AP Inter 1st Year Civics Important Questions Chapter 5 Liberty and Equality

Students must practice these AP Inter 1st Year Civics Important Questions 5thLesson Liberty and Equality to boost their exam preparation.

AP Inter 1st Year Civics Important Questions 5thLesson Liberty and Equality

Long Answer Questions

Question 1.
Define Liberty and describe various types of Liberty.
Answer:
Definitions: Many political scientists defined liberty in many ways. A few of those definitions can be detailed as:

According to G.D.H. Cole, “Liberty is the freedom of the individual to express without external hindrances to his personality”.

According to T.H. Green, “Liberty is a form of power promoting such activities which can be performed or enjoyed”.

According to Seeley, “Liberty is the opposite of over Government”.

Various types of Liberty: The different types of liberty may be explained as follows:
1. Natural Liberty:
The liberty, which the people enjoyed in the imaginary State of Nature’ is called the ‘Natural Liberty’. Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau were the chief exponents of this liberty. It means the absence of all the restraints and the freedom of man to do whatever he likes.

2. Civil Liberty:
Civil liberty means the ‘Rule of law’. It is absence of restraints which are not reasonable. It is the liberty enjoyed by man as a member of civil society. Civil liberty is provided to the people in the form of civil rights such as Right to life, Right to equality, Right against exploitation, etc.

3. Political Liberty:
It is the freedom of the citizens to participate in the political activities or in the affairs of the state and the government. Political liberty is provided to the citizens in the form of political rights, such as right to vote, right to hold public office, right to contest in elections, right to criticise the government, etc.

4. Economic Liberty:
It is the liberty of an individual to earn his livelyhood and satisfy his needs. Civil and political liberties become meaningless in the absence of economic liberty. Economic liberty is provided to the people in the form of economic rights such as the right to work, right to decent wage, right to rest and leisure, etc.

5. National Liberty:
It is the freedom of the country. Every nation has a right to be free and decide its policies independently. National liberty is a prerequisite condition for the progress of a nation in all the fields of human life. India got national liberty from the British on 15th of August 1947.

Question 2.
What do you mean by Liberty? What are the safeguards of Liberty?
Answer:
Meaning:
The term ‘Liberty’ is originated from the Latin word ‘Liber’ which means freedom or free from restrictions. G.D.H. Cole says ‘Liberty is the freedom of an individual to express without any external hindrances to his personality’.

Safeguards of Liberty:
Even after acquiring liberty, people must remain ever vigilant and protect it from the onslaught of anti-social elements. As such liberty needs certain social and constitutional safeguards as mentioned below:

1. Democratic Rule:
Democratic Rule protects the liberty of an individual. Democracy is government of the people. The people elect their representatives for a given period both by direct and indirect methods. The elected representatives always protect the liberty of the people.

2. Written and Rigid Constitution:
Written and rigid constitution protects the liberty and independence of the people. The written constitution has to formulate certain laws not to damage the rights of the people. Any governmental activity ag.^nst the rights of the people can be challenged through the courts of law for their protection.

3. Independent Judiciary:
It is always essential to have an impartial and independent judiciary to protect the liberty of the people. Only an independent judiciary can annul the anti-people laws enacted by the legislature and strike down the executive policies that are inimical to the people.

4. Rule of Law:
Rule of Law is a powerful protective force to the liberty of the people. Rule of law makes all people equal before law. .

5. Fundamental Rights:
Fundamental rights guaranteed in the constitution protect civil liberty. They prevent the government from enacting laws which may infringe the rights of the people.

6. Economic Equality:
The liberty without social and economic equality is futile. The prevalence of socio-economic inequalities in a country result in limiting liberty to the higher sections only. Those who are socially and economically backward lag behind to enjoy liberty. If the people have to enjoy the liberty without discrimination.

7. Decentralisation of Power:
A centralised system of power is very dangerous to liberty. Centralisation of power entertains dictatorial attitude. As such, decentralisation of power plays a key role in democratic system. The protection of liberty can be done by decentralising the powers at the different levels of government.

8. Freedom of Press:
The press and means of media aiming at liberty and independence always protect the liberty of the people. They prevent the government from placing restrictions on the liberty of the people.

9. Strong Opposition:
A strong opposition is a necessary condition for promoting individual liberty. The opposition will act as a watch dog of individual liberty.

