Class 11 Political Science NCERT QUESTION ANSWER OF Chapter 1 - Political Theory: An Introduction Prepared by Suman Kumar Jha

 Chapter 1 - Political Theory: An Introduction

Question 1:

Which of the following statements are true/false about Political theory?

(a) It discusses ideas that form the basis of political institutions.

(b) It explains the relationship between different religions.

(c) It explains the meanings of concepts like equality and freedom.

(d) It predicts the performance of political parties.

Answer:

(a) True

(b) False

(c) True

(d) False

Question 2:

Politics is more than what politicians do. Do you agree with this statement? Give examples.

Answer:

It is correct that politics is more than what politicians do. Politicians as a part of government are involved in politics but politics is not limited to their activities. Politics involves number of various negotiations that go on in society through which collective decisions are made.

Politics involves the actions of government and its relation to the aspirations of the people.

Politics involves the struggle of people and its influence on decision making.

People are engaged in political activity whenever they negotiate with each other and participate in collective activities that are designed to promote social development and resolve common problems.

  For example, residents of localities form associations to solve their common problems and raise these issues at higher level.

  Students form unions in colleges and universities to debate and resolve issues that affect the majority of them.

  Thus, politics is involved in the sphere of life that is related to power, collective decision-making and solving common problems.

Question 3:

Vigilant citizens are a must for the successful working of a democracy. Comment.

Answer:

  Vigilant people are a must for the successful working of a democracy as vigilance creates awareness about the rights of citizens and government policies that affect daily life.

  Awareness leads to discussion and debate on the issues that arise out of the implementation of policies.

  Citizens can, thus, force the government to implement new policies or modify the existing policies and programmes of the country by building up and mobilising their opinion.

  As democracy is about government of the citizens, by the citizens and for the citizens, vigilance of the citizens accelerates the successful working of a democracy.

Question 4:

In what ways is the study of political theory useful for us? Identify four ways in which the political theory can be useful to us.

Answer:

Political theory is useful for us as it helps in understanding the meaning of political concepts by looking at the way they are understood and used in ordinary language.

Political theories debate and examine the various meanings and opinions from different contexts in a systematic manner.

The four ways in which the political theory can be useful to us, are:

  It helps in understanding how constitutions are shaped in a certain manner, how governments and social lives are arranged in a certain systematic manner by studying and understanding the ideas and principles that are at their base.

  It shows the significance of various principles such as rule of law, separation of power, judicial review etc.

  Political theory helps bureaucrats, politicians, government officers and advocates to interpret the laws and constitution. It also helps in understanding the problems of society and explore the ways to solve them.

  Political theory encourages individuals to examine their ideas and feelings about political things so that they can become moderate in their ideas and feelings.

Question 5:

Do you think that a good/ convincing argument can compel others to listen to you?

Answer:

Yes, a good/ convincing argument can compel others to listen to one. Arguments prove the degree of reason of a proposition and the need to defend it. A good defence is a compelling factor in the audience listening to the speaker. The knowledge of political theory enables the individual to think systematically on issues like justice and freedom and polish his/her opinion. This helps the presentation of argument in an informed manner. A wise opinion is convincing and is for the sake of common interests. Therefore, it makes others listen to and agree with the individual who argues in a convincing manner.

Question 6:

Do you think studying political theory is like studying mathematics? Give reasons for your answer.

Answer:

Studying political theory is not like studying mathematics as mathematics deals with precise concepts and patterns while political theory studies human beings and their ideas in the context of power and decision-making. In mathematics, there are single definitions of terms. In political theory, on the other hand, the definitions of terms vary according to the context. This is because the opinion of people changes unlike objects and carries different meanings of a single term in different contexts. The concepts that are dealt by mathematics are constant and derived through formulae whereas the concepts of political theory are at variance and open to interpretation.

Class 11 Political Science NCERT QUESTION ANSWER OF Chapter 2 - Freedom Prepared by Suman Kumar Jha

 Chapter 2 - Freedom

Question 1:

What is meant by freedom? Is there a relationship between freedom for the individual and freedom for

the nation?

Answer:

Freedom is a situation that limits the constraints on individuals and allows them to expand their

ability and reach their potential.

Freedom allows the full development of an individual’s creativity, sensibility, capabilities and the

autonomy to make choices.

It permits the individuals to exercise their power of reason and judgement.

Yes, there is a relationship between freedom for the individual and freedom for the nation.

A free nation allows the full development of individual’s talent and ability by making fewer

constraints on individuals.

An individual is said to be free only if s/he resides in a free nation.

A nation is said to be free if it has freedom as one of its principles and only if it has provided this to

its people. In this way, individual freedom and national freedom are closely linked together.

Question 2:

What is the difference between the negative and positive conception of liberty?

Answer:

Negative liberty Positive liberty

1. It defines and defends the area of

an individual’s life where no

external authority can interfere.

i. It defines the area of society where an

individual can be free with some constraints

made by the society and the government.

2. It is not concerned with the

conditions of the society.

ii. It is concerned with the enabling conditions

of the society.

3. It is concerned with explaining the

idea of ‘freedom from’.

iii. It is concerned with explaining the idea of

‘freedom to’.

4. This area comes into personal

domain of the individual.

iv. This area comes into social domain of the

individual.

5. More negative liberty leads to more

freedom.

v. More positive liberty checks excess of

freedom to an individual, which could be an obstruction for social stability.

Question 3:

What is meant by social constraints? Are constraints of any kind necessary for enjoying freedom?

Answer:

Social constraints are the external controls on individual freedom maintained by the society.

The government, as a part of the society, controls individual freedom through laws that embodies

the power of the government and are legitimatised.

Constraints on freedom are also a result of social inequality.

Yes, constraints are essential to enjoy freedom.

Constraints are necessary to develop respect for views and beliefs of others.

It is necessary for the creation of a society.

Absence of constraint would lead to imposition of beliefs and ideas of stronger groups eventually

leading to conflict.

Constraints are required to control violence and settle disputes.

Question 4:

What is the role of the state in upholding freedom of its citizens?

Answer:

The state upholds the freedom of its citizens by providing certain rights to them.

The state maintains ‘justifiable constraints’ or reasonable restrictions on people so that they cannot

harm others and their freedom.

It provides positive liberty to its citizens to enable them to expand their ability and talent.

It defines and checks ‘other regarding’ actions of its people in order to maintain social stability.

Question 5:

What is meant by freedom of expression? What in your view would be a reasonable restriction on this

freedom? Give examples.

Answer:

Freedom of expression means the freedom to express one’s views through speech, writing etc. 

It is considered to belong to the minimum area of ‘non-interference’, that is, negative liberty.

According to the provisions of the Indian Constitution, this is a fundamental right.

Society bears some inconvenience caused by freedom of speech to protect it from people who

want to restrict it.

