Extra 30 short-answer questions on the Welfare State from Class 11 Political Science:
What is a welfare state?
Answer:
A welfare state is a form of government in which the state plays a key role in the protection and promotion of the economic and social well-being of its citizens through policies like healthcare, education, and social security.
What are the key features of a welfare state?
Answer:
The key features include social security, public welfare programs, economic equality, government intervention in the economy, and protection of weaker sections.
How does a welfare state differ from a capitalist state?
Answer:
A welfare state focuses on social justice and public welfare, whereas a capitalist state prioritizes free markets and minimal government intervention.
Which political ideology supports the welfare state the most?
Answer:
Socialism supports the welfare state as it promotes social justice and equal opportunities for all citizens.
Name any two welfare programs in India.
Answer:
(
i
) Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA)
(ii) Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY)
What role does the government play in a welfare state?
Answer:
The government ensures social and economic welfare by providing healthcare, education, employment, pensions, and housing for citizens.
Which part of the Indian Constitution reflects the idea of a welfare state?
Answer:
The
Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP)
in Part IV of the Indian Constitution reflect the concept of a welfare state.
Name a country that is known as an ideal welfare state.
Answer:
Sweden is considered an ideal welfare state due to its strong social welfare policies.
What is the importance of social security in a welfare state?
Answer:
Social security provides financial assistance to unemployed, elderly, disabled, and vulnerable people, ensuring economic stability and well-being.
Who introduced the concept of the modern welfare state in Britain?
Answer:
William Beveridge introduced the concept of the modern welfare state in Britain through the
Beveridge Report (1942).
Mention two welfare schemes related to food security in India.
Answer:
(
i
) Public Distribution System (PDS)
(ii) Mid-Day Meal Scheme
How does a welfare state reduce economic inequalities?
Answer:
It ensures fair income distribution, progressive taxation, free education, healthcare, and social security programs to support weaker sections.
What is the main criticism of a welfare state?
Answer:
Critics argue that welfare states increase government expenditure, taxation burden, and dependency on state assistance.
What is progressive taxation, and how does it help in a welfare state?
Answer:
Progressive taxation means higher income groups pay more taxes, which funds welfare programs for the poor, reducing income inequalities.
What are the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP)?
Answer:
DPSP are guidelines in the Indian Constitution (Part IV) that direct the state to ensure social and economic welfare for citizens.
How does universal healthcare contribute to a welfare state?
Answer:
Universal healthcare provides free or low-cost medical services, ensuring health equality and reducing financial burden on citizens.
What is the significance of free education in a welfare state?
Answer:
Free education ensures equal learning opportunities, social mobility, and economic development by reducing illiteracy and poverty.
What is the role of employment schemes in a welfare state?
Answer:
Employment schemes provide job opportunities, reduce unemployment, and enhance economic stability and self-reliance.
What is meant by social justice in a welfare state?
Answer:
Social justice ensures equal rights, opportunities, and fair distribution of resources among all citizens, including marginalized groups.
Which Indian scheme provides pension benefits to unorganized workers?
Answer:
Atal Pension Yojana (APY) provides pension benefits to unorganized workers.
What is the role of public healthcare in a welfare state?
Answer:
Public healthcare ensures free or affordable medical services, protecting citizens from health-related financial crises.
Mention two Indian schemes for poverty alleviation.
Answer:
(
i
) Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana (PMGKY)
(ii) National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM)
How does a
welfare state support elderly citizens
?
Answer:
Through pensions, healthcare facilities, and senior citizen welfare schemes like the National Pension Scheme (NPS).
What is the impact of a welfare state on economic growth?
Answer:
A welfare state supports economic growth by investing in education, healthcare, and employment, leading to increased productivity and stability.
Which part of the Indian Constitution ensures healthcare for all citizens?
Answer:
Article 47
(Directive Principles of State Policy) directs the state to improve public health.
How does the welfare state help women’s empowerment?
Answer:
Through schemes like
Beti
Bachao
Beti
Padhao
, maternity benefits, and equal work opportunities.
What is the main objective of MGNREGA?
Answer:
To provide
100 days of guaranteed wage employment
per year to rural households.
What is the connection between democracy and a welfare state?
Answer:
A democratic welfare state ensures equal rights, participation, and access to essential services for all citizens.
What is unemployment insurance, and how does it help in a welfare state?
Answer:
Unemployment insurance provides financial aid to jobless workers, helping them sustain their livelihood until they find new employment.
What is the role of international organizations in promoting welfare states?
Answer:
Organizations like WHO, UNICEF, and ILO promote healthcare, education,
labour
rights, and social security globally.
