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Nation and State: NBSE Class 11 Political Science answers
Here, you will find summaries, questions, answers, textbook solutions, pdf, extras etc. of (Nagaland Board) NBSE Class 11 Political Science Chapter 2: Nation and State. These solutions, however, should be only treated as references and can be modified/changed.
If you notice any errors in the notes, please mention them in the comments
Introduction
The chapter delves into the concepts of ‘Nation’ and ‘State’, their meanings, elements, and the principle of self-determination. It begins by defining a ‘Nation’ as a body of persons who, despite differences of race, region, language, or religion, share a common history and regard a particular country as their homeland. The chapter further explores the concept of ‘State’, as defined by Aristotle, as a “union of families and villages”. Modern definitions, such as those given by Hall and Garner, suggest that every state has four essential elements: population, territory, government, and sovereignty.
The chapter emphasizes the importance of sovereignty, which distinguishes the State from all other associations. It denotes “supreme and final legal authority, above and beyond which no further legal power exists.” Sovereignty has two main aspects – internal supremacy and external independence. The State is also characterized by permanence, continuity, and equality among other states, regardless of their size, population, or resources.
The principle of self-determination is discussed, raising the question of whether each nationality deserves to be a ‘Sovereign State’. The chapter suggests that self-determination can cause difficulties as all states contain some kind of cultural or ethnic mix. It also highlights the rights of cultural minorities to conserve their language, script, culture, and traditions.
Textual questions and answers
A. Long answer questions
1. Comment on the statement: “Ethnic unity, religion and language are not the basic elements which constitute the nation.”
Answer: While ethnic unity, religion, and language are important factors in building a nation, their presence or absence does not necessarily imply the presence or absence of the national spirit. Ethnicity, for instance, is of doubtful importance in the formation of nationality. The United States, for example, is a blend of hundreds of races. Similarly, the inhabitants of Switzerland do not think of themselves as French, Germans, or Italians, but as the Swiss, despite not being of the same race or possessing a common language.
Language, though considered by some writers as a significant factor in the moulding of a nation, does not necessarily define a nation. The English-speaking people constitute not one but several nations. The Swiss speak at least three distinct languages—French, German and Italian, and India has a large number of languages spoken in different regions.
Religion, while it played a role in the creation of Pakistan due to the religious nationalism of the Muslim community, is not a defining factor for most modern nation-states. Diverse religious faiths do not interfere with their spirit of nationalism.
Thus, neither ethnicity, nor language, nor religion are regarded as basic elements of nationalism in this age. Instead, nationality is essentially “Subjective”, i.e., a condition of mind and a way of feeling and living. The concept of nation is based upon two assumptions. First, the mankind is divided into distinct nations. Second, people love their nation; so much so that this love is often associated with the belief that their nation is the best they can hope for. Nationalism expressed itself in the form of “patriotic feelings”. People with nationalist ideas fought for political independence of their country. Nation and nationalism are often associated with the following beliefs and features: Common beliefs or a sense of oneness, common history, the territory, shared ideals and values, and a common identity.
2. Describe the main features of a Nation.
Or
Examine the factors that constitute a Nation in detail.
Or
What constitutes a Nation? Discuss it in detail.
Answer: The term ‘Nation’ is derived from the Latin word ‘natio’ which means ‘birth’ or ‘race’. Many writers such as Prof. Burgess used the term ‘Nation’ to denote those people who have “an ethnic unity” and are inhabiting “a territory of geographic unity.” Later the factor of “common language” was also added to these. Thus unity of race, common language, common religion, and geographic unity were the factors which were supposed to constitute a nation. The main features of a Nation are:
Common beliefs or a sense of oneness: A Nation is often associated with a sense of unity or oneness among its people. This unity can be derived from shared beliefs, values, or aspirations.
Common history: A Nation is a body of persons who share a common history. This shared history often forms the basis of the national identity and fosters a sense of belonging among the people.
Territory: The territory is another crucial feature of a Nation. It refers to the land or geographic region that the people of a Nation inhabit. The territory of a Nation includes the surface of the land, the soil beneath the surface, the lakes and rivers lying wholly within a Nation, the airspace falling within the surface of the Nation, and the maritime belt i.e., the area of the territorial sea.
Shared ideals and values: Shared ideals and values are another feature that constitutes a Nation. These shared ideals and values often guide the actions and behaviors of the people and contribute to the formation of a national identity.
Common identity: A common identity is a significant feature of a Nation. Despite differences in race, region, language, or religion, the people of a Nation regard a particular country as their ‘Motherland’ or ‘Fatherland’ or ‘Holy Land’. This shared sense of identity often fosters a sense of unity and belonging among the people.
3. The two important elements of a State are a group of human beings and a territory upon which they reside. In the light of this statement, discuss population and territory as the constituent elements of State.
Answer: The following points can be made about population and territory as the constituent elements of a State:
Population as a Constituent Element of State:
- The State is primarily a human institution. On the character, wisdom, and education of the people depends the progress of a nation.