Society cannot restrict people from expressing themselves freely whether it agrees with their views

or not.

A reasonable restriction of freedom of expression is one that allows society to function smoothly

and curbs interference in privacy.

These restrictions are reasonable as they are necessary to run the society smoothly.

Following are some reasonable restrictions on freedom of speech.

Freedom of speech cannot interfere in someone’s privacy. Employees of Royal household of

England are constrained by contract from disclosing any inner affairs of the royal household.

Another example of putting restriction on freedom of speech is of film censor board. Censor board

Class 11 Political Science NCERT QUESTION ANSWER OF Chapter 3 - Equality Prepared by Suman Kumar Jha

Chapter 3 - Equality

Question 1:

Some people argue that inequality is natural while others maintain that it is equality which is natural and the inequalities which we notice around us are created by society. Which view do you support?

Give reasons.

Answer:

Any answer supported with argument or explanation would solve the purpose. It is strongly recommended that you prepare the solution on your own. However, a sample solution has been provided for your reference:

Equality is natural and the inequalities which we notice around us are created by society.

People are naturally equal because of the common humanity.

Inequality exists because of unequal opportunities and exploitation of one group from other groups in the society.

  Natural inequalities are those that emerge between people as a result of their different capabilities and talents.

  Social circumstances, situations and conditions help the individual to grow and develop her/his talents and capabilities.

  Different status and roles are essential for smooth running of the society but these status and roles are decided by the society that shows inequality.

Society categorises the people on the basis of race, gender, caste, class etc that create inequality.

Thus, society labels certain race, gender, caste, class to be treated inferior or superior by creating stereotypes.

Question 2:

There is a view that absolute economic equality is neither possible nor desirable. It is argued that the most a society can do is to try and reduce the gaps between the richest and poorest members of society. Do you agree?

Answer:

Any answer supported with argument or explanation would solve the purpose. It is strongly recommended that you prepare the solution on your own. However, a sample solution has been provided for your reference:

  It is correct that absolute economic equality is not possible even though it is desirable. The most a society can do is to try and reduce the gaps between the richest and poorest members of society to bring economic equality.

  Society has different status, roles and ranks for its members so that it can function smoothly.

  People achieve different ranks according to their capabilities and the rewards are equivalent to the work and responsibilities that are attached to their rank.

  Therefore, absolute economic equality cannot be possible as inequality in income will remain in the society.

  The gap between the richest and poorest members of the society can be reduced by providing equality in opportunity to everyone, regardless of their background.

Question 3:

Match the following concepts with appropriate instances:

(a) Affirmative action (i) Every adult citizen has a right to vote

(b) Equality of opportunity (ii) Banks offer higher rate of interest to senior citizen (c) Equal Rights (iii) Every child should get free education

Answer:

(a) Affirmative action (ii) Banks offer higher rate of interest to senior citizen

(b) Equality of opportunity (iii) Every child should get free education(c) Equal Rights. (i) Every adult citizen has a right to vote

Question 4:

A government report on farmers’ problems says that small and marginal farmers cannot get good prices from the market. It recommends that the government should intervene to ensure a better price but only for small and marginal farmers. Is this recommendation consistent with the principle of equality?

Answer:

The recommendation of the government is consistent with the principle of equality as the intervention is necessary to secure the interests of small and marginal farmers.

Small and marginal farmers do not have access to adequate resources to sustain themselves during the off-season. Therefore, they need better compensation for their produce.

Question 5:

Which of the following violate the principles of equality and why?

(a) Every child in class will read the text of the play by turn.

(b) The Government of Canada encouraged white Europeans to migrate to Canada from the end ofthe Second World War till 1960.

(c) There is a separate railway reservation counter for the senior citizens.

(d) Access to some forest areas is reserved for certain tribal communities.

Answer:

(a) It is not a violation of principles of equality as reading by turn is necessary to maintain disciplineand coherence in class.

(b) It is a violation of principles of equality as white Europeans were given preference and privilegeover coloured people on the basis of their colour differences.

(c) It is not a violation of principles of equality because this right is given to the senior citizens on thebasis of their special needs and requirements.

(d) It is not a violation of principles of equality because it protects the livelihood rights and culture ofthe tribal people.

Question 6:

Here are some arguments in favour of the right to vote for women.

Which of these are consistent with the idea of equality? Give reasons.

(a) Women are our mothers. We shall not disrespect our mothers by denying them the right to vote.

(b) Decisions of the government affect women as well as men, therefore they also should have a sayin choosing the rulers.

(c) Not granting women the right to vote will cause disharmony in the family.

(d) Women constitute half of humanity. You cannot subjugate them for long by denying them the rightto vote.

Answer:

(a) It is not consistent with the idea of equality as this is not based on the principles of equality but thisargument emanates from our emotions.

(b) It is consistent with the idea of equality as this argument is based on the impact of decision makingprocess on women and hence, their right to choose the decision makers.

(c) It is not consistent with the idea of equality as it is concerned more with the disintegration of familyrather than giving women equal opportunity to choose their representatives.

(d) It is consistent with the idea of equality as this argument is based on rational thinking. Women areconsidered as equal to men in the composition of society and are therefore given equal importance and opportunity to cast their vote.

Class 11 Political Science NCERT QUESTION ANSWER OF Chapter 4 - Social Justice PREPARED BY SUMAN KUMAR JHA

Chapter 4 - Social Justice

Question 1:

What does it mean to give each person his/her due? How has the meaning of “giving each his due” changed over time?

Answer:

Giving each person his/her due means providing justice by ensuring the well-being of all the people.

In contemporary time, the concept of “giving each his due” has changed to the understanding of what is due to each person as a human being.

The German philosopher Immanuel Kant argued that if all persons are granted dignity then what is due to each of them is the opportunity to develop their talents and pursue their chosen goals.

Question 2:

Briefly discuss the three principles of justice outlined in the chapter. Explain each with examples.

Answer:

Equal Treatment of Equals:

This indicates the principle of treating people equally.

All individuals share certain characteristics as human beings. Therefore, they deserve to be treated equally and provided with equal rights.

  It includes civil rights like right to life, liberty and property, political rights like right to vote and social rights related to equal social opportunities.

It also prohibits discrimination on the grounds of class, caste, gender and race.

For example, two individuals from different backgrounds should be paid same reward for the same kind of job.

Proportionate justice:

This principle indicates rewarding people in proportion to the scale and quality of their effort.

It is just to reward different jobs differently on the basis of efforts and skills required and the danger involved.

Thus, proportionality provides balance to the principle of equal treatment.

The reward and compensation for a surgeon and an architect varies according to the skill that is required in their job.

Recognition of Special Needs:

  This principle is based on distributing rewards and duties on the basis of special needs of people.

