Question 1

Which slogan was given by French revolutionaries against landed feudal aristocracy and monarchy?

Accepted Answer

a. Liberty, equality and fraternity

Question 2

All faiths and religions proclaim all human beings to be the creation of one and the same God. This statement is

Accepted Answer

d. Moral implication of equality

Question 3

What is formal equality?

Accepted Answer

d. Equality that is protected by the law of the land that is the constitution.

Question 4

Which of the following is a political doctrine of equal rights for men and women

Accepted Answer

b. Feminism

Question 5

Which of the following laws are made under the doctrine of affirmative action by State?

Accepted Answer

d .All the above

Question 6

The constitution has abolished the practice of untouchability to promote

Accepted Answer

a.social equality

Question 7

Some people argue that inequality is natural while others maintain that it is equality which is natural and the inequalities which we notice around us are created by society. Which view do you support? Give reasons.

Accepted Answer

This question requires a reasoned opinion. One can support the view that equality is natural and inequalities are created by society by arguing that humans are born with equal rights and capacities, but social, economic, and political structures create disparities. Alternatively, one can argue that some natural inequalities exist due to differences in abilities or circumstances. The answer should explain the reasoning and provide examples. — Step 1: Understand the two views - natural inequality vs. socially created inequality.
Step 2: Choose a view to support.
Step 3: Provide reasons and examples to justify the chosen view.
Step 4: Conclude with a summary of the argument.

Question 8

There is a view that absolute economic equality is neither possible nor desirable. It is argued that the most a society can do is to try and reduce the gaps between the richest and poorest members of society. Do you agree?

Accepted Answer

The answer should discuss the impracticality of absolute economic equality due to differences in talent, effort, and choices. It should also explain why reducing economic disparities is important for social justice and stability. Agreeing with the view involves acknowledging that while perfect equality is unrealistic, minimizing extreme inequalities is a reasonable goal. — Step 1: Define absolute economic equality.
Step 2: Discuss why it may not be possible or desirable (e.g., incentives, diversity of skills).
Step 3: Explain the importance of reducing economic gaps.
Step 4: Provide examples or arguments supporting the view.
Step 5: Conclude with a balanced opinion.

Question 9

Match the following concepts with appropriate instances:

(a) Affirmative action
(b) Equality of opportunity
(c) Equal Rights.

(i) Every adult citizen has a right to vote
(ii) Banks offer higher rate of interest to senior citizen
(iii) Every child should get free education

Accepted Answer

Match as follows:
(a) Affirmative action - (ii) Banks offer higher rate of interest to senior citizen
(b) Equality of opportunity - (iii) Every child should get free education
(c) Equal Rights - (i) Every adult citizen has a right to vote

Explanation:
- Affirmative action involves special provisions to help disadvantaged groups, such as senior citizens getting higher interest rates.
- Equality of opportunity means everyone should have the same chance, e.g., free education for every child.
- Equal rights means everyone has the same legal rights, e.g., voting rights for all adults. — Step 1: Understand each concept.
Step 2: Analyze each instance.
Step 3: Match each concept to the most appropriate instance.
Step 4: Provide reasoning for each match.

Question 10

A government report on farmers' problems says that small and marginal farmers cannot get good prices from the market. It recommends that the government should intervene to ensure a better price but only for small and marginal farmers. Is this recommendation consistent with the principle of equality?

Accepted Answer

Yes, this recommendation is consistent with the principle of equality, specifically with the idea of affirmative action or equality of outcome. Since small and marginal farmers are disadvantaged in the market, government intervention to support them helps reduce inequality and provides them a fair chance. It is not about treating everyone exactly the same but about ensuring fairness by addressing specific disadvantages. — Step 1: Understand the principle of equality.
Step 2: Recognize that equality does not always mean identical treatment.
Step 3: Affirm that targeted support to disadvantaged groups is consistent with equality.
Step 4: Conclude that the recommendation aligns with equality principles.

Question 11

Which of the following violate the principles of equality? And why?

(a) Every child in class will read the text of the play by turn.
(b) The Government of Canada encouraged white Europeans to migrate to Canada from the end of the Second World War till 1960.
(c) There is a separate railway reservation counter for the senior citizens.
(d) Access to some forest areas is reserved for certain tribal communities.

Accepted Answer

(a) Does not violate equality as every child gets a turn equally.
(b) Violates equality because it discriminates based on race by encouraging only white Europeans.
(c) Does not violate equality; it is an example of affirmative action or special provision for senior citizens.
(d) Does not violate equality; it is a protective measure for tribal communities recognizing their special rights.

Explanation:
- Equality means fair treatment, not necessarily identical treatment.
- Discrimination based on race as in (b) is against equality.
- Special provisions for vulnerable groups as in (c) and (d) are consistent with equality principles. — Step 1: Analyze each statement.
Step 2: Determine if it treats people fairly or discriminates.
Step 3: Explain why it violates or does not violate equality.
Step 4: Provide reasoning for each case.

Question 12

Here are some arguments in favour of the right to vote for women. Which of these are consistent with the idea of equality? Give reasons.

(a) Women are our mothers. We shall not disrespect our mothers by denying them the right to vote.

(b) Decisions of the government affect women as well as men, therefore they also should have a say in choosing the rulers.

(c) Not granting women the right to vote will cause disharmony in the family.

(d) Women constitute half of humanity. You cannot subjugate them for long by denying them the right to vote.

Accepted Answer

(a) Not consistent with equality; it appeals to respect but not to equal rights.
(b) Consistent with equality; it states that since government decisions affect both genders, both should have voting rights.
(c) Not consistent with equality; it appeals to family harmony rather than equal rights.
(d) Consistent with equality; it recognizes women as equal human beings deserving equal political rights.

Explanation:
- Equality is about equal rights and participation.
- Arguments (b) and (d) are based on equality principles.
- Arguments (a) and (c) are based on social or emotional reasons, not equality. — Step 1: Understand the principle of equality in voting rights.
Step 2: Evaluate each argument for consistency with equality.
Step 3: Provide reasons for each evaluation.
Step 4: Summarize which arguments align with equality.

Question 13

What is the fundamental moral and political ideal discussed in this chapter that is also enshrined in the Indian Constitution and emphasizes equal worth of all human beings regardless of colour, gender, race, or nationality?

Accepted Answer

Equality — Equality is a fundamental moral and political ideal enshrined in the Indian Constitution. It emphasizes that all human beings have equal worth regardless of their colour, gender, race, or nationality, reflecting the shared humanity of all people.

Question 14

Which slogan was famously used during the French Revolution to challenge feudal aristocracy and monarchy, emphasizing equality as a political ideal?

Accepted Answer

Liberty, Equality and Fraternity — The French Revolutionaries used the slogan 'Liberty, Equality and Fraternity' in the eighteenth century to revolt against the feudal aristocracy and monarchy, emphasizing equality as a key political ideal.

Question 15

According to the 2011 Census of India data, what percentage of rural families have access to electricity compared to urban families?

Accepted Answer

55% rural, 93% urban — The 2011 Census of India data shows that 55% of rural families have electricity connections, whereas 93% of urban families have access to electricity, highlighting significant urban-rural disparities.

Equality

Equality — Study Notes

Equality

3.1 WHY DOES EQUALITY MATTER?

Economic Inequalities in India

Practice Questions — Equality

All 8 Chapters in Political Theory