Students must practice these AP Inter 1st Year Civics Important Questions 6th Lesson Rights and Responsibilities to boost their exam preparation.
AP Inter 1st Year Civics Important Questions 6th Lesson Rights and Responsibilities
Long Answer Questions
Question 1.
Define Rights. Describe the Civil rights.
Answer:
Meaning:
Rights and duties are very essential for perfect civil life. In a democratic set-up, rights aim at the promotion of the interests of the people and the state. The enjoyment of rights is linked with the performance of responsibilities. Every right has acorresponding duty. A man should have the eligibility to enjoy rights and such eligibility is obtained by doing his duties perfectly.
Definitions of Rights:
- Laski defines, ‘Rights are those conditions of social life without which, no man, can seek, in general, to be himself at his best”.
- According to Wilde, “A right is a reasonable claim to freedom in the exercise of certain activities”.
CIVIL RIGHTS:
The basic concept of civil rights is to provide the basic conditions to lead a happy social life. The civil life is possible only with these rights. The following are important civil rights –
1. Right to life:
This is the most important among civil rights. One has to protect his life to enjoy civil rights. This right means that one has necessarily to live and must not commit suicide. Due to this right, the people can protect their lives from aggression by others, even by brute force in extraordinary conditions.
2. Right to liberty:
Every citizen in the State wants to be independent. Right to personal liberty provides such opportunity. This right also provides the liberty and freedom to enhance his talents and efficiency and also to discharge his duties towards the society.
3. Right to equality:
All individuals are equal by birth. The natural differences cannot be called inequality. Equality means no discrimination in the State, between individuals, groups, sections or tribes, as per law. Right to equality indicates equality. All the democratic States function on the basis of equality.
4. Right to property:
This is another important civil right. Property is very much essential for a happy life. As a result of this right, every individual enjoys the freedom to acquire, enjoy, donate and sell away the property by all legal means. This right provides happiness and security to the individuals. But recently, there are certain criticisms against this right. .
5. Right to family:
This civil right provides opportunity to have one’s own family. Family is the first state in the evolution of human society. Family is the basic social institution.
6. Right to religion:
Right to religion is one among the civil rights. Most of the modern States are secular States. It means they follow a policy of neutrality towards religion. State have no discrimination on the basis of religion. All the religions are treated alike. The States do not have any official religion. All the people have complete freedom to profess, propagate or practise any religion of their own choice.
7. Right to contract:
The right of individual to enter into a contract with another individual or groups of individuals can be called right to contract. Right to contract is basic for social life. This right strengthens the trade and commerce. The State recognises this right and regulates the same.
8. Right to education:
In the present state, there is every need for each individual to be educated. Education promotes good character, behaviour and humanism. Education provides opportunity to every citizen to be educated as per his capabilities and efficiency. All the democratic States are giving significance to right to education. If the citizens are educated, democracy can be fruitful.
9. Right to form Associations and Unions:
The individuals have the right to form the associations and unions as per their need. Society includes different associations, social, economic, cultural and religious. Man cannot achieve much by simply being a member of the State.
10. Right to Constitutional Remedies:
This right is essential to every individual for safeguarding his rights. This right empowers a person (who was deprived of his liberty due to the intervention or manhandling by others including the government) to seek justice and relief from the concerned judicial organizations. The affected individuals are authorised to approach an appropriate court for correcting such imbalance.
Question 2.
Define Rights. Describe the Political rights.
Answer:
Political Rights:
The political rights may be explained as follows:
1. Right to vote:
Almost all the modern States are democratic States. The right to vote has originated in a democracy. Every adult citizen can take part in the formation and running of the government, directly and indirectly, without discrimination of caste, religion, community and gender. There is great importance to this right in a democratic state.
2. Right to contest in elections:
Right to contest in elections is another parallel right that exists for the survival of a democracy. It is yet another necessary right to the citizens. The main aim of this is to provide opportunities to all the citizens without discrimination on the basis of race, religion, caste, section, community and gender to contest in elections and become representatives of people in legislatures.
3. Right to hold public offices:
This is another political right in a democracy. The main aim of this right is to provide all the citizens without discrimination, opportunities to hold public offices involved in State administration at different levels. All persons either rich or poor are qualified to hold these positions. But efficiency and education are the only basic qualifications.