  On the basis of factors such as age, physical disabilities and lack of access to good education or health care, special treatment is given in many countries.

  People with special needs or disabilities are treated unequal in some particular respect and therefore are provided with some deserving and special help.

  A physically challenged person getting a reserved seat in bus is an example of principle of recognition of special needs.

Question 3:

Does the principle of considering the special needs of people conflict with the principle of equal treatment for all?

Answer:

  The principle of considering the special needs of people does not raise a conflict with the principle of equal treatment for all.

  People with special needs are given special treatment to facilitate their participation in the running of the society.

  People with special needs also require special treatment for integration with society and for securing opportunities and basic needs that would be otherwise denied to them.

  The senior citizens, women and socially backward people are given special treatment due to their special needs.

Question 4:

How does Rawls use the idea of a veil of ignorance to argue that fair and just distribution can be defended on rational grounds?

Answer:

  Rawls uses the idea of a veil of ignorance to argue that fair and just distribution can be defended on rational grounds.

  He says that if a person keeps herself/himself under the ‘veil of ignorance’ then s/he would come up with the just distribution, fair laws and policies that would affect the whole society.

  A person under the ‘veil of ignorance’ is unaware of her/his possible position and status in the society therefore s/he would rationally decide from the point of view of the worst-off.

  It would be sensible in this situation for everyone to ensure that all resources are available equally to all persons.

  In this way Rawls, with his idea of ‘veil of ignorance’, is able to prove that fair and just distribution can be defended on rational grounds with the help of this idea.

Question 5:

What are generally considered to be the basic minimum requirements of people for living a healthy and productive life? What is the responsibility of governments in trying to ensure this minimum to all?

Answer:

Housing, supply of clean water, basic amount of nourishment to remain healthy, education and minimum wage are the basic minimum requirements of people for living a healthy and productive life.

Government is responsible for providing these services to all sections of the society irrespective of their class, caste, race and gender at a cost they can afford.

  Supporters of free market ideology are in favour of providing goods and services by the private agencies and the state or government should only try to empower people to buy those goods and services. However, eventually, free market tends to work in the interest of the powerful section.

  Government checks the interference of private agencies in some sectors of the economy so that the goods and services in the free market do not become out of reach for the weaker sections.

Question 6:

Which of the following arguments could be used to justify state action to provide basic minimum conditions of life to all citizens?

(a) Providing free services to the poor and needy can be justified as an act of charity.

(b) Providing all citizens with a basic minimum standard of living is one way of ensuring equality ofopportunity.

(c) Some people are naturally lazy and we should be kind to them.

(d) Ensuring basic facilities and a minimum standard of living to all is a recognition of our sharedhumanity and a human right.

Answer:

(a) Providing free services to the poor and needy as an act of charity is unjustified basis of stateaction to provide basic minimum conditions of life to all citizens. Services to the poor and needy are their rights and the government should not give these to them as charity.

(b) Providing all citizens with a basic minimum standard of living to ensure equality of opportunity isjustified basis of state action to provide basic minimum conditions of life to all citizens. This is because it is the responsibility of the government to provide opportunities for citizens.

(c) Being kind to people who are lazy is not rational thinking as laziness is not a physical handicap.Therefore, it is an unjustified basis for state action to provide basic minimum conditions of life to all citizens.

(d) Ensuring basic facilities and a minimum standard of living to all as a recognition of our sharedhumanity and human rights is a justified basis of state action to provide basic minimum conditions of life to all citizens.

Class 11 Political Science NCERT QUESTION ANSWER OF Chapter 5 - Rights PREPARED BY SUMAN KUMAR JHA

Class 11 Political Science Chapter 5 - Rights

Question 1:

What are rights and why are they important? What are the bases on which claims to rights can be made?

Answer:

  Rights are primarily those state-recognised claims that every individual regards to be necessary for leading a life of respect and dignity. These are essentially a justified claim or an entitlement.

  Rights are important as they help individuals to develop their capacity to reason, develop their skills and enable them to make informed choices in life.

The bases on which claims to rights can be made are:

  The representation of conditions that individuals collectively see as a source of self-respect and dignity.

  The necessity for every individual’s well being.

Question 2:

On what grounds are some rights considered to be universal in nature? Identify three rights which you consider universal. Give reasons.

Answer:

The importance of certain rights for all human beings regardless of their place in society confers universality on these rights. The assumption behind human rights is the entitlement of human beings to certain rights that ensure self-respect and dignity by virtue of being born as humans. Thus, universal rights are those rights whose entitlement is non-negotiable.

The three universal rights are as follows:

  Right to education is considered to be universal in nature because this is must for an individual to develop his/her capacity to reason, skills and enables him/her to make informed choices in life. This helps the individual to make good use of other rights.

  Right to livelihood ensures self-respect and dignity of the individuals through economic independence.

  Freedom of expression is important for all human beings as it develops creativity and originality and allows for free expression of ideas and beliefs.

Question 3:

Discuss briefly some of the new rights claims which are being put forward in our country today—for example the rights of tribal people to protect their habitat and way of life, or the rights of children against bonded labour.

Answer:

  The claim of rights of tribal people to protect their habitat and way of life has emerged with the new conception of a secure and respectful life of individuals along with preserving their traditional way of life and access to resources.

  This is a result of change in society and its beliefs and providing special provisions or rights to people to protect indigenous culture.

Tribal people are given rights to own a part of land of the forest to which they belong.

They are given special facilities in education, job, medicine etc. so that they can compete with the rest of the society on equal terms.

  The rights of children against bonded labour are necessary to prevent their exploitation and ensure a safe childhood for them.

The right to education is a new right given in the Indian Constitution.

This right helps in preventing the violation of the basic right of children to education.

Right to information is a new right that helps the citizens to know the status or the procedure of the services that they are entitled to receive.

Question 4:

Differentiate between political, economic and cultural rights. Give examples of each kind of right.

Answer:

  Political rights are those rights that ensure equality before law and the right to participate in the political process. Right to contest election is a political right.

Economic rights are those rights that ensure the entitlement of basic needs of food, shelter etc.

Economic rights helps in fulfilling the political rights. Right to minimum wage is an economic right.

Cultural rights are given to citizens to preserve their culture, its essence and its dignity.

Political rights and economic rights help in ensuring cultural rights for citizens. Right to establish institutions to preserve one’s language is a cultural right.

Question 5:

Rights place some limits on the authority of the state. Explain with examples.

Answer:

  Rights place some limits on the authority of the state as they make the state responsible for its actions.

Rights place an obligation upon the state to act in a certain way.

For example, the state must ensure that its policies should provide basic needs to all its individuals.

Rights suggest what the state must refrain from doing.

The state cannot make laws that violate the fundamental rights of the citizens and go against the constitution.

  Freedom of expression is a basic right of individual therefore the state cannot stop anyone from expressing himself/herself.

