Short Answer Type Questions

Q.1. Why universal adult franchise is important in a democracy?

Ans. In a democracy, the universal adult franchise is crucial for
several reasons:

• It ensures that democracy is a government by the people, for

the people.
• Every adult, regardless of caste, creed, religion, region, sex,
or wealth, has the right to vote. This principle is known as
the universal adult franchise.
• It is founded on the concept of equality.

Universal Adult Franchise

Q.2. What is one of the main reasons that is responsible for the
continuance of discrimination?
Ans. Main reasons for the continuance of discrimination is that
attitudes change very slowly.

• People know that discrimination is illegal, yet they still treat

others unequally based on caste, religion, disability,
economic status, and gender.
• Attitudes can only change when individuals believe that no
one is inferior and that everyone deserves to be treated
with dignity.
• Establishing equality in a democratic society is an ongoing
struggle.
• Individuals and various communities in India play a vital role
in addressing and removing inequalities.

Q.3. Give an example to show all people are equal according to the
Indian constitution.
Ans. The right to vote is given to all adults irrespective of their
gender, caste, creed, or socio-economic status. This ensures that
every citizen has an equal voice in the democratic process.

Q.4. Write a brief note on the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Ans. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 was a landmark piece of
legislation in the United States. It aimed to:

• Prohibit discrimination based on race, religion, or national

origin.
• Ensure that all schools were open to African-
American children, ending the practice of separate schools.
Q.5. What is the position of equality in India, a democratic country?
Ans. The Indian Constitution recognises that every person is equal.
This includes:

• All individuals, regardless of gender, caste, religion, or

economic background, are considered equal.
• Despite this recognition, inequality still exists in society.
• Previously, there were no laws to protect individuals
from discrimination and mistreatment.
• Now, several laws are in place to ensure that everyone is
treated with dignity and as equals.

Q.6. Why do people refuse to think of Dalits as equal, even though

the law says it?
Ans. People often struggle to see Dalits as equals, despite legal
protections. This is largely due to:

• Attitudes that change slowly over time.

• A lack of understanding that everyone deserves to be treated
with dignity.
• Deep-rooted beliefs about superiority and inferiority among
different groups.

True equality will only be achieved when society collectively

acknowledges that no one is inferior or superior.
Q.7. List the provision in the constitution for recognition of
equality.
Ans. The Constitution recognises equality for all individuals.This
includes several key provisions:

• Equality before the law: Every person, from the President to

domestic workers, is subject to the same laws.
• Non-discrimination: No one can be discriminated against
based on caste, colour, race, religion, place of birth, or
gender.
• Access to public places: All individuals can access public
areas such as parks, markets, and hotels.
 • Abolition of untouchability: This practice has been
completely abolished.

Q.8. What do you mean by a mid-day meal program?

Ans. The mid-day meal program is an initiative in government
elementary schools aimed at providing students with cooked
lunches. Key features include:

• Improved attendance as children no longer go home for

lunch.
• Support for working mothers who previously had to
interrupt their jobs to feed their children.
• Promotion of equality as children from different backgrounds
eat together, helping to reduce caste prejudices.
• Addressing hunger among poor students, allowing them to
concentrate better in class.

Overall, this program plays a crucial role in enhancing educational

opportunities for disadvantaged children
Q.9. Does Kanta have enough reason to doubt the equality level of
citizens?
Ans. Yes, Kanta has enough reasons to doubt whether she is equal.
The reasons behind it are:

• She cannot skip work when her daughter is ill

• She does not have enough money to take her to the doctor
• She has to stand in line in the government hospital for her turn
to show her daughter to the doctor.

Q.10. What do you mean by the term “All persons are equal before
the law”? Why do you think this is important in a democracy?
Ans. By the term “All persons are equal before the law,” we mean:

• The law applies to everyone, regardless of class, caste,

or gender.
• Everyone is expected to treat others as equals in public
spaces and in exercising their fundamental rights.
 • This principle is crucial in a democracy as it helps maintain
the dignity of all individuals.

Q.12. Are all the people who have voting rights equal?
Ans. People like Kanta have voting rights, but their daily living
conditions are far from equal. They experience inequality in
different ways.
LongAnswer Type Questions
Q.1. Re-read the box on Article 15 and state two ways in which this
Article addresses inequality.
Ans. Article 15 addresses inequality in two significant ways:

• The State is prohibited from discriminating against any

citizen based solely on religion, race, caste, sex, or place of
birth.

No citizen can face

any disability, restriction, or condition regarding:

• Access to shops, public restaurants, hotels, and

entertainment venues.
• The use of public facilities such as wells, tanks, bathing ghats,
roads, and other places maintained with State funds.

Q.2. Mention two different kinds of inequalities that exist in our

country. Give examples.
Ans. Two different kinds of inequalities that exist in our country
are:
 • Caste-based inequality: - Omprakash Valmiki, a Dalit, faced
severe discrimination. - In school, his headmaster forced him
to sweep the school and playground.
• Religious inequality: - The Ansaris experienced unfair
treatment due to their religion. - They were interested in
renting an apartment, but when the landlady learned their
names, she refused to rent to them.

Q.3. When persons are treated unequally, their dignity is violated.

How?
Ans. When people are treated unequally, their dignity is violated,
leading to feelings of humiliation. Here are some key points:

• The dignity of both Omprakash Valmiki and the Ansaris was

harmed due to their treatment.
• Omprakash Valmiki was made to sweep the school because
of his caste, which deeply hurt his dignity and made him feel
inferior to his classmates.
• As a child, Omprakash had limited ability to change his
situation; it was his father who felt anger and confronted the
teachers.
• The Ansaris also faced dignity violations when people
refused to rent them apartments.
• A property dealer suggested they change their name, which
further disrespected their dignity, leading them to reject the
idea.
• Both Omprakash and the Ansaris deserve the same respect
and dignity as everyone else.

Q.4. List four benefits of the midday meal program.

Ans. The following are the benefits of the mid-day meal program:

• The midday meal programme has significantly increased

enrolment and attendance among poor children in schools.
• It has eliminated the practice of students going home for
lunch and not returning, thereby improving overall
attendance.
• This initiative has helped reduce caste prejudices, as children
from different castes share meals together, and many Dalit
women are employed to cook.
• By providing meals, the programme addresses hunger among
poor students, allowing them to concentrate better in class.