improves women’s role related to political mobilisation.
(C) It does not give much liberty to women in society.
(D) It does not provide equal opportunities for men and women.
7. In traditional societies, women were expected to do
(A) public affairs. (B) private jobs. (C) paid jobs. (D) None of these
8. Mark the important issue related to the Family Laws?
(A) Laws of Family planning (B) Laws related to family related matters.
(C) Property inheritance laws (D) Family business Laws
9. Mark the correct statement
(A) Gandhiji advocated the cause of violence.
(B) Human rights groups create problems for religious minorities.
(C) Communalism is unhealthy for the society and country.
(D) Status of women has deteriorated over the years.
10. The correct explanation of the gender division in a society, from among the following, is
(A) Biological difference between men and women.
(B) Unequal role assigned by the society to men and women.
(C) Unequal child sex ratio.
(D) Absence of voting rights for women.
11. Which one of the following statements is true regarding the population of scheduled castes in India ?
(A) They are more than 50% in population.
(B) They are more than 65% in rural areas of India.
(C) They are around 18% to 20% in Indian population.
(D) They are very prosperous in society.
12. The accurate figure for sex ratio in India is
(A) 650 or even 600. (B) 475 or even 425. (C) 850 or even 800. (D) 900 or even 850.
13. The best definition of a ‘Feminist’ is
(A) a person who believes in equal rights for women only.
(B) a person who works on gender issues.
(C) a person who believes in equal rights and opportunities for women and men.
(D) a person who works for welfare of whole society.
14. The Women Reservation bill in Indian Parliament, stresses on what percentage of seats in legislatures for
women in India ?
(A) 52% (B) 48% (C) 30% (D) 33%
15. The Indian society basically can be termed as which one of the following
(A) Primitive (B) Patriarchal (C) Matriarchal (D) Advanced
16. In India seats are reserved for women in :
(A) Lok Sabha. (B) State legislative Assemblies.
(C) Cabinets. (D) Panchayati Raj bodies.
17. In which of the following countries the participation of women in public life is very high ?
(A) European countries. (B) Asian countries.
(C) Latin American countries. (D) Scandinavian coutries.
18. What does urbanisation imply?
(A) Migration from rural to urban areas (B) Movement from urban to rural areas
(C) One country to another (D) Shifting from one village to another
19. What is the basic idea of Indian Securalism?
(A) Respect to one religion (B) Only two religions to be recognised.
(C) Due respect to all the religions. (D) Preferential treatment to religion of the majority
20. What is the root cause of communal politics?
(A) Social division based on caste (B) Gender Inequality
(C) Religion (D) Economic Inequalities
21. Which one of the following statements is true regarding the population living below the poverty line in India ?
(A) The upper castes in all religions enjoyed favourable position.
(B) Scheduled castes are in a better position.
(C) Other backward castes enjoyed higher status in society.
(D) All of these
22. The major targets of the caste-based discriminationis
(A) poor. (B) women. (C) minorities. (D) outcaste groups.
23. Choose any one of the following for the given statement—Sexual division of labour:
(A) The role of women in politics is minimal in most societies.
(B) All the domestic work is done by the women of the family.
(C) Men do all the work outside home.
(D) Women role in public life is minimal in most societies.
24. Women in different parts of the world organized and agitated for _____________ rights.
(A) Political. (B) Economic. (C) Social. (D) Equal.
25. More radical women’s movements aimed at equality in personal and family life. These movements are called
___________ movements.
(A) Women’s. (B) Social. (C) Feminist. (D) Political.
26. The Scandinavian countries, where, there is very high participation of women in public life are
(A) Belgium, Norway and Walloon. (B) Norway, Ireland and Finland.
(C) Spain, Sweden, and Walloon. (D) Sweden, Norway and Finland.
27. What are the provisions of the Equal Wages Act :
(A) Equal wages should be paid for equal work.
(B) Women are given the political rights.
(C) Women constitute half of the work in public life.
(D) Women should not be given equal wages.
28. In which country the participation of women in national parliament is high?
(A) England. (B) Arab States. (C) India. (D) United States of America.

29. When we speak of occupational mobility, we usually refer to:
(A) The formation in which all the caste groups are placed from the ‘highest’ to the ‘lowest’ castes.
(B) Shift from one occupation to another, usually when a new generation takes up occupations other than
their ancestors.
(C) Occupations of women in the society.
(D) Shift of population from rural areas to the urban areas.
30. How many elected women representatives are there in rural and urban local bodies in India?
(A) Five lakh (B) Seven Lakh (C) Ten Lakh (D) Three Lakh
31. The most common feature prevalent in the families is
(A) political differences. (B) harmony.
(C) sexual division of labour. (D) family values.
32. The representation of women in the state assemblies of India is less than
(A) five percent. (B) seven. (C) nine. (D) ten.
33. One-third of seats are reserved for women in the
(A) Community Development Programme. (B) Health Centres.
(C) Private Organizations. (D) Panchayati Raj.
34. The number of women representatives in the Fifteenth Lok Sabha is
(A) 45. (B) 48. (C) 59. (D) 61.
35. In the Fifteenth Lok Sabha, the postgraduate women MPs are
(A) 32% of 59 women MPs. (B) 36%.
(C) 38%. (D) 40%.
36. As per the report of Human Rights Commission, worst affected groups in communal riots are the
(A) women. (B) children. (C) labourers. (D) minorities.
37. People with same religion can develop serious differences on the basis of the
(A) class. (B) culture and language.
(C) views. (D) ways of practicing religion.
38. The politics which is based on the idea that religion is the principal basis of social community is
(A) morally just. (B) religious. (C) communal. (D) orthodox
39. A communal mind often leads to a quest for political
(A) development. (B) dominance. (C) dictatorship. (D) discrimination.
40. One of the important feature of the Indian Constitution is
(A) presidential form of government. (B) absence of official religion.
(C) one party state. (D) uni-cameral parliament.
41. The Constitution of India provides freedom to
(A) practice majoritarianism. (B) carry arms.
(C) practice and propagate any religion. (D) practice discrimination.
42. The authority to intervene in the matters of religion is provided to the state by the
(A) Constitution. (B) President. (C) Parliament. (D) Supreme Court.
43. One of the major challenges to the Indian democracyis
(A) Majoritarianism. (B) Communalism. (C) Secularism (D) Hinduism.
44. According to the National Sample Survey of 2004-05, the percentage of OBCs in the population of India is
(A) 25 (B) 41 (C) 56 (D) 65
45. Economic development, urbanization, occupational mobility and growth of literacy has led to the breaking
down of
(A) caste hierarchy. (B) position of landlords.
(C) rift between poor and rich. (D) family structure.
46. One of the important feature of Indian Constitution is
(A) inequality. (B) universal adult franchise.
(C) communalism. (D) one-person two votes.
47. When different political parties put up same caste candidates in an election, then this will reduce the
(A) economic equality. (B) discrimination. (C) choice. (D) majoritarianism.

48. The State/ Union Territory in which the Chief Minister has won three consecutive terms is
(A) Delhi. (B) Uttar Pradesh. (C) Bihar. (D) Rajasthan.
49. ‘Vote bank’ of one party implies
(A) discrimination. (B) gender biasness. (C) political loyalty. (D) caste politics.
50. The category which is being benefitted with the caste politics is
(A) SCs and STs. (B) Non-governmental agencies.
(C) Landlords. (D) Upper caste women.
51. Mahatma Gandhi, Periyar Ramaswami, B.R.Ambedkar and Jyotiba Phule were
(A) ministers. (B) social reformers. (C) economic reformers (D) community heads.
52. The form of gender division that prevails in the society is
(A) structural. (B) hierarchical. (C) biological. (D) natural.
53. The person who is responsible for performing the domestic household work is
(A) men. (B) shudras. (C) women. (D) servants.
54. Women role is minimal in
(A) bringing up children. (B) family. (C) health centres. (D) politics.
55. Objective of the Radical Feminist Movements is to attain
(A) honour. (B) equality. (C) jobs. (D) opportunities.
56. The nation in which women have bigger role in public and political life is
(A) Ireland. (B) England. (C) Finland. (D) Netherlands.
57. The term which is used for male dominance is
(A) family conflilcts. (B) social hierarchy.
(C) domestic male dominance. (D) patriarchy.
58. Literacy rate of men in India is
(A) 86%. (B) 82%. (C) 66%. (D) 56%.
59. The reason behind the high dropout rate of girls from the schools is
(A) non-availability of teachers. (B) governmental policies.
(C) peer pressure. (D) parents preferences.
60. The category, in which the laws dealing with family related matters fall, is
(A) Martial. (B) Legal. (C) Family. (D) Traditional.
61. An act which provides that equal wages should be paid to equal work is
(A) Equal Wages Act. (B) Gender Equality Act.
(C) Women Reservation Act. (D) Act of Equal Wages.
62. Child sex ratio is number of girl children per
(A) one hundred boys. (B) five hundred. (C) one thousand. (D) ten thousand.
63. The factor which affected India and Pakistan at the time of independence was
(A) economy. (B) rule of Monarchs. (C) communal violence. (D) culture.
64. The option that poses a major challenge to the democracy is
(A) tyranny. (B) linguistic differences.
(C) Equality (D) communalism.
65. The caste system in India revolves around the
(A) culture. (B) colour differences. (C) division of labour. (D) religious prejudice.
66. Affirmative action policies have been used to raise the well-being of
(A) poor. (B) women.
(C) disadvantaged minorities. (D) majority.
67. While choosing candidates for elections, parties keep in mind the
(A) status in society. (B) economic background.
(C) caste composition. (D) health.