10. Eternal Vigilance:
Eternal vigilance is an essential condition for safeguarding liberty. It could be demonstrated by the people by taking active part in public affairs.

AP Inter 1st Year Civics Important Questions Chapter 5 Liberty and Equality

Question 3.
What do you mean by Equality? What are its types?
Answer:
Meaning: Laski aptly says that, “Equality means first of all the absence of special privilege. In the second place, it means that adequate opportunities are laid open to all”.

Types of Equality: Lord Bryce classified equality into five kinds:
1) Natural Equality 2) Social Equality 3) Economic Equality 4) Political Equality 5) International Equality .

1. Natural Equality:
According to a few traditional political scientists, men are not created equally in nature. The differences in mankind took place from times immemorial. G.D.H. Cole opined that – “there are basic differences among the individuals in the facts like physical power, energy, capability, intelligence, creativity and service motto”. The people can bear with all the differences originated naturally. But they cannot tolerate with the artificial and man-made differences.

2. Social Equality:
The provision for equal status to all the citizens in society without discrimination of caste, race, religion, gender and community can be called Social Equality. Absence of social taboos is a must for the development of all the citizens individually.

3. Economic Equality:
Economic equality is the foremost of all equalities. In the opinion of Bryce, economic equality means removing the differences in the distribution of wealth and an attempt to provide things equitably to all men and women. In the opinion of the communists and socialists, economic equality is more important than all other kinds.

4. Political Equality:
Political equality means that all the citizens have identical political rights. It exists wherever equal opportunities are provided to all the people to take part in the functioning of the government. The right to rule must not be limited to a person or a section. Adult franchise is the main source of political equality. Political equality cannot be achieved in the absence of economic and social equality since it is dependent upon both of them.

5. International Equality:
International Equality means that all the states are treated equally irrespective of their geographical, economic or military composition. According to this element all nations of the world are equal whether they are large or small. International Equality reflects the traits of humanism: It emphasizes the peaceful settlement of disputes between the nations.

Question 4.
Explain the relationship between Liberty and Equality.
Answer:
There are two opinions regarding the relationship between liberty and equality. They are:

  • Liberty and equality are opposite to each other,
  • Liberty and equality are complementary to each other. They may be explained as follows.

1. Liberty and equality are opposite:
The propounders of this school have expressed the view that liberty and equality are opposite in nature. Lord Acton said that the desire to have equality destroyed the possibility of full liberty. Whenever the government passes a law to bring equality, liberties of some people are restricted. Similarly, when all individuals are allowed freedom to acquire wealth, only a few talented persons will be able to receive the advantages. This leads to inequalities of wealth. When equality is maintained, liberties of some efficient persons will be curtailed. Industrial revolution (1760-1840) symbolized this type of exploitation in society. It led to capitalism which is characterized by free and cut-throat competition. On the other hand, Socialist countries forced the people to practise the principles of duty, discipline and devotion towards the State. Such a policy will kill the initiative and incentive of the people. The supporters of this view argued that both the concepts will not go together. Unrestrained liberty will destroy equality. Nations can achieve the goal of either liberty or equality at a time. Both cannot be realized simultaneously. For instance, in communist states people enjoy equality but they were deprived of liberty.

2. Liberty and Equality are complementary to each other:
It is said that liberty and equality are complementary to each other. The proponents of this school argued that liberty can be enjoyed by the people only with some degree of equality. A large measure of equality is essential for the enjoyment of liberty. Tawney, a supporter of this school of thought, pointed out that a large measure of equality is essential for the enjoyment of equality. Polard, another supporter, hinted out that there is only one solution to the issue of liberty; it lies in equality. Indeed both the concepts have a common end, namely, the promotion of human personality and the spontaneous development of one’s capacities to the greatest heights.

It may be noted that the above two arguments are not completely real. The fact lies in between the two. Liberty and Equality are neither completely complementary nor antithetical in nature.

Question 5.
Define the term Equality, write about Social and Economic Equalities.
Answer:
Definition:

  • Barker defines “Equality means nothing but equal rights for all the people and abolition of all special rights and privileges”.
  • Laski defines “Equality means first of all absence of social privilege. In the second place it means that adequate opportunities are laid open to all”.

