CBSE Class 10 Social Science Democracy and Diversity MCQs

Question : Who are represented by the term' African American?
Answer :The descendants of Africa, who were mostly brought into America as slaves between 17th and early 19th century.

Question : Which group of countries did face the problem of social division?
Answer : Sri Lanka, Belgium, United Kingdom

Question : "Social division takes place when some social differences overlap with other differences." Justify the statement.
Answer : (i) The difference between the Blacks and Whites becomes a social division in the US because the Blacks tend to be poor, homeless and discriminated against.
(ii) In our country Dalits tend to be poor and landless. They often face discrimination and injustice.
(iii) One kind of social difference becomes more important when other people start feeling that they belong to different communities.

Question : "Attempts at forced integration often sow the seeds of disintegration." Support the statement with suitable arguments.
Answer : (i) The above statement is true from the example of Sri Lanka. If the rulers are willing to share power and accommodate the reasonable demands of the minority community, social divisions become less threatening for the country.
(ii) But if they suppress such a demand in the name of national unity, the end result is often quite the opposite.
Thus with such attempts at forced integration often sow the seeds of disintegration as seen in Sri Lanka.

Question : Distinguish between Civil Rights Movements (1954-1968) and the Black Power Movement (1966-1975) in the USA.
Answer : Civil Rights Movement (1954-1968) :
Refers to a set of events and reform movements aimed at legally abolishing racial discrimination against African-Americans. Led by Martin Luther King Junior, this movement practised non-violent methods.
The Black Power Movement (1966 - 1975) :
This movement was a more militant anti-racist movement, advocating even violence, if necessary, to end racism in the U.S.

Question : What are the features of a homogeneous society? Mention the name of any one country having such society.
Answer : Features of a homogeneous society :
(i) A society has similar kinds of people.
(ii) There are no significant ethnic differences. Germany and Sweden have homogenous societies.

Question : What lessons have been learnt from the Civil Rights Movement of Martin Luther King Jr in the USA?
Answer : (i) People learnt that issues, such as discrimination on the basis of colour existed in many regions of the world and especially in the USA.
(ii) The issue of equality was much discussed and it was realized that equality is a dream for many sections of the society in different countries with parallel problems.
(iii) People learnt that thought a non-violent protest it was possible to highlight a social problem and find solutions for the same.
(iv) It is only by the democratic process that disadvantaged sections of society are able to highlight their problems and find solutions.

Short Answer Type Questions :

Question. Discuss the factors crucial in deciding the outcome of politics of social divisions.
Answer : (1) How people perceive their identities.
(2) How Political leaders raise the demands of any community.
(3) How the government reacts to demands of different groups.

Question. Mention three similarities between Tommie Smith and John Carlos.
Answer : (1) Both were African – AmericAnswer :
(2) Both won medals at the Mexico Olympic Games in 1968.
(3) Racial discrimination practiced against Africans in America.

Question. What are the different types of democracy ? Discuss its two features.
Answer : Two types of democracy - (1) Direct democracy
(2) Indirect democracy
(1) People may express their feelings and expectations as their demands.
(2) There is adjustment between two social divisions with different interests.
(3) Democracy is a system of governance of the people to rule on their own.

Question. Who was Peter Norman? Why did he support Carlos and Smith? What punishment did he get for this?
Answer : Peter Norman was an Australian Athlete.
Norman wore a human rights badge on his shirt during the ceremony to show his support to the dissent of two American Athletes.
Norman was not included in the Australian team for the next Olympic.

Question. Differentiate between direct and indirect democracies.

Long Answer Type Questions :

Question. What do you mean by social differences? How do social differences create social division in society?
Answer : Social differences simply refer to born or biological and socially created inequalities in the society. This mainly
based on race, caste, religion, language, culture etc.
(1) When some social differences overlap with other differences. For example the difference between black
and white becomes a social division in the US because the Blacks tend to be poor.
(2) If social differences cross cut one another, it is difficult to pit one group of people against other. It means
that group sharing a common interest on one issue are likely to be on different side on different issues.
For example both Northern Island and the Netherlands are predominantly Christian but are divided into
Catholics and Protestants.
(3) The overlapping social differences create possibilities of deep social division and tensions while cross cutting differences are easier to accommodate.

Question. Social division can take different forms in societies. Explain.
Answer : (1) The racial form of social division, that is social differences on the basis of colour is widely prevalent in societies.
(2) The varna and caste based division of society is found in India. Here Brahmins are considered as the highest varna while the Shudras are the lowest.
(3) Linguist division is another major form of social division found in all societies. There are more than 1000 languages spoken in the world.
(4) The social division is also manifested by the cultural and sub cultural divisions of society.

Question. Explain two advantages and two disadvantages of social divisions in democracy.
Answer : Advantages
(1) Political expressions of social divisions is very normal and can be healthy. This allows various disadvantages and marginal social groups to express their grievances and get the government to attend to these.
(2) Expression of various kinds of social divisions in politics often results in their canceling one another out and thus reducing their intensity.
Disadvantages
(1) In a democracy the different social groups organize themselves to bring equality, social justice and other vested interests. Sometimes their protest results into violence or conflicts.
(2) For the society which has high social divisions, becomes very difficult to ensure integrity and unity.

Question. Why is democracy considered the best form of government ? Give Four points.
Answer : (1) The government is formed by the elected representatives of the people.
(2) People have the opportunity to express their thoughts and beliefs. People have the right to change the government. It prevents the government from working arbitrarily.
(3) It provides all its citizens the opportunity to participate in the government and administration, without any discrimination.