Important Questions Test: Key Elements of a Democratic Government - UPSC MCQ

The struggle against the oppressive apartheid regime was led by the African National Congress (ANC). The ANC organised protests and strikes to voice their disgust of the apartheid system. 

Answer: Nelson Mandela was the leader of the African National Congress.
Explanation:
The African National Congress (ANC) is a political party in South Africa that was founded in 1912. It played a crucial role in the fight against apartheid, a system of racial segregation and discrimination that was enforced by the South African government from 1948 to 1994. Nelson Mandela, a prominent figure in the anti-apartheid movement, became the leader of the ANC in 1991.
Key Points:
- Nelson Mandela was the leader of the African National Congress.
- The African National Congress is a political party in South Africa.
- The ANC was founded in 1912.
- The ANC played a crucial role in the fight against apartheid.
- Apartheid was a system of racial segregation and discrimination enforced by the South African government.
- Nelson Mandela became the leader of the ANC in 1991.

B is the correct option.People may use non-violent means to settle their differences, is the least expected to cause conflict.

The Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal announced its final verdict on 5 February 2007. According to its verdict, Tamil Nadu gets 419 TMC of Cauvery water while Karnataka gets 270 TMC. The actual release of water by Karnataka to Tamil Nadu is to be 192 TMC annually. Further, Kerala will get 30 TMC and Puducherry 7 TMC.

The first fully multi-racial democratic election was held in 1994, the second in 1999, the third in 2004, the fourth in 2009, and the most recent in 2014.

The correct option is B.
As we have democratic government.It is a form of government in which the people have the authority to choose their governing legislation. Who people are and how authority is shared among them are core issues for democratic theory, development and constitution.

The correct answer is A as The Indian)Constitution lays down the basic rules that have to be followed by everyone.

The jurisdiction covering the Andaman and Nicobar islands falls under the supervision of circuit bench of the Calcutta High Court at Port Blair.

B is the correct option.The term 'justice' in the Preamble embraces three distinct forms—social, economic and political, secured through various provisions of Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles. Economic justice denotes the non-discrimination between people on the basis of economic factors.It is condition in which all citizens are guaranteed descent standard of life.

A conflict arises because both dams are on the same river. The downstream dam in Tamil Nadu can only be filled up if water is released from the upstream one located in Karnataka. Quiet flows the Cauvery despite being at the centre of heated conflict between two states for the last 30 years.

B is the correct option.Social equality is a state of affairs in which all people within a specific society or isolated group have the same status in possibly all respects, possibly including civil rights, freedom of speech, property rights and equal access to certain social goods and social services.

Johannesburg informally known as Jozi, Joburg, or "The City of Gold", is the largest city in South Africa and one of the 50 largest urban areas in the world. It is the provincial capital and largest city of Gauteng, which is the wealthiest province in South Africa. Johannesburg is the seat of the Constitutional Court, the highest court in South Africa. The city is located in the mineral-rich Witwatersrand range of hills and is the centre of large-scale gold and diamond trade. It was one of the host cities of the official tournament of the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Article 17 : Constitution of India. Untouchability is abolished and its practice in any form is forbidden. The enforcement of any disability arising out of Untouchability shall be an offence punishable in accordance with law. Note: Article 17 of the constitution abolishes the practice of untouchability.

In India, there are two houses of Parliament. They are the House of States (Rajya Sabha) and the House of People (Lok Sabha). Rajya Sabha is the Upper House, while the Lok Sabha is the Lower House. Bicameral Legislature is this system of two houses in the legislature.

The correct option is D.
Kaveri River water dispute. The sharing of waters of the Kaveri River has been the source of a serious conflict between the two states of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. The genesis of this conflict rests in two agreements in 1892 and 1924 between the Madras Presidency and Kingdom of Mysore.

Fraternity means:
- A group of people sharing a common profession or interests: This is the correct definition of fraternity. It refers to a group of individuals who come together based on a shared profession, interest, or goal. They may form a professional fraternity or a social fraternity.
- A group of people revolt against each other: This is not the correct definition of fraternity. Revolt implies a rebellion or uprising, which is not typically associated with the concept of fraternity.
- A group of people not sharing common interest: This is not the correct definition of fraternity. The essence of fraternity is based on shared interests or goals, so a group of people not sharing a common interest would not be considered a fraternity.
- A group of people fighting: This is not the correct definition of fraternity. Fighting implies conflict and aggression, which is not in line with the concept of fraternity.
In conclusion, the correct definition of fraternity is a group of people sharing a common profession or interests. It is important to note that fraternities can exist in various contexts, such as professional organizations, social clubs, or academic groups.