68. Identify the factor responsible for the changes that have occured in caste system in modern India.
(A) Illiteracy (B) Strong position of landlords
(C) Economic development (D) Strenghening of caste hierarchy
69. Migration of people from rural to the urban areas is
(A) Globalization (B) Ruralization (C) Urbanization (D) Privatization
70. Mark out the reason which leads to different interests within the same caste people.
(A) Political pressure (B) Economic conditions (C) Social Environment (D) Family pressure
71. Caste based politics can divert attention from the
(A) religion. (B) gender equality. (C) pressing issues. (D) discrimination.
72. The basic issue of Feminist Movement centred around the demand for
(A) political rights for women. (B) civil rights .
(C) social rights. (D) economic rights.
73. The percentage of elected women members in the Lok Sabha is less than
(A) 5%. (B) 10%. (C) 15% (D) 18%
74. The Indian society basically can be termed as
(A) primitive. (B) patriarchal. (C) matriarchal. (D) semi-patriarchal.
75. The term ‘Sarva Dharma Sumbhav’ implies
(A) respect for one religion. (B) two religions.
(C) all religions. (D) state religion.
76. Communalism is represented by the
(A) caste politics. (B) moral issues. (C) religious identity. (D) gender politics.
77. Who said that religion can never be separated from the politics ? [Chandigrah_NTSE_Stage-1_2013]
(A) Acharya Vinoba Bhave (B) Mahatma Gandhi (C) Sarojini Naidu (D) Dr. Rajendra Prasad
78. In Asia and Africa continents women account in legislatures is ................................ percent.
[Maharashtra_NTSE Stage-1_ 2014]
(A) 40 (B) 20 (C) 16.5 (D) 4.9
79. Gender division refers to : [Delhi/NTSE Stage I/2014]
(A) unequal child sex ratio (B) Absence of voting rights
(C) Biological differences (D) Unequal roles assigned to men and women
80. Amnesty International is an international organisation which works for : [Delhi/NTSE Stage I/2014]
(A) World Peace (B) Human Rights
(C) Justice (D) Restoration of Democracy
81. Who among the following was the pioneer, to abolish caste inequality and establish social harmony ?
[Rajasthan/NTSE Stage I/2016-17]
(A) Sir Sayed Ahmed Khan (B) Dadabhai Naoroji
(C) W.C. Bonerjee (D) Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
ANSWER KEY
EXERCISE– I
Q ue s. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
A ns. D B C D D B D B C B C D A D B
Q ue s. 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
A ns. D D A C C A D B D C D A D B C
Q ue s. 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45
A ns. C A D C A D D C B B C A B B A
Q ue s. 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60
A ns. B D A D A B D C D B C D B D C
Q ue s. 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75
A ns. A C C D A B C C C B C A B B C
Q ue s. 76 77 78 79 80 81
A ns. C B C D B A
5. POPULAR STRUGGLES AND MOVEMENTS
POPULAR STRUGGLES IN NEPAL AND BOLIVIA
1. Movement for democracy in 'Nepal:

Nepal witnessed an extraordinary popular movement in April 2006. The movement was aimed at restoring
democracy. Nepal, you might recall, was one of the 'third wave' countries that had won democracy in 1990.
Although the king formally remained the head of the state, the real power was exercised by popularly elected
representatives. King Birendra, who has accepted this transition from absolute monarchy to constitutional monarchy,
was killed in a mysterious massacre of the royal family in 2001. King Gyanendra, the king new of Nepal, was not
prepared to accept democratic rule. He took advantage of the weakness and unpopularity of democratically
elected government. In February 2005, the king dismissed the then Prime Minister and dissolved the popularly
elected parliament. The movement of April 2006 was aimed at regaining popular control over the government from
the king.
The number of protesters reached between 3 to 5 lakhs on 21 April and they served an ultimatum to the king. The
leaders of the movement rejected the half hearted concessions made by the king. They stuck to their demand for
restoration of parliament, power to all-party government and a new constituent assembly.
On 24 April 2004, the last day of the ultimatum, the king was forced to concede all the three demands. The SPA
chose Girija Prasad Koirala as the new Prime Minister of the interim government. The restored parliament met
and passed laws taking away most of the powers of the king. The SPA and the Maoists came to an understanding
about how the new Constituent Assembly was going to be elected. This struggle came to be known as Nepal's
second movement for democracy.
2. Bolivia's water war :

Bolivia is a poor country in Latin America. The World Bank pressurised the government to give up its control of
municipal water supply. The government sold these rights for the city of Cochabamba to a multi-national company
(MNC). The company immediately increased the price of water by four times. Many people received monthly
water bill Rs. 1,000 in country where average income is around Rs. 5,000 a month. This led to a spontaneous
popular protest.
In January 2000 a new alliance of labour, human rights and community leaders organised a successful four-day
general strike in the city. The government agreed to negotiate and the strike was called off. Yet nothing happened.
The police resorted to brutal repression when the agitation was started again in February. Another strike followed
in April and the government imposed martial law. But the power of the people forced the officials of the MNC to flee
the city and made the government concede to all the demands of the protesters. The contract with the MNC was
cancelled and water supply was restored to the municipality at old rates. This came to be known as Bolivia's
water war)
3. Democracy and Popular Struggles :
(i) Democracy evolves through popular struggles. It is possible that some significant decisions may take place
through consensus and may not involve any conflict at But that would be an exception. Defining moments of
democracy usually involve conflict between those groups who have exercised power and those who aspire for
share in power. These moments come when the country is going through transition to democracy, expansion
of democracy or deepening of democracy.
(ii) Democratic conflict is resolved through mass mobilisation. Sometimes it is possible that the conflict is
resolved by using the existing institutions like the parliament or the judiciary. But when there is a deep
dispute, very often these institutions themselves get involved in the dispute. The resolutions has to come
from outside, from the people.
(iii) These conflicts and mobilisations are based on new political organisations. True, there is an element of
spontaneity in all such historic moments. But the spontaneous public participation becomes effective with
the help of organised politics. There can be many agencies of organised politics. These include political
parties pressure groups and movement groups.

MOBILISATION AND ORGANISATIONS
The struggle involved many organisations other than political parties. All the major labour unions and their federations
joined this movement. Many other organisations like the organisation of the indigenous people, teachers, lawyers
and human rights groups extended support to the movement.
In a democracy several different kinds of organisations work behind any big struggle. These organisations play their
role in two ways. One obvious way of influencing the decision a democracy is direct participation in competitive
politics. This is done by creating parties, contesting elections and forming governments. But every citizen does not
participate so directly. They may not have the desire, the need or the skills to take part in direct political activity other
than voting.
There are many indirect ways in which people can get governments to listen to their demands or their point of view.
They could do so by forming an organisation and undertaking activities to promote their interest or their viewpoint.
These are called interest groups or pressure groups. Sometimes people decide to act together without forming
organisations These groups prefer to call themselves movements.
Pressure groups are organisations that attempt to influence government policies. But unlike political parties, pressure
groups do not aim to directly control or share political power. These organisations are formed when people with
common occupation, interest, aspirations or opinions come together in order to achieve a common objective, describe
many forms of collective action: Narmada Bachao Andolan, movement for right to information, anti-liquor movement,
women's movement, environmental movement. Like an interest group, a movement also attempts to influence politics
rather than directly take part in electoral competition. But unlike the interest groups, movements have a loose
organisation. Their decision making is more informal and flexible. They depend much more on spontaneous mass
participation than an interest groups.
(i) Sectional interest groups and public interest groups : Usually interest groups seek to promote the interests of a
particular section of groups of society. Trade unions, business associations and professional (lawyers, doctors,
teachers, etc.) bodies are some examples of this type. They are sectional because they represent a section of
society: workers, employees, business persons, industrialists, followers of a religion, caste group, etc. Their principal
concern is the betterment and well being of their members, not society in general.
Sometimes these organisations are not about representing the interest of one sections of society. They represent
some common or general interest that needs to be definded. The members of the organisation may not benefit from
the cause that the organisation represents. The Bolivian organisation FEDECOR is an example of that kind of an
organisation. In the context of Nepal we noted the participation of human rights organisations. We read about these
organisations in class IX.
These second type of groups are called promotional groups or public interest groups. They promote collective, rather
than selective good. They aim to help groups other than their own members. For example. a group fighting against
bonded labour fight not for themselves but for those who are suffering under such bondage. In some instances the
members of a public interest group may undertake activity that benefits them as well as others too. For example,
BAMCEF (Backward and Minorities Community Employees Federation) is an organisation largely of government
employees that compaigns against caste discrimination. It addresses the problems of its members who suffer
discrimination. But its principal concern is with social justice and social equality for the entire society.
(ii) Movement groups: Most of the movements, use issue specific movements that seek to achieve a single objective
within a limited time frame. Others are more general or genetic movements that seek to achieve a broad goal in the
very long term.
The Nepalese Movement for Democracy arose with the specific objective of reversing the King's orders that led to
suspension of democracy. In India, Narmada Bachao Andolan is a good example of this kind of movement. The
movement started with the specific issue of the people displaced by the creation of Sardar Sarovar dam on the
Narmada river. Its objective was to stop the dam from being constructed. Gradually it became a wider movement that
questioned all such big dams and the model of development that required such dams. Movements of this kind tend to
have a clear leadership and some organisation. But their active life is usually short.
[109] Popular Struggles And Movements

These single-issue movements can be contrasted with movements that are long term and involve more than one
issue. The environment movement and the women's movement are classic example of such movements. There is no
one organisation that controls or guides such movements. Environmental movement employee's associations and
most of the movement groups often resort to these tactics in order to force the government to take note of their
demand.
Business groups often employ professional lobbyists or sponsor expensive advertisements. Some persons broad
movements have a loose umbrella organisation as well. For example, the National Alliance for Peoples' Movements
(NAPM) is an organisation of organisations. Various movement groups struggling on specific issues are constituents
of this loose organisation which coordinates the activities of a large number of people's movements in our country.
HOW DO THEY INFLUENCE POLITICS ?

Pressure groups and movements exert influence on politics in a variety of ways.
1. They try to gain public support and sympathy for their goal and their activity by carrying out information campaigns,
organising meeting, file petitions etc. Most of these groups try to influence the media into giving more attention
to these issues.
2. They often organise protest activity like strikes or disrupting government programmes. Workers' organisations,
from pressure groups or movement groups may participate in official bodies and committees that offer advice to
the government.
3. While interest groups and movements do not directly engage in party politics, they seek to exert influence on
political parties. Most of the movement groups take political stance without being a party. They have political
ideology and political position major issues. The relationship between political parties and pressure groups can
be of different forms, some direct and others very indirect.
4. In some instances the pressure groups are either formed or led by the leaders political parties or act as extended
arms of political parties. For example, most trade unions and students' organisations in India are either established
by or affiliated by one or the other major political party. Most of the leaders of such pressure groups usually
activists and leaders of party.
5. Sometimes political parties grow out of movements. For example, when the Mass movement led by students
against the foreigners came to an end, it led to the formation of the Asom Gan Parishad. The roots of parties like
the DMK and the AIADMK . Tamil Nadu can be traced to along drawn social reform movement during the 1930s
and 1940s.
6. In most cases the relationship between parties and interest or movement groups not so direct. They often take
positions that are opposed to each other. Yet they are dialogue and negotiation. Movement groups have raised
new issues that have been taken up by political parties. Most of the new leadership of political parties comes
from interest or movement groups.
IS THEIR INFLUENCE HEALTHY ?
1. It may initially appear that it is not healthy for groups that promote interest of one section to have influence in
democracy. A democracy must look after the interest of all, not just one section. Also, it may seem that these
groups wield power without responsibility. Political parties have to face the people in elections, but these group
are not accountable to the people. Pressure groups and movements may not get their funds and support from the
people. Sometimes, pressure groups with small public support but lots of money can hijack public discussion in
favour of their narrow agenda.
2. On balance, however, pressure groups and movements have deepened democracy Putting pressure on the rulers
is not an unhealthy activity in a democracy as long as everyone gets this opportunity. Governments can often
come under undue pressure from a small group of rich and powerful people. Public interest groups and movements
perform a useful role of countering this undue influence and reminding the government of the needs and concerns
of ordinary citizens.
3. Even the sectional interest groups play a valuable role. Where different groups function actively, no one single
group can achieve dominance over society. If one group brings pressure on government to make policies in its
favour, another will bring counter pressure not make policies in the way the first group desires. The government
gets to hear about what different sections of the population want. This leads to a rough balance of power and
accommodation of conflicting interests.