Social and economic equalities may be explained as follows:

  • Social equality
  • Economic equality

i) Social equality:
Social equality stands for equality of status and absence of class distinctions and discrimination. It exists when no individual is made to suffer on account of his caste, class, colour, creed, race, etc. For instance, the Constitution of India does not recognize caste or class distinctions. In fact it has opposed the practice of untouchability. When all citizens enj oy social equality, there will be no discrimination against anyone on the grounds of caste, class, colour, creed, race and place of birth.

Social equality implies the presence of harmonious conditions among the people who live in a society. It considers the citizens as equal tangible units of society and no one is entitled to have special provisions. All must enjoy equal social, political, economic and legal rights. Social equality cannot be achieved only through laws. There must prevail a sentiment of equality among individuals.

ii) Economic equality:
Economic equality is considered as the basis of social and political equalities. It serves as the main driving force behind all activities in the modern state. Economic equality means the elimination of vast inequalities in income, property and wealth. Earnest Barker viewed thus “Economic equality is purely a matter of status and partially a matter of property and income”. Lord Bryce viewed “Economic Equality” as “the attempt to expunge all differences in wealth, allotting every man and woman an equal share in the worldly goods”. Prof. Laski held thus : “Economic Equality implies the abolition of unfettered and irresponsible will in the industrial world”. At the same time, economic equality does not mean equal treatment and reward. It stands for opportunity to work and earn their livelihood to improve their economic status. This can be achieved only through individuals and government. Many socialist states have tried and partially succeeded in achieving economic equality.

AP Inter 1st Year Civics Important Questions Chapter 5 Liberty and Equality

Short Answer Questions

Question 1.
Define liberty and describe any three types of Liberty. [May. 2022; Mar. 2018, ’16; May ’17]
Answer:
Definitions: Many political scientists defined liberty in many ways. A few of those definitions can be detailed as :
According to G.D.H. Cole, “Liberty is the freedom of the individual to express without external hindrances to his personality”.

According to T.H. Green, “Liberty is a form of power promoting such activities which can be performed or enjoyed”.

According to Seeley, “Liberty is the opposite of over Government”.

Types of Liberty: Liberty is classified into the following types:
1. Natural Liberty:
The liberty, which the people enjoyed in the imaginary ‘State of Nature’ is called the ‘Natural Liberty’. Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau were the chief exponents of this liberty. It means the absence of all the restraints and the freedom of man to do whatever he likes.

2. Civil Liberty:
Civil liberty means the ’Rule of law’. It is absence of restraints which are not reasonable. It is the liberty enjoyed by man as a member of civil society. Civil liberty is provided to the people in the form of civil rights such as Right to life, Right to equality, Right against exploitation, etc.

3. Political Liberty:
It is the freedom of the citizens to participate in the political activities or in the affairs of the state and the government. Political liberty is provided to the citizens in the form of political rights, such as right to vote, right to hold public office, right to contest in elections, right to criticise the government, etc.

Question 2.
Explain about any three safeguards of Liberty. [Mar. 2020(A.P); Mar. ’17-T.S]
Answer:
Even after acquiring liberty, people must remain ever vigilant and protect it from the onslaught of anti-social elements. As such liberty needs certain social and constitutional safeguards as mentioned below:

1. Democratic Rule:
Democratic rule protects the liberty of an individual. Democracy is government of the people. The people elect their representatives for a given period both by direct and indirect methods. The elected representatives always protect the liberty of the people.

2. Rule of Law:
Rule of Law is a powerful protective force to the liberty of the people. Rule of law makes all people equal before law.

3. Decentralisation of Power:
A centralised system of power is very dangerous to liberty. Centralisation of power entertains dictatorial attitude. As Such, decentralisation of power plays a key role in democratic system. The protection of liberty can be done by decentralising the powers at the different levels of government.

Question 3.
What are the characteristics of Liberty?
Answer:
Characteristics of Liberty:
The following are the important characteristcs of Liberty;

  • Liberty is a dynamic concept. Its interpretation varies according to time, place and wishes of the people.
  • Liberty always opposes political subjugation, imprisonment and slavery.
  • It always aims at realizing the aspirations of the individuals.
  • Liberty always means absence of irrational restraints and presence of favourable conditions.
  • It is the product of rights.
  • It is essential for the realization of human personalities.
  • It is found only in democratic states.
  • It is manifest in the form of rights.
  • It does not mean license to do whatever a person wants. It is always subject to limitations.

