30 Multiple Choice Questions for your Class 12 Political Science students on "Democracy: Meaning, Types and Features; Challenges to Democratic Process in India- Inequality, Illiteracy, Regionalism, Naxalite Problem, Gender Inequality," along with their answers.
Democracy: Meaning, Types and Features
1.What is the most basic meaning of democracy?
a) Rule by the wealthy
b) Rule by a single leader
c) Rule by the people
d) Rule by the military
Answer: c) Rule by the people
2.Which of the following is a key feature of a democratic government?
a) Absolute power of the ruler
b) Regular and fair elections
c) Absence of political opposition
d) Control of media by the state
Answer: b) Regular and fair elections
3. In a direct democracy, who makes the decisions?
a) Elected representatives
b) A council of elders
c) All eligible citizens
d) A ruling party
Answer: c) All eligible citizens
4. Which type of democracy is practiced in most large modern states?
a) Direct democracy
b) Representative democracy
c) Authoritarian democracy
d) Totalitarian democracy
Answer: b) Representative democracy
5. Which of the following is NOT a fundamental feature of democracy?
a) Freedom of speech and expression
b) Rule of law
c) Economic equality for all
d) Respect for minority rights
Answer: c) Economic equality for all
6. The idea that government should be based on the consent of the governed is a core principle of:
a) Monarchy
b) Oligarchy
c) Democracy
d) Autocracy
Answer: c) Democracy
7. What is the significance of universal adult franchise in a democracy?
a) It ensures only educated people can vote.
b) It gives voting rights to all adult citizens without discrimination.
c) It limits the power of the majority.
d) It guarantees equal representation of all communities.
Answer: b) It gives voting rights to all adult citizens without discrimination.
8. Which of the following best describes a parliamentary democracy?
a) The head of state is directly elected by the people.
b) The executive is responsible to the legislature.
c) There is a strict separation of powers between branches of government.
d) The judiciary is the supreme law-making body.
Answer: b) The executive is responsible to the legislature.
9.In a presidential democracy, who is the head of state and head of government?
a) The Prime Minister
b) The President
c) The Chief Justice
d) The Speaker of the Parliament
Answer: b) The President
10.What is the role of political parties in a democracy?
a) To control all aspects of citizens' lives.
b) To provide a platform for contesting elections and forming governments.
c) To suppress dissent and maintain order.
d) To advise the monarch on important matters.
Answer: b) To provide a platform for contesting elections and forming governments.
Challenges to Democratic Process in India
Which of the following is a major challenge posed by inequality to democracy in India?
a) Increased political participation of marginalized groups.
b) Unequal access to resources and opportunities influencing political power.
c) Greater social harmony and cohesion.
d) Uniform development across all sections of society.
Answer: b) Unequal access to resources and opportunities influencing political power.
How does illiteracy pose a challenge to the democratic process?
a) It leads to increased awareness of political rights.
b) It makes citizens more susceptible to manipulation and misinformation.
c) It ensures informed participation in elections.
d) It strengthens the role of civil society organizations.
Answer: b) It makes citizens more susceptible to manipulation and misinformation.
What is regionalism in the context of Indian democracy?
a) Love for one's nation.
b) Excessive attachment to one's region, sometimes at the cost of national unity.
c) Promotion of balanced development across all regions.
d) Efforts to strengthen federalism.
Answer: b) Excessive attachment to one's region, sometimes at the cost of national unity.
The Naxalite problem in India is primarily associated with:
a) Religious extremism
b) Separatist movements in urban areas
c) Left-wing extremism and armed rebellion
d) Right-wing political ideologies
Answer: c) Left-wing extremism and armed rebellion
How does the Naxalite movement challenge the democratic process?
a) By promoting peaceful dialogue and negotiation.
b) By undermining the authority of the state through violence and intimidation.
c) By advocating for greater decentralization of power.
d) By encouraging greater participation in local elections.
Answer: b) By undermining the authority of the state through violence and intimidation.
Which of the following is a manifestation of gender inequality in the political sphere?
a) Equal representation of men and women in legislatures.
b) Higher voter turnout among women than men.
c) Under-representation of women in decision-making bodies.
d) Equal pay for equal work in all sectors.