EXERCISE–I
1. Medha Patkar is associated with
(A) Narmada Bachao Andolan. (B) Anti-Liquor movement.
(C) Women’s movement. (D) Dalit’s movement.
2. In Bolivia, the Socialist Party had came to power in
(A) 1998. (B) 2000. (C) 2003. (D) 2006.
3. The country that witnessed a popular movement for the restoration of democracy is
(A) Nepal. (B) Bhutan. (C) India. (D) Bolivia
4. Different movements around the world are
(A) political. (B) decisive. (C) distinct. (D) identical.
5. The decision-making of a movement is
(A) formal. (B) inflexible. (C) informal and flexible (D) self-centered.
6. The following was never a King of Nepal
(A) Virendra. (B) Gyanendra. (C) Mahendra. (D) G.P. Koirala.
7. “Bolivia” is situated in which continent ?
(A) Europe. (B) Asia. (C) South America. (D) North America.
8. The resolution to resolve ‘’ Deep Dispute” should come from
(A) parliament. (B) executive. (C) people. (D) judiciary.
9. What is meant by “Pressure Group”
(A) Organizations that attempts to influence government policies
(B) Government aided organizations
(C) Mass movements
(D) Public sector organisations
10. Which of the following is special feature that distinguishes a pressure group from a political party ?
(A) Political parties take political stance while pressure groups are not always concerned with political
issues.
(B) Pressure groups are confined to few people while political parties involves large 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 politically while political parties do.
11. Mark the factor, which led to the movement in Bolvia in January 2000
(A) Hike of petrol prices (B) Rise of water prices
(C) Labour problems (D) Gender inequality
12. Mark the incorrect statement
(A) Pressure groups take up the political issues.
(B) Pressure groups are organized expression of the interests and views of specific social sections.
(C) All pressure groups are political parties.
(D) They do not contest elections.
13. Match List I to List II :
List I List II
A. Organizations that seek to promote the interest (i) Movement
of particular section or group
B. Organizations that seek to promote common (ii) Political parties
interest
C. Struggles launched for the resolution of a social (iii) Sectional interest
groups problem with or without an organizational
structure
D. Organizations that mobilize people with a (iv) Public interest
groups view to win political power
(A) A-iii; B-iv; C-ii; D-i (B) A-iii; B-iv; C-i; D-ii (C) A-iv; B-iii; C-ii; D-i (D) A-ii; B-iii; C-iv; D- i
14. Mark the capital of Nepal.
(A) Dhaka (B) Butwal (C) Kathmandu (D) Siachin
15. Who are called Maoists?
(A) Freedom fighters
(B) Revolutionaries
(C) Communists who believe in the ideology of Mao
(D) Moderators
16. Who pressurized Bolivian government to give up its control over water supply in the country?
(A) World Bank (B) United Nations
(C) Multi National Companies (D) Non Governmental Organizations
17. How democratic conflicts are resolved?
(A) Judicial intervention (B) Executive initiative
(C) Mass mobilization (D) Initiative of Parliamentary committees
18. What is the principle concern of interest groups?
(A) Well being of the society at large (B) To establish trade relations with other nations
(C) Betterment of a section of society (D) Assist political parties
19. Which one of the following is concerned for the interests of the backward classes?
(A) FEDECOR (B) span (C) BAMCEF (D) NAPM
20. “Sardar Sarovar Dam” is built on river
(A) Narmada. (B) Godavari. (C) Krishna. (D) None of these.
21. What is the objective of Pressure Groups?
(A) To influence the policies of the government. (B) Highlight achievements of government
(C) Attain power (D) Contest elections
22. Match the followingfamily:
A. Narmada Bachao Andolon (i) Pressure group
B. Asoma Gana Parishad movement (ii) Long term
C. Women’s movement (iii) Single-issue movement
D.Fertiliser Dealer’s (iv) Political party Association
(A) A-i; B-ii; C- iii; D-iv (B) A-iii; B-iv; C-ii; D-i (C) A-iii; B-ii; C-i; D-iv (D) A-iv; B-iii; C-ii; D-i
23. Organizations that undertake activities to promote the interests of specific social sections such as workers,
employees, teachers and lawyers are called :
(A) Self Interest Groups (B) Movement
(C) Political party (D) Non Governmental Organisations
24. An example of indirect participation of people in the democracy is
(A) elections. (B) political parties. (C) movements. (D) co-operatives.
25. King Birendra was killed in a mysterious massacre of the royal family in:
(A) 1976. (B) 1867. (C) 2000. (D) 2001.
26. Why was king Birendra killed?
(A) He was against the restoration of democratic rule in Nepal.
(B) He accepted the transition of absolute monarchy to constitutional monarchy.
(C) He took the advantage of the weakness of democracy.
(D) He supported the Maoists in Nepal.
27. The movement of April 2006 in Nepal was aimed at regaining popular control over the ___________ from
_______________.
(A) Monarchy, democracy. (B) Elected representatives, the people.
(C) Government, the king. (D) The king, elected representatives.

28. SPA in Nepal stands for:
(A) Supreme Power Alliance. (B) Super People Advance.
(C) Seven Party Alliance. (D) Seven Political Alliance.
29. The Maoists fight against the absolute monarchy through
(A) peaceful method. (B) the support of the elected representatives.
(C) weapons. (D) an armed revolution.
30. Besides the political parties the other organizations which joined the popular movement of 2006 in Nepal are:
(A) Seven parties’ alliance and people. (B) King and the elected representatives.
(C) Maoists and elected representatives. (D) Maoist insurgents and other organizations.
31. Bolivia is a poor country in _______________.
(A) United States of America. (B) Canada.
(C) Latin America. (D) Europe.
32. In 1984, the Karnataka government set up a company called Karnataka__________ Limited.
(A) Sugar industry. (B) Match factory. (C) Pulpwood. (D) Fertilizers industry.
33. The people’s movement which was launched in 1987 in Karnataka is
(A) Narmada Bachao Andolan. (B) Tehri Bachao Andolan.
(C) Kittiko-Hachchiko. (D) Anti-Liquor movement.
34. The group that represents the general interest of society is
(A) pressure group. (B) sectional interest group.
(C) public interest group. (D) non governmental organizations.
35. During the popular movement in Nepal major political parties formed
(A) Five Party Alliance. (B) Seven Party Alliance (C) Nine Party Alliance (D) Eleven Party Alliance.
36. The primary concern of Public Interest Group is
(A) political equality. (B) economic equality. (C) removal of MNCs. (D) social equality.
37. The option which is not a part of the Sectional Interest Group is
(A) Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI).
(B) Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC).
(C) Backward and Minorities Community Employees Federation (BAMCEF).
(D) All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC).
38. The Karnataka government set up the Karnataka Pulpwood Limited in
(A) 1980. (B) 1984. (C) 1989. (D) 1990.
39. The factor which led to the popular struggle in Bolivia in January 2000 was
(A) increase in petrol prices. (B) privatisation of water.
(C) labour unrest. (D) gender inequality.
40. An important feature of democracy is
(A) single party dominance. (B) centralization of power.
(C) popular struggles. (D) lack of people’s participation.
41. The Dravida Munettra Kazhgam (DMK) and All India Dravida Munettra Kazhgam (AIDMK) were formed after
movements in
(A) Karnataka. (B) Rajasthan. (C) Assam. (D) Tamil Nadu.
42. The oldest political party in India is the
(A) BSP. (B) BJP. (C) Congress. (D) DMK.
43. The objective of the extraordinary movement of Nepal was
(A) restoration of democracy. (B) removal of Kingship.
(C) establishment of absolute monarchy. (D) joining the political forces of country together.
44. In the context of popular struggles and movements, the term ‘mobilization’ implies

(A) act of assembling for confrontation or common goal.
(B) peaceful demonstration.
(C) assembling of facts.
(D) alliance of political parties.
45. In Nepal, an extraordinary popular movement was started in
(A) 2000. (B) 2002. (C) 2004. (D) 2006.
46. The popular government of Nepal was dissolved in
(A) 1990. (B) 2001. (C) 2004. (D) 2005.
47. After successful popular movement, the new Prime Minister of Nepal was
(A) Prachand. (B) V.P. Koirala. (C) G.P. Koirala. (D) Sher Bahadur Rana.
48. The year in which the struggle against privatization of water in Bolivia had started was
(A) 2000. (B) 2001. (C) 2005. (D) 2006.
49. The basic difference between the movement in Nepal and Bolivia was
(A) participation of people.
(B) nature of struggle.
(C) one was led by the political parties and other by the people.
(D) one was against King and other was against political party.
50. The popular struggle in Bolivia ended after
(A) increase in water prices. (B) change of government.
(C) withdrawl of military forces (D) cancellation of contract with MNC.
51. The conflict in the popular struggle is between
(A) political parties and pressure groups. (B) different political parties.
(C) army and people. (D) power holders and people.
52. The water war in Bolivia was fought in the absence of
(A) leaders. (B) people. (C) trade unions (D) political parties.
53. The group of people who try to influence policies of government is
(A) political party. (B) pressure group. (C) opposition leaders. (D) movement.
54. The main objective of political parties is to
(A) attain power. (B) gain monetary support.
(C) criticise government. (D) create differences .
55. Group which represents the interests of a particular section of the society is known as
(A) pressure group. (B) political party.
(C) sectional interest group. (D) public interest group.
56. The role of popular struggle does not end with the establishment of
(A) dictatorship. (B) monarchy. (C) totalitarian rule. (D) democracy.
57. The FEDECOR means
(A) human rights organization. (B) represented general interests.
(C) fighting for a section of society. (D) striving to attain power.
58. One of the example of an environmentalist movementis
(A) chipko movement. (B) fertilizer dealers’ association.
(C) women’s movement. (D) movement for right to information.
59. The term “loose organization” is used for
(A) interest group. (B) movement. (C) promotional group. (D) political party.
60. A movement in Assam led to the formation of
(A) assam united democratic front. (B) asom gana parishad.
(C) assam congress. (D) dravida munettra kazhgam.
61. The union which is an extended arm of Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) is
(A) Akhil Bhartiya Vidhyarthi Parishad. (B) National Students’ Union of India.
(C) Progressive Democratic Students Union. (D) All India Students Federation.
62. The political party which is associated with AITUC is
(A) Congress (I). (B) Communist Party.
(C) Bhartiya Janta Party. (D) Janta Dal.