Question 4.
Describe the different aspects of Liberty.
Answer:
Liberty has two aspects, namely, i) Negative aspect ii) Positive aspect. They may be explained as follows.
i) Negative Aspect:
Liberty, in its negative aspect, implies absence of restrictions. Individuals enjoy freedom only when there are no restraints on their freedoms. However, some considered this aspect as not realistic. They asserted that unrestrained liberty was possible in a pre-social state. It is neither feasible nor practicable for enjoying freedoms by the individuals in modern times,

ii) Positive Aspect:
Liberty in its positive aspects denotes a situation in which individual is free to do according to his wishes and allowing others the same in his case. To say in other words liberty is the power which should not cause harm to others. T.H. Green, an idealist philosopher, propounded this aspect of liberty. He stated thus “Liberty is the power of doing or enjoying something that is worth doing or worth enjoying in common with others”.

AP Inter 1st Year Civics Important Questions Chapter 5 Liberty and Equality

Question 5.
What do you mean by Civil Liberty?
Answer:
Civil Liberty is also known as personal liberty. It relates to the individual’s freedom in his life as a member of the social organization. Barker pointed out that civil liberty is embodied in three things, namely, i) physical freedom denoting freedom of movement, ii) intellectual freedom comprising freedom of thought, expression and belief and
iii) practiced freedom embodying freedom of choice in daily life. Civil liberty serves as the main basis to other types of liberty. It is the opposite of natural liberty. It is enjoyed by the individuals in the society. It is not necessary for individuals when they are in isolation. Civil liberty becomes reed when everyone in society is allowed to possess and enjoy the worldly things in common with others. Of course individuals while utilizing this liberty must keep in mind the common good. Civil liberty is the essential prerequisite to the existence and survival of human beings. It enables them to lead happy, honourable and civilised life in the state. So it is a must to everyone. Civil liberty is provided to the people in the form of civil rights such as Right to life, Right to equality, Right against exploitation, etc.

Question 6.
Point out two elements that threaten individual’s liberties. [March. 2015-T.S]
Answer:
1. Enhancement of state authority:
The modern democratic state, in the pretext of welfarism has assumed undefinable powers. As a result, it has been intruding into every activity of the people. Even its interference in family matters in the name of population correctives became common. So is the case in the sphere of economy, culture, arts, science, etc. All this will lead to the encroachment of state into the public domain. This negated individual liberty to a great extent.

2. Too many laws:
In modern times people felt the government should come to their rescue for providing various amenities. This prompted the government to encroach into the sphere of individuals. In the process, too many laws have become the order of the day. Extension of laws gradually led to the curtailment of individual liberties.

Question 7.
What is meant by Equality?
Answer:
Meaning:
The term ‘Equality’ implies absolute equality of treatment. But in actual practice it is not possible to have such equality. Many thinkers have opined that the nature itself had created inequality among the living beings in terms of efficiency, appearance and aptitude. In Political science, the term ‘Equality’ refers to a state which grants its citizens equality before the law and equal opportunities to develop their personality. But it may be noted that individuals are not equal in many respects. While some of them are strong, some others may be weak. Similarly some are more intelligent than others. In this way, men differ in many respects. Hence, equality of treatment is not possible. In other words, it implies that State should grant to its citizens equality before law and equal protection by law.

Question 8.
Describe the two aspects of Equality.
Answer:
The two aspects of equality may be explained as follows. They are i) Positive aspect ii) Negative aspect.

i) Positive aspect:
Equality, in its positive aspect, means the provision of adequate opportunities for all. However, it does not mean simply identical treatment for all. Since individuals differ in their needs and capacities, they require different opportunities for their personal development. Individuals should be given such opportunities which will develop their overall personality. If the state provides adequate opportunities to all for developing the capacities, the concept of equality could be realised in practice.

ii) Negative aspect:
Equality in its negative sense, means no discrimination on some artificial grounds based on caste, colour, creed, descent, domicile, religion, etc. Everyone should get his due share. He should be in a position to realize his best self. Laski says that “Whatever rights herein another by virtue of his being a citizen must be herein, and to the same extent in me also”. Everyone should have an equal access to the avenues of their Liberties.