4. Right to petition:
There is a scope for the people in modern States to represent their problems and inconveniences to the government through petitions. This is called the right to petition. By this right, people can get their problems solved on representing to the government either individually or collectively.
5. Right to criticism:
In every democracy there must be a scope for reasonable and constructive criticism. Then only, the Government can vigilantly discharge its duties. It strengthens the system of democracy. According to J.S. Mill, the government can behave responsibly when there is a scope to criticise the government.
Question 3.
Identify the safeguards of Rights. [May. 2022; Sep. 2021; Mar. ’19, ’18; May ’17. ’16; Mar. ’15 – T.S & A.P]
Answer:
Safeguards of Rights: The safeguards of Rights may be explained as follows:
1. Democractic Rule:
Democratic rule safeguards the rights of the people to a great extent. People can enjoy their rights perfectly in democractic states only. This system makes constitutional and legal provisions for safeguarding the right of the people.
2. Written and Rigid Constitution:
A written Constitution clearly defines the powers and functions of the government. It also explains about the various limitations of governmental authority. Besides, a rigid constitution will guarantee the rights of the people by making it difficult for the rulers and legislators to make amendments on flimsy grounds. .
3. Constitutional Incorporation:
Incorporation of fundamental rights in the Constitution wiliprevent the encroachment of individual rights by the government. Such an arrangement protects the rights to the individuals to a great extent.
4. Separation of Powers:
The powers of the government should be separated among the three organs of the government. Such as measure would act as a check against other organ. Ultimately, it serves as a safeguard of individual liberty.
5. Decentralisation of Powers:
Individuals enjoy their rights, when powers are decentralised among the governmental institutions. This involves allocation of powers at various levels – national, provisional, local either on functional or territorial basis.
6. Rule of Law:
Rule of law implies equality before law. It also denotes equal application of laws to the citizens. It gives no scope for discrimination between citizens on the grounds of region, religion, caste, colour, community, etc.
7. Independent and Impartial Judiciary:
Independent and impartial judiciary is another safeguard of rights. Judges in higher judicial bodies will deliver judgement with impartial and independent outlook. In the process of delivering justice, they issue certain writs for immediate protection of the rights.
8. Independent Press:
Independent and honest press is another essential safeguard of rights of individual^? Such agency will be able to disseminate news and views impartially and without fear or favour to anybody. In this regard the state should not try to threaten and silehce the press. Then only individuals enjoy their rights to the maximum extent.
9. Social and Economic Equalities:
Social and economic equalities are necessary for enjoying one’s rights. People will be able to utilize their rights properly and positively when there are social and economic equalities in the state. These equalities include absence of casteism, communalism, linguism, wide spread economic inequalities, exploitation, etc.
10. Eternal Vigilance:
Eternal vigilance is said to be the most important safeguard of rights of individuals. Individuals must be vigilant and cautious about the policies of the government.
Question 4.
Write an essay an Human Rights.
Answer:
All the United Nations Member States must fulfil in good faith, the obligations they assumed under the Charter, including the obligations to promote respect for human rights, to promote observance of human rights, and to cooperate with the UNO and other nations, to attain this aim.
The human rights can be broadly divided into two kinds. The first kind refers to civil and political rights, which include the right to life, liberty and security of person, freedom from slavery and torture; equality before law; protection against arbitrary arrest, detention or exile, the right to a fair trial, the right to own property; political participation; the right to marriage; the fundamental freedoms of thought, conscience and religion, opinion and expression; freedom of peaceful assembly and association; and the right to take part in the government of his/her country, directly or through freely chosen representatives.
The second tone includes economic, social and cultural rights, which relate to, amongst others; the right to work; equal pay for equal work; the right to form and join trade unions.
Question 5.
