For a claim to be characterized as a "right" in a democratic society, which of the following criteria must be met? 1. The claim must be reasonable and equally possible for others. 2. The claim need not be recognized by society to be a right. 3. The claim does not require any sanction by law. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

For a claim to be characterized… - NCERT Class 9 Political Science MCQ

NCERT Class 9 Political Science — Chapter 4: Democratic rights

mcqmedium

For a claim to be characterized as a "right" in a democratic society, which of the following criteria must be met?

The claim must be reasonable and equally possible for others.
The claim need not be recognized by society to be a right.
The claim does not require any sanction by law.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

NCERT textbook question

From NCERT Political Science: Democratic Politics Part – I · Page 5

Options

A1 only
B2 only
C1 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is (a).

Explanation

In political theory and democratic governance, rights are defined as reasonable claims of individuals that are recognized by society and sanctioned by law. They are essential conditions of social life without which no person can seek to be at their best.

Statement 1 is Correct: A right is essentially a claim, but it must be a reasonable claim. It must be possible for the claim to be extended to all others equally. For instance, one cannot claim a right that would deny the same right to others or cause harm to society. Therefore, universality and reasonability are intrinsic to the definition of a right.

Statement 2 is Incorrect: Rights do not exist in a vacuum; they exist within a social context. A claim does not become a right until it is recognized by society as legitimate and necessary for the common good. If society does not acknowledge a claim, it remains merely a personal desire or demand, not a right.

Statement 3 is Incorrect: For a right to be enforceable in a political state, it must have legal sanction. While moral rights may exist without legal backing, in a democratic society, rights are those claims that the state recognizes and protects through law. Without legal sanction, rights cannot be enforced against violations.

Key Takeaway: The three essential ingredients of a right are: it must be a reasonable claim, it must be recognized by society, and it must be sanctioned by law.

Your note

More from Chapter 4: Democratic rights

Assertion (A): The practice of 'untouchability' is a punishable offence under the Indian Constitution. Reason (R): It is a form of social stratification that denies specific communities access to public resources and dignity.

easy

Consider the following statements about the "National Human Rights Commission" (NHRC): 1. It is appointed by the President. 2. It consists exclusively of serving police officers. 3. It cannot present findings to the government or intervene in court. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

medium

Which specific form of social discrimination is explicitly abolished by the Constitution of India under the Right to Equality?

easy

With reference to the Right to Equality in the Indian Constitution, consider the following 1. The government is permitted to discriminate against citizens on grounds of place of birth. 2. Access to public places like shops and cinema halls cannot be restricted on the basis of caste or religion. 3. The principle of non-discrimination allows the state to make special schemes for women and children. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

medium

Consider the following statements regarding the essential elements of a democratic government: 1. Periodic elections conducted in a free and fair manner are a sufficient condition for a democracy. 2. The existence of institutions following established rules is necessary but not sufficient for a democracy. 3. The enjoyment of rights by citizens sets limits on the powers of elected rulers. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

medium

Keep practising Chapter 4: Democratic rights

Work through every question from this NCERT chapter.

Browse all NCERT Class 9 Political Science chapters