  The state cannot arrest any individual unnecessarily as that would mean violating her/his right of liberty.

Class 11 Political Science NCERT QUESTION ANSWER Chapter 6 - Citizenship PREPARED BY SUMAN KUMAR JHA

Class 11 Political Science 

Chapter 6 - Citizenship

Question 1:

Citizenship as full and equal membership of a political community involves both rights and obligations. Which rights could citizens expect to enjoy in most democratic state today? What kind of obligation will they have to their state and fellow citizens?

Answer:

The rights that citizens are expected to enjoy most in democratic state are right to equality, right to vote in political elections, freedom of expression, right to have basic facilities, right to security and equal treatment by laws.

There are legal and moral obligations on citizens to participate in and contribute to the shared life of the community as well as the state. Citizens are also expected to preserve the culture and natural resources of their country.

Question 2:

All citizens may be granted equal rights but all may not be able to equally exercise them. Explain.

Answer:

All citizens may be granted equal rights but all may not be able to equally exercise them due to following factors:

Socio-economic inequality that prevents equality of opportunity

Lack of accessibility to legal remedies

Lack of awareness of rights

Corruption in the government apparatus that prevents the delivery of services covered under these rights.

The consequences of these factors can be seen in the following examples:

  Every child has right to education but some children are not sent to school due to gender bias and poverty and therefore are engaged in child labour.

  Many women are not aware that physical and mental torture by their husband comes under domestic violence. Therefore, they are not able to seek legal remedies.

Question 3:

Write a short note on any two struggles for full enjoyment of citizen rights which have taken place in India in recent years. Which rights were being claimed in each case?

Answer:

The movement in India regarding the rights of lesbians and gays to express and lead a normal life demanded the decriminalisation of homosexuality by the state that was considered to be a crime. Delhi high court has decriminalised homosexuality but still the movement is on as it has not yet gained the legal approval.

Narmada Bachao Andolan is an environmental as well as human rights movement. The movement is against increasing the height of the dam. The increase in the height of the dam will flood the area and residents will get displaced. The movement is to force the government to decrease the height of the dam and pay proper compensation to the people and assure rehabilitation for them.

Both the above mentioned movements are still going on for the human rights of people. The first movement was for freedom of expression, right to security and normal life as Indian citizens. The second movement focused on the right to shelter, food, employment and security of the people as citizens of India.

Question 4:

What are some of the problems faced by refugees? In what ways could the concept of global citizenship benefit them?

Answer:

Any answer supported with argument or explanation would solve the purpose. It is strongly recommended that you prepare the solution on your own. However, some sample pointers have been provided for your reference:

The following are some of the problems faced by refugees:

Refugees are not treated well by the local residents of the place.

They are considered as a burden on the local economy.

The local residents feel that refugees are snatching their job opportunities in that area.

The refugees are held responsible for spreading diseases, crime and polluting the area as they mostly live in slums and tents.

They are constrained to do useful and necessary work but at low wages.

Refugees face the problem of shelter, food and lack of employment.

Refugees are exempted from the rights that are given by the state to its people like enjoying the right of minimum standard of living and security.

  Thus, they are often exploited by the police and other local residents on grounds of the rights that they lack as a member of that state.

Global citizenship would be beneficial to refugees as it will be easier to deal with problems that extend across national boundaries and require cooperation of other states.

It would also help refugees and stateless people by providing them basic rights and solutions to their problems so that they can lead a normal life.

Question 5:

Migration of people to different regions within the country is often resisted by the local inhabitants.

What are some of the contributions that the migrants could make to the local economy?

Answer:

Migrants contribute greatly towards the economy of the state where they are working.

They perform useful work at lower wages and make up a large proportion of the service sector.

The goods and services provided by them are counted in the GDP.

Migrants bring new skills and techniques that can be adapted to suit local conditions.

Migrant workers also pay taxes and thus contribute to economic growth of their host region.

Question 6:

“Democratic citizenship is a project rather than an accomplished fact even in countries like India which grant equal citizenship”. Discuss some of the issues regarding citizenship being raised in India today.

Answer:

“Democratic citizenship is a project rather than an accomplished fact even in countries like India” as in democratic countries people are still far behind in fully enjoying the rights associated with democratic citizenship.

In the context of India, equality of rights is ensured for all citizens by the Constitution, but does not always translate on the ground.

Socio-economic inequality is a major factor preventing the access of all citizens to basic rights.

Citizens have the right to move and work freely anywhere within the territory, they have the right to enjoy basic facilities that are needed to survive and lead a healthy life but migrants are exempted from these rights as Indian citizens at some places.

  Besides migrants other citizens are not able to enjoy the rights fully. Girl children are not able to enjoy the basic right of education. Many poor children are forcefully engaged in child labour though these children have got certain fundamental rights in democratic India but they are not able to enjoy it.

  The issue of dual citizenship for people who reside outside the country is also a matter of debate and shows the dynamic nature of the concept of citizenship.

Therefore, it can be said that democratic citizenship is a project that has still to meet its goal rather than having accomplished it.

Class 11 Political Science NCERT QUESTION ANSWER Chapter 7 - Nationalism PREPARED BY SUMAN KUMAR JHA

Chapter 7 - Nationalism

Question 1:

How is a nation different from other forms of collective belonging?

Answer:

Nation is, to a great extent, an ‘imagined community’ held together by the collective beliefs, aspirations and imaginations of its members. It is based on certain assumptions like shared beliefs, common history, common territory, shared political ideals and common political identity that people construct about the collective whole with which they identify themselves. Unlike family its members are not linked with face-to-face relation. It is different from clans and other kinship groups as it is not based common descent. It is different from any lingual group as it is not based on a common language nor is it like a religious group as it does not share any common religion.

Question 2:

What do you understand by the right to national self-determination?

How has this idea resulted in both formation of and challenges to nation-states?

Answer:

Right to national self-determination means seeking the right by cultural groups to govern themselves and determine their future development as a nation.

The idea of national self-determination led to the formation of nation-state. As in case of Europe after First World-War, the countries were formed on the basis of culture they shared. It helped these groups to determine their future development path and to govern themselves.

This idea is also a challenge to the formation of nation-state as it is impossible to have one culture in a nation-state. It is impossible to ensure that each cultural group could achieve political independence and statehood. Examples for the same could be the mass migrations that took place after the reorganisation of state boundaries in Europe to maintain cultural homogeneity.

Question 3:

“We have seen that nationalism can unite people as well as divide them, liberate them as well generate bitterness and conflict”. Illustrate your answer with examples.

Neither descent, nor language, nor religion or ethnicity can claim to be a common factor in nationalisms all over the world. Comment.

Answer:

  Nationalism unites people into a bond on the basis of same territory, shared beliefs, common history, shared political ideals, common political identity and aspirations.

