Class 10th - Globalisation and the Indian Economy

Lesson -4  Globalisation and the Indian Economy

Q1. How have markets been transformed in the recent years? Explain with example.

Ans. As consumers in today’s world, some of us have a wide choice of goods and services before us. The latest models of digital cameras, mobile phones and televisions made by the leading manufacturers of the world are within our reach. Every season, new models of automobiles can be seen on Indian roads. Gone are the days when Ambassador and Fiat were the only cars on Indian roads. Today, Indians are buying cars produced by nearly all the top companies in the world. A similar explosion of brands can be seen for many other goods.

Q2.  What do you mean by MNC’S ?

Ans.  Multinational corporations (MNCs) emerged on the scene. A MNC is a company that owns or controls production in more than one nation. MNCs set up offices and factories for production in regions where they can get cheap labour and other resources. This is done so that the cost of production is low and the MNCs can earn greater profits.

Q3.  How are MNC’S spreading production across the globe? Explain

Ans. A large MNC, producing industrial equipment, designs its products in research centres in the United States, and then has the components manufactured in China. These are then shipped to Mexico and Eastern Europe where the products are assembled and the finished products are sold all over the world. Meanwhile, the company’s customer care is carried out through call centres located in India. The MNC is not only selling its finished products globally, but more important, the goods and services are produced globally. As a result, production is organised in increasingly complex ways.

Q4. Which factors are responsible for the setup of MNC’s in other countries?

Ans. They setup productions at regions close to market.

2. A place where skilled and cheap labour is available.

3. A place where all other factories for productions are available.

Q5. What are the various ways in which company links different country?

                                                Or

“Production is  widely dispersed locations is getting interlinked”. Comment

Ans. There are variety of ways in which MNC’s are spreading their productions and interacting with local producers in various countries across the globe, they are linking countries by:

1.       Setting up partnership with local companies.

2.       By using the local companies for supply under the name of their brand.

3.       By closely competing with local companies or buying them.

4.       By bringing the latest technology.

5.       MNC’s are executing strong influence or production at these distant locations.

6.       Hence production is widely dispersed is getting interlinked.

Q6. What do you mean by foreign investment?

Ans. MNCs set up factories and offices for production. The money that is spent to buy assets such as land, building, machines and other equipment is called investment. Investment made by MNCs is called foreign investment. Any investment is made with the hope that these assets will earn profits.

Q7. Distinguish between foreign trade and foreign investment.

Ans. Foreign Investment- Investment of money in foreign countries in any large industry or MNC.

Foreign Trade- Exchange of goods and resources through ecological boundaries of two countries.

Q8. How does foreign trade help in integrations of the foreign markets of different countries? Give Examples.

Ans. foreign trade creates an opportunity for the producers to reach beyond the domestic markets, i.e., markets of their own countries.

2. Producers can sell their produce not only in markets located within the country but can also compete in markets located in other countries of the world.

3. Similarly, for the buyers, import of goods produced in another country is one way of expanding the choice of goods beyond what is domestically produced.

4. For Eg- Chinese manufacturers exports toys to India, which are sold at a high price.

Q9. What are the advantages of international trade to consumers.

Ans. with the opening of trade, goods travel from one market to another. Choice of goods in the markets rises. Prices of similar goods in the two markets tend to become equal. And, producers in the two countries now closely compete against each other even though they are separated by thousands of miles!

Q10. What is Globalisation?

Ans. Globalisation is this process of rapid integration or interconnection between countries.

Q11. What are the factors that have enabled globalisation?

Ans. 1. Technology

Rapid improvement in technology has been one major factor that has stimulated the globalisation process.

2. Liberalisation of foreign trade and foreign investment policy

 Liberalisation of foreign trade and foreign investment policy has also contributed towards globalisation .

Q12. How has the rapid movement in technology stimulated globalisation . state some examples.

Ans. Rapid improvement in technology has been one major factor that has stimulated the globalisation process.

2. Improvements in transportation technology  has made much faster delivery of goods across long distances possible at lower costs.

3. Developments in information and communication technology brought remarkable changes in globalisation.

4. Telecommunication facilities (telegraph, telephone including mobile phones, fax) are used to contact one another around the world.

5. Information and communication technology (or IT in short) has played a major role in spreading out production of services across countries.

Q13. What is trade barrier ?

                Or

Why is tax seen as trade barrier?

Ans. Tax on imports is an example of trade barrier. It is called a barrier because some restriction has been set up. Governments can use trade barriers to increase or decrease (regulate) foreign trade and to decide what kinds of goods and how much of each, should come into the country.

Q14. What do you understand by liberalisation of foreign trade?

Ans. Removing barriers or restrictions set by the government is what is known as liberalisation. With liberalisation of trade, businesses are allowed to make decisions freely about what they wish to import or export. The government imposes much less restrictions than before and is therefore said to be more liberal.

Q15. Why did India set up trade barrier after independence?

Ans. The Indian government, after Independence, had put barriers to foreign trade and foreign investment. This was considered necessary

·         To protect the producers within the country from foreign competition.