Question 9.
What is Equality? Explain any three types. [Sep. 2021; Mar. ’19. ’15 – A.P, May. ’16]
Answer:
Laski aptly says that, “Equality means first of all the absence of special privilege. In the second place, it means that adequate opportunities are laid open to all”.

Types of Equality: Lord Bryce classified equality into five kinds: 1) Natural Equality 2) Social Equality 3) International Equality 4) Economic Equality 5) Political Equality

Three of the above are detailed as follows:
1. Natural Equality:
According to a few traditional political scientists, men are not created equally in nature. The differences in mankind took place from times immemorial. G.D.H. Cole opined that – “there are basic differences among the individuals in the facts like physical power, energy, capability, intelligence, creativity and service motto”. The people can bear with all the differences originated naturally. But they cannot tolerate with the artificial and man-made differences.

2. Social Equality:
The provision for equal status to all the citizens in society without discrimination of caste, race, religion, gender and community can be called Social Equality. Absence of social taboos is a must for the development of all the citizens individually.

3. International Equality:
International Equality means that all the states are treated equally irrespective of their geographical, economic or military composition. According to this element all nations of the world are equal whether they are large or small. International Equality reflects the traits of humanism. It emphasizes the peaceful settlement of disputes between the nations.

Question 10.
Write about Political Equality.
Answer:
Political equality means that all the citizens have identical political rights. It exists wherever equal opportunities are provided to all the people to take part in the functioning of the government. The right to rule must not be limited to a person or a section. Adult franchise is the main source of political equality. Political equality cannot be achieved in the absence of economic and social equality since it is dependent upon both of them.

Political equality prevails only in democratic states. It is not found in other forms of government like monarchy and aristocracy as the latter does not allow equal opportunities to their subjects in political affairs.

Question 11.
Discuss the importance of Economic Equality.
Answer:
The importance of Economic Equality may be explained as follows:
Economic equality is considered as the basis of social and political equalities. It serves as the main driving force behind all activities in the modern state. Economic equality means the elimination of vast inequalities in income, property and wealth. Earnest Barker viewed thus “Economic equality is purely a matter of status and partially a matter of property and income”. Lord Bryce viewed “Economic Equality” as “the attempt to expunge all differences in wealth, allotting every man and woman an equal share in the worldly goods”. Prof. Laski held thus : “Economic Equality implies the abolition of unfettered and irresponsible will in the industrial world”. At the same time, economic equality does not mean equal treatment and reward. It stands for opportunity to work and earn their livelihood to improve their economic status. This can be achieved only through individuals and government. Many socialist states have tried and partially succeeded in achieving economic equality.

AP Inter 1st Year Civics Important Questions Chapter 5 Liberty and Equality

Very Short Answer Questions

Question 1.
Give any two definitions of Liberty. [May. 2016]
Answer:

  • Seeley defines “Liberty is the opposite of over government”.
  • G.D.H. Cole defines “Liberty is the freedom of the individual to express without any hindrances to his personality”.

Question 2.
What do you know about positive aspect of Liberty?
Answer:
Liberty, in its positive aspect means to provide an atmosphere in which an individual is free to do according to his wishes and allowing others the same as his case. T.H. Green says that “Liberty is the power of doing or enjoying something that is worth doing or worth enjoying in common with others”.

Question 3.
List out any four characteristics of Liberty.
Answer:

  • Liberty aims at realising the aspirations of the individuals.
  • Liberty always means the absence of irrational restraints and presence of favourable conditions.
  • It is the product of Rights.
  • It is essential for the realisation of human personalities.

Question 4.
Mention the names of four types of Liberty. [March. 2019; May. 2016]
Answer:

  • Natural Liberty
  • Civil Liberty
  • Political Liberty
  • Economic Liberty

Question 5.
What do you mean by Civil Liberty? [Sep. 2021; Mar. 2020, ’17]
Answer:
Civil liberty means the ‘Rule of Law’. It is absence of restraints which are not reasonable. It is liberty enjoyed by man as a member of civil society. Civil liberty is provided to the people in the form of civil rights such as Right to equality, Right against exploitation, etc.

