Students must practice these AP Inter 1st Year Civics Important Questions 8th Lesson Citizenship to boost their exam preparation.
AP Inter 1st Year Civics Important Questions 8th Lesson Citizenship
Long Answer Questions
Question 1.
Define Citizenship. Describe the methods of acquiring citizenship. [March. 2016]
Answer:
Definitions:
- Prof. Laski defines “Citizenship is one’s contribution of instructed judgement to the public good.”
- T.H. Marshall defines “Citizenship is a status bestowed on those who are full members of a community. All who possess this status are equal with respect to the rights and duties with which the state is endowed.”
Methods of acquiring Citizenship:
There are two methods of acquiring citizenship. They are
- Natural Citizenship
- Naturalised Citizenship.
i) Natural Citizenship: Natural Citizenship is classified into two types. They are:
- Jus Sangninis (Kinship or Blood relation)
- Jus Soli (Place of birth)
1. Jus Sanguinis:
This type of Citizenship denotes acquiring citizenship by kinship or blood relationship. Under this method birth within the territory of a state entitles a person to have citizenship. Every person is treated as a citizen of the state where he is born. According to Jus Sanguinis, a child acquires the citizenship of the parents irrespective of its place of birth. Here blood relationship alone determines the Citizenship. For example, a child born to the Indian parents will be treated as Indian citizen irrespective of its place of birth.
2. Jus Soli:
Jus Soli means acquisition of citizenship by the principle of place of birth. According to this method, citizenship is determined by the place of birth and not by parentage. It is the place of birth which determines citizenship. However this method is not more popular in modern times. It was popular in the Middle Ages when citizenship was associated with land. At present, however, this practice is observed exclusively in Argentina.
ii) Naturalised Citizenship: Naturalised Citizenship can be acquired by fulfilling certain conditions are mentioned below.
A. Residence:
An alien who resides in a state for a prescribed period automatically become its citizen. Residence in any part of the state is a must for an alien. The period of residence varies from state to state. For instance it is 5 years in Britain and United States and 10 years in France respectively.
B. Choice:
The children of alien parents could receive citizenship of the state according to their option and choice.
C. Application:
An alien in a state may apply for the citizenship of the state. Then the government of that state considers his application on its merits. It grants citizenship to him with or without some conditions.
D. Fixed Assets:
An alien who buys some portion of land or acquires some fixed property can acquire citizenship in a state.
E. Service (Public or Private):
An alien who serves in the government of a state or in a private recognised enterprise could become the citizen of that state. He is entitled for such citizenship if he serves in the public or private authorised departments. He may also be given citizenship if he renders meritorious service in another state.
F. Marriage:
An alien woman acquires citizenship of a state when she marries the citizen of that state. In some countries when a person marries an alien, Citizenship of either of the husband or wife is acquired.
Question 2.
Explain the various qualities of a good Citizen.
Answer:
Aristotle says good citizens make a good state. Lord Bryce says, conscience, intelligence and self control are the best qualities of a good citizen. On the whole, the following qualities are said to be the pre-requisites for good citizen. They are:
i) Good Character:
Good character is essential for a good citizen. A good citizen should be courageous, just, helpful, kind-hearted, sympathetic, truthful and virtuous in letter and spirit.
ii) Sound Health:
A good citizen should have good health and strength. Healthy citizens make the nation healthy. Only a sound body will have a sound mind. Sound body and mind of a citizen paves the way for the progress of the state in many spheres.
iii) Intelligence and Education:
Proper education is another quality of a citizen. The citizen should be well- enlightened, fully aware and informed of his rights and responsibilities. He must be intelligent enough to identify good and bad.
iv) Self-Control:
A good citizen will have moderate temperament. He will have self-control in his public activities. Self control and confidence make him to lead a disciplined life. He will not indulge in inhuman activities.
v) Public Spirit:
A good citizen should have broad and liberal outlook. He should be ready to take active part in public affairs. He should be intelligent in enjoying his rights and responsibilities. He should have active participation in the social activities. He should have public-spirit and ready to offer his services for the collective welfare of the society.
vi) Self-Sacrifice:
A good citizen must possess self-sacrifice. He must subordinate his self-interest to the interests of the community. He must be imbibed by the spirit of service and devotion to the society, government and state.
vii) Honest Exercise of Franchise:
Honest exercise of one’s franchise is another essential quality of a good citizen. Self interest or sectional interest in terms of class, religion or community act as a hurdle to good citizenship.
viii) Sincere Performance of Obligations:
A good citizen performs his obligations sincerely and faithfully. He extends co-operation to the authorities in the discharge of their obligations. He pays his taxes to the various governmental organizations promptly and properly.
ix) Right Ordering of Loyalties:
A good citizen brings about a right ordering of his loyalties to the family, class, caste, club, trade union, region and nation. He avoids conflicts between various associations by assigning priorities.
