Extra 30 short questions and answers from the chapter "Secularism" for Class 11 Political Science:

1-10 Short Questions

What is secularism?

 

→ Secularism is the principle of maintaining the separation of religion and state while ensuring equal treatment of all religions.

 

What is the main objective of secularism?

 

→ The main objective is to ensure religious freedom, promote tolerance, and prevent religious discrimination.

 

How is Indian secularism different from Western secularism?

 

→ Indian secularism allows state intervention in religious practices to protect fundamental rights, while Western secularism strictly separates religion and state.

 

Which amendment added the word ‘secular’ to the Preamble of the Indian Constitution?

 

→ The 42nd Amendment Act of 1976 added the word ‘secular’ to the Preamble.

 

Which Articles of the Indian Constitution protect the right to freedom of religion?

 

→ Articles

25-28

protect religious freedom in India.

 

What does Article 25 state?

 

→ Article 25 grants individuals the right to freely practice, profess, and propagate religion, subject to public order, morality, and health.

 

What is the significance of Article 26?

 

→ Article 26 allows religious groups to establish and maintain institutions for religious and charitable purposes.

 

What is Article 27 about?

 

→ Article 27 prohibits the government from imposing taxes for the promotion or maintenance of any religion.

 

What does Article 28 say about religious education?

 

→ Article 28 prohibits religious instruction in government-funded educational institutions.

 

What is the principle of "Principled Distance" in secularism?

 

→ It means the state maintains neutrality in religious matters but can intervene if required to uphold constitutional values.

 

Why is India called a secular country?

 

→ India does not recognize any official religion, ensures religious freedom, and maintains equal treatment of all religions.

 

How does secularism promote democracy?

 

→ It ensures equal treatment of all citizens regardless of religion, prevents discrimination, and upholds fundamental rights.

 

What is the relationship between secularism and religious freedom?

 

→ Secularism ensures religious freedom by preventing the state from promoting or discriminating against any religion.

 

Give an example of state intervention in religion in India.

 

→ The abolition of untouchability (Article 17) and reforms in Hindu personal laws are examples of state intervention.

 

What is meant by theocracy?

 

→ Theocracy is a system of government where religious leaders rule, and the laws are based on religious principles (e.g., Iran, Vatican City).

 

Why is secularism important for a diverse country like India?

 

→ It ensures harmony among different religious communities and protects the rights of religious minorities.

 

What is the significance of the Shah

Bano

case in relation to secularism?

 

→ It highlighted the debate on secularism, as the Supreme Court ruled in

favour

of alimony for a Muslim woman, leading to discussions on religious personal laws.

 

What role did Jawaharlal Nehru play in shaping Indian secularism?

 

→ Nehru strongly advocated for secularism and emphasized a state that treats all religions equally without

favouring

any.

 

What does Article 30 guarantee to religious minorities?

 

→ It allows them to establish and administer their own educational institutions.

 

What is communalism, and how does it threaten secularism?

 

→ Communalism is political mobilization based on religion, leading to conflicts and weakening secular principles.

 

How does the Indian Constitution promote religious tolerance?

 

→ It grants fundamental rights like freedom of religion, prohibits discrimination, and ensures equal treatment of all faiths.

 

What is an example of secularism in the Indian legal system?

 

→ The Uniform Civil Code (UCC) is an example, aiming to provide a common set of laws for all citizens, irrespective of religion.

How does secularism prevent religious conflicts?

 

→ By ensuring that the state remains neutral and does not

favour

any religion, reducing the chances of discrimination and violence.

 

Which countries officially follow secularism?

 

→ India, France, and the United States are examples of secular countries.

 

What is the role of education in promoting secularism?

 

→ Education promotes rational thinking, reduces religious biases, and fosters respect for different beliefs.

 

How does secularism protect the rights of religious minorities?

 

→ It ensures equal opportunities, safeguards religious practices, and prevents majoritarian dominance.

 

What is the role of the Supreme Court in protecting secularism in India?

 

→ The Supreme Court interprets constitutional provisions, ensures religious freedoms, and strikes down discriminatory practices.

 

What is the impact of secularism on

law making

in India?

 

→ Laws are based on constitutional values rather than religious principles, ensuring justice for all.

 

Can the state interfere in religious affairs in India?

 

→ Yes, if religious practices violate fundamental rights or public welfare, the state can intervene.

 

What challenges does secularism face in India today?

 

→ Communal violence, political misuse of religion, religious fundamentalism, and resistance to reforms in personal laws.