Democratic Rights

 

Chapter 5 – Democratic Rights

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

1. Which of the following is essential for a democracy?
a) Military rule
b) Enjoyment of rights
c) One-party system
d) Dictatorship
Ans: b) Enjoyment of rights

 

2. The prison at Guantanamo Bay was controlled by:
a) UK
b) Cuba
c) USA
d) UN
Ans: c) USA

 

3. Amnesty International is an organisation that works for:
a) Trade promotion
b) Human rights
c) Elections
d) Education
Ans: b) Human rights

 

4. Saudi Arabia is ruled by:
a) Elected President
b) Military
c) Hereditary King
d) Parliament
Ans: c) Hereditary King

 

5. Milosevic was a leader of:
a) India
b) Yugoslavia
c) Germany
d) France
Ans: b) Yugoslavia

 

6. Rights are:
a) Unreasonable demands
b) Claims recognised by society and law
c) Personal wishes
d) Orders of government
Ans: b) Claims recognised by society and law

 

7. Rights come with:
a) No duty
b) Privilege
c) Obligation to respect others’ rights
d) Punishment
Ans: c) Obligation to respect others’ rights

 

8. Fundamental Rights are mentioned in the:
a) Preamble only
b) Parliament
c) Constitution
d) Court
Ans: c) Constitution

 

9. How many Fundamental Rights are there in India?
a) 5
b) 6
c) 7
d) 8
Ans: b) 6

 

10. Equality before law means:
a) Rich are above law
b) PM is above law
c) All are equal before law
d) Only ministers follow law
Ans: c) All are equal before law

 

11. Untouchability is:
a) Legal
b) Punishable offence
c) Encouraged
d) Customary right
Ans: b) Punishable offence

 

12. Reservation is provided for:
a) Rich people
b) SC, ST and OBC
c) Foreigners
d) Ministers
Ans: b) SC, ST and OBC

 

13. Freedom of speech includes:
a) Inciting violence
b) Defaming others
c) Expressing opinions
d) Armed rebellion
Ans: c) Expressing opinions

 

14. Citizens can assemble:
a) With weapons
b) Violently
c) Peacefully
d) Secretly
Ans: c) Peacefully

 

15. A person arrested must be produced before magistrate within:
a) 12 hours
b) 24 hours
c) 48 hours
d) 72 hours
Ans: b) 24 hours

 

16. Begar means:
a) Paid labour
b) Forced labour without payment
c) Skilled labour
d) Child labour
Ans: b) Forced labour without payment

 

17. Child labour below ____ years is prohibited in hazardous jobs.
a) 12
b) 13
c) 14
d) 15
Ans: c) 14

 

18. India is a:
a) Religious state
b) Secular state
c) Military state
d) Communist state
Ans: b) Secular state

 

19. Right to freedom of religion includes:
a) Forcing conversion
b) Practising religion freely
c) Government religion
d) Religious tax

Ans: b) Practising religion freely

20. Cultural rights protect:
a) Majority only
b) Ministers
c) Minorities
d) Foreigners
Ans: c) Minorities

 

21. Right to Constitutional Remedies is called:
a) Heart and soul of Constitution
b) Directive Principle
c) Legal duty
d) Preamble
Ans: a) Heart and soul of Constitution

 

22. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar called which right as heart and soul?
a) Right to Equality
b) Right to Freedom
c) Right to Constitutional Remedies
d) Right to Religion
Ans: c) Right to Constitutional Remedies

 

23. Public Interest Litigation (PIL) can be filed by:
a) Only victim
b) Any citizen
c) Only lawyers
d) Ministers
Ans: b) Any citizen

 

24. Supreme Court can issue:
a) Ordinance
b) Writs
c) Bills
d) Rules
Ans: b) Writs

 

25. NHRC was established in:
a) 1950
b) 1975
c) 1993
d) 2000
Ans: c) 1993

 

26. Right to Information is derived from:
a) Right to Equality
b) Right to Freedom of Expression
c) Right to Religion
d) Right to Property
Ans: b) Right to Freedom of Expression

 

27. Right to Education is available up to age:
a) 10
b) 12
c) 14
d) 16
Ans: c) 14

 

28. Right to Property is now a:
a) Fundamental Right
b) Legal right
c) Constitutional right
d) Moral right
Ans: c) Constitutional right

 