- The size of the population for a State cannot be fixed. Any number of people can constitute a State. However, it is desirable that the population is reasonably self-sufficient to meet the needs of life.
- People constituting a State must possess a large measure of agreement about their common ends and the common needs. This does not mean that the people should belong to a single race or that they should have a common language and a common religion. These factors, while they give cohesion and unity to the population, are not the essential marks of a State.
Territory as a Constituent Element of State:
- Another constituent element of the State is the land or territory upon which the people have their home and within which the State exercises its jurisdiction. The wandering tribes may be a State in the making, but they do not become a State until they have settled down on a definite piece of land.
- The territory of a State includes the surface of the land, the soil beneath the surface, the lakes and the rivers lying wholly within a State and the waters of boundary rivers, the airspace falling within the surface of the State, and the maritime belt i.e., the area of the territorial sea.
- As with population, no limit can be laid down as to the extent of territory necessary to form a state. States exist today with areas varying from less than two sq. km. (Vatican City) to 9,561,000 sq. km. (China).
4. Explain the necessity of Government as a constituent element of State. Also, highlight the internal and external Sovereignty of State.
Answer: Government is defined as “the agency or machinery through which the Will of the State is formulated, expressed and realized”. Without a government, people would be an unruly mass with no means of collective action. The Government consists of the legislative, executive, and the judicial branches in addition to administrative agencies.
The fourth essential element of the State is sovereignty. This element distinguishes the State from all other human associations. The word “Sovereignty” denotes “supreme and final legal authority, above and beyond which no further legal power exists.” All individuals and groups of individuals have to submit to the Will of the State.
Sovereignty has two main aspects: internal supremacy and external independence. Internally, the State possesses absolute power over all persons and things within its territorial limits except those over whom it has waived its jurisdiction in order to fulfill its obligations under international law. There can be only one legal sovereign “upon the same territory over the same people.” Powers of government may be divided between the central authorities on the one hand and local governments on the other, but this does not mean the existence of two legal sovereigns within the same territory.
In international law, Sovereignty stands for “independent Statehood and complete freedom from direct external control.” It is important to note that there is no such thing as absolute sovereignty in international affairs. Right from the very beginning, big and powerful States have been exercising control over affairs of States that are not so powerful. In fact, the principle of ‘Sovereignty’ has undergone a considerable change in the recent past. The rise of multinational corporations and institutions such as WTO (World Trade Organisation), IMF (International Monetary Fund) and World Bank limit the scope of state activity in many ways.
5. What is the significance of the principle of National Self-Determination? How can this principle cause lots of difficulties?
Answer: The principle of National Self-Determination holds significant importance as it is closely tied to the ideals of liberty, equality, and peace. The nationalists believed that the ideals of liberty and equality could never be realized until all nations were free. All nations are equal. Therefore, the ideal of the nation-state is universally applicable. The nationalists believed in the self-determination, natural equality, and freedom of all nationalities.
World peace also depends on the recognition of the principle of national self-determination. When a nation is not independent, it will always seek to win back its independence. Imperialism means conflict between the imperial power and subject nations. States that are unified by national sentiments are always more stable. Their laws are usually better obeyed than states held together by force and repression.
However, the principle of National Self-Determination can cause a lot of difficulties. In practice, the ideal of the nation-state can cause lots of difficulties. No state is culturally or ethnically homogeneous. All states contain some kind of cultural or ethnic mix. The principle of national self-determination could break these states into many small parts. Such states would simply get disintegrated, leading to the painful displacement of large masses of people. In fact, a nation-state never existed in perfect form anywhere in the world.
It is very difficult to say whether any given nationality deserves ‘Statehood’. Before a nationality can become independent and sovereign, it has to satisfy many conditions. First, it must be economically viable to sustain itself, without needing much external financial support. Second, it should also be able to defend itself against foreign attacks, since we cannot rule out the possibility of a war.
B. Short answer questions
6. What is Nation?
Answer: A nation is defined as a body of persons who, despite differences of race, region, language, or religion, share a common history and regard a particular country as their ‘Motherland’ or ‘Fatherland’ or ‘Holy Land’.
7. How have modern writers defined a State?
Answer: Modern definitions of a state, such as those given by Hall and Garner, suggest that every state has four essential elements: population, territory, government, and sovereignty. The state is defined as the agency or machinery through which the will of the state is expressed and realized
8. All States contain a few distinct national groups or cultural minorities. Mention the rights of such groups.
Answer: Each distinct national group should be granted these rights: the right to conserve its language and script, the right to conserve its culture and customs, and the right to conserve its religion and other institutions.
C. Very short answer questions
9. Name the four constituent elements of State.
Answer: According to modern definitions, every state has four essential elements: population, territory, government, and sovereignty.
10. Each State is supposed to possess an attribute of Continuity. What does this feature mean?
Answer: This means that when one government is replaced by another, the new government becomes the successor to the funds, estates, debts and obligations of the old government.
