The Core Books

Ch 5 Rights MCQs

Written by

Sri

in

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Class 11 • Political Science

Chapter 5: Rights

Source: NCERT Official Textbook

Chapter 5, “Rights,” explores the fundamental concept of entitlements and justified claims that are essential for human dignity and democratic citizenship. It begins by distinguishing between mere wants and genuine rights—rights are those claims that we collectively regard as necessary for leading a life of respect and dignity. The chapter examines the basis of rights, tracing the historical evolution from natural rights (given by nature/God) to the modern conception of human rights (derived from our shared humanity).

A significant portion is devoted to Immanuel Kant’s moral conception of rights, emphasizing that human beings possess dignity (an intrinsic value beyond price) and should never be treated merely as means to others’ ends. This understanding forms the foundation of the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The chapter discusses how rights claims have expanded over time—from basic civil and political rights to economic rights (like livelihood and employment) and cultural rights (like education in one’s mother tongue).

The relationship between rights and the state is examined in detail: rights place both positive obligations (what the state must do, such as providing education) and negative constraints (what the state must refrain from doing, such as arbitrary arrest). The chapter distinguishes between different kinds of rights—political rights (voting, participation), civil liberties (free speech, fair trial), economic rights (minimum wage, housing), and cultural rights (language, identity).

Finally, the chapter addresses rights and responsibilities, emphasizing that rights are not absolute—they require us to respect others’ rights, balance conflicting claims, and remain vigilant against excessive state restrictions justified in the name of national security. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights is presented as a landmark document affirming the inherent dignity and equal rights of all members of the human family.

Topics Covered:

Section A: Descriptive Questions

  1. According to the chapter introduction, what are some new demands for rights being made today? (Pg. 1) Page 67
  2. Why is the right to livelihood considered necessary for leading a life of dignity? (Pg. 2) Page 68
  3. What were the three natural rights of man identified by early political theorists? (Pg. 3) Page 69
  4. According to Immanuel Kant, what is the difference between price and dignity? (Pg. 4) Page 70
  5. What are the two arguments on which Kant’s moral conception of rights rests? (Pg. 4) Page 70
  6. How has the list of human rights expanded over the years? Give examples. (Pg. 5) Page 71
  7. In what ways do rights place an obligation upon the state? (Pg. 6-7) Page 72-73
  8. What are political rights? Give examples. (Pg. 7) Page 73
  9. Why do political rights by themselves have little value for a person struggling to meet basic needs? (Pg. 7-8) Page 73-74
  10. What obligations do rights place upon each of us as individuals? (Pg. 9) Page 75
  11. (Exercise) What are rights and why are they important? What are the bases on which claims to rights can be made? (Pg. 12) Page 78
  12. (Exercise) Differentiate between political, economic and cultural rights. Give examples. (Pg. 12) Page 78

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Section B1: Objective MCQs

Page 68

A right is essentially defined as: (Pg. 2)

A) Something I wantB) An entitlement or justified claimC) A privilege given by the stateD) A gift from society
View Answer
Correct Answer: B
Reference: NCERT Page 68
Page 69

According to the chapter, which of the following cannot be claimed as a right? (Pg. 3)

A) Right to educationB) Right to freedom of expressionC) Right to smoke tobaccoD) Right to livelihood
View Answer
Correct Answer: C
Reference: NCERT Page 69
Page 69

Why is the term ‘human rights’ used more than ‘natural rights’ today? (Pg. 3)

A) Because natural rights are outdatedB) Because the idea of natural law or God-given norms seems unacceptableC) Because human rights are easier to enforceD) Because states prefer this term
View Answer
Correct Answer: B
Reference: NCERT Page 69
Page 70

For Kant, to treat people with dignity was to treat them: (Pg. 4)

A) As means to our endsB) As useful objectsC) MorallyD) As equals in wealth
View Answer
Correct Answer: C
Reference: NCERT Page 70
Page 70

The UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights builds upon which understanding of rights? (Pg. 4)

A) Rights are given by the stateB) Rights are based on wealthC) Free and equal self possessing intrinsic valueD) Rights are only for citizens
View Answer
Correct Answer: C
Reference: NCERT Page 70
Page 71

What is the most important factor for the success of claims for human rights? (Pg. 5)

A) Media supportB) Support of governments and lawC) International pressureD) Public demonstrations
View Answer
Correct Answer: B
Reference: NCERT Page 71
Page 72

My right to life obliges the state to: (Pg. 6)

A) Provide me with a jobB) Make laws that protect me from injury by othersC) Give me free housingD) Ensure my happiness
View Answer
Correct Answer: B
Reference: NCERT Page 72
Page 73

Which of the following is NOT a political right? (Pg. 7)

A) Right to voteB) Right to contest electionsC) Right to form political partiesD) Right to free and fair trial
View Answer
Correct Answer: D
Reference: NCERT Page 73
Page 74

Today, more and more democracies are recognising which type of rights in addition to political and economic rights? (Pg. 8)

A) Property rightsB) Cultural rightsC) Travel rightsD) Social media rights
View Answer
Correct Answer: B
Reference: NCERT Page 74
Page 75

My right to free speech is limited by which principle? (Pg. 9)

A) State convenienceB) Equal and same rights for allC) Popular opinionD) Media approval
View Answer
Correct Answer: B
Reference: NCERT Page 75
Page 77

On what date was the Universal Declaration of Human Rights adopted by the UN General Assembly? (Pg. 11)

A) 10 December 1945B) 10 December 1948C) 26 January 1950D) 1 January 1948
View Answer
Correct Answer: B
Reference: NCERT Page 77

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Section B2: Factual One-Liners

Rights are primarily claims that we regard as necessary for leading a life of ______ and dignity. (Pg. 2) Page 68

Reveal Answer
respect (Page 68)

In the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, political theorists argued that rights are given to us by nature or ______. (Pg. 3) Page 69

Reveal Answer
God (Page 69)

The assumption behind human rights is that all persons are entitled to certain things simply because they are ______. (Pg. 3) Page 69

Reveal Answer
human beings (Page 69)

Kant’s views represent what is called the ______ conception of rights. (Pg. 4) Page 70

Reveal Answer
moral (Page 70)

The notion of universal human rights has been used by ______ people all over the world to challenge discriminatory laws. (Pg. 4) Page 70

Reveal Answer
oppressed (Page 70)

A Bill of Rights is enshrined in the ______ of many countries. (Pg. 5) Page 71

Reveal Answer
constitutions (Page 71)

Rights also suggest what the state must ______ from doing. (Pg. 6) Page 72

Reveal Answer
refrain (Page 72)

Collectively, civil liberties and political rights form the basis of a ______ system of government. (Pg. 7) Page 73

Reveal Answer
democratic (Page 73)

The right to have primary education in one’s mother tongue is an example of a ______ right. (Pg. 8) Page 74

Reveal Answer
cultural (Page 74)

Citizens must be vigilant about limitations which may be placed on their rights, especially on grounds of national ______. (Pg. 10) Page 76

Reveal Answer
security (Page 76)

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