29. Right to Vote is a:
a) Fundamental Right
b) Constitutional Right
c) Natural Right
d) Moral Right
Ans: b) Constitutional Right

 

30. The rule of law means:
a) Only poor follow law
b) Government above law
c) No one is above law
d) Army controls law
Ans: c) No one is above law

 

31. Freedom of movement allows citizens to:
a) Travel abroad freely
b) Move anywhere in India
c) Ignore law
d) Cross borders illegally
Ans: b) Move anywhere in India

 

32. Right against exploitation prohibits:
a) Bonded labour
b) Elections
c) Education
d) Voting
Ans: a) Bonded labour

 

33. Freedom of profession means:
a) Only traditional jobs
b) Any legal occupation
c) Only government jobs
d) Military service
Ans: b) Any legal occupation

 

34. Courts protect Fundamental Rights against:
a) Legislature only
b) Executive only
c) Both Legislature and Executive
d) Foreigners
Ans: c) Both Legislature and Executive

 

35. Minorities can:
a) Be denied admission
b) Establish educational institutions
c) Be taxed extra
d) Be forced religion
Ans: b) Establish educational institutions

 

36. A secular state means:
a) Official religion
b) Equal treatment of all religions
c) No religion allowed
d) Only majority religion
Ans: b) Equal treatment of all religions

 

37. Freedom is:
a) Unlimited licence
b) Absence of constraints
c) Breaking law
d) Rebellion
Ans: b) Absence of constraints

 

38. Courts can award:
a) Elections
b) Compensation
c) Tax
d) Bills
Ans: b) Compensation

 

39. Traffic in human beings refers to:
a) Road safety
b) Buying and selling humans
c) Migration
d) Travel
Ans: b) Buying and selling humans

 

40. Ethnic massacre in Kosovo violated:
a) Right to Equality
b) Right to Freedom
c) Right to Life
d) Right to Property
Ans: c) Right to Life

 

41. Women discrimination violates:
a) Right to Equality
b) Right to Religion
c) Right to Vote
d) Right to Property
Ans: a) Right to Equality

 

42. Courts can declare a law invalid if it:
a) Is old
b) Violates Fundamental Rights
c) Is unpopular
d) Is new
Ans: b) Violates Fundamental Rights

 

43. Freedom of press is derived from:
a) Equality
b) Religion
c) Freedom of expression
d) Property
Ans: c) Freedom of expression

 

44. Right to life includes:
a) Right to food
b) Right to war
c) Right to tax
d) Right to property
Ans: a) Right to food

 

45. Bonded labour is:
a) Legal contract
b) Lifelong forced labour
c) Paid job
d) Skilled work
Ans: b) Lifelong forced labour

 

46. The Constitution prohibits discrimination on grounds of:
a) Wealth
b) Religion
c) Education
d) Talent
Ans: b) Religion

 

47. Right to assemble must be:
a) Armed
b) Peaceful
c) Secret
d) Violent
Ans: b) Peaceful

 

48. NHRC can:
a) Punish directly
b) Recommend action
c) Make laws
d) Arrest criminals
Ans: b) Recommend action

 

49. Rights expand due to:
a) Struggle of people
b) Government orders
c) Military
d) Foreign pressure only
Ans: a) Struggle of people

 

50. Fundamental Rights are necessary for:
a) Dictatorship
b) Democracy
c) Monarchy
d) Military rule
Ans: b) Democracy

 

30 SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS (2–3 Marks)

1. What are rights?

Ans: Rights are reasonable claims of individuals recognised by society and sanctioned by law.

2. Why are rights necessary in a democracy?

Ans: They protect citizens from misuse of power and ensure equality and freedom.

3. What is meant by Rule of Law?

Ans: It means no one is above the law and all are equal before law.

4. What is equality before law?

Ans: All persons are treated equally under the same laws.

5. What is untouchability?

Ans: Social discrimination based on caste; it is punishable by law.

6. Why are reservations provided?

Ans: To ensure equal opportunity for SC, ST and OBC.

7. Mention any two freedoms under Right to Freedom.

Ans: Freedom of speech and freedom of movement.

8. What is freedom of speech and expression?

Ans: The right to express opinions without fear.

9. What are reasonable restrictions?

Ans: Limits imposed by government in the interest of public order and security.

10. What safeguards are provided to arrested persons?

Ans: Must be informed of reasons, produced before magistrate within 24 hours, and allowed a lawyer.