  The idea of nationalism can liberate people from the bond of various smaller groups to a wider and common group of nation where they share common interests and goals.

  It can also divide the people as every lingual or cultural group could demand for a separate nationstate.

  It can generate bitterness and conflict as demands for separate nation state by smaller groups often leads to conflict. Such situations are at the root of many ongoing conflicts in the world.

  Neither descent, nor language, nor religion or ethnicity can claim to be a common factor in nationalisms all over the world as there is no common set of characteristics that is present in every nation. It is very difficult for every lingual, religious and ethnic group to become politically and economically viable. This also leads to several problems for those groups that are in minority.

Therefore, no nation-state can stand only on the factor of religion or ethnicity.

Question 4:

Illustrate with suitable examples the factors that lead to the emergence of nationalist feelings.

Answer:

The factors that lead to the emergence of nationalist feelings are:

Shared beliefs − This refers to the collective identity and vision for the future of a group that aspires to have an independent political existence.

The citizens of a nation-state share common beliefs irrespective of ethnic or religious differences.

For example, every citizen of India wants the national hockey team to become world champion.

Common history − The citizens of a nation-state share a common history.

It perceives them as stretching back into the past as well as reaching into the future.

For example, Indians share a common history of nationalist movement and have the same vision for their future.

Common territory − It shares a common land or territory on which the people have been living for a long period of time. Thus, territory is an important component of unity.

For example, Indians identify themselves with the distinctive geographical features of the Indian subcontinent.

Shared political ideals − Citizens of a nation-state share a vision of the kind of state they want to build.

  They share same political ideas, they share commitment to a set of political ideas and are bound by a set of obligations legitimatised by the law of the state.

  For example, the Constitution of India that is representative of the collective will of the people has adopted democracy and secularism, among other ideals, as its goals.

Common political identity − The citizens share a common political identity irrespective of their religious, linguistic groups.

For example, a Sikh from Punjab, a Muslim from Uttar Pradesh and a Hindu from Karnataka share a common political identity of being Indian irrespective of their different religious and linguistic groups.

Question 5:

How is a democracy more effective than authoritarian governments in dealing with conflicting nationalist aspirations?

Answer:

  A democratic government is more effective than an authoritarian government as it respects the opinion of people and provides opportunity and rights to every cultural group to flourish.

  All cultural groups including those in minorities have the opportunity to be represented at the highest levels of decision making in a democratic set up. Thus, it provides a structure for all groups to express their aspirations.

  An authoritarian government will create an oppressive and authoritative society in which minority groups cannot survive. The dominance of the majority gives rise to nationalist aspirations among other groups in such situations.

  A democratic government respects the rights and cultural identity of minorities and therefore can solve conflicting nationalist aspirations by taking decisions through consensus that benefit all groups which stay inside the democratic set up.

Question 6:

What do you think are the limitations of nationalism?

Answer:

The limitations of nationalism can be cited as:

  Most nationalist ideals are representative of the goals of a single cultural group. Thus, they fail to incorporate the broader vision of inclusiveness.

  Since it is not possible for every cultural group to create its own nation-state therefore every nationstate state has more than one cultural group.

  The different cultural groups often get involved in conflicts due to their separate nationalist aspirations and the principle of exclusivity based upon a desire for homogenous identity.

  The role of nationalism in a globalised world is yet to be completely evaluated as nationalist tendencies acquire a different meaning in an inter-connected world.

Class 11 Political Science NCERT QUESTION ANSWER Chapter 10 - Development PREPARED BY SUMAN KUMAR JHA

Chapter 10 - Development

Question 1:

What do you understand by the term development? Would all sections of society benefit from such a definition of development?

Answer:

Development is a process that ensures good quality of life to all the people in terms of happiness, harmony and satisfaction of essential needs. It is related to improvement, progress and aspirations of people. This definition of development would benefit all the sections of society as it shows the basic need approach. It allows more people to make meaningful choices and the pre-condition for this is the fulfilment of basic needs like food, education, health and shelter.

The previous concepts of development that were based on only economic growth have notbeen beneficial for poor people and environment and have resulted in a wide gap between rich and poor and imbalanced ecology. Therefore, a definition that aims towards improving the quality of people’s life would justify the essence of development.

Question 2:

Discuss some of the social and ecological costs of the kind of development which has been pursued in most countries.

Answer:

Social costs of development

  A large number of people have been displaced from their homes and localities due to industrialisation.

  Displacement causes loss of livelihood and increased impoverishment along with destruction of local culture and community life.

  Displacement of rural agricultural communities has resulted in increased number of urban and rural poor and has brought them into the category of marginalised people.

  It is responsible for many struggles and social disorganisation.

Ecological costs of development

  The present model of development is dependent upon increasing use of energy and is a major cause for environmental degradation.

  Consumption of fossil fuels to meet energy requirements is also a major cause of pollution as well as depletion of natural resources.

Global warming has increased due to emission of pollutant gases from industries.

Icebergs of polar regions are melting due to global warming. This would cause flooding and submergence of low lying areas like Bangladesh and Maldives.

  Developmental projects have resulted in deforestation, which has created the problem of green house effect, scarcity of firewood, medicinal herbs and food, affecting poor people.

  Rivers and ponds are dry up and level of ground water has decreased.

Question 3:

What are some of the new claims for rights which the process of development has generated?

Answer:

The new claims for rights that have been generated by the process of development are as follows:

The protection of people affected by development from the state and the society as a whole.

The right of people to be consulted about decisions that affect their lives.

The right to livelihood of people when their regular livelihood activities are threatened by developmental activities.

Rights of communities, particularly tribal and aboriginal, to the use of natural resources.

Rights of future generations to the resources that are common to the entire humanity.

Question 4:

What would be the advantages of democracy over other forms of government for ensuring that decisions regarding development are made to promote the common good?

Answer:

The advantages of democracy over other forms of government for ensuring common good as the aims of development are as follows:

  A democratic government ensures that the decisions regarding development are taken while keeping the common interest of people in concern and respecting the rights of all.

  Conflicts over resources and different versions of the good life are resolved through debate in a democracy and these cannot be imposed from the higher authorities.

  The developmental priorities, strategies and way of implementations are decided by higher level of political leaders and bureaucrats.

  Democratic structure also makes it possible to include the views of common people in the strategy and priorities of development to prevent discrimination and adverse effects.

  Democracy allows every citizen to have a stake and participate in deciding their future and nation’s priorities.

  Other forms of governments like authoritarian, monarchical and dictatorship do not involve people in decision making process of development.

Question 5:

In your view how successful have popular struggles been in making the state responsive to the social and environmental costs of development? Discuss with examples.

Answer:

Popular struggles like the Narmada Bachao Andolan and the Chipko movement have played a major role in making the state responsive to the social and environmental costs of development.