·         Industries were just coming up in the 1950s and 1960s, and competition from imports at that stage would not have allowed these industries to come up.

Thus, India allowed imports of only essential items such as machinery, fertilisers, petroleum etc.

Q16. “Barriers to foreign investment were removed to a large extent in 1991 in India” Explain.

Ans. Around 1991, some far reaching changes in policy were made in India, as all the trade barriers were removed and it was announced that indian producers could compete with foreign countries. They believe that it would improve the inside industries. This was supported by investment organisations. This meant that resources can easily be exported around the world.

Q17. Write a short note on WTO.

Ans. World Trade Organisation (WTO) is one such organisation whose aim is to liberalise international trade. Started at the initiative of the developed countries, WTO establishes rules regarding international trade, and sees that these rules are obeyed. 149 countries of the world are currently members of the WTO (2006).

Q18. Developed countries are benefited by foreign trade at the cost of welfare for developing countries? Explain with the help of an example.

Ans. WTO is supposed to allow free trade for all, in practice, it is seen that the developed countries have unfairly retained trade barriers.

Eg:- The agriculture sector provides the bulk of employment and a significant portion of the GDP in India. Compare this to a developed country such as the US with the share of agriculture in GDP at 1% and its share in total employment a tiny 0.5%! And yet this very small percentage of people who are engaged in agriculture in the US receive massive sums of money from the US government for production and for exports to other countries. Due to this massive money that they receive, US farmers can sell the farm products at abnormally low prices. The surplus farm products are sold in other country markets at low prices, adversely affecting farmers in our  country.

Q19. What has been the impact of Globalisation on the countries?

Or

Globalisation and greater competition among producers has given advantages to consumers?

Ans.  Globalisation and greater competition among producers - both local and foreign producers - has been of advantage to consumers, particularly the well-off sections in the urban areas.

2. There is greater choice before these consumers who now enjoy improved quality and lower prices for several products.

3. As a result, these people today, enjoy much higher standards of living than was possible earlier.

Q20. Describe the problems associated with globalisation for producers at local level and small workers.

Ans. Small producers or workers are unable to compete in international market therefore they are forced to either reduced their expectations or ever shit down.

2. Income inequalities have increased in many countries.

3. The overall inequalities rate has increased.

4. Most of the workers today are employed in unorganised sector.

5. Faced with growing competition, most employers nowadays prefer to employ workers flexibly, which leads to insecurity of job for the workers.

Q21. Describe the impact of globalisation on Indian Economy?

Ans. Globalisation has created competition among both local and foreign producers which benefited to consumers by producing greater choices.

2. It has also created new opportunities for employement mainly in IT.

3. It has grabbed some indian industries to become MNC’s for rg- TISCO , TATA MOTORs etc.

4. New jobs are created and industries are set up.

5. Globalisation helped in the growth of society.

Q22. What are special Economic Zones? Why have they been set up?

Ans. In recent years, the central and state governments in India are taking special steps to attract foreign companies to invest in India. Industrial zones, called Special Economic Zones (SEZs), are being set up. SEZs are to have world class facilities: electricity, water, roads, transport, storage, recreational and educational facilities. Companies who set up production units in the SEZs do not have to pay taxes for an initial period of five years.

Q23. What are the characteristics of SEZ?

Ans. Government has also allowed flexibility in the labour laws to attract foreign investment.

2. SEZs are to have world class facilities: electricity, water, roads, transport, storage, recreational and educational facilities.

3. Companies who set up production units in the SEZs do not have to pay taxes for an initial period of five years.

Q24. How government can ensure fair globalisation to its people

                                Or

‘Fair globalisation would create opportunities for all, and also ensure that the benefits of globalisation are shared better’. Support the statement.

Ans. Its policies must protect the interests, not only of the rich and the powerful, but all the people in the country.

2. The government can ensure that the  labour laws are properly implemented and the workers get their rights.

3. It can support small producers.

4. It can negotiate at the WTO for ‘fairer rules’.

5. It can also align with other developing countries with similar interests to fight against the domination of developed countries in the WTO.

Climate - lesson 4 (class 9th)

Climate (l-4) class 9^th

Q1. Distinguish between weather and climate.

Ans. Climate refers to the sum total of weather conditions and variations over a large area for a long period of time.

Weather refers to the state of the atmosphere over an area at any point of time.

Q2. What are the elements for measuring weather and climate of a place?

Ans. Temperature, atmosphere, atmospheric pressure, wind, humidity and precipitation.

Q3. Define the monsoon.

Ans. The word monsoon is derived from the Arabic word ‘mausim’ which literally means season. Monsoon refers to the seasonal reversal in the wind direction during a year.

Q4. Mention the factors that affect the climate of a place?

Ans. There are six major controls of the climate of any place. They are lattitude, altitude, pressure and wind system, distance from the sea, ocean currents and relief features.

Latitude- Due to the curvature of the earth, the amount of solar energy received varies according to latitude.

Altitude - As one goes from the surface of the earth to higher altitudes, the atmosphere becomes less dense and temperature decreases.