11. What is begar?

Ans: Forced labour without payment.

12. What is bonded labour?

Ans: Lifelong forced labour to repay debt.

13. What is child labour prohibited under Constitution?

Ans: Employment of children below 14 in hazardous jobs.

14. What is a secular state?

Ans: A state that treats all religions equally.

15. What does freedom of religion include?

Ans: Right to profess, practice and propagate religion.

16. What are cultural rights?

Ans: Rights of minorities to conserve language and culture.

17. What is Right to Constitutional Remedies?

Ans: Right to approach courts when Fundamental Rights are violated.

18. Who called Right to Constitutional Remedies the “heart and soul”?

Ans: Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.

19. What is PIL?

Ans: Public Interest Litigation filed for public welfare.

20. What is NHRC?

Ans: National Human Rights Commission set up in 1993.

21. How can courts protect Fundamental Rights?

Ans: By issuing writs and declaring laws invalid.

22. What is traffic in human beings?

Ans: Buying and selling of humans for immoral purposes.

23. What is Right to Information?

Ans: Right to seek information from government offices.

24. What is Right to Education?

Ans: Free and compulsory education up to 14 years.

25. What is Right to Property?

Ans: A constitutional (not fundamental) right.

26. How do rights protect minorities?

Ans: They prevent domination by majority.

27. Can freedom be unlimited?

Ans: No, it has reasonable restrictions.

28. What is equality of opportunity?

Ans: Equal chance in public employment.

29. What is the Right against Exploitation?

Ans: It prohibits forced labour, child labour and trafficking.

30. How do rights expand over time?

Ans: Through court judgments and public struggles.

 

20 LONG ANSWER QUESTIONS

1. Explain the six Fundamental Rights guaranteed by the Indian Constitution.

1.   Right to Equality    – Equality before law and no discrimination.

2.   Right to Freedom    – Speech, movement, assembly, profession etc.

3.   Right against Exploitation    – Prohibits trafficking, begar and child labour.

4.   Right to Freedom of Religion    – Freedom to profess, practice and propagate religion.

5.   Cultural and Educational Rights    – Protect minorities’ language and culture.

6.   Right to Constitutional Remedies    – Right to approach courts for enforcement.

 

2. Why are rights essential in a democracy?

1.  Protect  Individual Liberty  

2.  Ensure  Equality  

3.  Prevent  Majority Domination  

4.  Control  Government Power  

5.  Safeguard  Human Dignity  

 

3. Explain the Right to Equality.

1.   Equality before Law  

2.   Rule of Law    (no one above law)

3.  No discrimination on  Religion, Race, Caste, Sex  

4.   Equal Opportunity    in public jobs

5.  Abolition of  Untouchability  

 

4. Explain the six freedoms under Right to Freedom.

1.   Freedom of Speech and Expression  

2.   Freedom of Assembly  

3.   Freedom to Form Associations  

4.   Freedom of Movement  

5.   Freedom of Residence  

6.   Freedom of Profession  

 

5. What safeguards are provided to arrested persons?

1.  Inform  Reasons for Arrest  

2.  Produce before  Magistrate within 24 Hours  

3.  Right to  Consult a Lawyer  

4.  Protection of  Personal Liberty  

 

6. Explain the Right against Exploitation.

1.  Prohibits  Human Trafficking  

2.  Prohibits  Begar (Forced Labour)  

3.  Prohibits  Bonded Labour  

4.  Prohibits  Child Labour    in hazardous work

 

7. Explain the Right to Freedom of Religion.

1.  Right to  Profess    religion

2.  Right to  Practice    religion

3.  Right to  Propagate    religion

4.  India follows  Secularism  

5.  No  Forced Conversion  

 

8. Explain Cultural and Educational Rights.

1.  Protect  Minority Language and Culture  

2.  Right to establish  Educational Institutions  

3.  No denial of  Admission    on religious/linguistic grounds

 

9. Explain the Right to Constitutional Remedies.

1.  Right to approach  Supreme Court    and  High Courts  

2.  Courts can issue  Writs  

3.  Declared as  Heart and Soul    by Dr. Ambedkar

4.  Makes other rights  Effective  

 

10. What is Rule of Law? Explain its importance.

1.  No one is above  Law  

2.  Same laws apply to  All Citizens  

3.  Foundation of  Democracy  

4.  Prevents  Arbitrary Power  

 