Answer: c) Under-representation of women in decision-making bodies.
What is a consequence of gender inequality for the democratic process?
a) A more inclusive and representative government.
b) The marginalization of women's perspectives and concerns.
c) Enhanced social justice and equality.
d) Greater stability and harmony in society.
Answer: b) The marginalization of women's perspectives and concerns.
Which of the following can help address the challenge of inequality in Indian democracy?
a) Concentrating wealth in the hands of a few.
b) Implementing policies that promote inclusive growth and social justice.
c) Ignoring the disparities between different sections of society.
d) Reducing government spending on social welfare programs.
Answer: b) Implementing policies that promote inclusive growth and social justice.
How can education play a role in strengthening democracy?
a) By making citizens more reliant on government propaganda.
b) By enabling citizens to make informed choices and participate effectively.
c) By promoting social divisions and prejudices.
d) By discouraging critical thinking and questioning.
Answer: b) By enabling citizens to make informed choices and participate effectively.
What measures can be taken to counter the challenges posed by regionalism?
a) Promoting linguistic chauvinism.
b) Encouraging divisive tendencies.
c) Fostering national unity while respecting regional diversity.
d) Centralizing all powers in the national government.
Answer: c) Fostering national unity while respecting regional diversity.
Which of the following is a long-term solution to the Naxalite problem?
a) Solely relying on military force.
b) Addressing the root causes of socio-economic discontent and marginalization.
c) Ignoring the grievances of the affected population.
d) Promoting further exploitation of natural resources in affected areas.
Answer: b) Addressing the root causes of socio-economic discontent and marginalization.
What is the significance of reservations for women in legislatures?
a) To ensure that only women from privileged backgrounds are represented.
b) To guarantee a minimum representation of women in decision-making bodies.
c) To exclude men from participating in the political process.
d) To create separate electorates for women.
Answer: b) To guarantee a minimum representation of women in decision-making bodies.
Which of the following is NOT a challenge to the democratic process in India mentioned in the topic?
a) Corruption
b) Illiteracy
c) Regionalism
d) Gender Inequality
Answer: a) Corruption
How can media play a positive role in addressing the challenges to democracy?
a) By spreading misinformation and biased opinions.
b) By holding the government accountable and raising awareness about social issues.
c) By suppressing dissenting voices and promoting conformity.
d) By focusing solely on entertainment and avoiding political discussions.
Answer: b) By holding the government accountable and raising awareness about social issues.
What is the role of civil society organizations in strengthening democracy?
a) To replace the functions of the government.
b) To act as pressure groups and advocate for citizens' rights.
c) To promote violence and instability.
d) To discourage public participation in political processes.
Answer: b) To act as pressure groups and advocate for citizens' rights.
Which of the following contributes to the persistence of gender inequality in India?
a) Progressive social attitudes towards women.
b) Traditional patriarchal norms and practices.
c) Equal opportunities in education and employment for all genders.
d) Effective implementation of laws protecting women's rights.
Answer: b) Traditional patriarchal norms and practices.
How does regionalism sometimes manifest negatively in Indian politics?
a) Through healthy competition between states for development.
b) By demanding greater autonomy or even secession from the nation.
c) By promoting cultural exchange and understanding between regions.
d) By focusing on the specific needs and aspirations of different regions within a unified framework.
Answer: b) By demanding greater autonomy or even secession from the nation.
The term "Naxalite" is often associated with which state in India as its origin?
a) Punjab
b) West Bengal
c) Tamil Nadu
d) Gujarat
Answer: b) West Bengal
What is the potential impact of high levels of inequality on the rule of law?
a) It strengthens the equal application of laws for all citizens.
b) It can lead to unequal access to justice and enforcement of laws.
c) It ensures that the wealthy are held more accountable for their actions.
d) It has no significant impact on the functioning of the legal system.
Answer: b) It can lead to unequal access to justice and enforcement of laws.
Which of the following is a crucial step towards empowering women in the democratic process?
a) Limiting their access to education and employment.
b) Ensuring their safety and security in public and private spheres.
c) Discouraging their participation in political discussions.
d) Reinforcing traditional gender roles within the family.
Answer: b) Ensuring their safety and security in public and private spheres.