“Rights and Responsibilities are inter related”. Analyse. [March. 2020]
Answer:
There is a close relationship between rights and responsibilities. The two are considered as the two sides of a same coin. Rights are incomplete in the absence of responsibilities. Rights imply responsibilities and responsibilities are entitled to rights. The two are inseparable. They are compared to the life and breath of living beings. We can analyse the relationship between rights and responsibilities on the following grounds. They are:
i) Essential conditions of social life:
Many political writers described that rights and responsibilities are the two essential conditions of social life. They are like the shield and soul of the people in the state. Every right will have a corresponding responsibility. Similarly, every responsibility has a corresponding right. The two propositions when put together will help to a great extent the individuals to lead a happy, honorable, harmonious and prosperous life in society.
ii) Social progress:
It is imperative that everyone should enjoy his righ& in such a way that his activities contribute to social progress. He should be aware of his rights and perform his responsibilities in a judicious manner. His actions should always be carried on with the ultimate aim of promoting social progress.
iii) Allegiance to the state:
Another postulate regarding the affinity between Rights and Responsibilities relates to the order in the state. One should utilize his rights in such a way that his actions should in no way disrupt the peaceful atmosphere in the society. Similarly, he should abide by the rules and regulations imposed and implemented by the government authorities from time to time.
Conclusion: Rights and Responsibilities do not have separate or distinct ends. They are always present together like shadow and man.
One’s right automatically becomes other’s responsibility and vice versa. The two- Rights and Responsibilities – together make a person as a good citizen.
Question 6.
Write an essay on National Commission on Human Rights.
Answer:
National Human Rights Commission (NHRQ:
National Human Rights Commission is a multi – member body. It comprises four members. It is headed by the former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. There will be a supreme court judge (or Former high court Chief Justice) and two other members who actively participated in the human rights activities. The Chairman as well as members of the Commission are appointed by the President of India. In this regard, the President is bound to consult the Minister for Union Home Affairs, Lok Sabha Speaker, Rajya Sabha Chairman and opposition party leaders in Parliament. The chairman and members shall hold their office for five years or until the super annuation age of 70 years whichever is earlier. The Chairman of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Minorities Commission, Chairperson of National Women Commission act as the ex officio members of the Commission. There will be a General Secretary having the status of Secretary General in the Commission.
The following are some of the important functions of National Human Rights Commission:
- The National Human Rights Commission makes enquiry into the cases of violation of human rights by the public authorities.
- It enquires into the cases of human rights violation as permitted by the judicial organizations.
- It reviews the various legislative measures in regard to the implementation of human rights.
- It makes suggestions for averting terrorist operations affecting human rights.
- It makes research into the matter of human rights.
- It takes steps for creating awareness of human rights among the people.
- It gives encouragement to voluntary organizations in the matters of preserving human rights.
Short Answer Questions
Question 1.
What are the features of Rights? [March. 2016]
Answer:
The features of rights may be explained as follows:
- Rights are possible only in society. They do not exist outside of the society.
- Rights are social in nature.
- Rights are inherent in the social nature of men.
- Rights are enforced and protected by the State. Various judicial organisations act as the custodians of the rights of individuals.
- Rights are not absolute. Society and State impose certain restrictions on the enjoyment of the rights of the individuals.
- Every right has a corresponding responsibility. It is the responsibility of every individual to see that his neighbours also enjoy the same rights.
- Rights are universal in nature. They are applicable to all. They are given to all without any discrimination.
- Rights are prior to the state. They are originated in course of time. They were prevalent even before the origin of the state.
- Rights are meant for common good. State and Society recognise only those rights which promote common good of the people.
Question 2.
Explain Political Rights. [May. 2022; Sep. 2021; March 2019,’18,’15 – A.P,; May ’17, ’16]
Answer:
The political rights may be explained as follows. They are:
1. Right to vote:
Almost all the modern States are democratic States. The right to.vote has originated in a democracy. Every adult citizen can take part in the formation and running of the government, directly and indirectly, without discrimination of caste, religion, community and gender. There is great importance to this right in a democratic state.
2. Right to contest in elections:
Right to contest in elections is another parallel right that exists for the survival of a democracy. It is yet another necessary right to the citizens. The main aim of this is to provide opportunities to all the citizens without discrimination on the basis of race, religion, caste, section, community and gender to contest in elections and become representatives of people in legislatures.
3. Right to hold public offices:
This is another political right in a democracy. The main aim of this right is to provide all the citizens without discrimination, opportunities to hold public offices involved in State administration at different levels. All persons either rich or poor are qualified to hold these positions. But efficiency and education are the only basic qualifications.
4. Right to petition:
There is a scope for the people in modern States to represent their problems and inconveniences to the government through petitions. This is called the right to petition. By this right, people can get their problems solved on representing to the government either individually or collectively.
