Maharashtra Board Class 11 Political Science Chapter 3 Equality and Justice Solutions

1A. Choose the Correct Alternative and Complete the Following Statements.

Question 1. The base of political equality is __________
(a) democracy
(b) dictatorship
(c) military rule
(d) monarchy
Answer: (a) democracy
In simple words: Democracy is a system where everyone has an equal say in choosing their leaders, making political equality its main foundation.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember that political equality, such as the right to vote, can only truly exist in a democratic setup, not under dictatorships or monarchies.

Question 2. John Rawls was an advocate of __________ justice.
(a) distributive
(b) political
(c) economic
(d) gender-based
Answer: (a) distributive
In simple words: John Rawls believed that a fair society must distribute resources and opportunities in a way that helps everyone, especially the least advantaged.

🎯 Exam Tip: Associate John Rawls directly with "distributive justice" as this is a core concept in political science exams.

1B. State the Appropriate Concept for the Given Statement.

Question 1. The principle of equality states that each one should get an opportunity for the development of their individual personality.
Answer: Equality of opportunity. This ensures that no one is barred from achieving their potential due to arbitrary discrimination.
In simple words: This means everyone should get a fair and equal chance to grow, learn, and succeed in life.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember that personal development is always linked to "equality of opportunity" in political theory.

Question 2. Type of equality which says that every citizen has an equal right to participate in affairs of the State.
Answer: Political equality. This includes fundamental rights like voting, contesting elections, and holding public office.
In simple words: This is the equal right of every citizen to take part in government activities, like voting in elections.

🎯 Exam Tip: Whenever you see terms like "citizen", "voting", or "affairs of the State", the answer is political equality.

Question 3. Absence of economic exploitation.
Answer: Economic equality. It aims to bridge the gap between the rich and the poor by ensuring fair wages and working conditions.
In simple words: This means preventing people from being treated unfairly or underpaid at work.

🎯 Exam Tip: Economic equality is the concept that directly addresses the gap between the rich and the poor and stops financial exploitation.

1C. Complete the Following Sentence Using Appropriate Reason.

Question 1. In India, laws were made regarding the abolition of untouchability. Because
(a) untouchability is a political concept
(b) untouchability is a legal concept
(c) social inequality can be controlled by State legislation
Answer: (c) social inequality can be controlled by State legislation
In simple words: The government made laws against untouchability because laws can help stop unfair social practices and protect people.

🎯 Exam Tip: State legislation is a powerful tool used by the government to correct deep-rooted social inequalities like untouchability.

Complete the Concept Map/Maps

Question 1. Complete the concept map for Types of Equality.
Answer: The completed concept map includes the following types of equality:
• Civil equality
• Political equality
• Social equality
• Natural equality
• Economic equality
In simple words: Equality has different forms, including civil, political, social, natural, and economic aspects that ensure everyone is treated fairly.

🎯 Exam Tip: Memorize the five main types of equality shown in the concept map as they are frequently asked in short-answer questions.

State Whether the Following Statements are True or False with Reasons

Question 1. Democracy denies equality.
Answer: This statement is False.
• A democratic government is based on the pillars of liberty, equality, justice, and fraternity.
• Equality signifies equality of opportunity, political participation, and equal protection of the law which can be ensured only in a democracy. Therefore, democracy and equality are deeply interdependent concepts.
In simple words: Democracy does not deny equality; in fact, a true democracy cannot exist without treating everyone equally and giving them the same rights.

🎯 Exam Tip: When explaining why a statement is false, always start by clearly stating "This statement is False" before listing your supporting reasons.

Question 2. Equality is a political goal.
Answer: This statement is True.
• Equality signifies that all human beings have an equal worth irrespective of their race, religion, caste, etc. It, however, does not mean uniformity.
• In modern times, equality includes aspects like tolerance and empathy i.e., a moral and collective dimension. It is also the basis of liberty and justice and serves as a guiding principle for democratic societies.
In simple words: Equality is a major goal in politics because it ensures every person is valued equally, promoting fairness, justice, and respect for everyone.

🎯 Exam Tip: Highlight that equality does not mean making everyone identical (uniformity), but rather giving everyone equal respect and opportunities.

Question 3. Social democracy is the foundation of political democracy.
Answer: This statement is True.

• Social democracy means that there is equality i.e., no distinction among individuals merely on basis of ethnicity, creed, gender, etc. It ensures the dignity of the individual.
• Political democracy is expressed in political rights such as the right to vote, to criticize the government, etc. In the absence of social democratic political democracy will be less worthwhile.
In simple words: True democracy needs both social equality and political rights. Without social equality, political rights like voting do not have real value for everyone.