A republic is a form of government in which the head of the state is elected by the people or their representatives. In a republic, the people have the power to elect their leaders through a democratic process. The elected head of the state serves for a fixed term and has limited powers, as defined by the constitution.

The opposite of a republic is a monarchy, where the head of the state is usually a hereditary monarch who holds the position for life. In a monarchy, the powers of the head of the state are not limited by the constitution, and the monarch may hold absolute power or share it with other branches of government.

Conflicts occur when people of different cultures, religions, regions, or economic backgrounds do not get along with each other.
Here is a detailed solution explaining why conflicts occur when people from different backgrounds do not get along with each other:
1. Cultural Differences:
- Cultural differences play a significant role in conflicts because individuals from different cultures may have contrasting values, beliefs, and customs.
- These differences can lead to misunderstandings, miscommunications, and disagreements, which may escalate into conflicts.
2. Religious Differences:
- Religion is another factor that can contribute to conflicts when people of different religious beliefs clash.
- Disagreements over religious practices, ideologies, or interpretations can lead to tension and conflict.
3. Regional Differences:
- Conflicts can arise due to regional differences, such as different languages, dialects, or historical rivalries.
- People from different regions may have different perspectives, interests, or priorities, which can lead to conflicts when they clash.
4. Economic Differences:
- Economic disparities can also lead to conflicts between individuals or groups.
- Unequal distribution of wealth, resources, or opportunities can create tension and resentment, leading to conflicts between those who have more and those who have less.
5. Lack of Understanding and Empathy:
- Conflicts can occur when there is a lack of understanding and empathy between people from different backgrounds.
- Stereotypes, prejudice, or biases can prevent individuals from truly understanding each other's perspectives and can contribute to conflicts.
6. Power Struggles:
- Conflicts can also arise from power struggles between different groups or individuals.
- When one group or individual seeks to dominate or control another, conflicts may arise as the opposing side resists or fights back.
In summary, conflicts occur when people from different cultures, religions, regions, or economic backgrounds do not get along due to cultural differences, religious differences, regional differences, economic disparities, lack of understanding and empathy, and power struggles. It is important to promote tolerance, acceptance, and open-mindedness to mitigate conflicts and foster harmonious relationships between diverse groups of people.

C is the correct option.Apartheid means racial segregation or  a policy or system of segregation or discrimination on grounds of race.

The divisions of South African people were as follows:
Apartheid System:
- South African people were divided according to the Apartheid system, which was a policy of racial segregation and discrimination enforced by the National Party government from 1948 to 1994.
- The main purpose of this system was to maintain white minority rule and privilege, while suppressing the rights and freedoms of the non-white majority.
Divisions:
- The South African people were divided into different racial groups based on their skin color and ethnicity.
- The divisions were as follows:
1. White: This group consisted of people of European descent, mainly of British and Dutch origin, who were the minority ruling class in South Africa.
2. Black: This group included the indigenous African population, who made up the majority of the country's population.
3. Indian: This group comprised people of Indian descent, mainly brought to South Africa as indentured laborers during the colonial period.
4. Colored: This group included people of mixed-race ancestry, such as those of African, European, and Asian heritage.
Enforced Segregation:
- Each racial group was subject to different laws and regulations, which enforced segregation and limited their rights and freedoms.
- The apartheid system enforced strict racial classification, determining every individual's race based on physical appearance and ancestry.
- The government implemented various measures to enforce racial segregation, including the creation of separate residential areas, schools, and public facilities for each racial group.
- The non-white population faced widespread discrimination and were denied many basic rights and opportunities available to the white minority.
Abolition of Apartheid:
- The apartheid system was met with widespread resistance and international condemnation.
- In the early 1990s, negotiations between the apartheid government and anti-apartheid organizations led to the dismantling of the system.
- In 1994, the first multiracial democratic elections were held in South Africa, and Nelson Mandela became the country's first black president.
- The new democratic government aimed to create a non-racial society by promoting equality and addressing the historical injustices of the apartheid era.
Overall, South African people were divided into different racial groups under the apartheid system, with white, black, Indian, and colored races being the main categories. This system of segregation and discrimination was abolished in the 1990s, leading to the establishment of a more inclusive and democratic society in South Africa.