Question 3.
Describe the various hindrances to good citizenship.
Answer:
The hindrances to good citizenship may be explained as follows. They are:
a) Laziness:
Citizens in many states’ do not prefer to work hard. They remain narrow minded. They have little interest in working for the progress of the nation. They create havoc in the state. Many of them are affected by apathy, inactivity, indifference and indolence which act as great enemies of good citizenship.
b) Ignorance and Illiteracy:
Ignorance and illiteracy are regarded as the greatest obstacles to the good citizenship. Ignorant and illiterate citizens do not know their rights and responsibilities properly.
c) Poverty:
Poverty is the root cause of all evils. Good citizenship cannot develop in a country where vast inequalities of wealth exist. Poverty leads to apathy and indifference in public life.
d) III Health:
III health is another hindrance to the good citizenship. Because unhealthy citizens cannot carry on their services to the good of the state and society.
e) Narrow Political Interests:
Political parties which are essential in democracy play a crucial role in promoting the ideals of good citizenship. But many members of these parties work for the party and not for the society or the nation.
f) Communalism and Casteism:
Communalism and casteism are two important handicaps in the path of good citizenship. Caste system and class distinctions are especially responsible for bringing out a discord among the people. These distinctions hamper social and political solidarity of the state.
g) Selfishness:
Selfishness and good citizenship cannot go together. Selfish citizens will confine their thoughts and actions to their own private benefits. They spare no time and energy for the well-being of others including their mother land.
h) Indifference:
Indifference is another great obstacle which makes citizens indolent and lazy. Such citizens are least bothered about the contemporary happenings. They do not participate in the dynamics of the state mechanism.
Question 4.
How many types of citizenship are there? Elucidate.
Answer:
There are three types of citizenship. They are i) Single Citizenship ii) Dual Citizenship iii) Global or Universal Citizenship. They may be explained as follows –
a) Single Citizenship:
Single Citizenship implies possession of one type of citizenship, identical rights, privileges and immunities by the citizens. Citizens enjoy this type of citizenship without any discrimination. It is prevalent in many states in the modern period. For instance the Constitution of India provided for single citizenship to every Indian citizen irrespective of his place of birth, residence, etc.
b) Dual Citizenship:
Dual Citizenship means possession of two citizenships in two States. It is in vogue in some developed and developing countries. For instance, children born to American citizens, in other states acquire natural citizenship in both the states – one in their parent American State and another in the State where they are born. However, persons having dual citizenship are not entitled to the special privileges. They are subject to the laws of both countries. Dual citizenship applies to the children until they attain adulthood. Later they have to choose citizenship of one of the two States.
c) Global or Universal Citizenship:
Global or Universal Citizenship is the latest phenomena in the contemporary international and national politics. The dramatic events that took place after 1980s and 1990s created a great awareness among the people all over the world. The advancement in communications, science, technology and other spheres transformed human life in a miraculous way which caused the emergence of the concept of global or universal citizenship.
Short Answer Questions
Question 1.
Write about the two methods of acquiring natural citizenship. [March. 2018]
Answer:
The two methods of acquiring natural citizenship are i) Jus Sanguinis (Kinship or Blood Relationship) ii) Jus Soli (Place of Birth). They may be explained as follows.
i) Jus Sanguinis:
This type of citizenship denotes acquiring citizenship by kinship or blood relationship. Under this method birth within the territory of a state entitles a person to have citizenship. Every person is treated as a citizen of the state where he is born. According to Jus Sanguinis, a child acquires the citizenship of the parents irrespective of its place of birth. Here blood relationship alone determines the citizenship. For example, a child born to the Indian parents will be treated as Indian citizen irrespective of its place of birth.
ii) Jus Soli:
Jus Soli means acquisition of citizenship by the principle of place of birth. According to this method, citizenship is determined by the place of birth and not by parentage. It is the place of birth which determines citizenship. However this method is not more popular in modern times. It was popular in the Middle Ages, when citizenship was associated with land. At present, however, this practice is observed exclusively in Argentina.