Pressure and wind - The pressure and wind system of any area depend on the latitude and altitude of the place.

 Distance from the sea- As the distance from the sea increases, its moderating influence decreases and the people experience extreme weather conditions.  (i.e. very hot during summers and very cold during winters).

Ocean currents-  Ocean currents along with onshore winds affect the climate of the coastal areas.

Relief- relief too plays a major role in determining the climate of a place. High mountains act as barriers for cold or hot winds; they may also cause precipitation if they are high enough and lie in the path of rain-bearing winds. The leeward side of mountains remains dry.

Q5. Explain how latitude and altitude affect the climate of India?

Lattitude- The Tropic of Cancer passes through the middle of the country from the Rann of Kuchchh in the west to Mizoram in the east. Almost half of the country, lying south of the Tropic of Cancer, belongs to the tropical area. All the remaining area, north of the Tropic, lies in the sub-tropics. Therefore, India’s climate has characteristics of tropical as well as subtropical climates.

Altitude- India has mountains to the north. The Himalayas prevent the cold winds from Central Asia from entering the subcontinent. It is because of these mountains that this subcontinent experiences comparatively milder winters as compared to central Asia.

Q6. Mention 3 atmospheric conditions which govern the climate and associated weather condition in India?

Ans. The climate and associated weather conditions in India are governed by the following atmospheric conditions:

 • Pressure and surface winds;

 • Upper air circulation; and

• Western cyclonic disturbances and tropical cyclones.   
                                                                      (

Q7. Discuss the mechanism of monsoon in India.

Ans. The monsoons are experienced in the tropical area roughly between 20° N and 20° S. To understand the mechanism of the monsoons, the following facts are important.

 (a) The differential heating and cooling of land and water creates low pressure on the landmass of India while the seas around experience comparatively high pressure.

(b) The shift of the position of Inter Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) in summer, over the Ganga plain .

(c) The presence of the high-pressure area, east of Madagascar, approximately at 20°S over the Indian Ocean.

(d) The Tibetan plateau gets intensely heated during summer, which results in strong vertical air currents and the formation of high pressure over the plateau at about 9 km above sea level.

(e) The movement of the westerly jet stream to the north of the Himalayas and the presence of the tropical easterly jet stream over the Indian peninsula during summer.

Q8. State the main features of cold weather season in India.

Ans. The cold weather season begins from mid November in northern India and stays till February. 2. December and January are the coldest months in the northern part of India.

3. The temperature decreases from south to the north.

4. Days are warm and nights are cold.

5. Frost is common in the north and the higher slopes of the Himalayas experience snowfall.

Q9. State the main features of hot weather season in india.

Ans. The hot weather season begins from March and stays till May.

2. The summer months experience rising temperature and falling air pressure in the northern part of the country.

3. A striking feature of the hot weather season is the ‘loo’.

4. Dust storms are very common during the month of May in northern India.

5. Days are long and nights are short.

Q10. State any 3 characteristic features of advancing monsoon?

Ans. By early June, the low-pressure condition over the northern plains intensifies.

2. It attracts, the trade winds of the southern hemisphere.

3. As these winds blow over warm oceans, they bring abundant moisture to the subcontinent. These winds are strong and blow at an average velocity of 30 km per hour.

Q11. State any 3 characteristic features of retreating monsoon monsoon?

Ans. During October-November, with the apparent movement of the sun towards the south, the monsoon trough or the low-pressure trough over the northern plains becomes weaker.

2. The south-west monsoon winds weaken and start withdrawing gradually.

3. By the beginning of October, the monsoon withdraws from the Northern Plains.

                                                                                                                                                                       Q12. “The monsoon of india is known for its uncertanities.” Explain

Ans. The monsoon is known for its uncertainties. The alternation of dry and wet spells vary in intensity, frequency and duration. While it causes heavy floods one part, it may be responsible for droughts in the other. It is often irregular in its arrival and its retreat. Hence, it sometimes disturbs the farming schedule of millions of farmers all over the country.

Q13. Explain the distribution of rainfall as a result of monsoon winds in India

Ans. The western coast and northeastern India receive over about 400 cm of rainfall annualy.

 2.it is less than 60 cm in western Rajasthan and adjoining parts of Gujarat, Haryana and Punjab.

 3. Rainfall is equally low in the interior of the Deccan plateau, and east of the Sahyadris.

4.  A third area of low precipitation is around Leh in Jammu and Kashmir.

 5. The rest of the country receives moderate rainfall. Snowfall is restricted to the Himalayan region.

Q14. Explain how monsoon acts as a unifying bond in India.

Ans. The seasonal alteration of the wind systems and the associated weather conditions provide a rhythmic cycle of seasons.

2. Even the uncertainties of rain and uneven distribution are very much typical of the monsoons.

3. The Indian landscape, its animal and plant life, its entire agricultural calendar and the life of the people, including their festivities, revolve around this phenomenon.

4.Year after year, people of India from north to south and from east to west eagerly await the arrival of the monsoon.

5. These monsoon winds bind the whole country by providing water to set the agricultural activities in motion.

Democratic Rights - Class 9th ( Pol Sc.)

