Democracy and Diversity (Chapter-3)

Why is democracy considered the best form of government ? Give Four points.

Explain two advantages and two disadvantages of social divisions in democracy.

Social division can take different forms in societies. Explain.

What do you mean by social differences? How do social differences create social division in society?

Differentiate between direct and indirect democracies.

Who was Peter Norman? Why did he support Carlos and Smith? What punishment did he get for this?

What are the different types of democracy ? Discuss its two features.

Mention three similarities between Tommie Smith and John Carlos.

Discuss the factors crucial in deciding the outcome of politics of social divisions.

Read the following passage from a famous speech by Martin Luther king Jr. in 1963. Which social division is he talking about? What are his aspirations and anxieties? Do you see a relationship between this speech and the incident in Mexico Olympics mentioned in this chapter?

"I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the colour of their skin but by the content of their character. Let freedom ring - when we let it ring from every village and every hamlet, from every state and every city, we will be able to speed up that day when all of God's children - back men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics - will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual: 'Free at last! Free at last! Thank God Almighty, we are free at last!' I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: 'we hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal'."

Among the following, which country suffered disintegration due to political fights on the basis of religious and ethnic identities?

(a) Belgium

(b) India

(c) Yugoslavia

(d) Netherlands

Arrange the following statements in a logical sequence and select the right answers by using the code given below.

A. But all political expression of social divisions need not be always dangerous.

B. Social divisions of one kind or the other exist in most countries.

C. Parties try to win political support by appealing to social divisions.

D. Some social differences may result in social divisions.

(a) D, B, C, A

(b) D, B, A, C

(c) D, A, C, B

(d) A, B, C, D

Consider the following three statements.

A. Social divisions take place when social differences overlap.

B. It is possible that a person can have multiple identities.

C. Social divisions exist in only big countries like India.

Which of the statements is/are correct?

(a) A, B and C

(b) A and B

(c) B and C

(d) Only C

In dealing with social divisions which one of the following statements is NOT correct about democracy?

(a) Due to political competition in a democracy, social divisions get reflected in politics.

(b) In a democracy it is possible for communities to voice their grievances in a peaceful manner.

(c) Democracy is the best way to accommodate social diversity.

(d) Democracy always leads to disintegration of society on the basis of social divisions.

________________ social differences create possibilities of deep social divisions and tensions. ________________ social differences do not usually lead to conflicts.

How do social divisions affect politics? Give two examples.

When does a social difference become a social division?

Discuss three factors that determine the outcomes of politics of social divisions.