Short Questions
1. What is the main objective of the Indian Constitution?
Answer : To establish a sovereign, socialist, secular, democratic Republic.
2. When did the Indian Constitution come into force?
Answer : On 26th January 1950.
3. What does democracy mean beyond just representation?
Answer : It integrates democratic principles into the political life of society.
4. What is an important indicator of India’s successful democracy?
Answer : Holding free and fair elections at regular intervals.
5. What is the significance of the right to vote in India?
Answer : It ensures equal voting rights for all adults, making India the largest democracy.
6. What change was made to the voting age in India?
Answer : The voting age was reduced from 21 to 18 years.
7. What is the purpose of decentralisation in democracy?
Answer : It controls misuse of power and increases public participation.
8. Which amendments gave constitutional status to local self-government?
Answer : The 73rd and 74th amendments.
9. Why are seats reserved for women in local governance?
Answer : To increase their participation in the political process.
10. What is the Right to Information Act (RTI) meant to ensure?
Answer : Transparency and accountability in government functioning.
11. What is the rights-based approach in Indian democracy?
Answer : It considers democratic reforms as citizens’ rights, not just benefits.
12. What is the goal of social justice according to the Constitution?
Answer : To remove conditions causing injustice and ensure equality.
13. Who benefits from the policy of reservation of seats?
Answer : Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes.
14. What does the Scheduled Castes and Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act do?
Answer : It prevents injustice and atrocities against these communities.
15. What constitutional provision protects minorities in India?
Answer : Prohibition of discrimination based on caste, religion, or language.
16. Name one law that supports women’s empowerment in India.
Answer : The Dowry Prohibition Act.
17. What percentage of seats are reserved for women in Maharashtra’s local bodies?
Answer : 50%.
18. How has the judiciary contributed to Indian democracy?
Answer : By protecting fundamental rights and ensuring social justice.
19. What is the basic structure of the Constitution?
Answer : Features like democracy, secularism, and sovereignty that cannot be altered.
20. What is a feature of good governance in democracy?
Answer : Transparency in government functioning.
Long Questions
1. How has the reduction of the voting age to 18 impacted Indian democracy?
Answer : Lowering the voting age to 18 has enabled young people to actively participate in politics. This has led to the emergence of new political parties supported by young voters, reflecting their aspirations. It has made Indian democracy more inclusive and vibrant.
2. Why is decentralisation important for democratic governance in India?
Answer : Decentralisation prevents the misuse of power by distributing it to local levels. It encourages common people to participate in governance through local self-government bodies. This strengthens democracy by making it more accessible and responsive.
3. What is the significance of the Right to Information Act (RTI) in India?
Answer : The RTI Act promotes transparency by allowing citizens to access government information. It strengthens democracy by ensuring accountability and reducing secrecy in governance. This builds trust between citizens and the government.
4. How does the policy of reservation promote social justice in India?
Answer : Reservation provides education and job opportunities to deprived communities like Scheduled Castes and Tribes. It helps bring marginalized groups into the mainstream of society. This reduces social inequalities and promotes inclusive development.
5. What role does the judiciary play in protecting women’s rights in India?
Answer : The judiciary has given decisions to protect women’s honor and dignity. It has supported laws like the Domestic Violence Prohibition Act to ensure women’s safety. These rulings empower women and promote gender equality in society.
6. How do constitutional provisions protect minorities in India?
Answer : The Constitution prohibits discrimination based on religion, caste, or language. It ensures minorities have equal rights to education, employment, and cultural freedom. These provisions safeguard their identity and promote social harmony.
7. Why are seats reserved for weaker sections in Indian politics?
Answer : Reservations ensure marginalized groups get a share in political power and decision-making. This promotes inclusivity and reduces social inequalities in democracy. It empowers weaker sections to voice their concerns effectively.
8. What is the importance of the 73rd and 74th amendments in India?
Answer : The 73rd and 74th amendments gave constitutional status to local self-governing bodies. They increased their powers, enabling grassroots-level democratic participation. This has made governance more inclusive and responsive to local needs.
9. How does the rights-based approach change the government-citizen relationship?
Answer : The rights-based approach treats citizens as rightful claimants of services, not just beneficiaries. It makes the government more accountable and responsive to people’s needs. This fosters a stronger, trust-based relationship between citizens and the state.
10. What efforts has India made to empower women politically?
Answer : India has reserved 33% to 50% seats for women in local governance to boost their participation. Laws like the Domestic Violence Act protect women’s rights and promote their development. These steps ensure women have a stronger voice in politics.
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