Question 6.
Write about Political Liberty.
Answer:
It is the freedom of citizens to participate in the political activities or in the affairs of the state and the government. Political liberty is provided to the citizens in the form of political rights such as Right to vote, Right to hold public office, Right to contest in elections, Right to criticise the government, etc.

Question 7.
Is it possible to achieve complete Economic Liberty?
Answer:
It is possible to achieve complete economic liberty by adopting the following measures: They are: a) Provision of minimum wages b) Guarantee of the Right to work c) Protecting the workers from unemployment, sickness and other types of insecurity d) Providing adequate leisure.

Question 8.
What is Economic Liberty? [Mar. ’16; Mar. ’15 T.S & A.P]
Answer:
It is the liberty of an individual to earn his livelihood and satisfy his needs. Civil and political liberties become meaningless in the absence of economic liberty. Economic liberty is provided to the people in the form of economic rights such as the Right to work, Right to decent wage, Right to rest and leisure, etc.

Question 9.
What do you know about National Liberty?
Answer:
It is the freedom of the country. Every nation has a right to be free and decide its policies independently. National liberty is a prerequisite condition for the progress of a nation in all the fields of human life. India got national liberty from England on 15th August 1947.

AP Inter 1st Year Civics Important Questions Chapter 5 Liberty and Equality

Question 10.
Mention any four safeguards of Liberty. [May. 2022; Sep. 2021; Mar. 2018; May.’17]
Answer:
The four safeguards of liberty are:

  • Democractic system
  • Rule of law
  • Decentralisaion of power
  • Independent Judiciary.

Question 11.
Write about independent Judiciary as a safeguard of Liberty.
Answer:
Independent Judiciary is one of the significant safeguards of liberty. The Judiciary will uphold the constitution and keeps the government accountable to the people. It prescribes various safeguards for protecting the fundamental rights of citizens.

Question 12.
What is Equality ? (or) Define Equality. [Mar.’16; Mar.’15-A.P]
Answer:
Laski says that “Equality means first of all the absence of special privileges. In the second place, it means that adequate opportunities are laid open to all”.

Question 13.
Mention the different implications of Equality.
Answer:
The different implications of equality are:

  • There should not be any special privilege to any individual or group of individuals.
  • People must be provided with adequate opportunities to develop their personalities.
  • There should hot be any discrimination among the people on the grounds of their race, religion, caste, colour, creed, sex, etc.

Question 14.
What are the aspects of Equality?
Answer:
Equality has mainly two aspects. Those are: i) Positive aspect ii) Negative aspect. Positive aspect means providing adequate opportunities to all. Negative aspect means no discrimination against any individual on the basis of caste, colour, race, religion, region, etc.

Question 15.
Write any two features of Equality.
Answer:

  • Equality is not given by Nature. Absolute equality is nowhere to be found.
  • Equality is essential for social justice. There have been movements throughout the world for the achievement of social justice in the form of social equality.

Question 16.
Mention the different forms of Equality.
Answer:
The different forms of equality are i) Natural equality ii) Social equality iii) Economic equality iv) Political equality.

AP Inter 1st Year Civics Important Questions Chapter 5 Liberty and Equality

Question 17.
Explain Natural Equality. [Mar. 2016]
Answer:
According to a few traditional politcial scientists, men are not created equally in nature. The differences in mankind took place from times immemorial. G.D.H Cole opined that There are basic differences among the individuals in the facts like physical power, energy, capability, intelligence, creativity and service motto”.

Question 18.
What do you mean by Social Equality? [May. 2022; May. ’17; Mar. ’17-A.P]
Answer:
The provision for equal status to all the citizens in society without discrimination of caste, race, religion, gender and community can be called social equality. Absence of social taboos is a must for the development of all the citizens individually.

Question 19.
What is meant by Political Equality? [Mar. 2020,’18; Mar.’15-T.S]
Answer:
Political equality means that all the citizens have indentical political rights. It exists wherever equal opportunities are provided to all the people to take part in the activities of the state and government. Political equality is ensured to all the citizens in the form of political rights such as right to vote, right to hold public office, right to criticize the government, etc.

Question 20.
Mention the measures adopted for achieving Economic Equality.
Answer:
Economic equality can be achieved by abolishing the vast inequalities in income, property and wealth. This can be achieved only through individuals and government.

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