The Narmada Bachao Aandolan has stopped the government for the time being from raising the height of Sardar Sarovar dam on River Narmada. This project was harmful for the environment and social life of the people. A large forest was submerged during the construction and many people were displaced. The activists have also been trying to persuade the government to offer more meaningful rehabilitation packages to the displaced people.

The Chipko Movement against deforestation was successful in Uttrakhand. The people hugged the trees and stopped the contractors from cutting them down. This was basically an environmental movement but the livelihood of the local people also depended on these forests. Thus, it created awareness all over the country about the actions of the government and forced the state to become more responsive.

Class 11 Political Science Chapter 8 - Secularism NCERT Question Answer PREPARED BY SUMAN KUMAR JHA

Chapter 8 - Secularism

Question 1:

Which of the following do you feel are compatible with the idea of secularism? Give reasons.

(a) Absence of domination of one religious group by another.

(b) Recognition of a state religion.

(c) Equal state support to all religions.

(d) Mandatory prayers in schools.

(e) Allowing separate educational institutions for any minority community.

(f) Appointment of temple management bodies by the government.

(g) Intervention of state to ensure entry of Dalits in temples.

Answer:

Any answer supported with argument or explanation would solve the purpose. It is strongly recommended that you prepare the solution on your own. However, a sample solution has been provided for your reference:

(a) Absence of domination of one religious group over another is compatible with the idea of secularism as it allows freedom to all religious groups.

(c) Equal state support to all religions is compatible with the idea of secularism as it provides a chance to every religion to preserve it’s traditions and flourish.

(e) Allowing separate educational institutions for any minority is compatible with the idea of secularism as this will provide right to the minority to maintain it’s cultural identity and a chance to develop.

(g) Intervention of state to ensure entry of Dalits in temples is compatible with the idea of secularism as it prevents discrimination and provides equal rights to every social group.

Question 2:

Some of the key characteristics of western and Indian model of secularism have got mixed up. Separate them and make a new table.

Western Secularism Indian Secularism

Strict non-interference of religion and state in each other’s affairs State supported religious reforms allowed

Equality between different religious groups is a key concern Equality between different sects of a religion is emphasised

Attention to minority rights Less attention to community based rights

Individual and his rights at the centre Rights of both individual and religious community protected.

Answer:

Western Secularism Indian Secularism

Strict non-interference of religion and state in each other’s affairs State supported religious reforms allowed

Less attention to community based rights Attention to minority rights

Equality between different sects of a religion is emphasised Equality between different religious groups is a key concern

Individual and his rights at the centre Rights of both individual and religious community protected

Question 3:

What do you understand by secularism? Can it be equated with religious tolerance?

Answer:

  Secularism is a doctrine that opposes any form of religious and intra-religious domination. It does not oppose religion itself.

  Secularism cannot be equated with religious tolerance as tolerance may be compatible with religious domination by one group.

  However, religious tolerance is one of the components of secularism.

Question 4:

Do you agree with the following statements? Give reasons for supporting or opposing any of them.

(a) Secularism does not allow us to have a religious identity.

(b) Secularism is against inequality within a religious group or between different religious groups.

(c) Secularism has a western-Christian origin. It is not suitable for India.

Answer:

Any answer supported with argument or explanation would solve the purpose. It is strongly recommended that you prepare the solution on your own. However, a sample solution has been provided for your reference:

(a) Secularism allows us to have a religious identity. In India, a citizen can have a religious identity, sothat he/she can represent his/her religious institution whenever required in order to preserve and develop it.

(b) Secularism is against inequality both within a religious group and between different religiousgroups. The Indian government tries to maintain equality within religious groups to prevent discrimination and eradicate practices that are derogatory to human dignity.

(c) Secularism may have a western-Christian origin but it is suitable for India. This is due to the factthat India is a multi-cultural and religious society. Thus, it is necessary to ensure equal treatment to all groups both within and between different religions to maintain harmony and integrate the country.

Question 5:

Indian secularism focuses on more than the religion-state separation. Explain.

Answer:

  Indian secularism does not focus on the religion-state separation alone; it is also concerned with maintaining harmony between different religions and reforming religious practices to protect the social and civil rights of its citizens.

Indian secularism allows every religion to flourish and develop.

The Indian state allows the promotion of all religions and treats each of them equally.

Therefore state does not interfere in religious matters but it checks the influence of religion in public life.

Question 6:

Explain the concept of principled distance.

Answer:

  According to the concept of principled distance, a secular state may keep a principled distance from religion to promote peace between communities and it may also intervene to protect the rights of specific communities.

  The state gives equal preference to every religion and respects them all equally.However, the state may interfere if religious groups try to exercise their power on the political and social life of the people.

This balanced distance of state from religious groups is called principled distance.

NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Political Science Chapter 6 International Organizations Prepared by SUMAN KUMAR JHA

NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Political Science Chapter 6 International Organisations

 TEXTBOOK QUESTIONS SOLVED

1. Mark correct or wrong against each of the following statements about the veto power:
(a) Only the permanent members of the Security Council possess the veto power.
(b) It’s a kind of negative power.
(c) The Secretary General uses this power when not satisfied with any decision.
(d) One veto can stall a Security Council resolution.
Answer: (a) Correct (b) Correct
(c) Wrong (d) Correct
(e) India (f) Maldives
(g) India (h) Nepal

2. Mark correct or wrong against each of the following statements about the way the UN functions:
(a) All security and peace related issues are dealt within the Security Council.(b) Humanitarian policies are implemented by the main organs and specialised agencies spread across the globe.

(c) Having consensus among five permanent members on security issues is vital for its implementation.
(d) The members of the General Assembly are automatically the members of all other principal organs and specialised agencies of the UN.
Answer: (a) Correct (b) Wrong
(c) Correct (d) Wrong

3. Which among the following would give more weightage to India’s proposal for permanent membership in the Security Council?

(a) Nuclear capability(b) It has been a member of the UN since its inception.

(c) It is located in Asia.
(d) India’s growing economic power and stable political system.
Answer: (d) India’s growing economic power and stable political system.