                                                  Democratic Rights

Q1. What were the problems faced by the prisoners of Guantanamo Bay?

Ans. In most cases the governments of their countries were not asked or even informed about

their imprisonment.

2. Families of prisoners, media or even UN representatives were not allowed to meet them.

3. The US army arrested them, interrogated them and decided whether to keep them there

or not.

4. There was no trial before any magistrate in the US. Nor could these prisoners approach courts in their own country.

Q2. What is the Amnesty International? How did this organisation highlight the issue of the problems faced by the prisoners of Guantanamo Bay?

Ans. An international organisation of volunteers who campaign for human rights.

2. Amnesty International, organisation, collected information on the condition of the prisoners in

Guantanamo Bay and reported that the prisoners were being tortured in ways that violated the US laws.

3. They were being denied the treatment that even prisoners of war must get as per international treaties.

4.  Many prisoners had tried protesting against these conditions by going on a hunger strike.

 5. Prisoners were not released even after they were officially declared not guilty.

Q3. Discuss the position of the citizens of Saudi Arabia with regard to their  govt. and citizens right?

Ans. The country is ruled by a hereditary king and the people have no role in electing or

changing their rulers.

2.  The king selects the legislature as well as the executive.

3. He appoints the judges and can change any of their decisions.

4.  Citizens cannot form political partiies or any political organisations.

5. Media cannot report anything that the monarch does not like.

6. There is no freedom of religion. Every citizen is required to be Muslim. Non-Muslim residents

can follow their religion in private, but not in public.

7.  Women are subjected to many public restrictions.

Q4. Write the main features of ethnic massacre in Kosovo?

Ans. This was a province of Yugoslavia before its split. In this province the population was

 ethnic Albanian. But in the entire country, Serbs  were in majority.

2. A narrow minded Serb nationalist Milosevic (pronounced Miloshevich) had won the election.

3.His government was very hostile to the Kosovo Albanians.

4.  He wanted the Serbs to dominate the country. Many Serb leaders thought that Ethnic

minorities like Albanians should either leave the country or accept the dominance of the Serbs.

5. the serbs army conducted many massacre on ethnic grounds. One of which was killing of Albanians in a town in Kosovo in April 1999.

6. This was one of the worst instances of killing based on ethnic prejudices.

7. Finally several other countries intervened to stop this massacre. Milosevic lost power and was tried by the  International Court of Justice for crimes against humanity.

Q5. What are rights?

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

Q6. Why do we need rights in a democracy?

Ans. Rights are necessary for the very sustenance of a democracy.

2. Rights protect minorities from the oppression of majority.

3. They ensure that the majority cannot do whatever it likes.

4.Rights are guarantees which can be used when things go wrong.

5. But sometimes elected governments may not protect or may even attack the rights

of their own citizens. That is why some rights need to be placed higher than the government, so that the government cannot violate them.

Q7. What are Fundamental rights?

Ans. Fundamental Rights are certain rights guaranteed to every Indian citizen by the constitution of India. Since these Rights are fundamental to our life , therefore these are given a special status in our constitution and are thus called fundamental rights.

Q8. Mention the 6 fundamental rights guaranteed by the Indian constitution to every Indian citizen?

Ans. right to equality

2. Right to Freedom

3. Right against Exploitation

4. Right to freedom of Religion

5. cultural and Educational right

6. Right to Constitutional Remedies.

Q9. What is meant by Rule of Law?

Ans. The Constitution says that the government shall not deny to any person in India equality before the law or the equal protection of the laws.

2. It means that the laws apply in the same manner to all, regardless of a person’s status. This is called the rule of law.

3. It means that no person is above the law.

Q10. What is untouchability? Why the practice of untouchability has been made a punishable offence in the constitution of India?

Ans. It refers to any belief or social practice which looks down upon people on account of their birth with certain caste labels.

2. The practice of untouchability has been forbidden in any form because such practice denies certain castes interaction with others or access to public places as equal citizens. So the constitution made untouchability a punishable offence.

Q11. State the main features of Right to Equality?

Ans. Every citizen from the Prime Minister to a small farmer is subjected to the same laws.

2. No person can legally claim any special treatment or privilege.

3. the govt. shall not discriminate against any citizen on grounds of religion, caste, sex, or place of birth.

4. Every citizen shall have access to public places like shops, hotels, cinema halls etc.

5. there shall be no restrictions with  regard to the use of wells, tanks, roads, playgrounds etc and places of public resorts maintained by govt or dedicated to the use of general public.  

Q12. Mention the 6 freedoms guaranteed by Indian Constitution to all its citizens under right to freedom?

Ans. Freedom of speech and expression

 Assembly in a peaceful manner

 Form associations and unions

 Move freely throughout the country

 Reside in any part of the country, and

 Practice any profession, or to carry on any occupation, trade or business.

Q13. Define the term Freedom.

Ans. Freedom means absence of restrictions. It means absence of interference in our affairs by others.

Q14. What freedoms under freedom of speech and expression are given to Indian citizens?