63. The basic difference between a political party and an interest group is
(A) internal organization. (B) mass base.
(C) social value. (D) public accountability.
64. Match List - I with List - II and select the correct answer:
List - I List - II
(A) Organisation of employees I. Narmada Bachao Andolan
(B) Long term movement II. Asom Gana Parishad
(C) Support to common or general interest III. FEDECOR
(D) Political party IV. BAMCEF. [Rajasthan_NTSE_Stage-1_2014]
A B C D A B C D A B C D A B C D
(A) III IV II I (B) I II IV III (C) IV I III II (D) II III I IV
65. Anna Hazara conducted campaign against corruption across in the country.
Which of the following statements are the features of the above said event ?
(i) It was a movement
(ii) It was a collective action of commoners who participated spontaneously in it.
(iii) Its decisions were binding on the government
(iv) It meant direct participation of people in the government [Karnataka_NTSE_Stage-1_2013]
(A) i, ii and iii only (B) i and iii only (C) ii and iv only (D) i and ii only
66. Which of the following is the main feature of Pressure groups ? [Delhi/NTSE Stage I/2014]
(A) Direct control on Political power (B) Try to influence the politics of Government
(C) Lax Organisation (D) Direct participation in Political power
67. Select the mismatched statement given below: [Rajasthan/NTSE Stage I/2016-19]
(A) Democracy evolves through public struggles
(B) Peaceful and non-violent struggles strengthen democracy
(C) Democracy exists only through struggles
(D) Freedom of expression is the identity of democracy.
ANSWER KEY
EXERCISE– I
Ques 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Ans. A D A A C D C C A C B C B C C
Ques 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
Ans. A C C C A A B A C D B C C D D
Ques 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45
Ans. C C C C B D A B B C D C A A D
Ques 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60
Ans. D C A C D D D B A C D B A B B
Ques 61 62 63 64 65 66 67
Ans. A B D C D B D

6. POLITICAL PARTIES
MEANING
A political party is a group of people who come together to contest elections and hold power in the government. A
political party has three components : the leaders, the active members and the followers.
FUNCTIONS
(a) Contest elections (b) Put forward different policies and programmes (c) Makes laws (d) Form and run governments
(e) role of opposition (f) shape public opinion (g) access to government machinery and welfare schemes.
NECESSITY
1. For making the policies related to the government, a collective effort is required, political parties provide this
collective group, it will be difficult to form a common policy with the independent candidates.
2. The rise of political parties is directly linked to the emergence of representative democracies.
3. Political parties fulfill needs that every representative government has.
PARTY SYSTEM
1. Single party system - Only one paty is allowed to control and run the government. e.g. China.
2. Two-party system - Powers usually changes between two main parties. USA, UK are good examples.
3. If several parties compete for power, and more than two parties have a reasonable chance of coming to power
either on their own strenght or in alliance with others. e.g. India.
Party system is not something a country can choose. It evolves over a long time depending on the nature of
society, its social and regional divisions, its history of politics and its system of elections.
NATIONAL POLITICAL PARTIES

Country wide parties, which are called ‘national parties’, these are are called, ‘recognised political parties’.
A party that secures at least six percent of total votes in Lok Sabha elections or Assembly elections in four states
and win atleast four seats in the Lok Sabha is recognised as a National Party.
After 2004 general election India has following national parties –
1. Indian National Congress 2. Bharatiya Janata Party
3. Bahujan Samaj Party 4. Communist Party of India -Marxist
5. Communist Party of India 6. Nationalsit Congress party.
STATE PARTIES
A party that secures at least 6 percent of the total votes in an election to the Legislative Assembly of a State and wins
at least two seats is recognised as a State party.
CHALLENGES TO POLITICAL PARTIES

1. Lack of Internal democracy 2. Challenge of dynastic succession
3. Money and muscle power 4. Lack of meaningful choice
HOW CAN PARTIES BE REFORMED ?

1. Recent efforts to reform political parties
(i) Anti-defection Law
(ii) Every candidate to file an affidavit giving details of his property and criminal cases pending against him.
(iii) Necessary for political parties to hold their organisational elections and file their income tax returns.
2. Suggestions to reform political parties -
(i) The internal affairs of the parties should be regulated by law.
(ii) To give a minimum number of tickets, about one-third, to women candidates.
(iii) State funding of elections.
(iv) People can put pressure on political parties to reform themselves.
(v) Increase in participation of people who are refrom-minded in the activities of the political parties.
EXERCISE– I
1. The type of alliance formed between CPI (M) and UPA is to
(A) form part of the government. (B) lend a hand at the time of voting in Lok Sabha.
(C) provide support to government from outside. (D) act as a negotiator.
2. Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) has its roots in the
(A) Bhartiya Jana Sangha. (B) Hindu Mahasabha.
(C) Janta Party. (D) Vishwa Hindu Parishad.
3. In India, since 1996 every state party has an opportunity to be a part of
(A) national party. (B) regional government (C) coalition government (D) peace resolution.
4. The main concern of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) is
(A) cultural nationalism. (B) support to SCs and OBCs.
(C) higher posts for natural born citizens. (D) full territorial recognition of Jammu and Kashmir.
5. The CPI (M) has a significant presence in
(A) West Bengal and Kerala. (B) Manipur.
(C) Maharashtra. (D) Uttar Pradesh.
6. Pattali Makkal Kachchi (PMK) is a regional party in
(A) Karnataka. (B) Andhra Pradesh. (C) Kerala. (D) Tamil Nadu.
7. The role played by the party after losing the elections is
(A) separatist. (B) supporter. (C) follower. (D) opposition.
8. The opposition parties shape public opinion by
(A) forming the government. (B) highlighting issues.
(C) supporting the ruling parties. (D) making laws.
9. The state in which CPI-M does not enjoy a strong support is
(A) Kerela. (B) West Bengal. (C) Tripura. (D) Punjab.
10. In India, major policy decisions are taken by the
(A) political executive. (B) permanent executive (C) legislature. (D) judiciary.
11. Match List I to List II:
List I List II
A. Congress Party (i) NDA
B. Bhartiya Janata Party (ii) State Party
C. Communist Party of India (iii) United Progressive Alliance
D. Telegu Desam party (iv) Left Front
(A) A-i; B-ii; C-iii; D-iv (B) A-iii; B-i; C-iv; D-ii
(C) A-iv; B-iii; C-ii; D-i (D) A-(i); B-iii; C-iv; D-ii
12. The Election Commission of India, recognized six national parties in
(A) 2000 (B) 2002 (C) 2004 (D) 2006
13. A political parties has three components:
(A) The king, the government and the people. (B) The government, the parties and the leaders.
(C) The leaders, the parties and the followers. (D) The leaders, the active members and the followers.
14. Which one is the most visible and representative institution in a democracy
(A) Political parties (B) Pressure groups
(C) Sectional groups (D) Non Governmental Organisations
15. What is the most important functions of a political party?
(A) Criticise government (B) Putting forward policies and programmes
(C) To contest elections and form the government (D) Welfare Schemes
16. The rural masses are familiar with the
(A) leaders. (B) political parties (C) social movements. (D) government.
17. Political parties play the most significant role in the following form of government
(A) Autocracy. (B) Oligarchy. (C) Theocracy. (D) Democracy.
[117] Political Parties

18. Which one of the following institutions form a link between the people and the government?
(A) Pressure groups (B) Executive
(C) Political parties (D) Non Governmental Organisations
19. Who is the responsible authority in India to provide and regulate affairs related to the political parties ?
(A) Supreme court (B) Election Commission
(C) Parliament (D) Vice President
20. Which type of party system exists in India?
(A) One party system (B) Two party system (C) Multi party system (D) One party dominant system
21. Which country is example of two party system ?
(A) India (B) USA (C) China (D) Pakistan
22. The state in which National Conference is a major party is
(A) Himachal Pradesh. (B) Jammu and Kashmir (C) Uttar Pradesh. (D) Haryana.
23. What is the criteria of a State party ?
(A) 6% votes in Legislative Assembly of a state and at least 2 seats.
(B) 10% votes and four seats.
(C) 2% votes of legislative assembly.
(D) 4% votes of legislative assembly.
24. When was Indian National Congress Party founded ?
(A) 1885. (B) 1887. (C) 1888. (D) 1889.
25. Who was the first president of Indian National Congress ?
(A) A.O. Hume. (B) W.C. Banerjee. (C) Mahatma Gandhi. (D) Sarojini Naidu
26. In which year was Bhartiya Janata Party formed ?
(A) 1968 (B) 1970 (C) 1980 (D) 1990
27. Mark the issue Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) closely associated with?
(A) Cultural Nationalism (B) Securalism
(C) Critical of new economic policies (D) Interests of the minorities
28. Which is the main party in National Democratic Alliance (NDA)?
(A) BJP (B) BSP (C) CPI (D) Congress
29. Who is the founder of Bahujan Samaj Party ?
(A) Kanshi Ram. (B) Mayavati. (C) Ramvilas Paswan. (D) B.R. Ambedker.
30. Which party has been in power continuously for 30 years in a state ?
(A) BSP. (B) Indian National Congress.
(C) BJP. (D) CPI (M).
31. Match the List I to List II :
List I List II
A. BJP (i) Mayavati
B. BSP (ii) L.K. Advani
C. NCP (iii) Sharad Pawar
D. INC (iv) Sonia Gandhi
(A) A-ii; B-i; C-iii; D-iv (B) A-i; B-ii; C-iii; D-iv (C) A-iii; B-ii; C-iv; D-i (D) A-iv; B-iii; C-ii; D-i
32. Match List I to List II :
List I List II
A. BJP (i) Cultural Nationalism
B. INC (ii) Centrist Party
C. BSP (iii) Welfare of Dalits
D. CPI (M) (iv) Marxism - Leninism
(A) A-i; B-ii; C-iii; D-iv (B) A-iv; B-ii; Ciii; D-i (C) A-iii; B-ii; C-i; D-iv (D) A-iii; B-i, C-ii, D-iv

