Class 11 Political Science Short Questions with Answers - Rights

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Q1. What do you mean by Rights?
Ans: Rights are the claims, demands, circumstances, facilities and demands of the people which they make on families, institutions, societies and state and to whom they consider very necessary for their around the development. A right is essentially an entitlement or a justified claim. Rights are those conditions which we consider as our dues. Every expectation cannot be called as the right. These are primarily those facilities which are regarded as necessary for leading a decent, respected and dignified life. Right, are facilities which are accepted by society and granted by the state.

Q2. What are the main characteristics of rights?
Ans: On the basis of definitions and understanding of the rights, followings are the main characteristics of the rights:

• Rights are essential for individual development.
• They serve as claims on society and the state.
• Society acknowledges and allows these rights.
• Rights limit the sovereignty of the state.
• There is a connection between people's rights and their duties.
• Rights can vary based on location and time.

Q3. What do you mean by universal rights? Name them.
Ans:  Universal rights refer to the basic socio-economic and cultural conditions that people expect and demand universally, across all times and societies. These rights are essential for a decent and dignified life.The three main universal rights are:

• Right to Livelihood
• Right to Expression
• Right to Education

Q4. Why the rights are necessary?
Ans: Rights are fundamental for individual well-being and development, enabling people to realize their potential, develop talents, and build self-confidence. They ensure access to essential conditions for a fulfilling life, while also promoting personal interests, accountability in governance, and the universal recognition of rights for all.

Q5. What do you mean by Fundamental Rights?
Ans: Fundamental Rights are essential conditions, facilities, and freedoms deemed necessary for the development of citizens, enshrined in the Constitution as fundamental to governance. These rights are integral to democratic systems, with all liberal democracies granting them to their citizens. Fundamental Rights are generally justiciable, meaning that if the state denies them, citizens can seek redress in court. They serve as a safeguard against state arbitrariness, ensuring accountability and the protection of individual freedoms.

Q6. What do you mean by Human Rights?
Ans: Human Rights refer to the basic conditions, behaviors, and entitlements that every individual expects and deserves simply by being human. The underlying principle of human rights is that all individuals are inherently entitled to certain standards of behavior, working conditions, and living conditions. These rights recognize the emotional and intellectual nature of human beings, emphasizing their uniqueness and intrinsic value.

Q7. Name the Fundamental Rights which are given in the Indian Constitution.
Ans: Initially, the Indian Constitution included seven Fundamental Rights. However, the Right to Property was removed in 1979 through the 99th constitutional amendment. Currently, there are six Fundamental Rights:

• Right to Equality
• Right to Freedom
• Right against Exploitation
• Right to Freedom of Religion
• Cultural and Educational Rights
• Right to Constitutional Remedies

Q8. What do you mean by Political Rights?
Ans: Political Rights are the rights that enable individuals to express their opinions on various issues and actively participate in the democratic process. These include the right to vote, the right to contest elections, the right to form associations and political parties, and the right to oppose. Political Rights also encompass the right to a fair trial, equality before the law, and civil liberties such as protesting and expressing dissent. They are essential components of a functioning democracy and ensure active citizen participation in governance.

Q9. How do rights affect the state?
Ans: Rights significantly influence the state in various ways:

• Demand and Claim: Rights represent demands that limit the authority of the state.
• Obligations: They impose obligations on the state to act in specific ways.
• Guidance: Rights guide the state on what it should do for the people and what it should avoid.
• Accountability: The state must justify its actions, especially when they restrict individual freedoms.
• Protection: Rights call for laws that protect individuals from harm and ensure their well-being.

Q10. What are Economic Rights?
Ans: Economic Rights are essential for sustaining life and ensuring a decent quality of living. They encompass the demands and claims necessary for individuals to thrive. Key economic rights include:

• The right to a livelihood that meets basic needs.
• Access to housing and medical facilities.
• Minimum wage support for the unemployed.
• The right to education in one's mother tongue.
• Opportunities for cultural expression and creativity.

Q11. What do you mean by Cultural Rights?
Ans: Cultural Rights refer to the essential rights that allow individuals to express and develop their culture. These rights are crucial for emotional and psychological growth. Key aspects include:

• Cultural background: It shapes a person's identity.
• Expression: Rights related to language, dress, festivals, and customs.
• Development: Cultural rights enable individuals to grow fully and develop manners and etiquette.
• Personality: They contribute to overall personality development.

Q12. Explain the importance of Right of Education.
Ans: The Right to Education is increasingly recognised as a fundamental human right across the globe. Its significance includes:

• Universal Commitment: It is now an international obligation for all nations.
• Skill Development: Education enables individuals to develop their talents and skills.
• Enhanced Reasoning: It improves critical thinking and mental abilities.
• Informed Choices: Education empowers individuals to make better life decisions.