Ans. Freedom of speech and expression is one of the essential features of any democracy.

2. Our ideas and personality develop only when we are able to freely communicate with others.

3. In India people are free to publicise their views through a pamphlet, magazines, newspaper etc.

4. they are free to criticise the govt. or the activities of any association.

Q15. What are the limitations of freedom of speech and expression?

Ans. People cannot use this freedom to instigate violence against

others.

2. One  cannot use it to incite people to rebel against government.

3. Neither can one use it to defame others by saying false and mean things that cause damage to a person’s reputation.

Q16. What provisions are given in Indian constitution with respect to right to life and personal liberty?

Ans. The Constitution says that no person can be deprived of his life or personal liberty except according to procedure established by law.

2. It means that no person can be killed unless the court has ordered a death sentence.

3.It also means that a government or police officer can arrest or detain any citizen unless

he has proper legal justification.

Q17. What procedure a police officer has to follow while arresting a person ?

Ans. A person who is arrested and detained in custody will have to be informed of the reasons for such arrest and detention.

 A person who is arrested and detained shall be produced before the nearest magistrate within a

period of 24 hours of arrest.

 Such a person has the right to consult a lawyer or engage a lawyer for his defence.

Q18. What three evils have been declared illegal by the Indian Constitution under right against exploitation?

Ans. First, the Constitution prohibits ‘traffic in human beings’. Traffic here means selling and

buying of human beings, usually women, for immoral purposes.

2. Second, our Constitution also prohibits forced labour or begar in any form. Begar is a practice where the worker is forced to render service to the ‘master’ free of charge or at a low wages.

3. Finally, the Constitution also prohibits child labour. No one can employ a child below the age of

fourteen to work in any factory or mine or in any other hazardous work, such as railways and ports.

Q19. What freedom with respect to religion are given to Indian citizen under right to freedom of Religion?

Ans. Every person has a right to profess, practice and propagate the religion he or she believes in.

2.Every religious group or sect is free to manage its religious affairs.

3. A right to propagate one’s religion, however, does not mean that a person has right to compel another person to convert into his religion by means of force.

4.A person is free to change religion on his or her ownwill.

5.Freedom to practice religion does not mean that a person can do whatever he wants in the name of religion.

6. Our religious practices should not hurt the humanity in any respect.

Q20. What are the main features of a secular state?

Ans. A secular state is one that does not confer any privilege or favour on any particular religion.

2. Nor does it punish or discriminate against people on the basis of religion they follow.

3. The government cannot compel any person to pay any taxes for the promotion or maintenance of

any particular religion or religious institution.

4. There shall be no religious instructions in the govt. educational institutions.

5. A secular state is one that does not establish any one religion as official religion.

6. a state has to be neutral and impartial in dealing with all religions.

Q21. Why did our constitution makers guaranteed cultural and educational rights particularly for the minorities in India?

Ans.Our constitution makers were aware that the working of democracy gives power to the

majority.

2.  It is the language, culture and religion of minorities that needs special protection.

3. Otherwise, they may get neglected or undermined under the impact of the language, religion and culture of the majority.

4. That is why the Constitution specifies the cultural and educational rights of the minorities.

Q22. What cultural and educational rights for the minorities are mentioned in the Indian constitution?

Ans. Any section of citizens with a distinct language or culture have a right to conserve it.

 Admission to any educational institution maintained by government or receiving government aid cannot be denied to any citizen on the ground of religion or language.

 All minorities have the right to establish and administer educational institutions of their choice.

Q23. State the main features of right to constitutional remedies?

                                Or

Give reason why Dr. Ambedkar called the right to constitutional remedies heart and soul of Indian Constitution?

Ans. Right to constitutional Remedies makes other rights effective.

2. It is possible that sometimes our rights may be violated by fellow citizens , private bodies or by the govt.

3. According to right to constitutional remedies when any of our rights are violated , we can seek remedy through courts.

4. If it is a fundamental right we can directly approach the supreme court or the high court of a state.

5. That is why Dr. Ambedkar called the Right to Constitutional Remedies, the heart and soul of our constitution.

Q24. How are our fundamental rights guaranteed against the action of the govt.?

Ans. Fundamental Rights are guaranteed against the actions of the Legislatures, the Executive, and

any other authorities instituted by the government.

2. If any act of the Legislature or the Executive takes away or limits any of the Fundamental Rights it will be invalid.

3. We can challenge such laws of the central and state governments, the policies and actions of the government.

4.Courts also enforce the Fundamental Rights against private individuals and bodies.

5. The supreme court and high courts have the power to issue directions, orders or writs for the enforcement of the fundamental rights.

6. They can also award compensation to the victims and punishment to the violators.

Q25. What are writs?

Ans. a formal document containing an order of the court to the court to the govt. issued only by high court or the supreme court.

Q26. Write a short note on National Human rights Commission?

Ans. This is an independent commission set up by law in 1993.

2. Like judiciary, the Commission is independent of the government.

3. The Commission is appointed by the President and includes retired judges, officers and eminent citizens.

4. It focus on helping the victims secure their human rights.

5. the NHRC cannot by itself punish the guilty.

