Q 1 – Which one of the following is a major caste group of Sri Lanka?
(a) Christian and Tamil
(b) Buddhist and Hindu
(c) Sinhali and Tamil
(d) Sinhali and Christian
(c) Sinhali and Tamil
Q 2 – Which two languages among the following are prominently spoken by Belgium Nationals ?
(a) French and English
(b) Dutch and French
(c) Russian and Dutch
(d) Russian and French
(b) Dutch and French
Q 3 – Identify the correct option of power sharing on the basis of different levels of government.
(a) Among different pressure groups.
(b) Among different social groups.
(c) Legislature, Executive and Judiciary.
(d) Union Government, State Government and Local bodies
(d) Union Government, State Government and Local bodies.
Q 4 – Which of the following is the majority group in Sri Lanka ?
(a) Tamils
(b) Christians
(c) Sinhalese
(d) Muslims
(c) Sinhalese
Q 5 – Under which of the following is power shared in the ‘Community Government’ of Belgium?
(a) Different social groups
(b) Different organs of government
(c) Central and State government
(d) State government and Community government
(a) Different social groups
Q 6 – Sometimes elections are all about caste in India.’’ How can this situation be avoided ?
No, I do not agree. The focus on caste in politics can sometimes give an impression that elections are all about caste and nothing else.
Explanation:
- There is no simple majority for a single caste in any parliamentary constituency in the nation.Therefore, the candidate and every party must gain the confidence of more than one community & caste in winning elections.
- No one party gainsall caste or class voters’ . When people say that one party’s caste is a ‘vote bank’ it generally means that a significant percentage of caste voters vote for that party.
- Several political parties can bring candidates out of the same caste (if the caste in a specific constituency is expected to dominate the electorate). Some electors have more thanone of their caste candidates and several of them don’t have a caste nominee. These electors are not voting on the basis of caste.
- In our region, the ruling party and the MP or MLA always lose elections. This indicates that the electorate do not re-elect members of their own caste unless they work for their constituents (elected representatives)..
Q 7 – Describe the necessity of political parties in democracy.
- These are the following necessities of the political parties.
- Political parties are important as they give a wide variety of choices of candidates in election.
- Political parties oppose the government and convey the public’s grievances to the government. They inform the people about the working of the ruling parties. So political parties work as a link between the public and government.
- They form government and run government.
- They make policy while in government. and rule over the country and ensure development.
Q 8 – Democracy is based on political equality.’’ Support the statement with examples.
Democracies are mainly the government of the people where the supreme power is vested on the people but exercised by the rulers elected by the people. Democracies encourage political participation of all people through voting and election. People of all caste, religion, sex, language etc are given the right to vote.The political institutions in democracies such as the executive and legislature derives its power from the people.This clearly signifies that democracies are based on political equality.
Q 9 – Modern democracies maintain check and balance system. Identify the correct option based on the Horizontal power sharing arrangement.
(a) Central government, state government, local bodies.
(b) Legislature, executive, judiciary.
(c) Among different social groups.
(d) Among different pressure groups.
Legislature, executive, judiciary.
Explanation:
- The constitution provides for a proper check and balance system
- For that purpose, the legislature, executive and judiciary have horizontal powers that maintain a balance in the system
- The legislature has powers over executive and judiciary
- Judiciary has powers over executive and legislative
- Executive has power over legislative and judiciary
Q 10 – Suggest any one way to protect women from domestic oppression.
One way to protect women from domestic oppression is to raise awareness and explain their rights so that they can protect themselves.
Q 11 – State any one step taken in Belgium to rule out the problem of regional differences and cultural diversities.
. Amendment in the constitution regarding the equal number of ministers who speak French and who speak Dutch in the central govt.
Explanation:
Belgium faced a severe dispute during the early 19th century due to the regional and cultural differences among the French and Dutch citizens. In order to resolve this issue, Belgium constitution underwent certain amendments:
1). The central government is not superior to the state government neither the state is inferior to the center.
2). The equal number of ministers in the central govt. from the French and Dutch communities.
3). A distinct government called ‘community government’ was formed to make important decisions regarding these cultural, regional, or linguistic differences.
3). The capital Brussels would have a separate govt. without any interference and having equal representation from the Dutch and French communities.
Q 12 – Why has India adopted a multi-party system ? Explain.