5. Right to criticism:
In every democracy there must be a scope for reasonable and constructive criticism. Then only, the Government can vigilantly discharge its duties. It strengthens the system of democracy. According to J.S. Mill, the government can behave responsibly when there is a scope to criticise the government.
Question 3.
What are the features of Human Rights? [March 2017-A.P]
Answer:
The features of human rights may be explained as follows:
- Human rights are enjoyed by all the people without discrimination.
- These rights are universal.
- They treat all people alike.
- They regard individuals basically as human beings.
- They encompass some fundamental principles of humanity.
- They have no geographical limitations.
Question 4.
Write the objectives and classification of Human Rights.
Answer:
The objectives of human rights may be explained as follows:
- Provision of independence to the people against discrimination
- Freedom from povery
- Freedom for availing the latent abilities of individuals
- Freedom from fear
- Freedom of protection
- Freedom from injustice
- Freedom of speech and expression
- Freedom of protection
- Freedom of association
- Freedom for carrying one’s activities on dignified lines
- Freedom against exploitation
Classification of human rights: Human rights are classified into three kinds. They are:
- Natural rights
- Moral rights
- Legal rights
Legal rights are classified into two kinds again. Those are:
- Civil rights
- Political rights
Natural rights are those which are attained by man by his birth from nature. The ethical principles in the society are the basis for the moral rights. Legal rights are those which are recognised by the state and protected by law.
Question 5.
Discuss the various types of Responsibilities. [Mar. 2020,’15]
Answer:
Responsibilities are broadly classified into two types. They are:
i) Moral responsibilities ii) Legal responsibilities.
i) Moral responsibilities:
Moral responsibilities are those which bound the individuals together on moral grounds. They may not be upheld and supported by the laws of the state. These are based upon the customs, traditions and usages which are followed by the people from generations together.
ii) Legal responsibilities:
Legal responsibilities are those which are implemented through the courts and with the support of the statuatory laws. These are very clear and precise, compulsory and coersive in nature. Those who violate these responsibilities will be punished. For ex. obeying the laws of the state, paying taxes, etc.
Legal responsibilities are again classified into two kinds. They are:
a) Positive responsibilities b) Negative responsibilities.
a) Positive responsibilities are those which are exercised by the people to strengthen the social progress and welfare.
b) Negative responsibilities keep the people away from doing certain activities. The government, on behalf of the state, make several regulations in this regard.
Question 6.
What are the features of Fundamental rights?
Answer:
The features of fundamental rights may be explained as follows.
- Fundamental rights are definite, clear and specific.
- They are constitutional and legal in nature:
- They are coercive in nature.
- They are granted to the citizens only.
- They differ from state to state.
- They are not absolute.
- They can be amended by the legislatures under certain conditions.
Question 7.
Discuss the important political responsibilities or duties.
Answer:
Every citizen has to exercise certain important duties towards his state and government. Those are called political duties. They are explained as follows:
1. Loyalty to the State:
A citizen should be loyal to his nation. He should always be ready to protect his country from internal or external enemies.
2. Obedience to laws:
Every citizen has to obey the laws of the Nation. If laws are violated, punishment will be given. ‘Obedience to law alone can save the perishing world’.
3. Payment of taxes:
Every citizen must pay taxes to the government honestly. The expenditure of the state can be met by income it gets through taxes.
4. Duty to vote:
It is a sacred duty of every citizen to exercise his right to vote at the time of elec¬tions. A wrong use of vote may result in the formation of a bad government.
5. Maintenance of law and order:
It is the important duty of every citizen to co-operate with the state and govern¬ment maintaining the law and order situation in the state.
Question 8.
Discuss the fundamental duties.
Answer:
Fundamental Duties:
The duties are also considered to be very important, like the rights, and are added in the constitutions as fundamental duties. The following ten fundamental duties were incorporated in the fourth part of the Indian Constitution through the 42nd constitu¬tional amendment, during 1976:
- Every citizen must respect the Constitution, National Flag and National Anthem.
- Every citizen must strive for the achievement of the goals of the freedom move¬ment.
- To protect the sovereignty and integrity of the country.
- The citizens must be ready to take part in the programmes of the defence of the country and service to society.
- Every citizen must strive to promote fraternity among the people in the country. They must give up all actions disturbing respect and honour of women.
- Every citizen must contribute to protect the rich heritage of the Indian culture.