33. The false statement out of the following is
(A) Congress has been the longest ruling party of India.
(B) State parties play decisive role in case of Hung Parliament.
(C) Biju Janata Dal is a state party of Maharastra.
(D) Main opposition party in parliament is BJP.
34. Special facilities are provided by the Election Commission to the parties which are
(A) National. (B) Recognized. (C) Regional. (D) Historical.
35. The political parties are being instructed to file income tax returns every year by the
(A) Election Commission. (B) Supreme Court.
(C) Parliament. (D) Central government.
36. Which body has officially banned wall writing by parties during election times?
(A) Municipal Commission. (B) Election Commission.
(C) Constitutional commission. (D) Political parties.
37. What does the term Defection imply?
(A) Changing party affiliation from the party from which person got elected to a different party.
(B) Form of corruption
(C) An act of defeating someone
(D) Necessary condition for a democracy
38. Mark one of the challenges that political parties face?
(A) Deep formation of policies (B) Dynastic succession
(C) Growing role of media (D) Excessive dentralisation
39. In the Election Manifesto, Political parties put forward their——
(A) Demands and programmes (B) Policies and programmes
(C) Welfare measures (D) Symbols and Names of leaders
40. The political parties are identified with the political and
(A) cultural divisions. (B) linguistic. (C) regional. (D) social.
41. The First Three General Elections in India were dominated by the
(A) Bhartiya Janata Party. (B) Congress.
(C) Communist. (D) Janata Dal.
42. The split between CPI and CPI (M) had taken place in
(A) 1961. (B) 1964. (C) 1971. (D) 1977.
43. One of the challengee that prevails within political parties is
(A) excessive transparency. (B) decentralization.
(C) lack of internal democracy. (D) rules and regulations.
44. Issue which is not associated with Bharatiya Janata Party is
(A) cultural nationalism.
(B) uniform civil code.
(C) full political and territorial integration of Jammu and Kashmir with India.
(D) securalism
45. BSP stands for the cause of securing the interests and welfare of
(A) SCs. (B) STs. (C) OBCs. (D) Muslims.
46. A recognized National Political Party of India is
(A) Dravida Munnettra Kazhagam. (B) Samajwadi Party.
(C) Rashtriya Janta Dal. (D) Nationalist Congress Party.
47. The factor responsible for the emergence of political parties is
(A) political leaders. (B) elections and partisanship.
(C) rise of democracies. (D) desire to govern.
48. The types of party systems that generally prevails in the world is
(A) two. (B) three. (C) four. (D) six.
49. In order to stay in power the ruling party needs to
(A) deny access to government machinery . (B) criticise opposition.
(C) shape public opinion. (D) be responsive to people’s needs.

50. An example of a one-party system is
(A) Myanmar. (B) Pakistan. (C) China. (D) Russia.
51. The political parties influence the law formulation with the help of
(A) government initiative. (B) election manifesto. (C) party leadership. (D) public opinion.
52. The option which is not the main function of a political party is to
(A) contest elections. (B) formulate policies. (C) attain power. (D) mobilize masses
53. The factor which is not an important component of political parties is

(A) leaders. (B) active members. (C) followers. (D) passive members
54. A person who is strongly committed to a party, group or faction is known as

(A) leader (B) activist (C) partisan (D) common Man
55. The nation where two party system prevails is

(A) China. (B) U.K. (C) India. (D) Africa.
56. One of the positive reforms required for the political parties is
(A) to introduce centralization. (B) to allocate limited finances.
(C) to allot one-third tickets to women in elections(D) using electronic media for campaigns.
57. One of the serious problems affecting the parties around the world is the
(A) communal politics. (B) use of money and muscle power.
(C) defection. (D) community based appeals.
58. In US elections, an important role in the selection of candidates is played by the

(A) supporters. (B) non- governmental organisations.
(C) party leaders. (D) government officials.
59. The guiding force for the government in policy formulation is

(A) leader of opposition party. (B) ruling party.
(C) pressure group. (D) media.
60. The first UPA alliance came to the power in

(A) 1996. (B) 1998. (C) 2004. (D) 2006.
61. The ideology of the Congress is

(A) Centrist. (B) Rightist. (C) Leftist. (D) Feminist.
62. The factor which led to the rise of the BJP in India is
(A) fall of Congress support. (B) alliance politics.
(C) Hindutva issue. (D) emergence of regional parties.
63. The main base of Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) is

(A) Madhya Pradesh (B) Punjab (C) Uttar Pradesh (D) Delhi

EXERCISE–II
NTSE PREVIOUS YEARS’ QUESTIONS :
1. JMM is the political party of which state [Haryana/NTSE Stage I/2013]
(A) Orissa (B) Arunachal Pradesh (C) Jharkhand (D) Bihar
2. When and under whose leadership was Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) formed ?
(A) 1982, Mayawati (B) 1984, Kanshi Ram [Punjab_NTSE_Stage-1_2013]
(C) 1985, Mulayam Singh Yadav (D) 1986, Bhajan Lal
3. 'Maharashtrawadi Gomantak party' is related to which state ? [Rajasthan_NTSE_Stage-1_2014]

(A) Maharashtra (B) Goa (C) Kerala (D) Andhra Pradesh.
4. Which one of the following is not a challenge to political parties in a democratic set up ?
(A) Money and muscle power [Karnataka_NTSE_Stage-1_2013]
(B) Decline in ideological differences among parties
(C) Equal opportunities to all the members in each party
(D) Dynastic succession
5. Which of the following amendement is known as Anti defection Law ? [Haryana NTSE Stage-1 2013-14]
(A) 42nd (B) 44th (C) 52nd (D) 61st
6. Which one of the following is not a national party ? [Maharashtra_NTSE Stage-1_ 2014]
(A) Indian National Congress (B) Nationalist Congress Party
(C) Trunmul Congress (D) Bahujan Samaj Party
7. Which one of the following parties grew out of a movement : [Delhi/NTSE Stage I/2014]
(A) Communist party of India (B) Bahujan Samaj Party
(C) Assam Gana Parishad (D) Assam United Democratic Front
8. When was SAD (Shiromani Akali Dal) established ? [Chandigragh/NTSE Stage I/2014]
(A) 1920 (B) 1925 (C) 1924 (D) 1923
9. Main objective of Political Parties [M.P./NTSE Stage I/2014]
(A) To get power (B) To criticize (C) To support (D) Formulation of public opinion
10. Select the mismatched pair from the following names of organizations :[Rajasthan/NTSE Stage I/2016-17]
(A) Bhartiya Janta Party, Indian National Congress, Akali Dal
(B) Communist Party of India, Telugu Desam Party
(C) Akhil Bhartiya Vidyarthi Parisad, National Student Union of India
(D) Bahujan Samaj Party, Trinamool Congress.
ANSWER KEY
EXERCISE–I
Q u es 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
A ns . C A C C A D D B D C B D D A C
Q u es 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
A ns . A D B B C B B A A B C A A A D
Q u es 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45
A ns . A A C B A B A B B D B B C D A
Q u es 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60
A ns . D C A D C C D D C B C B A B C
Q u es 61 62 63
A ns . A C C
EXERCISE–II
Ques 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Ans. C B B C A C C A D C
7. OUTCOMES OF DEMOCRACY
HOW DO WE ASSESS DEMOCRACY’S OUTCOMES?
Democracy is a better form of government when compared with dictatorship or any alternative.
It was said that democracy was better because it :
• Promotes equality among citizens
• Enhances the dignity of the individual
• Improves the quality of decision-making
• Provides a method to resolve conflicts, and
• Allows a room to correct mistakes.
Over a hundred countries of the world today claim and practice some kind of democratic politics : they have formal
constitutions, they have elections, they have parties and they guarantee rights of citizens. While these democratic
elements are common to most of them, these democracies are very much different from each other in terms of their
social situations, their economic achievements and their culture clearly, what may be achieved or not achieved under
each of these democracies will be different. But is there something that we can expect from every democracy, just
because they are democracy ?
Sometimes we expect everything and anything from democracy. Our interest in fascination for democracy often
pushes us in taking a position that democracy can address socio-economic and political problems. If some of our
expectations are not met, we start blaming the idea of democracy. Or, we start doubting if we are living in a democracy.
The first step towards thinking carefully about the outcomes of democracy is to recognise that democracy is just a
form of government. It can only create conditions for achieving some things. Citizens have to take advantage of those
conditions and achieve those goals. More over democracy is just not related to many other things that we value.
Democracy is not a matter of remedy for all our social ailments.
ACCOUNTABLE, RESPONSIVE AND LEGITIMATE GOVERNMENT
There are some things that democracy must provide. In a democracy, we are most concern with ensuring that people
will have the right to choose their rulers and people will control over the rulers. Whenever possible and necessary,
citizens should be able to participate in decision making, that affects them all. Therefore, the most basic outcome of
democracy should be that it produces a government that is accountable to the citizens, and responsive the needs
and expectations of the citizens.
Imagine a government that may take decisions very fast. But it may take decisions that are not accepted by the
people and may therefore face problems. In contrast, the democracy will take more time to follow procedures before
arriving at a decision. But it has followed procedures, its decisions may be both more acceptable to the people
effective. So, the cost of time that democracy pays is perhaps worth it.
Now look at the other side-democracy ensures that decision making will be based on norms and procedures. So, a
citizen, who wants to know if a decision was taken through the correct procedures, can find this out. She has the right
and the means to examine the process of decision making. This is known as transparency. This factor would often be
missing from a non-democratic government. Therefore, when we are trying to find out the outcomes of democracy, it
is right to expect democracy to produce a government that follows procedures and is accountable to the people. We
can also expect that the democratic government develops mechanisms for citizens to hold the government accountable
and mechanisms for citizens to take part in decision making whenever they think it.
In substantive terms it may be reasonable to expect from democracy a government that is attentive to the needs and
demands of the people and is largely free of corruption. The record of democracies is not impressive on these two
counts. Democracies often frustrate the needs of the people and often ignore the demands of a majority of its
population. The routine tales of corruption are enough to convince us that democracy is not free of this evil. At the
same time, there is nothing to show that non-democracies are less corrupt or more sensitive to the people.