India adopted a multi party system because of the social and geographical diversity of the nation. Through this system different and diverse parties could represent the sections of the society and power does not absorb in the hands of one single party. India adopted this system because of the vast diversity and plurality in the nation. Only such a system could accommodate the huge population like India. The diverse social, cultural, religious and geographical features of the country could only be accommodated under multi party, as one party system like in China gives birth to authoritarianism and eliminates the chance of free and fair elections which are important components of democracy. Through this system each and every section of the society is represented in the parliament and the need and aspirations of the people can be fulfilled, such as the emergence of local parties, regional parties etc. This system also ensures a smooth and healthy competition between parties and prevents dictatorship of any single party.
Q 13 – Explain the role of Election Commission in the registration and recognition of political parties in India.
The election commission has the right to allow symbols to the political parties. It gives recognition to the national parties, state parties and regional parties. It sets limits on poll expenses. The commission prepare electoral rolls and update the voter’s list from time to time.
Q 14 – Why is power sharing desirable ? Explain one reason.
Power sharing helps to reduce the possibility of conflict between social groups. Power sharing is a good way to ensure the stability of political order as social conflict often leads to violence and political instability. Imposing the will of the majority community over others may look like an attractive option in the short run, but in the long run it undermines the unity of the nation. Tyranny of the majority is not only oppressive for the minority but it also brings ruin to the majority.
Q 15 – Describe any three features of ‘federal government.’
The features of .federal government are given below:
(i) There are two or more levels (tiers) of government.
(ii) Each level of government has its own jurisdiction in matters of legislation, taxation and administration even though they govern the same citizens.
(iii) Powers and functions of each tier of government is specified and guaranteed by Constitution.
(iv) The Supreme Court has been given power to settle disputes between federal governments.
(v) Fundamental provisions of Constitution cannot be altered by any one level of government.
(vi) The divisions of powers are defined by the Constitution and the legislative power.
Q 16 – Explain the main reason for the alienation of Tamils in Sri Lanka.
The majoritarian measures of the Sinhala Government like making the Sinhala as the official language and favouring Sinhala applicants for university positions and government jobs gradually increased the feeling of alienation among the Sri Lankan Tamils
Q 17 – Differentiate between ruling and opposition parties.
The party which wins the majority of seats in the election is known as ruling party whereas the party which is not able to get the majority seats is known as the opposition party.
Q 18 – Mention the two conditions that democracy must fulfil in order to achieve a harmonious social life.
i It is necessary to understand that democracy is not simply a rule by majority opinion. The majority always needs to work with the minority so that government can function to represent the general view.
ii It is also necessary that a rule by majority does not become a rule by majority in terms of religion or race or linguistic group etc. rule by majority means that in case of every decision or in case of every election different persons and groups may and can form a majority. Democracy remains democracy only as long as every citizen has a chance of being in majority at some point of time.
Q 19 – Democracy’s ability to generate its own support is itself an outcome that cannot be ignored.”Analyse the statement with three example.
(i) Democracy ensures that decision making will be based on norms and procedure.
(ii) Every citizen has the right and means to examine the process of decision making.
(iii) Democratic governments are accountable, legitimate and transparent governments.
(iv) People have the right to choose their rulers
Q 20 – Mention any three features of ‘secularism’ described in the Indian Constitution.
Secularism is a belief which says that people belonging to all the religion will be treated equally and their dignity will never be disrupted irrespective of their religious background .
Some of the three features of secularism mentioned in the Indian constitution are :
1) A country should not have any official religion , to be called secular . India doesn’t have any official religion .
2) All citizens are allowed to practice their religion in India . Everyone in India has the right to follow the religion they want .
3) No citizen in India will be criticized or discriminated for indulging in the their own religious traditions , beliefs , cultures etc .
Q 21 – Describe any five functions of political party.
Functions of political parties:
i Parties contest elections.
ii They put forward policies and programmes.
iii Parties play a decisive role in making laws.
iv Parties form and run a government.
v Defeated parties in the election play its role of opposition to the parties in power.
vi Parties shape public opinion.
vii Parties provide people access to government machinery and welfare schemes.
Q 22 – ‘Communalism can take various forms in politics.’ Explain.
. Communalism can take various forms in politics are discussed below :
(i) When religious beliefs of a person involve prejudices and stereotypes, claiming one religion.s ideas to be superior to another.
(ii) When a majority community tries to establish its domination over the other communities with the help of the state. Minority communities under such circumstances, retaliates by demanding the formation of separate state for them. Political mobilisation on religious lines occurs when religious symbols and leaders make an emotional appeal to the people in order to bring the members of a particular community together.