6. the NHRC is there to make independent inquiry into any case of violation of human rights.

7. the commission presents its findings and recommendations to the govt. or intervene in the court on behalf of the victims.

Q27. Write a note on the expanding scope of rights in India?

Ans. Fundamental Rights granted by the Constitution are not the only rights   citizen have.

2.    Apart from our Constitution and law offers a wider range of rights.

3. Certain rights like right to freedom of press, right to information, and right to education

are derived from the Fundamental Rights.

4.  Recently the supreme court has expanded the meaning of the right to the life to include the right to food.

5. Sometimes the expansion takes place in the form of human rights which are universal moral claims that may or may not have been recognised by law.

Q28. What new rights are guaranteed by the constitution of south Africa to its citizens ?

Ans. Right to privacy.

 Right to an environment that is not harmful to their health or well- being;

 Right to have access to adequate housing.

 Right to have access to health care services, sufficient food and water; no one may be refused emergency medical treatment.

Political Parties - class 10

Chapter – 6

Political Parties

Q1.  “Political Parties are one of the most visible institutions in a democracy”. Explain

Ans. Political parties are one of the most visible institutions in a democracy. For most ordinary citizens, democracy is equal to political parties.

2. People may not know anything about our constitution or about the nature of our government, but chances are that they would know something about our political parties. Most people tend to be very critical of political parties.

Q2. “Visibility of political parties need not mean their popularity “. Explain

Ans. Visibility of political parties does not mean popularity parties.

2. they tend to blame parties for all that is wrong with our democracy and our political life.

3. Parties have become identified with social and political divisions.

Q3. Explain the meaning of political parties.

Ans. A political party is a group of people who come together to contest elections and hold power in the government.

2.  They agree on some policies and programmes for the society with a view to promote the collective good.

3. Parties try to persuade people why their policies are better than others.

4.  They seek to implement these policies by winning popular support through elections.

Q4. Explain how political parties involve partisanship.

Ans. Parties reflect fundamental political divisions in a society.

2. A party is known by which part it stands for which policies it supports and whose interests it upholds.

3. Parties are about a part of the society and thus involve partisanship.

Q5. Mention the three components of a political party.

Ans. The three components of a political party are –

1.       The leaders

2.       The active members and

3.       The followers

  

Q6. What are the functions of political parties?

Ans. Parties contest elections- In most democracies, elections are fought mainly among the candidates put up by political parties.

2. Parties put forward different policies and programmes and the voters choose from them.

3. Parties play a decisive role in making laws for a country.

4. Parties form and run government. The big policy decisions are taken by political executive that comes from the political parties.

5. Those parties that lose in the elections play the role of opposition to the parties in power.

6.  Parties shape public opinion. They raise and highlight issues .

7. Parties promote people access to government machinery and welfare schemes implemented by government.

Q7. Describe the role of opposition in a democracy?

Ans. Those parties that lose in the elections play the role of opposition to the parties in power.

2. They voice different views and criticize government for its failure or wrong policies.

3. Opposition parties also mobilise opposition to the government.

Q8. How do political parties shape public opinion?

Ans. Parties have lakhs of members and activists spread all over the country.

2. Many of the pressure groups are the extensions of political parties.

3. Parties sometimes also launch movements for the resolution of problems faced by people.

4. Often opinions in the society crystallise on the line’s parties take.

Q9. Examine the situation on a country without a political party?

Ans. If there were no political parties every candidate in the elections will be independent.

2.  No one will be able to make any promises to the people about any major policy changes.

3.  The government may be formed, but its utility will remain ever uncertain.

4. elected representatives will only be accountable to their constituency.

5 No one will be responsible for how the country will be run.

  

Q10. Why do we need political parties?

                                Or

Justify that parties are a necessary condition for a democracy.

Ans. The rise of political parties is directly linked to the emergence of representative democracies.

·         Large societies need representative democracy. As societies became large and complex, they also needed some agency to gather different views on various issues and to present these to the government.

·         They needed some ways, to bring various representatives together so that a responsible government could be formed.

·         They needed a mechanism to support or restrain the government, make policies, justify or oppose them.

·         Political parties fulfil these needs that every representative government has.

·         Hence parties are a necessary condition for a democracy.

Q11. Explain the three types of party system.

Ans. One Party System-

·         In some countries only one party is allowed to control and run the government. These are called one-party system. For e.g. in china only the communist party is allowed to rule.

·         We cannot consider one party system as a good option because this is not a democratic option.

Two Party system

·         In some countries, power usually changes between two main parties.

·         Several other parties may exist, contest elections and win a few seats in the national legislatures.

·         But only the two main parties have a serious chance of winning majority of seats to form government. Such party system is called two party system. For e.g. USA and UK.

Multi Party System –

·         In a multi party system more than two political parties contest elections.

·         People have a choice to choose any of the political parties.

·         Multi party system usually led to the formation of coalition government.

·         The multi-party system often appears very messy and leads to political instability.

·         At the same time, this system allows a variety of interests and opinions to enjoy political representations.

