What is the status of women’s representation in India’s legislative bodies?
The status of women’s representation in India’s legislative bodies is less as mentioned below :
In Lok Sabha, the percentage of total strength of elected women members has never reached even 10 percent . The state assemblies portion is less than 5 percent. India is among the lowest group of nations in the world. Women in national parliaments are mention below :
Nordic Countries – 40%
America – 20.2%
Europe – 19.6%
Asia – 16.3%
India – 8.3%
Arab States – 8.2% 1
Thus, India is above of Arab states only. Even after a woman becomes a Chief Minister or the Prime Minister, cabinets are still male dominating. Thus the ratio of women in legislative bodies has been very less. Women's organization have demanded reservation of one-third of seats in the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies for women. Due to lack of agreement among the political parties, a bill with this proposal has been pending before the parliament for more than a decade but has not been passed yet.
State how caste inequalities are still continuing in India.
State two reasons to say that caste alone cannot determine election results in India.
State different forms of communal politics with one example each.
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 different aspects of life in which women are discriminated or disadvantaged in India.
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?
After reading this chapter, three students drew different conclusions. Which of these do you agree with and why ? Give your reasons in about 50 words.
Thomman – Power sharing is necessary only in societies which have religious, linguistic or ethnic divisions.
Mattai – Power sharing is suited only for big countries that have regional divisions.
Ousep – Every society needs some form of power sharing even if they are small or do not have social divisions.
What is the main difference between a federal form of government and a unitary one? Explain with an example.
How does democracy produce an accountable, responsive and legitimate government?
What are the various challenges faced by political parties?
What are the characteristics of a political party?
Consider the following statements on parties.
A. Political parties do not enjoy much trust among the people.
B. Parties are often rocked by scandals involving top party leaders.
C. Parties are not necessary to run governments.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
State any two differences between the local government before and after the Constitutional amendment in 1992.
Studies on political and social inequalities in democracy show that
A. democracy and development go together.
B. inequalities exist in democracies .
C. inequalities do not exist under dictatorship.
D. dictatorship is better than democracy.
Suggest some reforms to strengthen parties so that they perform their functions well?
What is the difference between a pressure group and a political party?