There is one respect in which democratic government is certainly better than its alternatives: democratic government
is legitimate government. If may be slow, less efficient, not always very responsive or clean. But a democratic
government is people's own government. This is why there is an overwhelming support for the idea of democracy all
over the world. As the accompanying evidence from South Asia shows, the support exists in countries with democratic
regimes as well as countries without democratic regimes. People wish to be ruled by representatives elected by
them. They also believe that democracy is suitable for their country. Democracy's ability to generate its own support
is itself an outcome that cannot be ignored.
ECONOMIC GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT
If you consider all democracies and all dictatorships for the fifty years between 1950 and 2000, dictatorships have
slightly higher rate of economic growth.
Evidence shows that in practice many democracies did not fulfill this expectation. The inability of democracy to
achieve higher economic development worries us. But this alone cannot be reason to reject democracy. As you have
already studied in economics, economic development depends on several factors; country's population size, global
situation, cooperation from other countries, economic priorities adopted by the country, etc. The difference in the
rates of economic development between less developed countries with dictatorships and democracies is negligible.
Overall, we say that democracy is a guarantee of economic development. But we can expect democracy not to lag
behind dictatorships in the respect.
ECONOMIC OUTCOME OF DEMOCRACY
The debate about the economic outcomes of democracy is one such debate. Over the years many students of
democracy have gathered careful evidence to see what the relationship of democracy with economic growth and
economic inequalities is on an average dictatorial regimes have had a slightly better record of economic growth. But
when we compare record only in poor countries, there is virtually no difference.
Within democracies there can be very high degrees of inequalities. In democratic countries like South Africa and
Brazil the top 20 per cent people cornered more than 60 per cent of national income, leaving less than 3 per cent for
the bottom 20 per cent population. Countries like Denmark and Hungary are much better in this respect.
There is often inequality of oppertunities available to poorer sections.
What would be your verdict on democracy if you had to base it purely economic performance of democratic
regimes in terms of growth and equal distribution ?
Rates of economic growth for different countries, 1950·2000
Type of regimes and countries Growth Rate
All democratic regimes 3.95
All dictatorial regimes 4.42
Poor countries under dictatorship 4.34
Poor countries under democracy 4.28
Inequality of income in selected countries Top 20%
South Africa 64.8 2.9
Brazil 63.0 2.6
Russia 53.7 4.4
USA 50.0 4.0
United Kingdom 45.0 6.0
Denmark 34.5 9.6
Hungary 34.4 10.0
REDUCTION OF INEQUALITY AND POVERTY

Democracies are based on political equality. All individuals have equal weight in electing representatives. Parallel to
the process of bringing individuals into the political arena on an equal footing, we find growing economic inequalities.
A small number of ultra-rich enjoy a highly disproportionate share of wealth and incomes. Not only that their share in
the total income of the country has been increasing. Those at the bottom of the society have very little to depend
upon. Their incomes have been declining. Sometimes they find it difficult to meet their basic needs of life, such as
food, clothing, house, education and health.
[123] Outcomes of Democracy
In actual life democracies do not appear to be very successful in reducing economic inequalities. In your textbook in
Economics, you have already studied about poverty in India. Poor constitute a large proportion of our voters and no
party will like to lose their votes. Yet democratically elected governments do not appear to be as keen to address the
question of poverty as you would expect them to. The situation is much worse in some other countries.
In Bangladesh, more than half of its population lives in poverty. People in several poor countries are now dependent on
the rich countries even for the food supplies.
ACCOMMODATION OF SOCIAL DIVERSITY
Democracies usually develops a procedure to conduct their competition. This reduces the ability of these tensions
becoming explosive or violent. No society can fully and permanently resolve conflicts among different groups. But we
can certainly learn to respect these differences we can also evolve mechanisms to negotiate the differences. Democracy
is best suited to produce this outcome. Non democratic regimes often turn a blind eye to or suppress internal social
differences. Ability to handle social differences, divisions and conflicts is thus a definite point of democratic regimes.
But the examples of Sri Lanka reminds must that a democracy must fulfil two conditions in order to achieve this
outcome :
1. It is necessary to understand that democracy is not simply rule by majority opinion. The majority always needs
to work with the minority, so that governments function to represent the general view. Majority and minority
opinion are not permanent.
2. It is also necessary that rule by majority does not become rule by majority community in terms of religion or race
or linguistic group, etc. Rule by majority means that in case of every decision or in case of every election,
different persons and groups may and can form a majority. Democracy remains democracy only as long as every
citizen has a chance of being in majority at some point of time. If someone is barred from being in majority on the
basis of birth, then the democratic rule ceases to be accommodative for that person or group.
DIGNITY AND FREEDOM OF THE CITIZENS
Democracy stands much superior to any other form of government in promoting dignity and freedom of the individual.
Every individual wants to receive respect from fellow beings. Often conflicts arise among individuals because some
fell that they are not treated with due respect. The passion for respect and freedom are the basis of democracy.
Democracies throughout the world have recognised this, at least in principle. This has been achieved in various
degrees in various democracies. Democratic regimes do not always value the liberty of its citizens in practice. Yet,
for societies, which have been built for long on the basis of subordination and domination, it is not a simple matter to
recognize that all individuals are equal. Take the case of dignity of women. Most societies across world were historically
male dominated societies.
Long struggles by women have created some sensitivity today that respect and equal treatment of women are
necessary ingredients of a democratic society. That does not mean that women are actually always treated with
respect. But once the principle is recognised, it becomes easier for women to wage a struggle against what is now
unacceptable legally and morally. In a non-democratic set up, this unacceptability would not have legal basis because
the principle of individual freedom and dignity would not have the legal and normal force there. The same is true of
caste inequalities. Democracy in India has strengthened the claims of the disadvantaged and discriminated castes
for equal status and equal opportunity. There are still instances of caste-based inequalities and atrocities, but these
lack the moral and legal foundations. Perhaps it is this recognition that makes ordinary citizen value their democratic
rights. People believe that their vote makes a difference to the way the government is run and to their own self-
respect.
Expectations from democracy also function as the criteria for judging any democratic country. What is most distinctive
about democracy is that its examination never gets over democracy. As passes one test, it produces another test. As
people get some benefits of democracy they ask for more and want to make democracy even better. That is why
when we ask about the way democracy function, they will always come up with more expectations, many complaints.
The fact that people are complaining is itself a testimony to the success democracy: it show that people have
developed awareness and the ability to expect and to critically at power holders and the high and the mighty. A public
expression of dissatisfation with democracy shows the success of the democratic project : it transforms people from
status of a subject into that of a citizen.
EXERCISE–I
1. The economic growth rate of dictatorship governments from 1950 to 2000 was
(A) 3.95. (B) 4.42. (C) 4.34. (D) 4.28.
2. Democracy stands much superior to any other form of government in promoting
(A) inequality. (B) dignity of the leaders (C) injustice. (D) equality.
3. Democracy can be measured on the basis of
(A) regular and free elections. (B) centralized decision making.
(C) denial of citizen’s rights. (D) restricted press.
4. Democracies have had greater success in achieving the
(A) economic growth. (B) power sharing.
(C) abolition of discrimination. (D) public welfare.
5. The democracies around the world are lagging behind in area of
(A) public welfare. (B) socio-economic development.
(C) sharing the information. (D) power-sharing.
6. Mark the Legitimate form of government.
(A) Autocracy (B) Democracy (C) Theocracy (D) Monarchy
7. Which is the main characteristics of democracy?
(A) It discourages equality among citizens (B) Enhances the dignity of the individual
(C) Affects the quality of decision making (D) Curtails the freedom of non governmental organisations
8. Mark the most accountable, responsible and legitimate form of government.
(A) Communism. (B) Democracy. (C) Autocracy. (D) Monarchy
9. Why decision making is delayed in a democratic system?
(A) Inefficient political system
(B) Democracy is based on deliberations and negotiations
(C) Mismanagement of democratic institutions
(D) Corruption
10. Mark the feature of a non democratic government ?
(A) Free and fair elections (B) Accountability
(C) Transparency (D) Inefficiency
11. In the context of democracies which of the following ideas is correct – democracies have successfully
eliminated____
(A) Conflicts among the people.
(B) Economic inequalities among people.
(C) Differences of the opinion about how marginalized sections are to be treated.
(D) The feature of political inequality.
12. Attempt to eliminate economic inequalities in democracy has been—
(A) Rapid (B) Slow but steady (C) Very Slow (D) Not a serious one
13. Mark the incorrect statement.
(A) In every society conflicts and differences persist.
(B) Democracy can properly negotiate with the problems
(C) Democracy is incapable of resolving disputes.
(D) Free and fair elections are the basis of democracy.
14. Mark the correct sentence.
(A) Non democratic regimes are able to deal with social differences properly
(B) Non democratic regimes often turn a blind eye to suppress internal social differences.
(C) Accountability and transparency prevails in the non democratic regimes
(D) Economic equaity prevails in non democratic regimes

15. What does majority signify in democracy?
(A) Rulers (B) Educated class
(C) Rule of majority of diverse society (D) Administrators
16. Studies on political and social inequalities in democracy show that_
(A) Democracy and development go together. (B) Inequality exist in democracy.
(C) Inequality does not exist under dictatorship. (D) Dictatorship is better than democracy.
17. What is the rate of economic growth of all democratic regimes?
(A) 4.43 (B) 4.28 (C) 3.95 (D) 5.20
18. Mark the correct rate of economic growth of poor countries under democracy.
(A) 3.12 (B) 5.34 (C) 4.28 (D) 5.34
19. An important role in the success of a democracy is
(A) power-sharing. (B) elections.
(C) discussion and negotiation. (D) all of the above
20. Why do we feel that democracy was a better form of government?
(A) Promotes equality among citizens. (B) Promotes military rule in the country.
(C) Support political leaders and followers. (D) Provides a method to create conflicts.
21. In democratic countries like South Africa and Brazil, the top 20 per cent people take away more than
(A) 50 % of the national income. (B) 60 %.
(C) 65 %. (D) 70 %.
22. An unfulfilled expectation out of democracy is
(A) free and fair elections. (B) corruption free administration.
(C) accountable government. (D) availability of basic rights.
23. An important feature that prevails in a non-democratic government is
(A) good governance. (B) popular leadership.
(C) imposition of decisions. (D) elections.
24. A vital symbol of democracy is
(A) denial of voting rights. (B) unrepresentative government.
(C) restrictions on media. (D) rights to the citizens.
25. How the citizens participate in the democratic government?
(A) Parliamentary Committees (B) Initiative of NGOs
(C) Elections (D) with the help of judiciary
26. In the context of assessing democracy which among the following is odd one out.
(A) Equal status and opportunity for all the citizens.
(B) All individuals have equal rights in electing representatives.
(C) Democracy does not guarantee economic development of the poor.
(D) Democracy assures equal distribution of wealth to all the citizens of the country.
27. Identify the challenges to democracy in the following descriptions:
(A) A temple in Orissa allowed dalits and non –dalits entry (for all) from the same door to the temple.
(B) An enquiry has been ordered following the killing of three civilian in an encounter by Jammu and Kashmir
police.
(C) Many farmers have committed suicide in different states of India.
(D) Economic inequalities among the people.
28. What is meant by bonded labour?
(A) It means the attempt by some region in political system.
(B) An agreement or an understanding between states to co-exist on the basis of non-aggression.
(C) The rights that are inherent in the man’s social nature.
(D) A practice in which a person has to work for the money-lender.

