In the context of the "tyranny of the majority" in democratic societies, consider the following 1. It can refer to the physical coercion or killing of religious minorities by the majority group. 2. It ensures that the State provides equal financial resources to all religious communities. 3. It is one of the primary reasons why separating religion from the State is considered essential in democracies. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The correct option is (c) 1 and 3 only. Explanation In a democratic society, the "tyranny of the majority" refers to the risk that a majority group may use its numerical strength to impose its will on minority groups, disregarding their rights and interests. This concept is central to the rationale for Secularism, which advocates for the separation of religion from the State to prevent such dominance. Statement-wise Analysis: - Statement 1 is Correct: The tyranny of the majority can manifest in severe forms, including discrimination, physical coercion, and even the killing of religious minorities. This occurs when the majority group uses its power to suppress or eliminate minority religious communities. - Statement 2 is Incorrect: The "tyranny of the majority" is a negative phenomenon where the majority dominates the minority. It does not ensure equal financial resources; on the contrary, it often leads to the denial of resources and rights to minorities. The State's neutrality (Secularism), not the tyranny of the majority, aims to ensure equitable treatment. - Statement 3 is Correct: One of the primary reasons for separating religion from the State in democratic societies is to prevent the tyranny of the majority. If the State is aligned with the majority religion, it may use its authority and resources to discriminate against religious minorities and violate their Fundamental Rights. Key Takeaway: The separation of religion and State (Secularism) is essential in a democracy to protect the Fundamental Rights of minorities and prevent the majority community from using State power to practice "tyranny of the majority."

NCERT Class 8 Political Science — Chapter 2: Understanding Secularism

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In the context of the "tyranny of the majority" in democratic societies, consider the following

It can refer to the physical coercion or killing of religious minorities by the majority group.
It ensures that the State provides equal financial resources to all religious communities.
It is one of the primary reasons why separating religion from the State is considered essential in democracies.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

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

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is (c) 1 and 3 only.

Explanation

In a democratic society, the "tyranny of the majority" refers to the risk that a majority group may use its numerical strength to impose its will on minority groups, disregarding their rights and interests. This concept is central to the rationale for Secularism, which advocates for the separation of religion from the State to prevent such dominance.

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Correct: The tyranny of the majority can manifest in severe forms, including discrimination, physical coercion, and even the killing of religious minorities. This occurs when the majority group uses its power to suppress or eliminate minority religious communities.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: The "tyranny of the majority" is a negative phenomenon where the majority dominates the minority. It does not ensure equal financial resources; on the contrary, it often leads to the denial of resources and rights to minorities. The State's neutrality (Secularism), not the tyranny of the majority, aims to ensure equitable treatment.
Statement 3 is Correct: One of the primary reasons for separating religion from the State in democratic societies is to prevent the tyranny of the majority. If the State is aligned with the majority religion, it may use its authority and resources to discriminate against religious minorities and violate their Fundamental Rights.

Key Takeaway:

The separation of religion and State (Secularism) is essential in a democracy to protect the Fundamental Rights of minorities and prevent the majority community from using State power to practice "tyranny of the majority."

Your note

More from Chapter 2: Understanding Secularism

With reference to the concept of secularism as discussed in political theory, consider the following statements regarding the "essence of secularism": 1. It rests on the assumption that all forms of domination related to religion should end. 2. It mandates that religious groups must not have any contact with State authorities. 3. It implies that the majority community must always yield to the demands of the minority. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Consider the following statements regarding the relationship between the State and religion: 1. Acts of religious discrimination are more likely to occur when one religion is accorded official recognition by the State. 2. The separation of State and religion is the sole mechanism required to prevent the tyranny of the majority. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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With reference to the "Strategy of Distancing" employed by the Indian State, consider the following: 1. Government spaces like law courts are legally mandated to display religious symbols of the majority. 2. Government schools are prohibited from celebrating any religious festival. 3. This strategy implies that the State is not ruled by any religious group. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Consider the following statement regarding the practice of secularism in the United States of America: "The legislature cannot declare any religion as the official religion. Nor can they give preference to one religion." This provision is primarily derived from which of the following?

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In the context of Indian Secularism, the term "Principled Distance" implies that:

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Keep practising Chapter 2: Understanding Secularism

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The correct option is (c) 1 and 3 only.

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Correct: The tyranny of the majority can manifest in severe forms, including discrimination, physical coercion, and even the killing of religious minorities. This occurs when the majority group uses its power to suppress or eliminate minority religious communities.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: The "tyranny of the majority" is a negative phenomenon where the majority dominates the minority. It does not ensure equal financial resources; on the contrary, it often leads to the denial of resources and rights to minorities. The State's neutrality (Secularism), not the tyranny of the majority, aims to ensure equitable treatment.
Statement 3 is Correct: One of the primary reasons for separating religion from the State in democratic societies is to prevent the tyranny of the majority. If the State is aligned with the majority religion, it may use its authority and resources to discriminate against religious minorities and violate their Fundamental Rights.

Key Takeaway: