NCERT Class 6 Political Science — Chapter 1: What is Government?

mcqmedium

Mahatma Gandhi criticized the restriction of voting rights based on wealth by stating that it penalized a person for the "crime" of being:

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

ASocially backward
BUnemployed
CPoor
DIlliterate

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is

Poor

Explanation

The historical debate regarding the basis of franchise (voting rights) in India, specifically the contrast between Universal Adult Franchise and restricted franchise based on property or educational qualifications.

Historical Context and Analysis:

Mahatma Gandhi was a vocal advocate for Universal Adult Franchise, arguing that every adult citizen should possess the right to vote irrespective of their economic status or literacy level.
In 1931, writing in the journal Young India, Gandhi criticized the idea of restricting the franchise to the wealthy.
He famously stated: "I cannot possibly bear the idea that a man who has got wealth should have the vote, but that a man who has got character but no wealth or literacy should have no vote, or that a man who works honestly by the sweat of his brow day in and day out should not have the vote for the crime of being a poor man."
This assertion underscored his belief that honest labor and character were more valuable qualifications for citizenship than material wealth, and that poverty should not be treated as a disqualification.

Key Takeaway: Mahatma Gandhi strongly opposed wealth-based voting restrictions, asserting that denying the vote to the working class amounted to penalizing them for the "crime" of being poor.

Your note

More from Chapter 1: What is Government?

Consider the following statements regarding the fundamental responsibilities of a government: 1. It is responsible for protecting national boundaries and maintaining international relations. 2. It is constitutionally prohibited from regulating the prices of essential commodities. 3. It is precluded from intervening in social issues to ensure market neutrality. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

medium

With reference to the necessity of government, consider the following 1. Rules are required to control resources and protect the territory of a country. 2. Leadership is redundant as communities can self-regulate without central decision-making. 3. Courts are considered an integral part of the government structure. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

medium

Consider the following statements about the government's judicial role: 1. If a dispute arises, it is resolved by institutions outside the government framework. 2. If a crime is committed, the legal recourse involves the government. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

medium

The government exercises leadership on behalf of the people by: 1. Delegating all domestic decision-making powers to international organisations. 2. Implementing decisions on behalf of the population. 3. Maintaining law and order within the territory. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

easy

In which year was the state of Telangana officially formed as the 29th State of India?

medium

Keep practising Chapter 1: What is Government?

Work through every question from this NCERT chapter.

Browse all NCERT Class 6 Political Science chapters

The correct option is

Poor

Explanation

Historical Context and Analysis:

Mahatma Gandhi was a vocal advocate for Universal Adult Franchise, arguing that every adult citizen should possess the right to vote irrespective of their economic status or literacy level.
In 1931, writing in the journal Young India, Gandhi criticized the idea of restricting the franchise to the wealthy.
He famously stated: "I cannot possibly bear the idea that a man who has got wealth should have the vote, but that a man who has got character but no wealth or literacy should have no vote, or that a man who works honestly by the sweat of his brow day in and day out should not have the vote for the crime of being a poor man."
This assertion underscored his belief that honest labor and character were more valuable qualifications for citizenship than material wealth, and that poverty should not be treated as a disqualification.

Key Takeaway: Mahatma Gandhi strongly opposed wealth-based voting restrictions, asserting that denying the vote to the working class amounted to penalizing them for the "crime" of being poor.