 

4. The UN agency concerned with the safety and peaceful use of nuclear technology is:
(a) The UN Committee on Disarmament
(b) International Atomic Energy Agency
(c) UN International Safeguard Committee
(d) None of the above.
Answer: (b) International Atomic Energy Agency

5. WTO is serving as the successor to which of the following organisations:
(a) General Agreement on Trade and Tariffs
(b) General Arrangement on Trade and Tariffs
(c) World Health Organisation
(d) UN Development Programme
Answer: (a) General Agreement on Trade and Tariffs

6. Fill in the blanks:

(a) The prime objective of UN is
(b) The highest functionary of the UN is called
(c) The UN Security Council has permanent and non permanent members.
(d) is the present UN Secretary General.
Answer: (a) to maintain peace and security
(b) Secretariat
(c) 5, 10
(d) Ban-ki-Moon

7. Match the principal organs and agencies of the UN with their functions:

A. 1. Economic and Social Council
2. International Court of Justice
3. International Atomic Energy Agency
4. Security Council
5. UN High Commission for Refugees
6. World Trade Organisation
7. International Monetary Fund
8. General Assembly
9. World Health Organisation
10. Secretariat
B. (a) Oversees the global financial system.
(b) Reservation of international peace and security.
(c) Looks into the economic and social welfare of the member countries.
(d) Safety and peaceful use of nuclear technology.
(e) Resolves disputes between and among member countries.
(f) Provides shelter and medical help during emergencies.
(g) Debates and discusses global issues.
(h) Administration and coordination of UN affairs.
(i) Providing good health for all.
(j) Facilitates free trade among member countries.
Answer: 1. Economic and Social Council—
(c) Looks into the economic and social welfare of the member
countries.
2. International Court of Justice—
(e) Resolves disputes between and among member countries.
3. International Atomic Energy Agency—
(d) Safety and peaceful use of nuclear technology
4. Security Council—
(b) Reservation of international peace and security
5. UN High Commission for Refugees—
(f) Provides shelter and medical help during emergencies.
6. World Trade Organisations—
(j) Facilitates free trade among member countries.
7. International Monetary Fund—
(a) Overseas the global financial system.
8. General Assembly—
(g) Debates and discusses global issues.
9. World Health Organisation—
(j) Providing good health for all.
10. Secretariat—
(h) Administration and coordination of UN affairs.

8. What are the functions of Security Council?

Answer: Its main function is to maintain peace and security in the world and the other functions are as follows:
1. The Security Council recommends methods to adjust disputes among nations.
2. Security Council can take military action if required.
3. Security Council elects the judges of International Court of Justice and appoints the Secretary General by recommending to the General Assembly.
4. Security Council can apply economic sanction also to stop any aggression.
5. The Security Council can investigate the disputes in case a friction arises.

9. As a citizen of India, how would you support India’s candidature for the permanent membership of Security Council? Justify your proposal.
Answer: As a citizen of India, we may support India’s candidature for the permanent membership of Security Council in the following manner:
1. India is the most populous country in the world with one-fifth of world population.
2. India is world’s largest democracy.
3. India’s economic emergence on the World Stage.
4. India is a regular financial contributor to the UN.
5. India signifies a growing importance in world affairs in conduct of its foreign policy.
6. India participated in all the initiatives of the UN.

10. Critically evaluate the difficulties involved in implementing the suggested reforms to reconstruct the UN.

Answer: The following are the question marks in implementing the suggested reforms to reconstruct the UN:
1. How big an economic and military power may qualify to become UNSC membership?
2. What level of budget contribution should be enabled?
3. No guarantee to be effective as Council Member in respect for democracy and human rights.
4. Why should the issue of equitable representation decided by geography? Why not by levels of economic development?
5. Why not to give more seats to members of developing world?
All the above mentioned criteria which were adopted bud not universally accepted. Hence, the difficulties were involved.

11. Though the UN has failed in preventing wars and related miseries, nations prefer its continuation. What makes the UN an indispensable organisation?
Answer: 1. Interdependence and globalisation is not possible without the international organisations such as the UN.
2. To enforce cooperation on the issues of poverty, unemployment, environmental degradation, crime rate etc.
3. To provide financial assistance to developing countries to stabilise economy all over the world,, the UN and its specialised agencies are always required.
4. The UN works as a forum to solve any international dispute among nations and sort out the best possible way.
5. Hence, though the UN has failed in preventing related wars and miseries, despite the nations require its continuation due to above mentioned reasons to promote international peace and understanding.

12. “Reforming the UN means restructuring of the Security Council”. Do you agree with this statement? Give arguments for or against this position.
Answer: Yes, we agree with the statement because Security Council plays a crucial role in functioning of the UN. In today’s scenario power equations have been changed with the disintegration of USSR and many new countries are entering into the UN:
1. The UN charter has given a privileged position to permanent members to bring stability all over the world. This position remains the same and no one is allowed to enter.
2. Except permanent members enjoy veto power to be placed in a valuable position.
3. Permanent members category is from industrialised developed country which should be balanced by enhancing representation from developing countries to become either permanent or non-permanent members.
4. Hence, Security Council should reform and improve its working to make the UN more effective i.e., inclusion of member states should be judged on the basis of contribution to peace keeping initiatives.

MORE QUESTIONS

Very Short Answer Type Questions [1 Mark]
1. Who is present Secretary General of the United Nations?
Answer: Ban-Ki-Moon from South Korea.

2. Name any two member states of the European Union who are permanent members of the UN Security Council.
Answer: Britain and France

3. What is the main objective of the United Nations?
Answer: To prevent international conflict and to facilitate cooperation among states.

4. Mention any two agencies of the United Nations.
Answer: 1. International Monetary Fund.
2. World Health Organisation.
Ans. Amnesty International is an NGO, which was established to campaign for protection of human rights all over the world. Its objective is to promote respect for all the human beings and human rights in the universal declaration of Human Rights.

5. How many member countries have got veto power in the UN Security Council and why?
Answer: Five permanent member countries i.e France, Russia, UK, the US, China got veto power because they have been emerged as industrialised developed countries to stall any decision.

6. Mention any two advantages of having international organisation in the world?
Answer: 1. To help countries in the matters of conflicts and differences.
2. To make the countries cooperate and create better living conditions for humanity.

7. State any two objectives of the UN.
Answer: 1. To maintain international peace and security.
2. To facilitate cooperation among member countries by avoiding conflicts and war.

8. State any two objectives of Human Rights watch.
Answer: 1. To draw global media’s attention to human rights abuses.
2. To help in building international coalitions like the campaigns to ban land-mines, to stop the use of child soldier, and to establish international criminal court.

9. What reforms in the UN are required?
Answer: Following reforms are required in the UN:
1. Reform of the organisation’s structures and processes.
2. A review of the issues that fall within the jurisdiction of the organisation.
3. Reforms are required due to certain limitations to the UN i.e. only five members on permanent basis in the UN Security Council and their veto power, dominance of few powerful countries etc.

10. Discuss the resolution adopted by General Assembly in 1992 over the reform of the UN Security Council.
Answer: In 1992, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution, which reflected three main complaints:
1. The UN Security Council no longer represents contemporary political realities.
2. Its decisions reflect only western values and interests and are dominated by a few7 powers.
3. It lacks equitable representation. Considering above mentioned demands for restructuring of the UN on 01 January 1997, the UN Secretary General Kofi Annan initiated an enquiry into how the UN should be reformed.

