Unit Test (Solutions): Democratic Rights | Social Studies (SST) Class 9 PDF Download

Time: 1 hour
M.M. 30
Attempt all questions.
Question numbers 1 to 5 carry 1 mark each.
Question numbers 6 to 8 carry 2 marks each.
Question numbers 9 to 11 carry 3 marks each.
Question numbers 12 & 13 carry 5 marks each.

Q1: What is the term for reasonable claims recognized by society and sanctioned by law? (1 Mark) 
(a) Privileges
(b) Rights
(c) Duties
(d) Liberties

Ans: (b)
Rights are reasonable claims of persons recognised by society and sanctioned by law.

Q2: Which fundamental right prohibits forced labour or begar? (1 Mark) 
(a) Right to Equality
(b) Right to Freedom
(c) Right against Exploitation
(d) Cultural and Educational Rights

Ans: (c)
It prohibits forced labour, begar, bonded labour, and child labour below the age of 14 years in hazardous occupations.

Q3: What is the name of the independent commission set up in 1993 to address human rights violations in India? (1 Mark) 
(a) Supreme Court
(b) National Human Rights Commission
(c) Election Commission
(d) Law Commission

Ans: (b)
An independent body set up in 1993 to inquire into cases of human rights violations and recommend action.

Q4: Which right allows citizens to approach courts directly if a fundamental right is violated? (1 Mark) 
(a) Right to Freedom
(b) Right to Equality
(c) Right to Constitutional Remedies
(d) Right to Education

Ans: (c) 
It allows citizens to approach the Supreme Court or High Court directly for the enforcement of Fundamental Rights.

Q5: Which international organization campaigns for human rights and reports on Guantanamo Bay violations? (1 Mark) 
(a) United Nations
(b) Amnesty International
(c) World Health Organization
(d) Red Cross

Ans: (b)
An international voluntary organisation that prepares independent reports on human rights violations across the world.

Q6: Explain why rights are necessary for a democracy. (2 Marks) 

Ans: 

• Rights are essential for the sustenance of democracy.

• They allow citizens to vote, express opinions, form political parties, and take part in political activities.

• Rights protect minorities from majority oppression.

• They act as guarantees when things go wrong and ensure equality, liberty, and justice.

Q7: What are the key features of the Right to Freedom of Religion in India? (2 Marks) 

Ans: 

• Every person has the right to profess, practice, and propagate any religion.

• Every religious group can manage its own religious affairs.

• The state maintains principled and equal distance from all religions.

• Forced conversions, harmful religious practices, or discrimination in the name of religion are prohibited.

Q8: Describe the role of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in India. (2 Marks) 

Ans: 

• NHRC inquires into complaints of human rights violations or negligence in preventing them.

• It can summon witnesses, demand official records, and inspect prisons.

• It recommends action to the government or intervenes in courts on behalf of victims.

• It promotes awareness about human rights in the country.

Q9: Discuss the implications of the Right to Equality under the Indian Constitution. (3 Marks) 

Ans: 

• Equality before law – Same laws apply to all, no one is above the law.

• No discrimination – On grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth.

• Equal access – To public places and public services.

• Equality of opportunity – In matters of public employment.

• Abolition of untouchability – Untouchability in any form is punishable by law.

• Permits reservations – For disadvantaged groups to promote equal opportunity

Q10: Explain how the Right to Constitutional Remedies strengthens Fundamental Rights. (3 Marks) 

Ans: 

• Called the “heart and soul” of the Constitution by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.

• Allows citizens to directly approach the Supreme Court or High Court if their Fundamental Rights are violated.

• Courts can issue writs, declare laws invalid, or order compensation.

• Ensures Fundamental Rights are enforceable and protected against violation by the state or individuals.

Q11: Describe the expanding scope of rights with examples beyond fundamental rights. (3 Marks) 

Ans: 

• Courts and legislations have expanded rights over time.

• Examples: Right to Education, Right to Information, Right to Food derived from Fundamental Rights.

• Constitutional rights include Right to Vote and Right to Property.

• International covenants promote rights like health, work, and adequate living standards.

Q12: Analyze the significance of Fundamental Rights in the Indian Constitution with examples from the chapter. (5 Marks) 

Ans: Fundamental Rights are essential for democracy, ensuring equality, freedom, and protection.

• Right to Equality: Prohibits discrimination, ensures equal access to public places, and bans untouchability (e.g., Dalits facing separate cups in tea stalls).
• Right to Freedom: Grants speech, movement, and occupation rights (e.g., citizens can criticize government policies).
• Right against Exploitation: Bans child labour and bonded labour (e.g., children sold in auctions in Salem).
• Right to Freedom of Religion: Ensures secularism and religious freedom (e.g., no forced conversions).
• Right to Constitutional Remedies: Allows court enforcement, called the "heart and soul" by Dr. Ambedkar. These rights limit government power and protect citizens.

Q13: Evaluate the cases of life without rights (Guantanamo Bay, Saudi Arabia, Kosovo) and relate them to similar issues in India. (5 Marks) 

Ans:

• Guantanamo Bay – Detainees tortured without trial; in India, custodial violence in some cases mirrors this.

• Saudi Arabia – No political or religious freedom for citizens; in India, unequal treatment of women in some areas is a concern.

• Kosovo – Ethnic violence against Albanians; in India, communal or ethnic violence in certain regions shows similar threats to safety and dignity.

• These examples highlight why enforceable rights like India’s Fundamental Rights are necessary to prevent abuse.