State different forms of communal politics with one example each.
Different forms of communal politics are as given below:
Everyday beliefs: Religious prejudices, stereotypes of religious communities, and belief in the superiority of one’s religion are so rare that we often did not recognise them even when we believe in it. For example In many regions, the members of lower classes are not allowed to enter the temples . Majoritarian dominance: A majority community tries to dominate minority communities in politics. This may compel to formation of a separate political unit by minority community. For example, in Sri Lanka, majoritarianism has been followed which has led to conflict in the country. Political mobilization on religious lines: Religious appeals are made to attract the voters. In politics, sacred symbols and religious leaders are also used sometimes to bring the followers of one religion together. Religious leaders are asked to move in favour of a political party. Communal violence: Sometimes communalism takes the ugliest form of communal violence, riots, and massacre. At time of partition, India and Pakistan suffered the worst communal riots. Even after independence, communal riots have taken place in India.
State how caste inequalities are still continuing in India.
State two reasons to say that caste alone cannot determine election results in India.
What is the status of women’s representation in India’s legislative bodies?
Mention different aspects of life in which women are discriminated or disadvantaged in India.
When we speak of gender divisions, we usually refer to:
(a) Biological difference between men and women
(b) Unequal roles assigned by the society to men and women
(c) Unequal child sex ratio
(d) Absence of voting rights for women in democracies
Mention any two constitutional provisions that make India a secular state.
Which among the following statements about India’s Constitution is wrong? It
(a) prohibits discrimination on grounds of religion.
(b) gives official status to one religion.
(c) provides to all individuals freedom to profess any religion.
(d) ensures equality of citizens within religious communities.
Match List I with List-II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the Lists:
List I List II
(i) A person who believes A. Communalist in equal rights and opportunities for women and men.
(ii) A person who says that B. Feminist religion is the principal basis of the community.
(iii) A person who thinks C. Secularist that caste is the principal basis of community.
(iv) A person who does not D. Castiest discriminate against others on the basis of religious beliefs.
(a) (i) – B; (ii) – C; (iii) – A; (iv) – D
(b) (i) – B; (ii) – A; (iii) – D (iv) – C
(c) (i) – D; (ii) – C; (iii) – A (iv) – B
(d) (i) – C; (ii) – A; (iii) – B (iv) – D
Social divisions based on _________ are peculiar to India.
In India seats are reserved for women in
(a) Lok Sabha
(b) State legislative assemblies
(c) Cabinets
(d) Panchayati Raj bodies
In what ways do pressure groups and movements exert influence on politics?
State the various functions political parties perform in a democracy.
How does democracy produce an accountable, responsive and legitimate government?
Writing your own definition of a good democracy.
What are the different forms of power-sharing in modern democracies? Give an example of each of these.
Locate the following States on a blank outline political map of India:
Manipur, Sikkim, Chhattisgarh and Goa.
Discuss three factors that determine the outcomes of politics of social divisions.
Describe the forms of relationship between pressure groups and political parties?
What are the various challenges faced by political parties?
What are the conditions under which democracies accommodate social diversities?
What is the guiding philosophy of the Bharatiya Janata Party?
A. Bahujan Samaj
B. Revolutionary democracy
C. Integral humanism
D. Modernity
What is a pressure group? Give a few examples.
State the various functions political parties perform in a democracy.
Match List I (organisations and struggles) with List II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists: List I List II
1. Organisations that seek to promote A. Movement the interests of a particular section or group
2. Organisations that seek to promote B. Political parties common interest
3. Struggles launched for the resolution C. Sectional interest of a social problem with or without groups an organisational structure
4. Organisations that mobilise people D. Public interest with a view to win political power groups
(a) C D B A
(b) C D A B
(c) D C B A
(d) B C D A
Consider the following statements about power sharing arrangements in Belgium and Sri Lanka :
A. In Belgium the Dutch-speaking majority people tried to impose their domination on the minority French speaking community.
B. In Sri Lanka the policies of the government ensured the dominance of the Sinhala speaking majority.
C. The Tamils in Sri Lanka demanded a federal arrangement of power sharingto protect their culture, language and equality of opportunity in education and jobs.
D. The transformation of Belgium from unitary government to a federal one prevented a possible division of the country on linguistic lines.
Which of the statements given are correct ?
(a) A, B, C and D
(b) A, B, and D
(c) C and D
(d) B, C and D
Consider the following two statements on power-sharing and select the answer using codes given below:
A. Power sharing is good for democracy.
B. It helps to reduce the possibility of conflict between social groups.
Which of the statements are true and false?
(a) A is true but B is false
(b) Both A and B are true
(c) Both A and B are false
(d) A is false but B is true
What is a political party?
Point out one feature in the practice of federalism in India that is similar to and one feature that is different from that of Belgium.
Explain how the activities of pressure groups are useful in the functioning of a democratic government.
Here are three reactions to the language policy followed in India. Give an argument and an example to support any of these positions.
Sangeeta: The policy of accommodation has strengthened national unity.
Arman: Language-based States have divided us by making everyone conscious of their language.
Harish: This policy has only helped to consolidate the dominance of English over all other languages.