Q12. What is an alliance? Give examples.

Ans. When several parties in a multi-party system join hands for the purpose of contesting elections and winning power, it is called an alliance or a front. For example in india there were three such major alliances in 2004 parliamentary elections- the National Democratic alliance, the United Progressive Alliance and the left fraud.

Q13. “Party system is not something any country choose”. Explain

                                                                Or

“No party system is ideal for all countries and all situations”. Explain

Ans. Party system is not something any can country can choose.

·         It evolves over a long time,depending on the nature of society, its social and regional divisions, its history of politicsand its system of elections.

·         Each country develops a party system that is conditioned by its special circumstances.

·         For eg. India has evolved a multi-party system, it is because the social and geographical diversity in such a large country is not easily absorbed by two or even three.

·         Hence no system is ideal for all countries and all situations.

Q14. Which political parties are called recognised political parties in india?

Ans. Every party in the country has to register with the election commision.

·         While the commision treats all parties equally, it offers some special facilities to large and established parties.

·         These parties are given a unique symbol and some other special facilities by the Election Commission.

·         These parties are called recognised political parties.

Q15. What criteria has been down by the election commission to recognise a political party as a national or state political party?

Ans. A party that secure at least six per cent of the total votes in an election to the legislative assembly of a state and wins at least two seats is recognised as a state party.

2. A party that secures at least six per cent of the total votes in Lok Sabha elections or Assembly elections in four states and wins at least four seats in te Lok Sabha is recognised as a national party.

Q16. Justify with examples that all regional political parties need not be regional in their identity.

Ans. Although state parties are commonly referred to as regional parties yet these parties need not be regional in their ideology or outlook.

2. Some of these parties are all Indian parties that happen to have succeeded only in some states. For e.g. Samajwadi party, Samata Party and Rashtriya Janata Dal.

3. some of these parties like Biju Janta Dal, Sikkim democratic fraud and Mizo National Front are conscious about their state identity.

Q17. State the main features of National Political parties.

Ans. Parties that are present in several or all units of the federations are called national political parties.

2. There are some country wide parties, which are called national parties . These parties have their units in various states.

3. A party that secures at least six per cent of the total votes in Lok Sabha elections or Assembly elections in four states and wins at least four seats in te Lok Sabha is recognised as a national party.

4.       All these units follow the same policies, programmes and strategy that is decided at the national level. For e.g Indian National Congress, Bhartiya Janata Party. Etc.

5.       National parties have influence all over the country.

Q18. State the main features of regional/state political parties.

Ans. Parties that are present in only one of the federal units are called state parties.

2. state parties are commonly referred to as regional parties.

3. A party that secure at least six per cent of the total votes in an election to the legislative assembly of a state and wins at least two seats is recognised as a state party.

4. However all state parties need not be regional in their ideology or outlook. For eg. Janata Dal , Indian National LokDal etc.

5. these parties have influence only in one or two states.

Q19. How has the position of state parties in Indian improved over the past few decades?

Ans. Over the last few decades, the number and strength of these parties has expanded.

2. this made the parliament of India politically more and more diverse.

3. No one national party is able to secure on its own a mojority in Lok Sabha.

4. As a result, the national parties are compelled to form alliances with state parties.

5. since 1996, nearly every one of the state parties has got an opportunity to be a part of one or the other national level coalition government.

6. This has contributed to the strengthening of federalism and democracy in our country.

Q20. What are the challenges faced by political parties in India?

Ans. The first challenge is Lack of internal democracy within parties.

2. There is a tendency in political parties towards the concentration of power in one or few leaders at the top.

3. Ordinary members of the party do not get sufficient information on what happens inside the party.

4. They do not have the means of connections needed to influence the decisions.

5. those who disagree with the leadership find it difficult to continue in the party.

The second challenge is of dynastic succession:-

·         There are very few ways for an ordinary worker to rise to the top in party.

·         Those who happen to be the leaders are in a position of unfair advantage to favour people close to them or even their family members.

·         In many parties the top positions are always controlled by members of one family.

·         This is unfair to other members of that party and also bad for democracy.

 The third challenge is about the growing role of money and muscle power in parties ,especially during elections.

·         Since parties are focused only on winning elections, they tend to nominate those candidates who have or can raise lots of money.

·         Rich people and companies who give funds to the parties tend to have influence on the policies and decisions of the party.

·         In some cases, parties support criminals who can win elections.

The fourth challenge is that very often parties do not seen to offer a meaningful  choice to the voters.

·         In order to offer meaningful choice, parties must be significantly different.

·         In recent years there has been a decline in the ideological differences among parties in most parts of the world.

·         Those want really different policies have no option available to them.

·         Sometimes people cannot even elect very different leaders either, because the same set of leaders keep shifting from one party to another.

Q21. What are the various ways to reform political parties?

                                                Or

a)       What legel measures have been taken to reform political parties in India?

b)      Suggest any three ways to reform political parties in India.

Ans. a) The constitution was ameded o prevent elected MLA’s and MP’s from changing parties.