29. Democracy stands much superior in promoting __________ and ___________ of the individual.
(A) Differences and independence of the individual.
(B) Political and social divisions.
(C) Non-democratic regimes and freedom.
(D) Dignity and freedom of the individual.
30. What is meant by harmonious social life?
(A) People love each other and resolve their differences amicably
(B) Dominated by discriminated people
(C) Free education and health facilities are provided
(D) Society that provides social services
31. Democracy is based on the idea of ___________ and _____________.
(A) freedom and rights. (B) deliberation and negotiation.
(C) transparency and procedures. (D) decisions and negotiation.
32. Democracy is seen to be good in principle but not in _____________.
(A) theory. (B) practice. (C) all the countries. (D) government.
33. Which factor from the following is missing from a non-democratic government?
(A) Norms and procedures before taking a decision
(B) Deliberations in assemblies and public opinion
(C) Decision making
(D) Effective government
34. The decisions in a democracy are based on
(A) prejudices. (B) norms and procedures.
(C) distribution of population. (D) choices of political parties.
35. A vital responsibility for any democratic government is
(A) the development of mechanism for accountability.
(B) government welfare.
(C) political development.
(D) encourage discrimination.
36. The democratic government is better than the other forms of government because it is
(A) legitimate (B) illegitimate. (C) unaccountable. (D) non transparent.
37. The better ways to resolve conflicts in a society are provided by the
(A) monarchy. (B) democracy. (C) oligarchy. (D) tyranny.
38. Most societies across the world were historically male dominated societies. Long struggles by women have
created some
(A) mass base. (B) support. (C) sensitivity. (D) education.
39. Differences prevailing in a society can be resolved in
(A) Totalitarianism. (B) Communism. (C) Monarchy. (D) Democracy.
40. The economic development of a country relies on the
(A) exports. (B) imports. (C) economic priorities. (D) taxation system.
41. In democracy, the ultimate power is with the
(A) leaders. (B) political parties.
(C) people. (D) non governmental organizations.
42. One of the features of a non democratic government is
(A) efficiency. (B) accountability. (C) transparency. (D) centralization.

43. One of the features of a democratic government is
(A) norms and procedures before taking a decision.
(B) rule of minorities.
(C) lack of people’s participation.
(D) ineffective government.
44. The basic outcome of democratic government is that it produces a government which is
(A) illegal. (B) unrepresentative.
(C) radical and dynamic. (D) accountable and responsible.
45. The economic development of a nation is affected by the
(A) political leaders. (B) unity among social groups.
(C) deliberation in assemblies. (D) population.
46. The main outcome of democracy is
(A) irresponsible government. (B) reduction of inequality and poverty.
(C) increase in social diversity. (D) unaccountable government.
47. Democracy has been successful in eliminating economic inequality
(A) steadily. (B) slowly. (C) effectively. (D) completely.
48. One of the feature of a healthy democracy is
(A) rule of majority community. (B) minority community.
(C) backward classes. (D) women representatives.
49. Dignity of woman is properly preserved in the
(A) democracy. (B) theocracy. (C) autocracy. (D) dictatorship.
50. The democracy guarantees freedoms and rights to all the citizens which is visible in
(A) Saudi Arabia, which does not recognize adult franchise for women.
(B) Myanmar, where government opposes political freedom.
(C) India, which grants adult franchise to all the citizens.
(D) Pakistan, where military opposes political rallies in the country.
51. The Right to Information act in India ensures
(A) economic growth. (B) transparency. (C) welfare of people. (D) power-sharing.
52. The percentage of people in South Asia, who prefer democratic government in their country is
(A) 93%. (B) 90%. (C) 88%. (D) 84%.
53. The non-democratic governments had upper hand in economic growth over democracies in the period of
(A) 1900 to 1950. (B) 1925 to 1960. (C) 1950 to 2000. (D) 1975 to 2000.
54. When we compare record of dictatorial regimes with democracies in poor countries, then we find them in
(A) upper hand. (B) outstanding performance.
(C) similar results. (D) moderate performance.
55. The share of national income, for the bottom 20% of people in Russia is
(A) 3.45%. (B) 4.0%. (C) 4.4%. (D) 6.4%.
56. The share of national income for the bottom 20% of people in Hungary is
(A) 10.0%. (B) 14.5%. (C) 15.0%. (D) 16.0%.
57. The share of national income for the top 20% of population in USA, is
(A) 34.8%. (B) 43.7%. (C) 50.0%. (D) 55.0%.
58. The share of national income for the top 20% of population in Denmark is
(A) 34.4%. (B) 34.5%. (C) 45.0%. (D) 53.7%.
59. Along with good governance, democracies should reduce the economic
(A) growth. (B) development. (C) equality. (D) disparities.

60. In democracies, all citizens have equal share in electing
(A) representatives. (B) officials.
(C) members of parliament. (D) bureaucrats.
61. Comparison of political and economic spheres of democracies reveals
(A) growth. (B) equality. (C) differences. (D) prosperity.
62. In democracies around the world, the income of bottom 20% of population is
(A) increasing. (B) steadily improving. (C) stagnant. (D) decreasing.
63. In democracies around the world, the income of top 20% of population is
(A) increasing. (B) sustained. (C) gradually decreasing (D) same.
64. Politically speaking, the poor constitute a large proportion of our
(A) population. (B) voters. (C) discriminated group. (D) society.
65. People in several poor countries are now dependent on the rich countries even for
(A) water. (B) jobs. (C) food. (D) money.
66. With reference to democratic system, which statement does not match ?
[Rajasthan/NTSE Stage I/2016-17]
(A) Democracy and development go together
(B) Inequality does not exist under dictatorship
(C) Inequalities exist in democracy
(D) Democracy provides freedom of expression and livelihood.
ANSWER KEY
EXERCISE– I
Ques 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Ans. B D A B C B B B B D D C C B C
Ques 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
Ans. B C C D A B B C D C D D D D A
Ques 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45
Ans. B B B B A A B C D C C D A D D
Ques 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60
Ans. B B D A C B C C A C A C B D A
Ques 61 62 63 64 65 66
Ans. C D A B C B

8. CHALLENGES TO DEMOCRACY
THINKING ABOUT CHALLENGES
1. The foundational challenge :

Different countries face different kinds of challenges. At least one fourth of the globe was still not under democratic
government. The challenge for democracy in these parts of the world is very stark. These countries face the
foundational challenge of making transition of democracy and then instituting democratic government. This involves,
keeping military far from controlling government and establishing a sovereign and functional state.
2. The challenge of expansion :
Most of the established democracies face the challenge of expansion. This involves applying the basic principle
of democratic government across all the regions, different social and various institutions. Ensuring greater power
to local governments, extension of federal principle to all the units of the federation, inclusion of women and
minority groups etc. under this challenge. This also means that less and less decisions should remain outside
arena of democratic control. Most countries including India and old democracies face this challenge.
3. The challenge of deepening of democracy :
The third challenge, of deepening of democracy, faced by every democracy in the one form or another. This
involves strengthening of the institutions and practices of democracy. This should happen in such a way that
people can realise their expectations of democracy. The ordinary people have different expectations from
democracy in different societies. Therefore this challenge takes different meaning and paths in different parts of
the world. In concrete terms it usually means strengthening those institutions that help people's participation and
control. This requires an attempt to bring down the control and influence of the rich and powerful people on
decision making.
DIFFERENT CONTEXTS, DIFFERENT CHALLENGES
1. Case and context-

(i) Chile: General Pinochet's government defeated, but military still in control of many institutions.
(ii) Poland: After the first success of Solidarity, the government imposed martial law and banned solidarity.
(iii) Ghana: Just attained independence Nkrumah elected president.
(iv) Myanmar: Suu Kyi under house arrest for more than 15 years army rulers getting global acceptance.
(v) International organisations : US as the only super power disregards the UN and takes unilateral action.
(vi) Mexico : Second free election after the defeat or PRI in 2000; defeated candidate alleges rigging.
(vii)China : Communist Party adopts economic reforms but maintain monopoly over political power.
(viii) Pakistan: General Musharraf holds referendum, allegations of fraud in voters list.
(ix) Iraq : Widespread sectarian violence as the new government fails to establish its authority.
(x) South Africa: Mandela retires from active politics, pressure on his successor Mbeki to withdraw some
concessions given to White minority.
(xi) US, Guantanamo Bay: UN Secretary General calls this a violation of international law, US refused to
respond.
(xii) Saudi Arabia : Women not allowed to take part in public activities no freedom of religion for minorities.
(xiii) Yugoslavia: Ethnic tension between Serbs and Albanians on the rise in the province of Kosovo Yugoslavia
disintergrated.
(xiv) Belgium: One round of constitutional change taken place, but the Dutch speakers not satisfied; they want
more autonomy.
(xv)Sri Lanka : The peace talks between the government and the LTTE breaks down renewed violence.
(xvi) US, Civil Rights: Blacks have won equal rights, but are still poor, less educated and marginalised.
At different points in this tour of democracy we have noted the serious challenges that face democracy all over
the world. A challenge is not just any problem. We usually call only those difficulties a 'challenge' which are
significant and which can be overcome. A challenge is a difficulty that carries within it. Once we can overcome a
challenge we can go up to a higher level than before.

