Class 11 Political Science Long Questions with Answers- Equality

Q1: What do you understand by the term ‘Equality’ ?
Ans: Equality is a crucial principle that ensures individuals are treated fairly and have the same opportunities. However, it does not imply that everyone is identical or should receive the same outcomes. Here are the key aspects of equality:

• Absence of Special Privileges: Equality means that no individual or group should receive special treatment based on factors like caste, colour, creed, or religion. Everyone should have equal opportunities.
• Opportunities for Development: Every person should have the chance to develop their talents and abilities. Laws should ensure that no one is denied the opportunity to succeed due to their background. Voting rights and eligibility for public office should be available to all, based on merit.
• Minimum Standard of Living: Basic needs must be met for all individuals. Essential resources should be accessible to everyone, ensuring that no one lives in extreme poverty while others have excess wealth.

Hence, equality is about ensuring fair treatment and opportunities for all, while recognising that differences in abilities and outcomes will naturally occur. The aim is to create a society where everyone can thrive without discrimination.

Q2: ‘Liberty and Equality are closely related to each other.’ Comment.
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‘Liberty is meaningless without Equality.’ Do you agree with this view ? Give reasons for your answer.
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Describe the relationship between Liberty and Equality.
Ans: Relation between Liberty and Equality Liberty and equality are fundamental principles of democracy. Political thinkers have different views on their relationship:

• Opposition Viewpoint:Some believe that liberty and equality are in conflict. Notable advocates include De Tocqueville and Lord Acton, who stated, “The passion for equality has made vain the hope for liberty.” They argue that:
  • Natural Inequality: Nature has not created all people equal. Individuals possess different qualities from birth, such as intelligence and strength. Treating everyone equally would be unjust.
  • Destructive Nature: Individualists argue that economic freedom allows personal development. Government-imposed equality restricts liberty, preventing capable individuals from utilising their abilities fully.
  • Stifling Progress: Treating capable and incapable individuals equally does not promote public welfare. Different professions require different levels of skill and effort, making absolute equality unrealistic.
• Complementary Viewpoint:Many thinkers argue that liberty without equality is meaningless. Supporters like Prof. Laski and Prof. Tawny state that:
  • Essential Equality: A degree of equality is crucial for true liberty. Prof. Tawny noted, “A large measure of equality, so far from being inimical to liberty, is essential to it.”
  • Understanding Equality: Equality does not mean identical treatment or rewards. It signifies equal opportunities without special privileges, ensuring fair wealth distribution.
  • Mutual Support: Equality creates a foundation for liberty, allowing individuals to develop their personalities freely when given equal opportunities.

Hence , liberty and equality are not opposing forces but rather complementary concepts. Achieving one often requires the other, and both are essential for individual and social welfare.

Q3: Explain Affirmative Action with reference to achieving an equalitarian society in the Indian Constitution.
Ans: Affirmative Action aims to create an equalitarian society, particularly within the context of the Indian Constitution. Throughout history, many societies have struggled with inequalities. With the rise of democracy and awareness, there is a growing demand to address these disparities. Indian society has long been affected by caste and class divisions, leading to significant hardships for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and women. Following independence, India committed to eradicating these longstanding inequalities, a commitment enshrined in the Constitution. The Constitution includes Fundamental Rights that promote equality for all, outlined in Articles 14 to 18:

• Right to equality before the law (Article 14)
• Right to equality in public places (Article 15)
• Right to equality in employment (Article 16)
• Abolition of untouchability (Article 17)
• Abolition of special classes (Article 18)

Additionally, the Directive Principles from Articles 36 to 51 aim to enhance the living standards of weaker sections, fostering an equalitarian society. Affirmative action is a proactive approach to achieving equality. It recognises that merely establishing formal equality through law is insufficient. To address deeply rooted inequalities, positive measures are essential:

• Preferential spending on facilities for disadvantaged communities
• Scholarships and hostels
• Reserved seats in education and jobs

These policies aim to correct the cumulative effects of past injustices. Critics argue that such measures may lead to reverse discrimination, questioning whether different treatment can truly foster equality. However, supporters believe that temporary assistance is necessary for historically disadvantaged groups to compete fairly. Ultimately, the Indian Constitution prohibits discrimination based on religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth, reinforcing the need for both formal and substantive equality.

Q4: What are the different dimensions of equality? Explain with examples.
Ans: Equality has three main dimensions: political, social, and economic equality. These dimensions ensure that all individuals have equal rights and opportunities in different aspects of life.

1. Political Equality: It means that every citizen has equal access to political rights, such as the right to vote, contest elections, and participate in governance. In a democracy, all individuals are treated equally under the law, and no one is given special political privileges.

   • Example: In India, every adult citizen above 18 years has the right to vote, regardless of caste, gender, or religion.

2. Social Equality: This ensures that all individuals receive equal respect and opportunities in society. Discrimination based on caste, gender, race, or religion should be eliminated. Social equality requires the abolition of practices like untouchability and gender bias.

   • Example: The Constitution of India bans untouchability under Article 17, ensuring that no person is treated as inferior based on caste.

3. Economic Equality: It aims to reduce the gap between the rich and the poor by providing equal access to resources, education, healthcare, and employment opportunities. However, complete economic equality is difficult to achieve, so governments try to reduce extreme wealth disparities.

   • Example: The reservation system in India helps Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and Other Backward Classes (OBCs) access education and jobs to improve their economic conditions.

Thus, these dimensions work together to create a more just and equal society.

Q5: What is affirmative action? Why is it necessary for achieving equality?
Ans: Affirmative action refers to special measures taken by the government to help disadvantaged groups overcome historical injustices and inequalities. It aims to ensure equal opportunities for all.

1. Need for Affirmative Action

   • Many communities have suffered discrimination for generations, making it difficult for them to compete equally in education, employment, and other fields.
   • Affirmative action helps bridge this gap by providing reservations or special assistance to these communities.

2. Forms of Affirmative Action

   • Reservation System: In India, a certain percentage of seats in educational institutions and government jobs are reserved for Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and Other Backward Classes (OBCs).
   • Financial Assistance: Scholarships, free coaching, and hostels for economically weaker sections help them compete on an equal footing.
   • Women Empowerment Policies: Special laws to protect women's rights in workplaces and ensure their safety in public spaces.

3. Controversy Surrounding Affirmative Action

   • Some argue that affirmative action goes against meritocracy and gives unfair advantages.
   • Critics call it reverse discrimination, as it denies opportunities to deserving candidates from unreserved categories.

4. Justification for Affirmative Action

   • It is not meant to be permanent but aims to uplift weaker sections so that, over time, they can compete without assistance.
   • It promotes a more inclusive and equal society by correcting historical injustices.

Thus, affirmative action is a necessary tool to ensure equality by providing disadvantaged groups with opportunities to succeed.