Discuss three factors that determine the outcomes of politics of social divisions.
Three factors decide the outcome of politics of social divisions are given below :
(1) Single or multiple identities : Outcome depends on how people recognize their identities. If they have only one identity as catholic or protestant, it is difficult to adapt and resolve their differences as happened in Northern Ireland. They will think about their interests exclusively. On the other hand if people have multiple identities i.e., national identity as well as on the basis of language, their differences are easily resolved. As in Belgium ,they are as much Belgian as they are Dutch or German-speaking. This helps them to stay together. In India too, people are Indian as well as belonging to a particular state or a language group or religious community.
(2) Raising of demands of any community by the leaders : To accommodate them easily the demands are raised by the leaders within the framework of the constitution and not at the cost of another community. But if the demands are at the cost of other community, it may lead to violent struggle or division of the county. The examples are Sri Lanka and Yugoslavia.
(3 ) Policy and reaction of the government to demands of different groups : Social divisions become less threatening if the rulers are willing to share and accommodate the demands of the minority community. But if the demands are suppressed in the name of national unity it may result in dissolution. It has happened in Sri Lanka. So there should be no forced integration.
From above the following conclusions may be drawn :The assertion of social diversities in a country need not be seen as a source of danger.In democracy, political expression of social divisions is normal and can be discussed in healthy way. This allows various marginal social groups to express their injustice and get the government to attend them. Expressions of various kinds of social divisions in politics often results in reducing their intensity. This leads to strengthening of a democracy.
When does a social difference become a social division?
How do social divisions affect politics? Give two examples.
In dealing with social divisions which one of the following statements is NOT correct about democracy?
(a) Due to political competition in a democracy, social divisions get reflected in politics.
(b) In a democracy it is possible for communities to voice their grievances in a peaceful manner.
(c) Democracy is the best way to accommodate social diversity.
(d) Democracy always leads to disintegration of society on the basis of social divisions.
Among the following, which country suffered disintegration due to political fights on the basis of religious and ethnic identities?
(a) Belgium (b) India (c) Yugoslavia (d) Netherlands
Arrange the following statements in a logical sequence and select the right answers by using the code given below.
A. But all political expression of social divisions need not be always dangerous.
B. Social divisions of one kind or the other exist in most countries.
C. Parties try to win political support by appealing to social divisions.
D. Some social differences may result in social divisions.
(a) D, B, C, A (b) D, B, A, C (c) D, A, C, B (d) A, B, C, D
Consider the following three statements.
A. Social divisions take place when social differences overlap.
B. It is possible that a person can have multiple identities.
C. Social divisions exist in only big countries like India.
Which of the statements is/are correct?
(a) A, B and C (b) A and B (c) B and C (d) Only C
________________ social differences create possibilities of deep social divisions and tensions. ___________________ social differences do not usually lead to conflicts.
In what ways do pressure groups and movements exert influence on politics?
State the various functions political parties perform in a democracy.
How does democracy produce an accountable, responsive and legitimate government?
Writing your own definition of a good democracy.
What are the different forms of power-sharing in modern democracies? Give an example of each of these.
Locate the following States on a blank outline political map of India:
Manipur, Sikkim, Chhattisgarh and Goa.
Mention different aspects of life in which women are discriminated or disadvantaged in India.
Describe the forms of relationship between pressure groups and political parties?
What are the various challenges faced by political parties?
What are the conditions under which democracies accommodate social diversities?
Match List I (organisations and struggles) with List II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists: List I List II
1. Organisations that seek to promote A. Movement the interests of a particular section or group
2. Organisations that seek to promote B. Political parties common interest
3. Struggles launched for the resolution C. Sectional interest of a social problem with or without groups an organisational structure
4. Organisations that mobilise people D. Public interest with a view to win political power groups
(a) C D B A
(b) C D A B
(c) D C B A
(d) B C D A
Read the following passage, and pick out any one of the prudential reasons for power sharing offered in this.
“We need to give more power to the panchayats to realise the dream of Mahatma Gandhi, and the hopes of the makers of our Constitution. The Panchayati Raj establishes true democracy. It restores power to the only place where power belongs in a democracy – in the hands of the people. Giving power to Panchayats is also a way to reduce corruption, and increase administrative efficiency. When people participate in the planning and implementation of developmental schemes, they would naturally exercise greater control over these schemes. This would eliminate the corrupt middlemen. Thus the Panchayati Raj will strengthen the foundations of our democracy."
Match List I with List-II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists:
List I List II
(i) Pressure group A. Narmada Bachao Andolan
(ii) Long-term movement B. Asom Gana Parishad
(iii) Single issue movement C. Women’s movement
(iv) Political party D. Fertiliser dealers, association
(a) D C A B
(b) B A D C
(c) C D B A
(d) B D C A
Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists:
List 1 | List 2 |
---|---|
1. Union of India | A. Prime Minister |
2. State | B. Sarpanch |
3. Municipal Corporation | C. Governor |
4. Gram Panchayat | D. Mayor |
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
---|---|---|---|---|
(a) | D | A | B | C |
(b) | B | C | D | A |
(c) | A | C | D | B |
(d) | C | D | A | B |
What are the different forms of power-sharing in modern democracies? Give an example of each of these.
Consider the following two statements on power-sharing and select the answer using codes given below:
A. Power sharing is good for democracy.
B. It helps to reduce the possibility of conflict between social groups.
Which of the statements are true and false?
(a) A is true but B is false
(b) Both A and B are true
(c) Both A and B are false
(d) A is false but B is true
State two reasons to say that caste alone cannot determine election results in India.
Which among the following statements about India’s Constitution is wrong? It
(a) prohibits discrimination on grounds of religion.
(b) gives official status to one religion.
(c) provides to all individuals freedom to profess any religion.
(d) ensures equality of citizens within religious communities.
Examine the following pairs that give the level of government in India and the powers of the government at that level to make laws on the subjects mentioned against each. Which of the following pairs is not correctly matched?
(a) State government | State List |
(b) Central government | Union List |
(c) Central and State governments | Concurrent List |
(d) Local governments | Residuary powers |
Identify the challenges to democracy in the following descriptions. Also suggest policy/institutional mechanism to deepen democracy in the given situations:
* Following a High Court directive a temple in Orissa that had separate entry doors for dalits and non-dalits allowed entry for all from the same door.
* A large number of farmers are committing suicide in different states of India.
* Following allegation of killing of three civilians in Gandwara in a fake encounter by Jammu and Kashmir police, an enquiry has been ordered.