Political Science MCQs
Topic Notes: Political Science
MCQs and preparation resources for competitive exams, covering important concepts, past papers, and detailed explanations.
Plato
- Biography: Ancient Greek philosopher (427–347 BCE), student of Socrates and teacher of Aristotle, founder of the Academy in Athens.
- Important Ideas:
- Theory of Forms
- Philosopher-King
- Ideal State
1
Who was the primary leader of the 'Self Respect Movement'?
Answer:
E. V. Ramaswamy
E. V. Ramaswamy, popularly known as Periyar, founded the Self-Respect Movement in 1925. The movement was dedicated to promoting social equality, challenging the caste system, and advocating for the rights of non-Brahmins in South India, significantly influencing regional political discourse.
2
What is the standard definition and full form of the acronym NGO?
Answer:
Non-Governmental Organization
A Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) is a private, non-profit entity that operates independently of government control. NGOs are crucial actors in global civil society, often focusing on humanitarian aid, human rights, environmental protection, and social advocacy. They are typically funded through private donations, grants, and membership fees, allowing them to pursue specific social or political objectives outside the state apparatus.
3
Which political theorist characterized social movements as 'non-party political formations'?
Answer:
Rajni Kothari
Rajni Kothari, a prominent Indian political scientist, coined the term 'non-party political formations' to describe grassroots social movements that operate outside the traditional party system. He argued that these movements represent a vital democratic space for citizens to address issues of social justice and rights, independent of the electoral and partisan machinery that often fails to represent marginalized voices effectively.
4
Which of the following is not considered a merit of a local government system?
Answer:
It is expensive
Local government is generally praised for its ability to address specific community needs, improve administrative efficiency through decentralization, and serve as a training ground for future political leaders. While critics might argue about costs, the claim that it is inherently 'expensive' is often debated, but in the context of political theory, it is not typically categorized as a 'merit' of the system.
5
Which of the following movements were not typically categorized as major social movements during the 1960s?
Answer:
Church and agriculture movement
The 1960s were characterized by significant social upheaval, including the Civil Rights Movement, the anti-Vietnam War protests, the second-wave feminist movement, and the rise of environmentalism. While religious and agricultural groups existed, they were not the primary drivers of the radical social movements that defined the political landscape of that decade.
6
Match the following civil rights organizations with their founding years: (a) Black Panther Party, (b) SNCC, (c) CORE, (d) NAACP.
Answer:
a-4, b-2, c-3, d-1
The NAACP was founded in 1909, CORE in 1942, the Student Non-violent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) in 1960, and the Black Panther Party in 1966. These organizations were pivotal in the struggle for racial equality and civil rights in the United States throughout the 20th century.
7
Which of the following pairs regarding political movements and their respective founders is incorrectly matched?
Answer:
Only 2
The question asks to identify an incorrect match. The provided answer 'Only 2' suggests that the second pair in the original source context was inaccurate. Jayaprakash Narayan is historically associated with the Total Revolution movement, whereas Gandhi is associated with Satyagraha, leading to potential confusion in historical attribution.
8
In which country did the 'Mau Mau' social movement take place?
Answer:
Kenya
The Mau Mau Uprising, also known as the Mau Mau Rebellion, occurred in British Kenya between 1952 and 1960. It was a militant movement primarily led by the Kikuyu people against British colonial rule and the displacement of indigenous populations from their land. While it took place on the continent of Africa, Kenya is the specific nation-state where this historical movement occurred, making it the most accurate answer among the choices provided.
9
Match the social movements in List-I with their prominent leaders in List-II.
Answer:
a-3, b-4, c-1, d-2
The 'India Against Corruption' movement was led by Anna Hazare (a-3). The 'Narmada Bachao Andolan' is famously associated with Medha Patkar (b-4). The 'Right to Information' movement was spearheaded by activists including Aruna Roy (c-1). The 'Bhartiya Kisan Union' was led by Mahendra Singh Tikait (d-2). These movements highlight the role of civil society and grassroots leadership in shaping the political landscape and advocating for policy reforms in India.
10
Which characteristic best describes the nature of social movements?
Answer:
They focus on a specific issue
Social movements are organized efforts by a large group of people to bring about or resist social change. Unlike political parties, they generally do not seek to win elections or hold government office. Instead, they focus on raising awareness and advocating for specific policy changes, social reforms, or cultural shifts regarding particular issues.