11. What is the veto power? Should it be modified?
Answer: The veto power is a negative vote to stall any decision by five permanent members of UN Security Council. Sometimes the moves have been made to modify this but it is presumed to have a danger to lose interest by great powers, and without their support and involvement such organisation would become ineffective.

Short Answer Type Questions [4 Marks]
1. Critically evaluate the difficulties involved in implementing the suggested reforms to reconstruct the U.N.
Answer: In 1992, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution which reflected three main complaints—
• The Security Council no longer represents contemporary political realities.
• Its decisions reflect only Western values and interests and are dominated by a few powers.
• It lacks equitable representation. In view of these growing demands for the restructuring of the UN, on 1 January, 1997, the UN Secretary General Kofi Annan initiated an inquiry into how the UN should be reformed. How for instance, should new Security Council members be chosen?
1. India’s nuclear weapon capabilities
2. If India is included, some emerging powers (Brazil, Germany, Japan, South Africa) will also be accommodated.
3. France and the US advocate that Africa and South America must be represented for they do not have any representation in the present structure.

2. What steps should be taken to make the UN more relevant in the changing context?
Answer: (a) Creation of Peace Building Commission.
(b) Acceptance of responsibility of international community in case of failures of national governments to protect their own citizens from atrocities.
(c) Condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.
(d) An agreement to achieve the Millennium Development Goals.

Passage Based Questions [5 Marks]
1. Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions:
Countries have conflicteand differences with each other. That does not necessarily mean they must go to war to deal with their antagonisms. They can instead discuss contentious issues and find peaceful solutions, indeed, even though this is rarely noticed most conflicts and differences are resolved without going to war. The role of an international organisation is not a super-state with authority over its members. It is created by and responds to states. It comes into being when states agree to its creation. Once created, it can help member states resolve their problems peacefully.

Questions
1. Is this necessary to engage into wars during conflicts among countries?
2. Is an international organisation a super state?
3. What is the significance of international organisation?
Answer:
1. No, instead countries can discuss contentious issues to find peaceful solutions.
2. No, it is created by and responds to states and comes into being when study agrees to its creation.
3. To help member states to resolve problems peacefully without going to war.

2. Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions:
By 2006, the UN had 192 member states. These included almost all independent states. In the UN General Assembly, all members have one vote each. In the UN Security Council, there are five permanent members. These are the US, UK, Russia, France, China. These states were selected as permanent members as they were most powerful immediately after the Second World War and because they constituted the victors in the war.

Questions
1. How many member states were there in the UN 2006?
2. Name five permanent members of UN Security Council.
3. Why these states were selected as permanent?
Answer:
1. There were 192 member states in the UN by 2006.
2. The UK, US, China, Russia and France are the permanent members.
3. Because they were most powerful immediately after the Second World War and constituted the victors in the war.

Long Answer Type Questions [6 Marks]
1. Describe any six criteria for the new membership of Security Council as suggested after 1997.
Answer: A new member, as suggested after 1997, should be
(i ) A major economic power
(ii) A major military power.
(iii) A substantial contributor to the UN budget.
(iv) A big nation in terms of its populations.
(v) A nation that respects democracy and human rights
(vi) A country that would make the Council more representative of the world’s diversity in terms of geography, economic system, and culture.

2. Examine the role played by India in the implementation of UN policies and programmes.
Answer: 1. India believes that a strengthened and revitalised UN is desirable in the changing world.
2. India also supports an enhanced role for the UN in promoting development and cooperation among states.
3. India believes that the development
should be central to the UN’s agenda as it is a vital precondition for the maintenance of international peace and security.
4. India debates more representation in Security Council may enjoy greater support in world community.
5. India has major concern about restructuring of UN Security Council.
6. India supports the role of developing countries should be represented in Security Council in decision making.

3. How far did the UN perform its role successor fully in maintaining peace in the world? Explain.
Answer: 1. Interdependence and globalisation is not possible without the international organisations such as the UN.
2. To enhance cooperation on the issues of poverty, unemployment, environmental degradation, crime rate etc.
3. To provide financial assistance to developing countries to stabilise economy all over the world, the UN and its specialized agencies are always required.
4. The UN works as a forum to solve any international dispute among nations and sort out the best possible.
5. Hence, though the UN has failed in preventing any related wars and miseries, despite the nations require its continuation due to above mentioned reasons to promote international peace and understanding.

4. Suggest any six steps since 2005 to make the United Nations more relevant in the changing context.
Answer: In September 2005, the UN celebrated its 60th anniversary and leaders decided to make it more relevant in the changing context by following steps:
1. Creation of Peace Building Commission.
2. Acceptance of the responsibility of the international community in case of failures of national governments to protect their own citizens from atrocities.
3. Establishment of a Human Rights Council (Operational Since 19 June 2006).
4. Agreements to achieve the Millennium Development Goals.
5. Condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.
6. Creation of a Democracy Fund.
7. An agreement to wind up the Trusteeship Council.

5. Can the UN serve as a balance against the US dominance?
Answer: No, the UN can not serve against the US dominance in a comfort zone because:
1. The US has been the only superpower after 1991 and may ignore international organisations economically and militarily.
2. Its veto power can stop any move damaging its interests.
3. The US enjoys a considerable degree of say in the selection of the UN Secretary General.
Besides the above mentioned grounds, the UN is playing an effective role to argument against the US attitudes and policies and makes compromises and concessions even or the part of the US. The EU performs as an important bloc in International Economic Organisations such as WTO but SAARC has initiated SAFTA only to cooperate economically among its member states.

Picture/Map Based Questions[5 Marks]
A1. Study the picture given below and answer the questions that follow:

Questions
1. What does the cartoon represent?
2. Who is the person being commented in the cartoon?
3. What message does the cartoon convey?
Answer:
1. It represents role of the UN on attack on Lebanan by Israeli forces.
2. The UN Secretary General.
3. It conveys message on relevance of the UN as immediate follow-up was not there by Israeli forces despite passing a resolution from the UN.

2. Study the picture  given below and answer the questions that follow:

Questions
1. What does the cartoon represent?
2. What type of crisis does the cartoon show?
3. What message does the cartoon convey?
Answer:
1. A humanitarian crisis in Darfur, Sudan.
2. Starvation, genocide, horror etc.
3. ‘A Big Helping of Words’ only because during these crises, the international organisations performed debates, speeches on these but no actual aid or support was reached to peoples.

B. On a political outline map of the world locate and label the following and symbolise them as indicated:

Questions
1. Five permanent members of UN Security Council and symbolise them as 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.
2. Locate and label peace keeping operations.
Answer:
1. 1. France 2. Russia
3. The UK
4. The US
5. China
2. (A) Cyprus 1964
(B) Lebanon 1978
(C) Israel 1974
(D) Sudan 2005
(E) East Timor 2006