Question 2.
What are the differences between Citizens and Aliens?
Answer:
Differences between Citizens and Aliens:
Citizen
- A citizen resides in a particular state on permanent basis.
- A citizen owes loyalty to the state in which he resides.
- A citizen is entitled to enjoy civil and political rights.
- A citizen can criticize the policies and programmes of the government.
- A citizen will have both the rights and responsibilities.
Alien
- An alien resides in a State on temporary basis.
- An alien owes allegiance to the State to which he belongs.
- An alien will have civil rights only.
- An alien has no right to criticize the policies and programmes of the government.
- An alien has more responsibilities than the rights.
Question 3.
How is naturalised citizenship acquired? [Mar. 2017-A.P]
Answer:
Naturalised citizenship will be conferred by a State on the aliens subjected to the fulfilment of certain conditions like stipulated period of residence, job, property, marriage, etc. It can be revoked any time by the State under certain circumstances like treason. This is more a privilege than a right. The citizens who acquired naturalised citizenship have to forego their native citizenship and they also enjoy limited rights.
Question 4.
How is citizenship lost?
Answer:
Citizens lose their citizenship under the following conditions. They are
- Renunciation: A person is deprived of his citizenship, if he wishes to become the ‘ citizen of another country.
- Marriage: Generally a woman loses her citizenship when she marries an alien.
- Accepting Foreign Service: A person may lose his citizenship when he enters into the service of another State.
- Prolonged Absence: Prolonged absence in the native State beyond a certain period may lead to the loss of citizenship.
- Treason or Crime: Involvement of a citizen in a serious crime or participation in anti state, anti social or anti governmental activities also lead to the loss of citizenship.
- Desertion from Army: Desertion from army thereby jeopardizing the security of a State leads to the loss of citizenship.
Question 5.
Explain any three conditions for securing naturalised citizenship. [Sep. 2021]
Answer:
a) Residence:
An alien who resides in a state for a prescribed period automatically become its citizen. Residence in any part of the state is a must for an alien. The period of residence varies from state to state. For instance it is 5 years in Britain and United States and 10 years in France respectively.
b) Choice:
The children of alien parents could receive citizenship of the state according to their option and choice.
c) Application:
An alien in a state may apply for the citizenship of that state. Then the government of that state considers his application on its merits. It grants citizenship to him with or without some conditions.
Question 6.
Briefly describe about the Global or Universal Citizenship.
Answer:
Global or Universal Citizenship is the latest phenomena in the contemporary international and national politics. The dramatic events that took place after 1980s and 1990s created a great awareness among the people all over the world. The advancement in communications, science, technology and other spheres transformed human life in a miraculous way.
It is in the above circumstances that large number of citizen have gone abroad for educational, commercial and research purposes. Thousands of them have either settled in foreign states or remained there on work permits. They have earned a lot of money. They remain instrumental in bringing their income to the native states. In the process they have been seeking citizenship in their native state and in the states where they are rendering services. Some states have contemplated the idea of conferring dual citizenship to their citizens in other states. Such an idea became a basis of global citizenship.
Question 7.
Suggest the remedies for removing the hindrances to good citizenship. [May. 2017]
Answer:
The remedies for removing the hindrances to good citizenship may be explained as follows.
a) Solving People’s Grievances: First of all government should address the basic grievances of the people. Issues of poverty and unemployment should be tackled with great commitment. Good citizenship can’t.be realized when people’s basic needs are not satisfied.
b) Education and Awareness: Education, which is the most important need of the hour should be given top priority. Steps should be taken to spread education and awareness among the people. Citizens must be provided with such instructions which make possible the understanding of human life. They must be trained for expressing their wishes and aspirations which they come across in their life.
c) Efforts of Leaders: Citizens should always feel that government itself cannot provide succor and rescue them on every occasion. The leaders at various levels should come forward and co-operate with the government in promoting good citizenship.
Besides these remedies, Lord Bryce suggested two types of remedies for removing the hindrances to good citizenship. Th§y are i) Mechanical ii) Ethical. The first relates to the laws of the State and the second relates to the character of the citizens.
