Freedom Short and Long Important Question Class 11 Political Science Chapter-2 Book-Political Theory

 

1. What is freedom?

Answer:

• Freedom means the absence of external constraints on the individual.

• When a person can make his own decisions without any hindrance, he is free.

• Freedom also means an opportunity for a person's self-expression and the development of his abilities.

2. What was Nelson Mandela's freedom struggle?

Answer:

• Nelson Mandela was a leader who fought against apartheid in South Africa.

• He described his struggle in his autobiography "Long Walk to Freedom".

• Even while in prison for 28 years, he continued to fight against the apartheid regime.

• Eventually in 1994 he became the first black president of South Africa.

3. Tell about the freedom struggle of Aung San Suu Kyi.

Answer:

• Aung San Suu Kyi is the democratic leader of Myanmar (Burma).

• He wrote a book named "Freedom from Fear" against military rule.

• She was kept under house arrest for a long time and was not allowed to meet her husband despite his illness.

• She saw freedom not just as her own but also as the freedom of her country.

4. What are justifiable social sanctions?

Answer:

Complete freedom is not possible in society because it can lead to chaos.

Some restrictions are justifiable, such as:

• Laws to prevent violence and crime.

• Road traffic rules, so that accidents do not happen.

• Social norms to respect the freedom of others.

• However, if a restriction is extremely unfair, it can be sought to be removed.

5. Why do we need some restrictions along with freedom?

Answer:

Restrictions are necessary to maintain order in the society.

If there is no rule—

• People will do things according to their own will, leading to anarchy.

• Conflicts and confrontations will increase.

• Weaker sections may be exploited.

• Therefore, we need such restrictions which are in the interest of both the individual and the society.

6. What is the Harm Principle?

Answer:

This theory was given by J.S. Mill.

It says that—

• A person should be prevented from exercising freedom only if his freedom causes harm to others.

• If someone's action affects only him/her, then there should be no restriction on it.

• But if his actions cause harm to others, then a ban may be justified.

Example:

• If a person smokes, it is his personal matter.

• But if he smokes in a public place and harms others, then it should be banned.

7. Into how many types has J.S. Mill divided functions?

Answer:

J.S. Mill divided functions into two parts-

1. Self-Regarding Acts- Those which affect only the person doing them.

• Example: A person wants to travel alone.

• There should not be any restrictions on these activities.

2. Other-Regarding Acts - Those which have an impact on others.

• Example: Making noise from a loudspeaker.

• Restrictions on these actions may be appropriate.

8. What is the difference between positive and negative freedom?

Answer:

Example:

• Negative freedom - A person has complete freedom to do whatever he wants.

• Positive freedom: Such conditions should be created for an individual that he can develop his personality.

9. What is the importance of freedom of expression?

Answer:

Freedom of expression is the basis of democracy.

J.S. Mill argued in favour of freedom of expression in his book On Liberty—

• Every idea may have some element of truth in it.

• Truth becomes stronger only through the clash of opposing ideas.

• Contradictory ideas help in testing the truth.

• An unacceptable idea today may become important in the future.

Example:

• Earlier equal rights for women were denied but today it is considered essential.

• Limiting freedom of expression can have a negative impact on the future development of society.

10. What should the ideal society of freedom be like?

Answer:

• Where a person can do whatever he wants, provided he does not harm others.

• Where the government makes rational laws and protects the freedom of individuals.

• Where people respect each other's opinions.

• Where a person gets the opportunity to develop his potential and creativity.

11. What is the importance of freedom?

Answer:

• A person can take his own decisions.

• Creativity and innovation are boosted.

• People can develop their full potential.

• Democracy and equality are promoted in the society.

• One gets the strength to fight against injustice and oppression.

12. What is the relationship between freedom and democracy?

Answer:

• Freedom is the most important value in democracy.

• Democracy has no meaning if people don't have the freedom to express their opinions, vote, and make life decisions.

• Democracy without freedom is democracy in name only.