Class 11 Political Science Chapter 4 Social Justice – NCERT Solutions & Key Answers

NCERT Solutions Class 11 Political Science Chapter 4 Social Justice (2025-26): Exercise Answers

1. What does it mean to give each person his/her due? How has the meaning of “giving each his due” changed over time?
   
   Answer: Giving each person his/her due means ensuring everyone receives what they rightfully deserve. Earlier, this concept focused on social roles, but over time, it evolved to recognize all humans’ equal dignity. Now, it means providing equal opportunities and respecting the individual rights of every person, regardless of their background.
2. Briefly discuss the three principles of justice outlined in the chapter? Explain each with examples.
   
   Answer:
   • Equal treatment for equals: All individuals sharing similar characteristics should get equal rights, such as voting or equal pay for equal work regardless of caste or gender.
   • Proportionate justice: Rewards should be in proportion to effort or contribution—for example, better performance in exams should lead to higher marks.
   • Recognition of special needs: Justice may require special assistance for those with disabilities or deprivations—for instance, providing reservation in jobs or education for marginalized groups.
3. Does the principle of considering the special needs of people conflict with the principle of equal treatment for all?
   
   Answer: No, considering special needs does not conflict with equal treatment. Rather, it extends the principle by recognizing that people who are different in key respects (e.g., disability) may need extra support to enjoy equal opportunities. True justice takes into account these differences to create fairness.
4. How does Rawls use the idea of a veil of ignorance to argue that fair and just distribution can be defended on rational grounds?
   
   Answer: John Rawls says, if people must choose society’s rules without knowing their own place (“veil of ignorance”), they’d pick fair arrangements. This way, individuals act in their own rational interest but design rules that benefit everyone, especially the worst-off, as anyone could end up in that position.
5. What are generally considered to be the basic minimum requirements of people for living a healthy and productive life? What is the responsibility of governments in trying to ensure this minimum to all?
   
   Answer: Key basic minimum requirements are adequate nourishment, housing, clean drinking water, education, and a minimum wage. It is the government’s responsibility in a democracy to try and ensure all citizens have access to these essentials, reducing inequalities and supporting the well-being of all.
6. Which of the following arguments could be used to justify state action to provide basic minimum conditions of life to all citizens?
   1. Providing free services to the poor and needy can be justified as an act of charity.
   2. Providing all citizens with a basic minimum standard of living is one way of ensuring equality of opportunity.
   3. Some people are naturally lazy and we should be kind to them.
   4. Ensuring basic facilities and a minimum standard of living to all is a recognition of our shared humanity and a human right.
   Answer: (b) Providing all citizens with a basic minimum standard of living is one way of ensuring equality of opportunity.
   (d) Ensuring basic facilities and a minimum standard of living to all is a recognition of our shared humanity and a human right.

Key Concepts of Social Justice in Class 11 Political Science

Grasping the principles of social justice helps students understand why treating people equally and recognizing special needs matter. This chapter emphasizes key ideas like equality, fairness, and distributive justice—all vital for Class 11 Political Science exams.

Remember, the veil of ignorance concept by Rawls guides students to think impartially about rules in society. Practicing these NCERT questions deepens conceptual clarity and boosts your academic confidence for board exams and beyond.

Review the exercise-based solutions regularly for exam success. Consistent revision of Class 11 Political Science Chapter 4 ensures you master important topics and develop a strong foundation for higher studies.