Important Questions and Answers for Class 11 Political Science Chapter 3 Equality 2025-26

1. Multiple choice questions.

Q1. Which slogan was raised during the French Revolution to demand equality?

• (a) Peace, Land, Bread
• (b) Liberty, Equality and Fraternity
• (c) Jai Jawan Jai Kisan
• (d) Workers of the world unite

Answer: (b) Liberty, Equality and Fraternity

Q2. Which concept refers to equality of rights and opportunities for men and women?

• (a) Socialism
• (b) Liberalism
• (c) Feminism
• (d) Marxism

Answer: (c) Feminism

Q3. Which of the following is not considered a dimension of equality discussed in the chapter?

• (a) Economic equality
• (b) Political equality
• (c) Technological equality
• (d) Social equality

Answer: (c) Technological equality

Q4. Affirmative action is mainly aimed at:

• (a) Providing equal resources to all
• (b) Supporting disadvantaged groups to reduce entrenched inequalities
• (c) Giving higher salaries to officials
• (d) Reserving jobs for all communities equally

Answer: (b) Supporting disadvantaged groups to reduce entrenched inequalities

Q5. Which ideology believes that inequalities in society are primarily due to private ownership of resources?

• (a) Socialism
• (b) Feminism
• (c) Marxism
• (d) Liberalism

Answer: (c) Marxism

2. Very Short Answer (VSA).

Q1. What is meant by political equality?

Answer: Political equality means granting equal citizenship to all members of the state so that everyone enjoys the same basic rights like voting, freedom of expression, and participation in government.

Q2. Define 'affirmative action' in the context of equality.

Answer: Affirmative action refers to special policies or measures taken to support disadvantaged or excluded groups in order to reduce existing social and economic inequalities.

Q3. What is the core idea of equality as a moral ideal?

Answer: The core idea is that all human beings are entitled to equal consideration and respect because of their common humanity, regardless of background or identity.

Q4. What is ‘patriarchy’ according to feminists?

Answer: Patriarchy is a social, economic, and cultural system that gives men more value and power over women, leading to gender-based inequality in society.

Q5. What does 'equality of opportunity' mean?

Answer: Equality of opportunity means everyone has access to the same opportunities to develop their talents and achieve their goals, without unfair barriers based on birth or social background.

3. Short Answer Questions.

Q1. How does the chapter distinguish between natural and social inequalities?

Answer: Natural inequalities are differences caused by individual talents or abilities people are born with, considered unchangeable. Social inequalities arise from societal arrangements, customs, or policies, and are often rooted in discrimination, such as distinctions based on caste, gender, or class, and can be minimized or removed through collective action.

Q2. Explain why formal equality before law is considered necessary but not enough for true equality.

Answer: Formal equality gives all citizens equal status before the law, but it ignores practical differences like economic and social disadvantages. To achieve true equality, society must address these underlying inequalities so that marginalized groups can enjoy the same rights in practice, not just in theory.

Q3. State any two measures that can help in promoting equality in a democratic society.

Answer: (1) Implementing affirmative action policies like reservations or special facilities for disadvantaged groups; (2) Guaranteeing minimum conditions—such as education and healthcare—so all can compete fairly for opportunities and benefits available in society.

Q4. What is meant by ‘entrenched inequalities’ and why are they dangerous for society?

Answer: Entrenched inequalities are persistent, inherited disadvantages that endure across generations, like those found in some caste or class systems. They are dangerous because they block social mobility, waste potential talent, and perpetuate injustice, threatening social harmony and progress.

4. Long Answer Questions.

Q1. Discuss the three main dimensions of equality identified in the chapter and explain their importance.

Answer: The chapter identifies three dimensions of equality: political, social, and economic. Political equality means equal rights of participation and citizenship. Social equality ensures all groups, such as women and minorities, have equal opportunities and are free from discrimination. Economic equality means narrowing the gap between rich and poor, so basic needs and opportunities are met for everyone. Together, these create a just, inclusive society where all individuals can develop their abilities and enjoy dignity.