Q13. How the rights limit the authority of the state?
Ans: The state holds sovereign authority over its citizens, but this power is limited by the rights of the people. Rights serve as demands that require the state to act or refrain from acting in specific ways. Here’s how rights limit state authority:

• Checks on Power: Rights impose restrictions on what the state can do, ensuring it does not overstep its bounds.
• Obligations of the State: Each right indicates actions the state must take, such as protecting citizens from harm.
• Accountability: The state must justify its actions, especially when limiting individual freedoms, such as requiring an arrest warrant.
• Focus on Individual Well-being: The state exists to serve the people, and its laws should promote their welfare.

Q14. What is the natural theory of rights?
Ans: The Natural Theory of Rights asserts that rights are inherent and granted by nature, existing from birth and independent of the state or society. These rights are derived from natural law and are considered inalienable, meaning they cannot be taken away under any circumstances. Proponents of this theory identify three  important basic  rights :

1. Right to Life
2. Right to Liberty
3. Right to Property

Q15. What do you mean by Moral Rights?
Ans: Moral Rights are expectations or demands grounded in ethical or moral considerations, rather than legal compulsion. These rights appeal to the moral conscience of individuals. For instance, elderly and disabled individuals have the moral right to expect support from others, and parents, teachers, and elders have the moral right to expect respect from the younger generation. While these rights are not legally enforceable, they play a significant role in fostering social harmony and ethical behavior.

Q16. Explain the meaning of the concept of rights.
Ans:  Many people discuss their rights, but few truly understand what this concept means. Generally, rights are seen as claims, expectations, and needs, yet the obligations that come with them are often overlooked.

• Rights are essential conditions necessary for the overall development of individuals.
• They vary across different times and societies, reflecting the circumstances and nature of each community.
• Rights can be viewed as justified claims or entitlements that society must recognise.
• According to Laski, rights are vital for human development and welfare.

Q17. Write the main essential features of rights.
Ans: Rights are essential claims that individuals and groups make to ensure their well-being and development. They are recognised by society and the state, and their main features include:

• Universal Acceptance: Rights are acknowledged globally as fundamental to human welfare.
• Socio-Economic Conditions: They reflect the necessary conditions for individuals to thrive.
• Legal Recognition: Rights often gain significance through laws and constitutions.
• Collective Importance: Rights are seen as vital for maintaining dignity and respect for all.

Q18. Differentiate between Liberal and Marxist theories of Rights.
Ans:  The Liberal theory views rights as natural and essential for individual freedom, focusing on political and civil rights like the right to vote, liberty, and equality. It emphasizes individual freedoms and participation in democracy.
The Marxist theory sees rights as shaped by the economic structure of society, prioritizing economic rights such as the right to work, fair wages, and social welfare. It argues that economic equality is necessary for true freedom and justice.

Q19. Discuss the importance of Rights.
Ans: Rights are essential for a person's development and well-being. They represent the conditions and expectations individuals have from their family, society, and the state. The importance of rights can be summarised as follows:

• Rights ensure that individuals can lead a life of dignity and respect.
• They create obligations for the state to act in ways that protect and fulfil these rights.
• Rights enable individuals to demand necessary services, such as education, from the state.
• They help maintain social order by outlining what the state must do and what it must not do.

Q20. What do you mean by Universal Rights? Explain them.
Ans: Certain rights are those conditions which are universally expected, demanded and claimed by the people of all the societies as basic conditions for the personality development, moral and psychological development and welfare of the people. Following are considered as universal rights:

• The right to Livelihood – It is considered very necessary because it gives man gainful employment and economic independence which is necessary for leading life and dignity.
• The right of Expression – This right gives us the opportunity to express us freely and gives us the opportunity to be creative and original. It gives us the freedom to express us by speaking, writing, dancing or by any artistic method.
• The right of Education – It is another important right which is considered as universal because it helps in the development of talents and skills of man. It brings refinement, enlightenment and empowerment in man. It helps in the development of capacities of reasons.

Q21. How the rights limit the state?
Ans: Rights act as claims and demands of the people against the state, ensuring that citizens receive necessary conditions for their development and welfare. These rights create obligations for the state, limiting its authority and actions. They guide the state to act in ways that meet the expectations and demands of the people, ensuring that the government considers the desired living standards and well-being of its citizens.

Q22. Describe the Fundamental Rights available in Indian Constitution.
Ans: The Indian Constitution provides Fundamental Rights in Part III to safeguard citizens' rights and ensure justice, equality, and liberty. These rights are outlined with specific Articles:

1. Right to Equality (Articles 14-18): Guarantees equality before the law and prohibits discrimination based on religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth.
2. Right to Liberty (Articles 19-22): Ensures freedoms such as speech, assembly, association, movement, and residence.
3. Right Against Exploitation (Articles 23-24): Prohibits human trafficking, forced labor, and child labor.
4. Right to Religious Freedom (Articles 25-28): Provides individuals the freedom to practice, profess, and propagate any religion.
5. Right to Education and Culture (Articles 29-30): Ensures free and compulsory education for children up to 14 years and protects cultural rights of minorities.
6. Right to Constitutional Remedies (Article 32): Allows citizens to approach courts for enforcement of their Fundamental Rights.