🎯 Exam Tip: When explaining this statement, clearly define both social democracy and political democracy to show how they support each other.

4. Explain the Co-relation Between the Following.

Question 1. Equality and justice.
Answer: Equality refers to equal rights and opportunities for all persons irrespective of their race, creed, gender, etc. It means no person or group will be discriminated against socially, economically, or politically. Similarly, no person or group will have special privileges that are denied to the vast majority in society. True equality ensures that justice is not just a privilege for the few but a right for all.

Justice refers to that state of affairs in which every individual gets exactly those burdens and benefits that are due to him. It refers to the absence of socio-economic, political, and legal injustices.

In the absence of equality, there will be a denial of justice and the progress of society will be hindered. Justice aims at the reconciliation of individual rights and larger social interests.
In simple words: Equality means everyone gets the same fair start and opportunities without discrimination. Justice means everyone gets what they deserve, which is only possible when people are treated as equals.

🎯 Exam Tip: Clearly define both terms first, then explain how one cannot exist without the other to show their co-relation.

Question 2. Legal Justice and Social Justice
Answer: Legal justice is the application of the abstract concept of justice through the legal system and courts of law to protect individual rights.
In simple words: Legal justice refers to the rules and laws enforced by courts, while social justice ensures fairness and equal opportunities for everyone in society.

🎯 Exam Tip: Since this answer is incomplete in the text, focus on defining legal justice as law-based and social justice as society-based.

Implementation of the law. Justice is a precondition to the law as, without it, the law may become an instrument of tyranny and suppression. Austin considers law as a means to suppress injustice as well as to establish justice. Legal justice signifies an independent and impartial judiciary that observes specific rules for judicial proceedings. Any accused should be charged keeping in mind his/her human rights.

Social justice is both reformative and distributive. It aims at a revision of the social order by doing away with socio-economic evils for e.g. to eradicate untouchability, there is Article 17 of the constitution as well as laws passed by Parliament.

Procedural justice demands equality before the law as well as correct interpretation and application of the law. Social justice is also reformative i.e., equitable distribution of goods and services so that underprivileged sections can get an adequate share in this distribution.

Express Your Opinion Of The Following

Question 1. Casteism is a barrier to social equality.
Answer: The caste system is one of the basic features of Indian society. It implies divisions in society based merely on one’s birth into a particular section of society. There was a caste hierarchy in which the upper castes enjoyed privileges that were denied to the lower castes. Even, within the four main Chaturvaranas, hierarchies began to develop. This systemic division created deep-rooted prejudices that persisted for generations. Casteism began to become a social evil, as it resulted in untouchability as well as the exploitation and segregation of lower castes. They were denied equal opportunities to have socio-economic and political rights. Casteism did not permit upward mobility in the caste hierarchy due to marriage or achievement. The intermingling of castes was prohibited. Lower castes were often discriminated against in educational, political, and employment facilities. In some cases, they were denied access to public places like water bodies, hospitals, etc.
In simple words: Casteism divides people based on their birth, giving unfair advantages to some while denying basic rights and opportunities to others. This prevents everyone in society from being treated as equals.

🎯 Exam Tip: Highlight how casteism restricts social mobility and access to public resources to clearly demonstrate how it acts as a barrier to equality.

Answer the Following

Question 1. Explain the Indian concept of Justice.
Answer: There exist different kinds of inequalities in India, such as those created through the caste system, through the patriarchal system, etc. Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar argued that justice would be achieved when the structure and values associated with these systems undergo a change. He also related the concept of justice to the concept of the distribution of resources. The Constitution of India ensures justice through both, procedural justice and social justice. This can be achieved through the educational and economic development of the backward classes. These measures collectively aim to establish a more egalitarian society where every citizen has equal opportunities.

Justice is implemented through the following policies:
• The policy of reservation.
• Granting of scholarships, grants, loans, health services, etc. for weaker sections of the society.
• Eradication of unjust social and economic practices which exploit the backward classes.
In simple words: The Indian idea of justice focuses on fixing unfairness caused by old systems like caste and gender bias. It aims to give everyone, especially backward groups, equal chances through helpful government policies like reservations and scholarships.

🎯 Exam Tip: When explaining the Indian concept of justice, make sure to highlight Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's views and mention the specific policy measures like reservations and scholarships used to achieve social justice.