11. Explain the importance of PIL (Public Interest Litigation).

1.  Filed for  Public Welfare  

2.  Any citizen can file

3.  Protects  Weaker Sections  

4.  Ensures  Social Justice  

 

12. Explain the role of the Judiciary in protecting rights.

1.  Independent  Judiciary  

2.  Can declare laws  Invalid  

3.  Issue  Writs  

4.  Award  Compensation  

 

13. Explain the concept of Secularism in India.

1.  No  Official Religion  

2.  Equal respect to  All Religions  

3.  State maintains  Neutrality  

4.  Protects  Religious Freedom  

 

14. Explain equality of opportunity in public employment.

1.  Equal chance in  Government Jobs  

2.  No discrimination on caste/religion

3.  Provision of  Reservations  

4.  Promotes  Social Justice  

 

15. Explain how rights protect minorities.

1.  Prevent  Majority Domination  

2.  Protect  Language and Culture  

3.  Ensure  Equal Treatment  

4.  Guarantee  Educational Rights  

 

16. Explain reasonable restrictions under Right to Freedom.

1.  Maintain  Public Order  

2.  Protect  Security of State  

3.  Prevent  Defamation  

4.  Avoid  Violence  

 

17. Explain the Right to Education.

1.  Free and compulsory education up to  14 Years  

2.  Promotes  Equality  

3.  Derived from  Right to Life  

4.  Ensures  Development  

 

18. Explain the expansion of rights over time.

1.  Through  Court Judgments  

2.  Through  Public Movements  

3.  Introduction of  Right to Information  

4.  Recognition of  Right to Food  

 

19. Explain the role of NHRC.

1.  Established in  1993  

2.  Inquires into  Human Rights Violations  

3.  Makes  Recommendations  

4.  Promotes  Human Rights Awareness  

 

20. Explain the relationship between Rights and Duties.

1.  Rights come with  Responsibilities  

2.  Must respect  Others’ Rights  

3.  Maintain  Social Harmony  

4.  Essential for  Democracy  

 

20 ASSERTION–REASON QUESTIONS

A) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A

B) Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A

C) A is true but R is false

D) A is false but R is true

 

1. A: Rights are necessary for democracy.
R: They protect citizens from government misuse.
Ans: A

2. A: Untouchability is legal in India.
R: Constitution abolished it.
Ans: D

3. A: Freedom of speech is unlimited.
R: It has reasonable restrictions.
Ans: D

4. A: PIL can be filed by any citizen.
R: It protects public interest.
Ans: A

5. A: India is a secular state.
R: State treats all religions equally.
Ans: A

6. A: Child labour below 14 in factories is banned.
R: It is hazardous.
Ans: A

7. A: Reservation violates equality.
R: It ensures equal opportunity.
Ans: D

8. A: Right to Property is Fundamental Right.
R: It is Constitutional Right.
Ans: D

9. A: NHRC can punish directly.
R: It only recommends action.
Ans: D

10. A: Courts can declare laws invalid.
R: If they violate Fundamental Rights.
Ans: A

 

11. A: Right to Constitutional Remedies is called the “heart and soul” of the Constitution.
R: It makes other Fundamental Rights effective.
Ans: A

 

12. A: The Rule of Law means that some government officials are above the law.
R: All persons are equal before law.
Ans: D

 

13. A: Freedom of religion allows forced conversion.
R: People can practice religion of their choice.
Ans: D

 

14. A: Cultural and Educational Rights protect minorities.
R: Democracy gives power only to minorities.
Ans: C

 

15. A: A person arrested must be produced before a magistrate within 24 hours.
R: This protects personal liberty.
Ans: A

 

16. A: Right against Exploitation prohibits bonded labour.
R: Bonded labour is a form of forced labour.
Ans: A

 

17. A: Right to Information is derived from Right to Freedom of Speech and Expression.
R: Citizens must know government functioning to express opinions.
Ans: A

 

18. A: Equality means giving identical treatment to everyone in all situations.
R: Sometimes special provisions are needed to ensure equal opportunity.
Ans: D

 

19. A: NHRC was established in 1993.
R: It conducts independent inquiries into human rights violations.
Ans: B

 

20. A: Rights expand over time.
R: New rights emerge through struggles and court judgments.
Ans: A

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