1. Political equality: equal citizenship rights
2. Social equality: fair opportunities without prejudice
3. Economic equality: reduced wealth and income gaps

Q2. Explain how the idea of affirmative action can be justified in the context of deeply rooted social inequalities in India.

Answer: Affirmative action is justified when certain communities have suffered prolonged discrimination, exclusion, or disadvantages—such as SCs, STs, or women—due to social or economic marginalization. Providing special opportunities or support, like reserved seats in education or jobs, helps level the playing field, supports equal opportunity, and addresses the cumulative effects of historical injustice.

1. Recognizes unfair starting points for some groups
2. Aims to reduce inherited disadvantages
3. Creates conditions for substantive, not just formal, equality

Q3. Analyze the debate between ‘treating everyone identically’ vs. ‘promoting real equality’ with examples from the chapter.

Answer: Treating everyone identically ignores real differences in socio-economic status or opportunities. Promoting real equality sometimes requires treating some groups differently to overcome past or present disadvantages. For example, special ramps for the disabled or reservations for marginalized communities are not unfair but necessary for equal participation. The aim is true equality of opportunity.

1. Identical treatment may perpetuate historic inequalities
2. Differential measures enable marginalized groups to compete fairly

Q4. How have various ideologies like Marxism, Liberalism, Feminism, and Socialism influenced the idea of equality?

Answer: Marxism attributes inequality to private ownership and demands public control over resources. Liberalism supports open competition and minimal state intervention, focusing on fairness. Feminism highlights gender-based inequalities as socially constructed and calls for equality in all spheres. Socialism stresses reducing income disparities and regulating key sectors for collective good. Each ideology has shaped debates on equality and the methods for reducing injustice.

1. Marxism: economic roots; class focus
2. Liberalism: legal and opportunity equality
3. Feminism: gender justice
4. Socialism: societal regulation for fairness

5. Assertion–Reason type questions.

Assertion (A): Equality demands that everyone in society should be treated identically in all respects.
Reason (R): Differential treatment may sometimes be necessary to ensure equal access to opportunities.

• (a) A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A
• (b) A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A
• (c) A is true, but R is false
• (d) A is false, but R is true

Answer: (d) A is false, but R is true. Equality sometimes requires special measures, not identical treatment, to ensure fair opportunities for all.

Assertion (A): Affirmative action is considered necessary to correct deep-rooted inequalities.
Reason (R): It aims to compensate disadvantaged groups by creating special provisions in jobs or education.

• (a) A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A
• (b) A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A
• (c) A is true, but R is false
• (d) A is false, but R is true

Answer: (a) A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A. Special provisions help those facing historic disadvantages.

Assertion (A): Economic equality means equal wealth for all citizens.
Reason (R): Equal opportunities can still result in differences of income and wealth.

• (a) A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A
• (b) A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A
• (c) A is true, but R is false
• (d) A is false, but R is true

Answer: (d) A is false, but R is true. Economic equality is about reducing extreme disparities, not making everyone equally wealthy.

Assertion (A): Liberalism values open competition for distributing resources fairly.
Reason (R): According to liberal thinkers, free and fair competition is essential for a just society.

• (a) A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A
• (b) A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A
• (c) A is true, but R is false
• (d) A is false, but R is true

Answer: (a) A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A. Fair competition is central to liberal theory of justice.

3. Fill in the Blanks Questions.

Q1. __________ refers to the system where men have more power and control than women in society.

Answer: Patriarchy

Q2. The Constitution of India abolishes the practice of __________ to promote equality.

Answer: untouchability

Q3. The three main dimensions of equality are political, social, and __________ equality.

Answer: economic

Q4. Affirmative action policies may include measures like __________ seats in education and jobs for disadvantaged groups.

Answer: reserved

Q5. Special treatment for historically disadvantaged groups is intended as a __________ or temporary measure.

Answer: time-bound

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