Extra 20 long-answer questions from Chapter:5 Popular Struggles and Movements (Class 10 CBSE Political Science).

1. Describe the main features of the Nepalese movement for democracy in 2006.

Answer:
The Nepalese movement for democracy in 2006 was a historic event aimed at ending monarchy rule. Key features include:

Against Absolute Monarchy

– The movement was launched against King Gyanendra’s rule, who had taken absolute control.

Led by Political Parties

– The Seven-Party Alliance (SPA), including the Nepali Congress and the Communist Party, played a key role.

Massive Public Participation

– Citizens from all walks of life, including professionals, students, and workers, participated.

Non-Violent Protests

– Demonstrations, strikes, and mass gatherings took place peacefully.

International Pressure

– International organizations and

neighbouring

countries supported the demand for democracy.

Success of the Movement

– The King was forced to step down, leading to a democratic system and constitutional reforms.

2. What were the causes and effects of the Bolivia Water War?

Answer:
The Bolivia Water War (2000) was a struggle against water privatization.

Causes:

Privatization of Water

– The government handed over water supply control to a private company, Bechtel.

High Water Prices

– The cost of water rose drastically, making it unaffordable for many people.

Government Agreement with IMF

– The Bolivian government privatized public services under IMF pressure.

Effects:
4. Massive Protests – Led by local groups, farmers, and factory workers.
5. Government Forced to Act – The contract with Bechtel was canceled.
6. Victory for People – Water supply was returned to public control, showing the power of mass movements.

3. Explain the role of pressure groups in democracy.

Answer:
Pressure groups play a crucial role in influencing political decisions and ensuring democratic participation.

Represent Different Interests

– They voice concerns of workers, farmers, businesses, and professionals.

Policy Influence

– They lobby with the government to make policy changes in

favour

of their interests.

Public Awareness

– Educate people about social, economic, and political issues.

Mass Mobilization

– Organize protests, strikes, and campaigns for public participation.

Encourage Accountability

– Keep the government in check by raising public demands.

Bridge Between Government and Citizens

– Act as a link between the state and people, helping democracy function effectively.

4. What is the difference between sectional interest groups and public interest groups?

Answer:

Sectional Interest Groups	Public Interest Groups
Represent a specific section of society.	Work for the general welfare of society.
Example: Trade Unions, Farmers’ Associations.	Example: NGOs, Human Rights Organizations.
Demand benefits for their members.	Focus on issues like environment, human rights, etc.
Limited to their section’s concerns.	Work for broad social and economic changes.

Both play an essential role in shaping policies and democratic governance.

5. What are movements? Explain different types of movements with examples.

Answer:
Movements are collective efforts by people to bring about political or social change.

Types of Movements:

Issue-Specific Movements

– Focus on one specific issue (e.g., Narmada

Bachao

 

Andolan

).

General Movements

– Fight for broader political and social reforms (e.g., Civil Rights Movement).

Long-Term Movements

– Continue over decades, demanding structural changes (e.g., Dalit Movement).

Short-Term Movements

– Arise for a specific demand and end once achieved (e.g., Anti-Corruption Movement in India).

Movements help in strengthening democracy by representing people's voices.

6. What were the main demands of the Nepalese movement for democracy?

Answer:
The Nepalese movement aimed to restore democracy and remove monarchy.

End of Absolute Monarchy

– People wanted the King to give up direct rule.

Restoration of Parliament

– Political parties demanded a democratic system with elected representatives.

Formation of a New Constitution

– To ensure democratic rights and governance.

Establishment of Multi-Party Democracy

– Allow political parties to function freely.

Public Representation in Governance

– Ensure people’s participation in decision-making.

Protection of Fundamental Rights

– Safeguard civil liberties and freedoms.

This movement was successful in making Nepal a democratic country.

7. How do movements influence government policies?

Answer:
Movements influence governments in various ways:

Public Pressure

– Large-scale protests force the government to listen.

Media Attention

– Media coverage spreads awareness and gains support.