2. Your description of the challenges for democracy in that situation-
[Example] Establishing civilian control over all government institutions, holding the first multi-party elections,
recalling all political leaders from exile.
DIFFERENT TYPES OF CHALLENGES
1. Democratic rights 2. Working of institutions

3. Elections 4. Federalism, decentralisation
5. Accommodation of diversity 6. Political organisations
7. Foundational challenge 8. Challenge of expansion
9. Challenge of deepening
THINKING ABOUT POLITICAL REFORMS
• No doubt, law has an important but limited role to play in political reform. Carefully devised changes in law can
help to discourage wrong political practices and encourage good ones. But legal-constitutional changes by
themselves cannot overcome challenges to democracy.
• Any legal change must carefully look at what results it will have on politics. Sometimes the results may be
counter-productive.
For example many states have banned people who have more than two children for contesting panchayats
elections. This has resulted in denial to democractic opportunity to many poor and women, which was not
intended. Generally, laws that seek to ban something are not very successful in politics. Laws that give political
actors incentives to do good things have more chances of working. The best laws are those which empower
people to carry out democratic reforms. The Right to Information Act is a good example of a law that empowers
the people to find out and act as watchdogs of democracy. Such a law helps to control corruption and supplements
the existing laws that banned corruption and imposed strict penalties.
• Democratic reforms are to be brought about principally through political practice.
Therefore the main focus of political reforms should be on ways to strengthen democratic practice. As we
discussed in the chapter on political parties, the most important concern should be to increase and improve the
quality of political participation by ordinary citizens.
• Any proposal for political reforms should think not only about what is a good solution but also about who will
implement it and how. It is not very wise to think that the parliaments will pass legislations that go against the
interest of all the political parties and MPs. But measures that reply on democratic movements, citizen's
organisations and the media are likely to succeed.
1. Proposed reforms regarding doctors-
(i) The government should make it compulsory for the doctors to live in the village where they are posted,
otherwise their service should be terminated.
(ii) District administration and police should carry out surprise raids to check the attendance of the doctors.
(iii) Village panchayat should be given the power to write the annual report of the doctor which should be read out
in the Gram Sabha meeting.
(iv) Problems like this can be solved only if Uttar Pradesh is split into several smaller states which can be
administered more efficiently.
2. Proposed reforms regarding political funding-
(i) The limit of the maximum expenditure allowed for any candidate (between 20-25 lakhs in most parts of the
country in a Lok Sabha election) should be reduced further and strictly observed.
(ii) The financial accounts of every political party should be made public. These accounts should be examined
by government auditors.
(iii) There should be state funding of elections. Parties should be given some money by the government to meet
their election expenditure.
(iv) Citizens should be encouraged to give more donation to parties and to political workers. Such donations
should be exempt from income tax.
[131] Challenges To Democracy

REDEFINNING DEMOCRACY
1. For the explantion the definition slightly to add some qualifications –

(i) The rules elected by the people must take all the major decisions.
(ii) Elections must offer a choice and fair opportunity to the people to change the current rulers.
(iii) This choice and opportunity should be available to all the people on an equal basis
(iv) The exercise of this choice must lead to a government limited by basic rule of the constitution and citizens'
rights.
2. You may have felt disappointed that the definition did not refer to any high ideals that we associate with democracy.
Various aspects of democratic govemment and politics-
(i) We discussed democratic rights at length and noted that these rights are not limited to right to vote, stand
in elections and form political organisations. We discussed some social and economic rights that a democracy
should offer to its citizens.
(ii) We have taken up power sharing as the spirit of democracy and discussed how power sharing between
governments and social groups is necessary in a democracy.
(iii) We saw how democracy cannot be the brute rule of majority and how a respect for minority voice is necessary
for democracy.
(iv) Our discussion of democracy has gone beyond the government and its activities, We discussed how eliminating
discrimination based on caste, religion, sex is important in a democracy,
(v) Finally, we have had some discussion about some outcomes that one must expect from democracy.
In doing so, we have not gone against the definition of democracy offered last year. We began then with a
definition of what is the minimum a country must have to be called a Democracy. In the course of our
discussion we have moved to the set of desirable conditions that a democracy should have. We have moved
from the definition of democracy to the description of a good democracy.

EXERCISE–I
1. Which one is the major challenge to democracy?
(A) Expansion of democratic values (B) Censorship of Press
(C) Unfair elections (D) Non participation of the people
2. What does democratic values contains?
(A) Basic principles of democratic government across all the regions
(B) Ensuring limited powers to the local government
(C) Extension of unitary principles
(D) Non participation of the people
3. The ethnic tension between Serbs and Albanians eisted in
(A) Bolivia. (B) Brazil. (C) Argentina. (D) Kosovo.
4. Which country witnessed the Civil War between Catholics and Protestant
(A) Northern Ireland (B) Spain (C) Poland (D) Nigeria
5. Match the list (I) and (II)
List I List II
(A) South Africa (1) Suu Kyi
(B) Pakistan (2) Nkrumah
(C) Myanmar (3) Musharraf
(D) Ghana (4) Mbeki
(A) A-1; B-2; C-3; D-4 (B) A-4; B-3; C-2; D-1 (C) A-2, B-3; C-4; D-1 (D) A-4; B-3; C-1; D-2
6. Mark the correct statement.
(A) Legal constitutional changes by themselves can overcome challenges to democracy.
(B) Some times legal change may not be counter productive.
(C) Democratic reforms are to be brought about principally through political practice.
(D) Citizens are unable to bring democratic reforms.
7. Mark the incorrect statement related to democracy.
(A) Elected rulers take all the major decisions in a democracy.
(B) Elections must offer a choice and fair opportunity to the people to change the current rulers.
(C) The voting rights should be available only to educated people.
(D) Censorship of press prevails in democracy.
8. Mark the correct means to bring democratic reforms.
(A) Political practice (B) Legal practice
(C) Social practice (D) Non governmental organisations
9. What is the third challenge of democracy?
(A) Strengthening of the institutions and practices of democracy
(B) Removal of inequalities from the society
(C) Making democracy to common people
(D) People’s participation
10. “Aang Suu Kyi” belongs to:
(A) Thailand. (B) Myanmar. (C) Laos. (D) Indonesia.
11. Which form of government is practised in China?
(A) Presidential form of government (B) Parliamentary democracy
(C) Communist Rule (D) Monarchy
12. Nelson Mandela the famous personality belonged to
(A) Ghana. (B) South Africa. (C) Columbia. (D) Myanmar.
13. The country in which women are not allowed to engage themselves in public activities is To
(A) India. (B) China. (C) Pakistan. (D) Saudi Arabia.
14. Where were ethnic tension between Serbs and Albanians on rise?
(A) Yugoslavia (B) Nigeria (C) Morocco (D) Ghana
[133] Challenges To Democracy

15. The separatist group L.T.T.E is active in
(A) Bhutan. (B) Nepal. (C) Sri Lanka. (D) Maldives.
16. What is the main objective of “Right to Information Act”?
(A) Transparency of government (B) Reduce inequalities
(C) Maintenance of law and order (D) Social justice
17. Challenges that require political reform. In Uttar Pradesh villagers have to travel to towns and pay high fee to
private doctors even for common ailments. This is due to the absence of doctors posted in ________________.
(A) the country. (B) the state.
(C) rural primary health centres. (D) the villages.
18. The proposals or suggestions about overcoming various challenges to democracy are called______________.
(A) Proposal for political reforms. (B) Legal ways of reforming society.
(C) Democratic reforms or political reforms. (D) Reforming the citizens of the country.
19. The first Secretary General of the United Nations was
(A) Boutros Boutros-Ghali. (B) Trygve Lie.
(C) Kofi A. Annan. (D) Ban-Ki-Moon.
20. What is meant by foundational challenge for democracy?
(A) The difficulties to a country are challenges for democracy.
(B) The challenges for democracy in many parts of the world.
(C) Bringing down the existing non-democratic and establishing a sovereign and functional state.
(D) Making the transition to democracy .
21. Most of the established democracies face the __________________.
(A) Challenge of expansion. (B) Foundational challenge.
(C) Democratic challenge. (D) Challenge to fundamental rights.
22. The financial accounts of every political party should be made _____________. These accounts should be
examined by ___________________.
(A) Secret, part leader. (B) Regularly, prime Minister.
(C) Temporarily, finance minister. (D) Public, government auditors.
23. The democratic countries that face the “challenge of expansion” are
(A) Norway and Germany. (B) Spain and Portugal.
(C) India and U.S.A. (D) England and Russia.
24. One of the major challenge to democracy is the
(A) expansion of democratic values. (B) decentralization.
(C) people’s participation. (D) popular elections.
25. Expansion of democratic values includes
(A) application of centralization. (B) greater powers to local government.
(C) extension of unitary principle. (D) discouraging people’s participation.
26. Democratic reforms are to be carried out mainly by
(A) economists. (B) social reformers. (C) political activists. (D) passive citizens.
ANSWER KEY
EXERCISE– I
Ques 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Ans. A A D A D C C A A B C B D A C
Ques 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26
Ans. A C C B C A D C A B C

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1.

1. Ethnic composition of Belgium :

2. Ethnic composition of Sri Lanka :

MAJORITARIANISM IN SRI LANKA

2. Outcomes/Problems that emerged :

WHY POWER SHARING IS DESIRABLE ?

Vibrant Academy (I) Pvt. Ltd. [78]

Among different organs Among Governments Among different Political Parties

[79] Power Sharing

Vibrant Academy (I) Pvt. Ltd. [80]

[81] Power Sharing

Vibrant Academy (I) Pvt. Ltd. [82]

82. Sri Lankan Tamils launched a struggle for

85. Belgian leaders amended their constitution four times between

86. The term Eelam means

89. The capital of Belgium is

90. The head of the Sri Lankan government is

91. The concept of Gram Swaraj was conceived by

[85] Power Sharing

Vibrant Academy (I) Pvt. Ltd. [86]

Com ing toge the r fe de ra tion Holding toge the r fe de ra tion

WHAT MAKES INDIA A FEDERAL GOVERNMENT ?

Union List State List Concurrent list Residuary Powers

HOW A FEDERALISM PRACTISED ?

Vibrant Academy (I) Pvt. Ltd. [88]

1. The chairperson of Municipal Corporation is a

23. The Indian state that enjoys a special status is

26. Mark the correct example of the ‘coming together federations’.

28. Mark any one feature of the unitary form of government.

29. Define federalism :

30. What are the dual objectives of the federal system.

Vibrant Academy (I) Pvt. Ltd. [90]

Vibrant Academy (I) Pvt. Ltd. [92]

16. Which of the following subjects is included in State list? [Gujarat_NTSE_Stage-1_2014]

1. Origin of Social differences :

[95] Democracy And Diversity

Vibrant Academy (I) Pvt. Ltd. [96]

1. The social differences that prevailed in Sri Lanka were

[97] Democracy And Diversity

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[99] Democracy And Diversity

65. Homogeneous Society means - [Rajasthan_NTSE_Stage-1_2016-17]

Vibrant Academy (I) Pvt. Ltd. [100]

WOMEN’S POLITICAL REPRESENTATION

RELIGION, COMMUNALISM AND POLITICS

[101] Gender, Religion And Caste

5. Steps taken by the government to do away with casteism :

Vibrant Academy (I) Pvt. Ltd. [102]

Vibrant Academy (I) Pvt. Ltd. [104]

[105] Gender, Religion And Caste

Vibrant Academy (I) Pvt. Ltd. [106]

1. Movement for democracy in 'Nepal:

2. Bolivia's water war :

Vibrant Academy (I) Pvt. Ltd. [108]

[109] Popular Struggles And Movements

HOW DO THEY INFLUENCE POLITICS ?

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Vibrant Academy (I) Pvt. Ltd. [112]

[113] Popular Struggles And Movements

Vibrant Academy (I) Pvt. Ltd. [114]

[115] Popular Struggles And Movements

NATIONAL POLITICAL PARTIES

CHALLENGES TO POLITICAL PARTIES