Class 10 Civics Chapter 1 Question Answers - Democratic Politics - II

Q1. “There is urgent need to combat communalism”. Explain. [CBSE 2014]

Ans: Communal politics is based on the belief that religion is the main basis for social communities. Here are key points explaining the urgent need to combat communalism:

• Community Identity: Followers of a specific religion are seen as part of one community, sharing the same fundamental interests. Differences among them are often viewed as trivial.
• Political Dominance: A communal mindset can lead to a desire for political power. Majority communities may seek to dominate, while minority groups might wish to establish separate political identities.
• Violence and Conflict: Communalism can escalate into severe violence, such as riots and massacres, as seen in regions like UP, Bihar, and Gujarat.
• Threat to Unity: Communalism poses a threat not just to certain individuals but to the very essence of India as a nation. It undermines the idea of a diverse and inclusive society.

Q2. “In India women’s political representation is very low”. Justify.
Or
Explain the need for more representation for women as elected representatives. How can it be achieved?
Or
What is the status of women representation in India’s legislative bodies? [CBSE 2013]

Ans: The representation of women in India's political landscape is alarmingly low:

• The percentage of elected women members in the Lok Sabha has never exceeded 14.36% of its total strength.
• In State Assemblies, the share of women is less than 5%.
• India ranks among the bottom nations globally in terms of women's political representation, falling behind many developing countries in Africa and Latin America.
• Government cabinets are predominantly male, even when a woman holds the position of Chief Minister or Prime Minister.

To address this issue, it is crucial to:

• Implement legal measures to ensure a fair representation of women in elected bodies.
• Follow the example of the Panchayati Raj, which reserves one-third of seats for women in local government.
• Support the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam (Women's Reservation Act, 2023), which reserves 33% of seats for women in the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies.

Q3. How has the principle of Universal Adult Franchise helped in combating casteism?

Ans: Universal Adult Franchise has played a significant role in reducing casteism in India through the following ways:

• Equal Voting Rights: All citizens aged 18 and above can vote, regardless of their caste, creed, colour, sex, religion, or belief.
• Political Mobilisation: The principle of one-person-one-vote has encouraged political leaders to actively seek support from various communities.
• Empowerment of Lower Castes: It has raised awareness among castes that were previously viewed as inferior, promoting their political engagement.

Q4. What were Gandhiji’s views regarding religion and politics? Explain.

Ans: Gandhiji believed that religion and politics are intertwined. He did not refer to specific religions like Hinduism or Islam, but to the moral values that underpin all faiths. His views can be summarised as follows:

• Religion should guide political ethics.
• Political actions must reflect moral principles from various religions.
• People should express their needs and interests as members of their religious communities.
• Political power can regulate religious practices to prevent discrimination.

Q5. ‘Political mobilisation on religious lines is a frequent form of communalism.’ Explain.

Ans: Political mobilisation on religious lines refers to the practice of rallying support based on religious identity. This often includes:

• Utilising sacred symbols and religious leaders to unite followers.
• Employing emotional appeals and fear tactics to strengthen political bonds.
• Focusing on the interests and emotions of one religious group over others during elections.

This approach can lead to a desire for political dominance, where:

• The majority community seeks to maintain control.
• The minority community may strive for a separate political identity.

Q6. Besides caste, which other factors do in matter in electoral politics ?

Ans: Besides caste, other factors that matter in electoral politics include:

• Voting by Community: Political leaders often encourage voters to cast their votes based on their community affiliations.
• Religious Mobilisation: This involves using religious symbols, leaders, and emotional appeals to unite followers of a particular religion in the political sphere. It often prioritises the interests of one religion over others.
• Government Performance: Voters assess the effectiveness of the political party and its agenda, alongside caste and community considerations.

Q7. Write the appropriate term:

Ans: 

• A person who believes that religion is the main basis of community is a Communalist.

• A person who advocates for equal rights and opportunities for both women and men is a Feminist.

• A person who does not discriminate against others based on their religious beliefs is a Secularist.

Long Answer Type Questions (5 Marks)

Q1. Name the movements that agitate for women’s rights. How have these movements helped in improving women’s conditions?

Ans: Feminist Movements have played a crucial role in advocating for women's rights and improving their conditions. Key contributions include:

• Political Mobilisation: These movements have raised awareness about gender divisions, leading to greater participation of women in public life.
• Career Opportunities: Women now work in various fields such as science, medicine, engineering, and law, which were previously deemed unsuitable.
• Political Representation: In countries like Sweden, Norway, and Finland, initiatives such as reserved seats in the Lok Sabha have significantly increased women's involvement in politics.

Overall, feminist movements have been instrumental in enhancing women's roles and rights across different sectors.

Q2. Mention any four steps that can be undertaken to improve women’s representation in politics.
Or
Suggest any three steps to improve women’s participation in politics.

Ans: 

• Make it legally binding to ensure a fair proportion of women in elected bodies.

• Reserve a certain number of seats in the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies for women.

• Political parties should provide adequate representation for women members.

• Improve the literacy rate among women to encourage their participation in politics.

Q3. What is casteism? How is casteism in India different as compared to other societies?
Or
Describe any five features of the caste system prevailing in India.