Legal Actions

– Movements file cases in courts to challenge unfair policies.

Political Bargaining

– Governments negotiate with leaders of movements.

Influence on Elections

– Movements shape public opinion and impact voting.

Policy Reforms

– Successful movements lead to new laws or amendments.

Examples include the Right to Information (RTI) Act, which was a result of public pressure.

8. What was the role of FEDECOR in the Bolivia Water War?

Answer:
FEDECOR was the leading organization in the Bolivia Water War.

Organized Mass Protests

– Led the resistance against water privatization.

Brought Together Different Groups

– Included

labour

unions, students, and peasants.

Pressurized the Government

– Forced authorities to reconsider the contract.

Used Media for Awareness

– Spread information about unfair policies.

Negotiated with Officials

– Represented people's demands in discussions.

Achieved Success

– The government

cancelled

the contract, returning water control to the public.

9. Explain how public interest groups work for society.

Answer:
Public interest groups aim to improve society as a whole.

Work for Social Justice

– Fight for human rights and equality.

Promote Environmental Protection

– Campaign against pollution and deforestation.

Ensure Government Accountability

– Keep a check on corruption and mismanagement.

Raise Awareness

– Educate people on important issues like health, education, and law.

Lobby for Policy Changes

– Advocate laws that benefit the public.

Examples

– Greenpeace (environment), PUCL (human rights).

These groups help in making society more just and democratic.

10. Why are movements and pressure groups important in democracy?

Answer:
Movements and pressure groups strengthen democracy in several ways:

Ensure Representation of Interests

– They voice concerns of different groups in society.

Prevent Government Monopoly

– Challenge unfair policies and prevent dictatorship.

Encourage Public Participation

– Citizens engage in political decision-making.

Act as Watchdogs

– Hold the government accountable for its actions.

Bring Social Reforms

– Advocate for gender equality, environmental protection, etc.

Lead to Policy Changes

– Many laws, such as the RTI Act, resulted from public movements.

They make democracy more participative and responsive to people’s needs.

 

11. Explain the role of political organizations in Nepal’s movement for democracy.

Answer:
The Nepalese movement for democracy in 2006 involved multiple political organizations that played a key role:

Seven Party Alliance (SPA)

– A coalition of seven political parties led the protests against the monarchy.

Maoist Rebels

– The Communist Party (Maoist) also joined the movement demanding democratic reforms.

Civil Society Organizations

– Lawyers, teachers, and human rights activists supported the movement.

International Support

– Countries like India and the UN backed the movement for democracy.

Public Participation

– Students, workers, and business people joined street protests.

Restoration of Democracy

– Due to immense pressure, King Gyanendra was forced to step down, restoring democratic rule.

12. How did the Chipko Movement contribute to environmental protection?

Answer:
The Chipko Movement (1970s) was a non-violent protest against deforestation in India.

Tree Hugging Strategy

– Villagers, especially women, physically embraced trees to stop them from being cut.

Women’s Leadership

– Women played a major role in protecting forests.

Raised Awareness

– Highlighted the importance of forests for the environment.

Government Response

– The movement led to a ban on tree felling in certain regions.

Inspired Future Movements

– Influenced other environmental campaigns in India and abroad.

Long-Term Impact

– Encouraged sustainable development policies.

13. Differentiate between democratic movements and sectional interest movements.

Answer:

Democratic Movements	Sectional Interest Movements
Aim to establish or protect democracy.	Represent a specific section of society.
Example: Nepalese movement for democracy.	Example: Trade Unions for workers’ rights.
Fight against dictatorship or authoritarian rule.	Demand benefits for a particular group.
Led by political parties, social activists, or common people.	Led by interest groups like farmers, teachers, etc.
Aim for long-term political change.	Focus on immediate economic or social gains.

Both movements influence government policies and make democracy more participatory.

14. What was the impact of the Narmada Bachao Andolan?

Answer:
The Narmada Bachao Andolan (NBA) was a protest against the construction of large dams on the Narmada River.