- The beauty of nature must be protected extending love and compassion to all creation.
- One must cultivate scientific and humanistic spirit and cultivate interest for social welfare.
- All citizens must protect the government property and give up violent actions.
- Every citizen must strive towards excellence in all spheres of individual and collective activity.
Very Short Answer Questions
Question 1.
Define Rights.
Answer:
- Laski defines “Rights are those conditions of social life without which, no man, can seek, in general to be himself at his best”.
- Wilde defines “A right is a reasonable claim to freedom in the exercise of certain activities”.
Question 2.
Classify Rights.
Answer:
Rights are classified into three kinds. Those are
- Natural rights
- Moral rights
- Legal rights
Legal rights are classified into two kinds again. Those are:
- Civil rights
- Political rights.
Natural rights are those which are attained by man by his birth from nature. The ethical principles in the society are the basis for the moral rights. Legal rights are those which are recognised by the State and protected by law.
Question 3.
What are Civil Rights?
Answer:
Civil rights aim at providing basic conditions for individuals to lead a happy and dignified social life. These rights are considered inevitable for a civilized society. Social life becomes impossible in their absence. The Constitution of a State grants and guarantees these rights to the citizens. For ex. Right to life, Right to liberty and Right to equality, etc.
Question 4.
Natural Rights.
Answer:
Natural rights are the rights which are enjoyed by men by birth. People enjoyed these rights even before the origin of civilized society. The society and the state recognised and respected these rights. John Loek, who profounded the theory of natural rights, claimed that these rights are pre-social and pre-political in nature. For ex. Right to life and Right to property.
Question 5.
Moral Rights.
Answer:
The rights based on the moral principles of the society are called the moral rights. These rights do not have any legal protection. Customs, traditions and usages are regarded as the basic source of these rights. For ex. respecting the elders, nourishing the children, taking care of the parents during their old age, etc.
Question 6.
What are Political Rights?
Answer:
The rights which enable the citizens to participate in the activities of the state and government are called the political rights. A unique feature of these rights is that they are enjoyed by the citizens only. These rights are considered as an essential condition of democracy. For ex. Right to vote, Right to contest in elections, Right to criticise the government, etc.
Question 7.
Right to enforce Rights.
Answer:
All the civil and political rights remain meaningless, if there is no right to enforce rights. The citizens can move the courts of law to implement the fundamental rights enshrined in the Indian Constitution. The higher courts of law take action through directives, orders, writs like Habeas Corpus, Mandamus, Prohibition, Quo warranto and Certiorari to implement the fundamental rights.
Question 8.
What are the objectives of Human Rights?
Answer:
The objectives of Human Rights are:
- Provision of independence to the people against discrimination
- Freedom from poverty
- Freedom from speech and expression
- Freedom from injustice
- Freedom against exploitation
Question 9.
How many of types of Human Rights are there ? Name them.
Answer:
Human rights are broadly classified into two types. They are:
- Civil and political rights
- Economic, social and cultural rights.
Question 10.
Significance of Human Rights.
Answer:
Human rights are the amenities required for the basic existence of human beings. They are available to all persons irrespective of caste, creed, community, religion, region, language, etc. The constitutional and ordinary laws in democratic countries recognise these rights as they are indispensable for the development of the people.
Question 11.
Classification of Responsibilities.
Answer:
Responsibilities are broadly classified into two types. They are:
i) Moral responsibilities
ii) Legal responsibilities
i) Moral responsibilities are those which bound the individuals together on moral grounds. They may not be upheld and supported by the laws of the State.
ii) Legal responsibilities are implemented through the courts and with the support of statutory laws.
Legal responsibilities are again classified into two types. They are:
- Positive responsibilities
- Negative responsibilities.
Question 12.
Moral Responsibilities.
Answer:
Moral responsibilities are those which bound the individuals together on moral grounds. They are based on the moral beliefs of the people. They are sanctioned by the community based on some customs, traditions and usages. Any violation of moral responsibilities does not lead to punishment. Helping the needy and the sick is the best example for moral responsibilities.
Question 13.
Give some examples of Responsibilities.
Answer:
The most important responsibilities are said to be
- Loyalty to the state,
- Obedience to laws,
- Payment of taxes,
- Honest exercise of franchise and holding public office,
- Co-operation in law and order matters, etc.