Ans: Casteism refers to the social system in which people are divided into groups based on their birth, affecting their marriage, work, and dietary practices. In India, this system is particularly pronounced and differs from other societies in several ways:

• Social Organisation: People are organised into social groups, which influences their marriage and occupation.
• Rigidity: The Indian caste system is very rigid, with individuals expected to marry within their caste and avoid socialising with those from other castes.
• Hereditary Occupations: Unlike many societies where jobs can change, in India, occupations are often passed down through generations, sanctioned by rituals.
• Exclusion: The system promotes exclusion and discrimination against 'outcaste' groups, leading to practices like untouchability.
• Economic Links: Caste is closely tied to economic status, with upper castes generally enjoying better economic conditions compared to lower castes.

Q4. Mention any positive role of caste in politics.
Or
Describe the positive and negative aspects of the relationship between caste and politics.

Ans: Positive Role of Caste in Politics

• In some cases, the expression of caste differences in politics allows disadvantaged communities to demand their share of power.
• Caste politics has enabled Dalits and OBCs to gain better access to decision-making.
• Various organisations advocate for an end to discrimination, promoting dignity and access to resources.

However, it is important to note that focusing solely on caste can lead to negative outcomes:

• Politics based on caste identity can divert attention from critical issues like poverty, development, and corruption.
• Caste divisions may result in tensions and conflicts.

Q5. What is casteism? How is casteism in India different as compared to other societies?
Or
Describe any five features of the caste system prevailing in India.

Ans: Casteism refers to the social system in which people are divided into groups based on their birth, affecting their marriage, occupation, and diet. In India, casteism is distinct from other societies due to several key features:

• Extreme Division of Labour: The Indian caste system represents a severe form of occupational division based on birth.
• Hereditary Occupations: Unlike many societies where jobs can change, in India, occupations are traditionally passed down through generations, often enforced by rituals.
• Rigid Social Structure: Members of the same caste typically form a close-knit community, sharing similar jobs, marrying within their caste, and avoiding meals with those from other castes.
• Exclusion and Discrimination: The caste system often excludes and discriminates against 'outcaste' groups, leading to practices like untouchability.
• Economic Links: Caste is closely tied to economic status, with higher castes generally enjoying better economic conditions than lower castes.

Q6. Mention any positive role of caste in politics.
Or
Describe the positive and negative aspects of the relationship between caste and politics.

Ans: Positive Aspects of Caste in Politics:

• The expression of caste differences can empower disadvantaged communities to demand their share of power.
• Caste politics has enabled Dalits and OBCs to gain better access to decision-making roles.
• Many political and non-political organisations advocate for the end of discrimination against specific castes, promoting dignity and access to resources.

Negative Aspects of Caste in Politics:

• It can disrupt social harmony and lead to tensions and conflicts.
• Focusing solely on caste may divert attention from crucial issues like poverty and corruption.

Q7. Why is the idea of communal politics fundamentally flawed?

Ans: The idea of communal politics is fundamentally flawed for several reasons:

• Individual differences: People within the same religion often have varied interests and aspirations.
• Multiple identities: Each person has their own choices, roles, and identities that go beyond their religion.
• Diverse voices: Every community contains many voices, all of which deserve to be heard.
• Suppression of voices: Attempts to unify followers of a religion in non-religious contexts can silence many within that community.

Therefore, the notion that all members of a religion share the same interests is misleading and oversimplifies the complexity of human identities.

Q8. What are Feminist Movements? What were their major demands ? 
Or
What was the Feminist Movement ? Explain the political demands of the Feminist Movement in India.

Ans: Feminist Movements are organised efforts by various women's groups aimed at achieving equality for women in both personal and family life.

• They demand equal rights for women across all areas of life.
• There have been protests worldwide for the extension of voting rights to women.
• These movements seek to enhance the political and legal status of women.
• They also advocate for improved educational and career opportunities for women.

Q9. Explain the relationship between religion and politics.
Or
How are religious differences expressed in politics ?

Ans: Views of Gandhiji: Gandhiji believed that religion and politics are inseparable. He referred to religion not as specific faiths like Hinduism or Islam, but as the moral values common to all religions. He argued that politics should be guided by ethical principles derived from these values.

Views of Human Rights Groups: Human rights organisations in India have highlighted that most victims of communal riots belong to religious minorities. They advocate for the government to implement special measures to safeguard these communities.

Women’s Movements: Women’s rights activists contend that family laws across various religions often discriminate against women. They call for the government to reform these laws to ensure greater equity.

These examples illustrate the complex relationship between religion and politics. While there can be positive influences, challenges arise when religious differences lead to discrimination or conflict.

Q10. How can religion influence politics? Explain.

Ans: Religion can influence politics in several ways:

• Ethics and Morality: Gandhiji believed that politics should be guided by ethical principles derived from various religions.
• Representation: Individuals should express their needs and interests in politics as members of their religious communities.
• Regulation: Political leaders may need to regulate religious practices to prevent discrimination and oppression.
• Equality: Such political actions are acceptable as long as they treat all religions equally.

However, problems arise when religion becomes the basis for nationalism, leading to communalism, where one religion is seen as superior to others. This can create divisions and conflicts within society.