·         Now the law says that if any MLA or MP change parties, he or  she will lose the seat in the legislature.

·         At the same time this has made any dissent even more difficult.

·         The Supreme court pass an order to reduce the influence of money and criminals. Now, it is mandatory for every candidate who contest elections to file an affidavit giving details of his property and criminals cases pending against him.

·         The new system has made a lot of information available to the public.

·         The election commission passed an order making it necessary for political parties to hold their organisational elections and file their income tax returns.

b)A law should be made to regulate the internal affairs of political parties.

·         It should be made mandatory for political parties to give a minimum number of tickets about one-third to women candidates.

·         There should be state funding of elections. The government should give parties money to support their eection expenses.

Q22. Describe the role of citizens in reforming political parties.

Ans. There are two ways in which political parties can be reformed.

1.       People can put pressure on political parties. This can be done through petitions, publicity and agitations. Ordinary citizens, pressure groups and movements and the media can play an important role in this.

2.       Political parties can improve if those who want this join political parties. The quality of democracy depends on the degree of public participation. The problem of bad politics can be solved by more and better politics.

Q23. Write a short note on the following :-

 1.    Partisan (Active member)

A person, who is strongly committed to a political party

2.    Partisanship ( Follower)

Partisanship is marked by a tendency to take a side and inability to take a balanced view on an issue.

31.      Indian National Congress(INC)

a.       Congress Party is one of the oldest parties of the world. It was founded in 1885 and has experienced many splits.

b.      Under the leadership of Jawaharlal Nehru, the party sought to build a modern secular democratic republic in India.

c.       Ruling party at the centre from 1947 to 1977 and then from 1980 to 1989. After 1989, its support declined, but it continues to be present throughout the country, cutting across social divisions.

d.      A centrist party (neither rightist nor leftist) in its ideological orientation, the party espouses secularism and welfare of weaker sections and minorities.

e.       Currently leads the ruling United Progressive Alliance coalition government at the Centre.

2.      Bharatiya Janata Party(BJP)

a.       It was founded in 1980 by reviving the erstwhile Bharatiya Jana Sangh.

b.      It wants to build a strong and modern India by drawing inspiration from India’s ancient culture and values. Cultural nationalism (or ‘Hindutva’) is an important element in its conception of Indian nationhood and politics.

c.       It wants full territorial and political integration of Jammu and Kashmir with India, a uniform civil code for all people living in the country irrespective of religion and ban on religious conversions.

d.      Earlier its popularity was limited to north and west and to urban areas but the party expanded its support in the south, east and north-east and to rural areas.

e.       Came to power in 1998 as the leader of the National Democratic Alliance including several state and regional parties.

3.      Bahujan Samaj Party( BSP)

a.       It was formed in 1984 under the leadership of Kanshi Ram.It seeks to represent and secure power for the bahujan samaj which includes the dalits, adivasis, OBCs and religious minorities.

b.      It draws inspiration from the ideas and teachings of Sahu Maharaj, Mahatma Phule, Periyar Ramaswami Naicker and Babasaheb Ambedkar.

c.       It stands for the cause of securing the interests and welfare of the dalits and oppressed people.

d.      It has its main base in the state of Uttar Pradesh and substantial presence in neighbouring states like Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Uttarakhand, Delhi and Punjab.

e.       It formed government in Uttar Pradesh several times by taking the support of different parties at different times.

f.       In the Lok Sabha elections held in 2004, it polled about 5 per cent votes and secured 19 seats in the Lok Sabha.

4.      Communist Party of India - Marxist (CPI-M):

a.       It was founded in 1964. It believes in Marxism- Leninism.

b.      It supports socialism, secularism and democracy and opposes imperialism and communalism.

c.       It accepts democratic elections as a useful and helpful means for securing the objective of socioeconomic justice in India.

d.      It enjoys strong support in West Bengal, Kerala and Tripura, especially among the poor, factory workers, farmers, agricultural labourers and the intelligentsia.

e.       Has been in power in West Bengal without a break for 30 years. In 2004 elections, it won about 6 per cent of votes and 43 seats in the Lok Sabha.

 5.      Communist Party of India (CPI)

a.       It was formed in 1925. It believes in Marxism-Leninism, secularism and democracy.

b.      It opposes to the forces of secessionism and communalism.

c.       It accepts parliamentary democracy as a means of promoting the interests of the working class, farmers and the poor.

d.      It became weak after the split in the party in 1964. Significant presence in the states of Kerala, West Bengal, Punjab, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.

e.       Its support base had gradually declined over the years. It secured about 1.4 per cent votes and 10 seats in the 2004 Lok Sabha elections.

6.      Nationalist Congress Party (NCP):

a.       It was formed in 1999 following a split in the Congress party.

b.      It espouses democracy, Gandhian secularism, equity, social justice and federalism.

c.       It wants that high offices in government be confined to natural born citizens of the country.

d.      A major party in Maharashtra and has a significant presence in Meghalaya, Manipur and Assam.

e.       A coalition partner in the state of Maharashtra in alliance with the Congress. Since 2004, a member of the United Progressive Alliance.