Peace — Political Science STD 11 Humanities — Question

Dolly and Sudha are debating about the efficiency and effectiveness of the Parliament in recent times. Dolly believed that the decline of Indian Parliament is evident in the less time spent on debate and discussion and increase in the disturbances of the functioning of the House and walkouts etc. Sudha contends that the fall of different governments on the floor of Lok Sabha is a proof of its vibrancy. What other arguments can you provide to support or oppose the positions of Dolly and Sudha?

Rights place some limits on the authority of the state. Explain with examples.

Alok thinks that a country needs an efficient government that looks after the welfare of the people. So, if we simply elected our Prime Minister and Ministers and left to them the task of government, we will not need a legislature. Do you agree? Give reasons for your answer.

What are some of the problems faced by refugees? In what ways could the concept of global citizenship benefit them?

The following are different justifications given in favour of local government. Give them ranking and explain why you attach greater significance to a particular rationale than the others. According to you, on which of these rationales the decision of the Gram panchayat of Vengaivasal village was based? How?

1. Government can complete the projects with lesser cost with the involvement of the local community.
2. The development plans made by the local people will have greater acceptability than those made by the government officers.
3. People know their area, needs problems and priorities. By collective participation they should discuss and take decisions about their life.
4. It is difficult for the common people to contact their representatives of the State or the national legislature.

There is a view that absolute economic equality is neither possible nor desirable. It is argued that the most a society can do is to try and reduce the gaps between the richest and poorest members of society. Do you agree?

Do you agree with the statement that “it is not clear why in a poor developing country, certain basic socio-economic rights were relegated to the section on Directive Principles rather than made an integral feature of our fundamental rights”? Give reasons for your answer. What do you think are the possible reasons for putting socio-economic rights in the section of Directive Principles?

Arif wanted to know that if ministers propose most of the important bills and if the majority party often gets the government bills passed, what is the role of the Parliament in the law making process? What answer would you give him?

How is a democracy more effective than authoritarian governments in dealing with conflicting nationalist aspirations?

Briefly discuss the three principles of justice outlined in the chapter. Explain each with examples.