Fundamental Rights & Directive Principles of State Policy (VSAQs)

Political Science-2 | 2. Fundamental Rights & Directive Principles of State Policy – VSAQs:
Welcome to VSAQs in Chapter 2: Fundamental Rights & Directive Principles of State Policy. This page includes the most significant FAQs for Very Short Answer Questions. Answers are given in simple English and follow the exam format. This approach helps you focus on key concepts and aim for top marks in your final exams.

VSAQ-1: Gandhian ideas in Directive Principles (OR) Gandhian Principles

Mahatma Gandhi’s ideas had a profound influence on the Directive Principles of State Policy in the Indian Constitution. These principles emphasize the importance of cottage industries, decentralization of power, and agrarian reforms. For instance, Gandhi believed in the concept of small, self-sustaining villages where people produce what they need locally. This idea is reflected in the principle that encourages the government to promote cottage industries. Similarly, Gandhi’s belief in decentralization—where power is distributed to local governments—helps ensure that decisions are made closer to the people affected by them, much like how a family might decide together on issues that impact everyone in the household.

VSAQ-2: Socialistic Principles in Directive principles (OR) Socialistic principles

The Directive Principles of State Policy also incorporate socialistic principles designed to create a more just and equitable society. These principles include the redistribution of wealth and resources, ensuring equal pay for equal work, and providing social and economic justice. For example, think of a large company where every employee, regardless of their background, receives the same pay for the same work. This is what the principle of equal pay aims to achieve across society, helping to reduce the gap between the rich and the poor and ensuring that everyone has a fair chance at a decent quality of life.

VSAQ-3: Any four fundamental duties

The Fundamental Duties in the Indian Constitution outline the moral and civic responsibilities of citizens. Here are four of them:

  1. Respect for the Constitution and National Symbols: Just like respecting your family’s rules, citizens must respect the Constitution, the national flag, and the national anthem.
  2. Promotion of Harmony: Imagine living in a neighborhood where everyone gets along, regardless of their background. Citizens should work towards fostering harmony among people of diverse backgrounds.
  3. Protecting the Natural Environment: Think of the Earth as our shared home. It’s our duty to protect and improve the environment for future generations.
  4. Safeguarding Public Property: Just as you would take care of your belongings, citizens should protect public property from damage.

VSAQ-4: Article 19

Article 19 of the Indian Constitution guarantees several fundamental freedoms to citizens. These include:

  • Freedom of Speech and Expression: Imagine being able to share your thoughts freely with others. This right ensures that citizens can express their opinions without fear.
  • Freedom to Assemble Peacefully: Think of organizing a peaceful gathering with friends. This freedom allows people to come together for various purposes, as long as it’s done peacefully.
  • Freedom to Form Associations or Unions: Just as you might join a club with others who share your interests, citizens can form groups or unions to pursue common goals.
  • Freedom to Move Freely: Picture traveling to any part of the country without restrictions. This right allows individuals to move freely across India.
  • Freedom to Reside and Settle: Just as you choose where to live, citizens have the right to settle in any part of the country.

VSAQ-5: Any two differences between Fundamental rights and directive principles

Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles are both important, but they serve different purposes:

  1. Enforceability:
    • Fundamental Rights: These are like rules that must be followed. If someone’s rights are violated, they can go to court to enforce them.
    • Directive Principles: These are more like guidelines or goals. They are not enforceable in court but guide the government in making laws and policies.
  2. Nature:
    • Fundamental Rights: These rights focus on protecting the individual freedoms of citizens, like the right to freedom of speech or equality before the law.
    • Directive Principles: These are aimed at creating a just society by guiding the government to provide things like healthcare, education, and economic equality.