Question 8.
Discuss the differences between Natural and Naturalised Citizenship.
Answer:
The differences between Natural and Naturalised Citizenship may be explained as follows.
Differences between Natural and Naturalised Citizenship:
Natural Citizenship
- Natural citizenship is acquired by the native citizen of a State in his own right.
- This is acquired on the basis of birth or descent.
- It is normally irrevocable.
- This is more a right of a citizen than a privilege.
- Here the citizen enjoys all the constitutional rights.
Naturalised Citizenship
- Naturalised citizenship is conferred by a State on the aliens.
- This is conferred on the individuals subject to certain conditions like stipulated period of residence, job, property, marriage, etc.
- It can be revoked any time by the State under certain circumstances like treason.
- This is more a privilege than a right.
- Here the citizen enjoys limited rights.
Very Short Answer Questions
Question 1.
Define Citizenship. [May. 2022, March. 2019, March. 2015-T.S]
Answer:
- Prof Laski defines “Citizenship is one’s contribution of instructed judgement to the public good.”
- T.H. Marshall defines “Citizenship is a status bestowed on those who are full members of a community. All who possess this status are equal with respect to the rights and duties with which the state is endowed.”
Question 2.
What do you mean by Jus Sanguinis? [May. 2017]
Answer:
Acquiring citizenship by kinship or blood relation is called Jus Sanguinis. According to Jus Sanguinis, a child acquires the citizenship of the parents irrespective of its place of birth. Blood relation alone determines the citizenship in Jus Sanguinis method.
Question 3.
What does the term ‘Jus Soli’ mean?
Answer:
Jus Soli means acquisition of citizenship by the principle of place of birth. According to this method, a child acquires the citizenship of a State, where it horns. It is the place of birth which determines citizenship. This method is not more popular in modern times. At present, this method is observed exclusively in Argentina.
Question 4.
Who is an Alien?
Answer:
A person, who lives in a State other than his own is called an alien. Aliens are entitled to such rights and obligations which are incorporated in the covenants of the foreign state. For ex. in the United States of America, aliens must obey the laws and pay taxes just like the American citizens.
Question 5.
Write about any two conditions for acquiring natural citizenship.
Answer:
The two conditions for acquiring natural citizenship are
- Jus Sanguinis
- Jus Soli.
Question 6.
List out two conditions of loss of citizenship. [Mar. 2018]
Answer:
- Renunciation: A person is deprived of his citizenship, if he wishes to become the citizen of any other State.
- Marriage: Generally a woman loses her citizenship when she marries an alien.
Question 7.
Mention any two qualities of a good citizen.
Answer:
- Good Character: Good character is essential for a good citizen. A good citizen should be courageous, just, helpful, kind-hearted, Sympathetic, truthful and virtuous in letter and spirit.
- Sound Health: A good citizen should have good health and strength. Healthy citizens make the nation healthy and wealthy.
Question 8.
Explain the significance of citizenship.
Answer:
Citizenship remains significant when the fundamental rights are guaranteed in the Constitution are available to all the citizens. Citizenship ensures the citizens many political rights. Citizens could exercise their vote in elections to the various representative bodies.
Question 9.
In what way do ignorance and illiteracy act as hindrances to good citizenship?
Answer:
Ignorance and illiteracy are regarded as the greatest obstacles to the good citizenship. Ignorant and illiterate citizens do not know their rights and responsibilities properly. They are unable to make any contribution to the State. Democracy degenerates into mob rule in the hands of ignorant and illiterate persons.
Question 10.
What are the suggestions of Lord Bryce for overcoming the hindrances of good citizenship?
Answer:
Lord Bryce suggested two types of remedies for overcoming the hindrances of good citizenship. They are i) Mechanical ii) Ethical. Mechanical remedies improve the machinery of the State to make it more useful to the public. Ethical remedies enhance the general character of citizens in the State.
Question 11.
Write a short note on dual citizenship. [May. 2022, Sep. 2021, Mar. 2015 – T.S]
Answer:
Dual citizenship means possession of two citizenships in two States. For ex. children born to American citizens in other States acquire citizenship in both the States – one in their parant State and the other in the State, where there are born. Dual citizenship applies to the children until they attain adulthood. Later they have to choose citizenship of any one of the two states.