Displacement Issue

– Thousands of tribal and rural families were forced to leave their homes.

Environmental Concerns

– Protestors highlighted the loss of forests and wildlife.

Role of

Medha

Patkar

– She led the movement, demanding fair rehabilitation of displaced people.

Supreme Court Involvement

– The case reached the courts, leading to review of the dam projects.

Government Reforms

– Led to changes in resettlement policies.

Global Attention

– Inspired similar movements worldwide.

15. How do protests and movements affect government decisions?

Answer:
Protests and movements influence governments in various ways:

Create Public Pressure

– Large-scale protests force governments to address public concerns.

Raise Awareness

– Media coverage spreads the issue to a wider audience.

Influence Elections

– Political parties take up movement demands to gain votes.

Lead to Policy Reforms

– Governments may amend or scrap unpopular laws.

Attract International Attention

– Global organizations sometimes intervene.

Strengthen Democracy

– Encourage citizens to participate in decision-making.

16. What is the role of NGOs in social movements?

Answer:
Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) play an essential role in supporting social movements.

Raise Awareness

– Educate people about social and political issues.

Provide Legal Aid

– Help communities fight legal battles.

Organize Protests and Campaigns

– Mobilize people to demand justice.

Conduct Research

– Collect data to support their cause.

Influence Government Policies

– Engage with authorities for policy changes.

Offer Humanitarian Support

– Provide food, shelter, and education to affected groups.

Example: Greenpeace fights for environmental protection.

17. What are pressure groups? Explain different types with examples.

Answer:
Pressure groups are organizations that seek to influence government policies without contesting elections.

Types of Pressure Groups:

Business Groups

– Represent industries and businesses (e.g., FICCI, CII).

Workers' Unions

– Fight for

labour

rights (e.g., AITUC, INTUC).

Farmers’ Associations

– Represent agricultural interests (e.g.,

Bharatiya

 

Kisan

Union).

Environmental Groups

– Focus on ecological conservation (e.g., Greenpeace).

Human Rights Groups

– Advocate for social justice (e.g., Amnesty International).

Religious & Ethnic Groups

– Represent religious or ethnic communities (e.g., VHP, All India Muslim Personal Law Board).

18. Why do social movements occur in democracies?

Answer:
Social movements arise in democracies due to:

Unfulfilled Promises

– Governments fail to deliver on their promises.

Neglected Issues

– Certain social or economic concerns are ignored.

Marginalized Communities

– Some groups feel left out of decision-making.

Legal or Policy Disputes

– People protest against unfair laws.

Corruption and Mismanagement

– Citizens demand transparency and accountability.

Rise of Civil Society

– Growing awareness encourages activism.

Example: The India Against Corruption Movement (2011) led to the Lokpal Bill.

19. What was the significance of the Bolivia Water War?

Answer:
The Bolivia Water War was an important event showing how public movements can reverse unfair policies.

Opposition to Water Privatization

– The government’s decision to privatize water supply led to mass protests.

Led by FEDECOR

– A coalition of workers, farmers, and students led the movement.

Huge Public Participation

– The entire city of Cochabamba joined the protests.

Use of Police Force

– The government tried to suppress the movement, but protests continued.

Victory for the People

– The government

cancelled

the contract with Bechtel.

Global Impact

– Showed the power of collective action against privatization.

20. Explain the importance of people’s participation in democracy through movements and struggles.

Answer:
People’s participation in democracy through movements is essential because:

Ensures Representation

– Movements give voice to marginalized groups.

Holds Government Accountable

– Keeps leaders in check and prevents dictatorship.

Leads to Policy Changes

– Many laws and policies change due to public pressure.

Increases Awareness

– Helps people understand their rights and responsibilities.

Encourages Democratic Values

– Strengthens democracy by allowing direct public engagement.

Examples

– The

Chipko

Movement (environment), Narmada

Bachao

 

Andolan

(displacement issues), and Anti-Corruption Movement (transparency in governance).