(iii) Communal violence is the worst form of communalism. It acquires the political form when it is sponsored by the state.
(iv) Political mobilisation on religious lines is another frequent form of communalism. This involves the use of sacred symbols, religious leaders, emotional appeal and plain fear in order to bring the followers of one religion together in the political arena.
(v) In a democracy, communalism may take the form when the majoritarian community starts believing in the superiority of their religion and ignores the wishes of the minorities.
Q 23 – Describe the necessity of political parties in democratic countries.
- The actions of elected officials will be subject to scrutiny by their constituents. The emergence of representative
democracies is closely related to the growth of political parties. Representative democracy is necessary for large-scale societies.
ii. As societies grew larger and more complex, they also required a body to collect various points of view and present them to the government.
iii. So that a responsible government could be formed, they needed a way to bring together various representatives.
iv. They required a system to help or hinder the government, set policies, and support or oppose them.
v. These requirements are met by political parties in every representative government. We can state that the existence of parties is essential for democracy.
Q 24 – Suggest any three ways to maintain Body Mass Index (BMI).
Body Mass Index (BMI) is an estimate of an individual.s relative body fat. It is calculated by measuring person.s height and weight using the formula, body weight in kgs/height in metre squared (m)?. It can be maintained by following ways:
(i) Through aerobic exercise.
(ii) Through anaerobic activity.
(iii) Through team games and individual sports.
Q 25 – Tertiary sector activities help in the development of the primary and secondary sectors.” Evaluate the Statement.
Tertiary sector activities help in the development of the primary and secondary sectors because of following reasons:
(i) Tertiary sector activities, by themselves, do not produce any good but they are an aid or support for the primary and secondary sectors production process. For example the transport, trade, storage, etc. helps the primary, sector industries like agriculture.
(ii) Tertiary sector comprises of several essential services such as hospitals, educational institutions, post and telegraph services, police stations, courts, defence, transports, banks, etc. All these are required as a basic service that helps the primary and secondary sectors.
(iii) Over the past decade or so, certain new services such as those based on information and communication technology have become important and essential.
Q 26 – Political parties have become omnipresent in democracies all over the world.”Explain the statement with examples.
Political parties are easily one of the most visible institutions in a democracy. For most ordinary citizens, democracy is equal to political parties. Parties are about a part of the society and thus involve partisanship. Thus a party is known by which part it stands for, Which policies it supports and whose interests it upholds. Thus Political parties became so omnipresent (widely spread) all over the world, as it gives out a healthy democracy.
Q 27 – Explain, how the rise of political parties are directly linked to the emergence of representative democracies.
i 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.
ii. They needed some ways, to bring various representatives together so that a responsible government could be formed.
iii. They needed a mechanism to support or restrain the government, make policies, justify or oppose them.
iv. Political parties fulfill these needs that every representative government has.
v. We can say that parties are a necessary condition for a democracy.
Q 28 – Why were some of the Muslim political organisations in India lukewarm in their response to the Civil Disobedience Movement ? Give the main reason.
First World War had ended with the defeat of Ottoman Turkey and there were rumours that a harsh peace treaty was going to be imposed on the Ottoman Emperor. This may have caused some Muslim political organisations in India to be lukewarm in their response to the Civil Disobedience Movement.
Q 29 – Choose the incorrect option from column A and column B.
Column A | Column B |
(a) Landless rural labourers | (i) More days of work and better wages |
(b) Prosperous farmers from | (ii) Availability of other sources |
(c) Farmers who depend only on rain for growing crops | (iii) Assured a higher support |
(d) A rural woman from a land | (iv) Regular job and high wages |
Column A | Column B |
(a) Landless rural labourers | (i) More days of work and better wages |
(b) Prosperous farmers from Punjab | (iii) Assured a higher support |
(c) Farmers who depend only on rain for growing crops | (ii) Availability of other sources |
(d) A rural woman from a land owning family | (iv) Regular job and high wages to increase her income |
Q 30 – How is one – Party system different from two – party system ? Explain with examples.
Q 31 – Political parties play an important role in democratic countries.” justify the statement.
A political party is a group of people who come together to contest elections and hold power in the government. They agree on some policies and programmers for the society with a view to promote the collective good. Since there can be different views on what is good for all, parties try to persuade people why their policies are better than others. They seek to implement these policies by winning popular support through elections.