Class 11 Political Science Chapter 5 Rights: Stepwise NCERT Solutions

NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Political Science Chapter 5 Rights (2025-26)

Answer the following questions:

1. What are rights and why are they important? What are the bases on which claims to rights can be made?

Answer: Rights are entitlements or justified claims that individuals, citizens, and human beings possess, recognised by society as legitimate and necessary for leading a life of respect and dignity. They are important because they provide the essential conditions for self-respect, dignity, well-being, and development of one’s talents and abilities. The bases for claiming rights include the need for respect and dignity (such as the right to livelihood), necessity for well-being and development (like the right to education), and universal acceptance (applicable to all human beings equally). Rights are claimed based on collective agreement in society about what is essential for a good life and the recognition of equal value of all individuals.

2. On what grounds are some rights considered to be universal in nature? Identify three rights which you consider universal. Give reasons.

Answer: Rights are considered universal if they are applicable to all humans, regardless of nationality, race, caste, or gender, and are necessary for leading a life of dignity and self-respect. Three universal rights are: Right to Livelihood (it ensures economic independence and is essential to human dignity), Right to Freedom of Expression (vital for creativity and democratic participation), and Right to Education (develops reasoning, skills, and informed decision-making). These rights support personal and societal development and are accepted as fundamental by global communities, such as in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

3. Discuss briefly some of the new rights claims which are being put forward in our country today — for example the rights of tribal peoples to protect their habitat and way of life, or the rights of children against bonded labour.

Answer: In India, new rights claims being raised include the rights of tribal peoples to protect their traditional habitat, resources, and way of life against displacement and exploitation. There is also increasing advocacy for children's rights against bonded and child labour, ensuring their protection, education, and well-being. Other emerging rights include the right to information, right to clean environment (air, water), sustainable development, and protection of vulnerable groups during crises. These claims arise from changing social awareness, the need to extend dignity to all, and recognition of evolving threats and challenges in society.

4. Differentiate between political, economic and cultural rights. Give examples of each kind of right.

Answer:

• Political Rights: Allow individuals to participate in political processes. Examples: Right to vote, right to contest elections, right to form or join political parties.
• Economic Rights: Ensure individuals can meet their basic needs and maintain a decent standard of living. Examples: Right to work, right to a fair wage, right to own property, right to social security.
• Cultural Rights: Permit individuals and communities to preserve and develop their cultural identities. Examples: Right to primary education in one's mother tongue, right to establish educational/cultural institutions, right to practice and promote their culture.

5. Rights place some limits on the authority of the state. Explain with examples.

Answer: Rights impose constraints on state power by specifying what the state must do and what it must abstain from. For example, the right to life obliges the state to protect individuals from harm and ensure safety, while the right to liberty restricts the state from arresting individuals arbitrarily—it must follow due process and justify limitations before a court. These limits ensure that state authority serves individual well-being, prevents arbitrary rule, and maintains the sanctity of individual dignity and freedom. The state exists to serve its people, not itself.

Key Concepts of Rights in Class 11 Political Science

Mastering NCERT Solutions Class 11 Political Science Chapter 5 Rights is crucial for understanding the value and scope of rights in a democratic society. Focus on definitions, types of rights, and real-life examples for effective exam revision.

This chapter highlights the importance of rights like the right to life, liberty, and education. Practice answering in your own words and connect concepts to current national and global events for improved retention and understanding.

Regular review of chapter-wise NCERT solutions 2025-26 will reinforce concepts and improve writing speed. Highlight key differences between types of rights, and always incorporate examples from recent news in your practice answers.