Q23. Write the importance of Fundamental Right of Constitutional remedies as given in the Indian Constitution.
Ans:  The Right to Constitutional Remedies is a crucial aspect of the Indian Constitution, as it ensures that all Fundamental Rights are enforceable by law. This right allows citizens to seek legal recourse if their rights are violated by the government or its agencies.

• It empowers individuals to approach the Supreme Court under Article 32.
• Citizens can also approach High Courts for redressal of their grievances.
• This right acts as a safeguard against arbitrary actions by the state.
• It ensures that the government is held accountable for its actions.

Q24. Why are Human Rights important?
Ans: Human rights are essential because they ensure that every individual is treated with dignity, respect, and equality. They provide the necessary conditions for personal development and promote the idea that all people should have the opportunity to thrive. The importance of human rights has led to global efforts, with the United Nations playing a vital role in raising awareness and advocating for their promotion, fostering a life of dignity and self-respect for all.

Q25. Discuss the role of UN in the promotion of Human, Rights.
Ans:   The United Nations plays a crucial role in promoting and protecting Human Rights globally through various initiatives, frameworks, and actions.

• Global Advocacy: The UN serves as a leading platform for advancing Human Rights around the world.
• Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948): Establishes international norms and standards for Human Rights, requiring member nations to uphold these principles.
• International Human Rights Commission: Monitors and promotes the implementation of Human Rights standards globally.
• Focus Areas: Addresses key issues such as employment, health, food, housing, working conditions, drinking water, and environmental sustainability.
• Platform for Dialogue: Provides a forum for international discussions, debates, and follow-up actions to advance Human Rights.

Q26. What are Moral Rights, and how do they differ from legal rights?
Ans: Moral rights are expectations or demands based on ethical or moral grounds rather than legal obligation. Unlike legal rights, which are enforceable by law, moral rights carry no legal binding but rely on social norms and ethical principles.

For example, society may feel morally obligated to help individuals in need, such as the poor, disabled, or elderly, due to their circumstances. Similarly, elders, parents, and teachers expect certain behaviors, like respect or obedience, from the younger generation on moral grounds. These rights are rooted in ethical considerations and are not backed by legal frameworks, though they play an essential role in shaping social conduct.

Q27. Explain important Political Rights.
Ans: Political rights are essential for ensuring citizen participation in the political process and upholding democracy. With the development of democracy worldwide, political rights have become fundamental, granting individuals the power to influence governance and policy-making.Key political rights include:

• Right to Vote: The ability to participate in elections.
• Right to Elect a Representative: The power to choose political leaders.
• Right to Contest Elections: The opportunity to stand for election.
• Right to Form Political Parties: Enables the creation of political organizations.
• Right to Oppose and Differ: Protects the freedom to disagree with political views.
• Right of Expression: Safeguards freedom of speech and opinion.
• Right to a Free and Fair Trial: Ensures justice in legal matters.
• Right to Protest: Allows peaceful demonstration against government actions.
• Right to Civil Liberties: Protects individual freedoms and rights.

These rights are fundamental to the functioning of democracy and the development of individuals, ensuring equality, justice, and freedom in society.

Q28. Explain the importance of Economic Rights.
Ans: Economic rights are crucial for ensuring the basic well-being and development of individuals. They provide the foundation for a dignified life by meeting essential needs and promoting personal growth. These rights are central to social justice and equality, allowing individuals to live securely and thrive.Key economic rights include:

• Right to Employment: Ensures the opportunity to work and earn a livelihood.
• Right to Basic Needs: Guarantees access to food, shelter, healthcare, and clean water.
• Right to Proper Working Conditions: Protects workers from exploitation and unsafe environments.
• Right to Adequate Wages: Ensures fair compensation for work.
• Right to Leisure: Promotes rest and recreation for well-being.
• Right to Property: Protects ownership of assets.
• Right to Compensation: Provides justice for losses or harm.

Q29. How Rights and Liberties are linked together?
Ans: Rights and liberties are interconnected concepts that are essential for the functioning of society and the protection of individual freedoms.

• Rights and Liberties in Society: Rights are claims and expectations that individuals demand from others and the state, while liberties refer to the freedom to act without unnecessary restrictions.
• Mutual Dependence: One person's right is tied to another's duty. If someone fails to fulfill their duty, the corresponding right cannot be realized. Thus, rights and duties go hand in hand.
• Two Sides of the Same Coin: Rights and duties are inseparable, with rights placing obligations not only on the state but also on individuals to respect the rights of others.
• Social Responsibility: The exercise of one's rights involves considering the rights and interests of others, ensuring balance and fairness in society.

Q30. Cultural rights are in increasing demand. Explain.
Ans : Cultural rights are increasingly recognised and valued in today's society. This shift is largely due to:

• Growing awareness of regional identity, including language, culture, and traditions.
• Democratic states are enhancing cultural rights to support citizens' psychological and moral development.
• The list of cultural rights is expanding, reflecting their importance for human development.