D. Multiple Choice Questions: Tick (✓) the correct answer.
11. What does ‘Equality of States’ mean in terms of the Principles laid down by the Charter of the United Nations?
Answer: (c) Sovereign Equality of ‘International Persons’, i.e. States
12. Which among the following is not an essential element of a State?
Answer: (c) Membership of the United Nations
13. Who among the following led Independence Movement in East Pakistan that later became an independent State called Bangladesh?
Answer: (d) Sheikh Mujibur Rahman
Additional/extra questions and answers
1. What is the origin of the word ‘nation’ and how was it initially defined?
Answer: The term ‘nation’ originates from the Latin word ‘natio’ which signifies ‘birth’ or ‘race’. Early scholars like Prof. Burgess defined a ‘nation’ as a group of people with “an ethnic unity” inhabiting “a territory of geographic unity.” Later, the concept of a “common language” was also incorporated. Thus, the unity of race, shared language, common religion, and geographic unity were presumed to form a nation.
2. Explain why Ethnic Unity, Religion, and Language are not considered the Basic Elements which constitute the Nation.
Answer: Ethnic unity, common religion, and language are evidently significant factors in establishing a nation. However, the existence or non-existence of any one of these does not necessarily imply the presence or absence of national spirit. The relevance of ethnicity in the formation of nationality is dubious. For instance, many races co-exist in the United States and yet they don’t see themselves as belonging to different nations. The Swiss, who speak multiple languages and come from different ethnicities, identify as a single nation. Similarly, language and religion have shown to be insufficient in defining a nation as seen in the cases of English-speaking countries and religiously diverse nation-states. Hence, neither ethnicity, nor language, nor religion are considered fundamental elements of nationalism today.
3. What assumptions is the concept of nation based upon?
Answer: The concept of nation is based on two assumptions. First, it is presumed that mankind is divided into distinct nations. Second, it is assumed that people hold a deep affection for their nation, often to the extent that they believe their nation is the best. This love often manifests itself as “patriotic feelings” which can propel people to fight for their country’s political independence.
4. How is nationality seen as a ‘subjective’ condition?
Answer: Nationality is essentially seen as a ‘subjective’ condition as it represents a state of mind and a specific way of feeling and living. People within a nation share a sense of belonging and identity, often associated with the belief that their nation is superior. This sentiment of nationality often manifests in the form of patriotic feelings, wherein individuals are willing to make sacrifices and fight for the political independence of their country.
Q. What are some features associated with a nation and nationalism?
Answer: A nation and nationalism are often associated with the following beliefs and features:
- Common Beliefs or a Sense of Oneness: A nation is seen as a living organism with its own ‘will’, beliefs, and purposes. It has a “mystical existence”, which can be felt and may also be observed at times. For instance, during international sports competitions, the Indians, the British, and the Chinese cheer for their respective teams. This represents a collective spirit or will that transcends individual identities. The individuals may come and go, but the Nation endures.
- Love for the Nation: People within a nation often hold a deep affection for their nation, sometimes to the extent of believing that their nation is the best. This love often expresses itself as “patriotic feelings”. Such feelings can motivate people to fight for the political independence of their country.
- Shared Language, Religion, or Ethnicity: While these are not necessary or sufficient conditions to form a nation, they often play a role in creating a sense of common identity among people. However, modern nations are often characterized by ethnic, linguistic, and religious diversity, indicating that these factors alone do not define a nation.
- Geographic Unity: While not essential, shared geography often plays a role in fostering a sense of nationhood. However, the boundaries of nations have often shifted throughout history, and many nations today include diverse geographic and ecological regions.
Q. What is the significance of a common history in forming national unity?
Answer: A common history is crucial in fostering national unity because it represents a series of victories won and traditions created through joint efforts. In the case of India, the Uprising of 1857 became a symbol of nationalism. This shared history includes heroic deeds and patriots whose names and actions keep the spirit of nationalism alive. For example, the valor of Tantia Tope, the Rani of Jhansi, and others is remembered through popular songs, thus promoting national unity.
Q. How did Jawaharlal Nehru describe the distinctive Indian national heritage?
Answer: Jawaharlal Nehru expressed the distinctive Indian national heritage by acknowledging the rich diversity and regional characteristics that different groups have retained over centuries. He mentioned the Bengalis, the Marathas, the Gujratis, the Tamils, the Andhras, the Oriyas, the Assamese among others, and appreciated how they all remained “distinctively Indian, with the same national heritage,” despite their peculiar characteristics.
Q. What role does a geographically defined territory play in the formation of a nation?
Answer: A geographically defined territory plays a significant role in the formation of a nation. It serves as a ‘Homeland’ and can be a powerful factor in keeping alive nationalistic passions, even if the people are displaced from it, as it was with the Jews who hoped for the restoration of Palestine. This territory, often referred to as ‘Motherland’, ‘Fatherland’, or the ‘Sacred Land’, includes the landscape, rivers, lakes, mountains, vegetation, and wildlife of the country. It provides a sense of belonging and identity to the people, as Mazzini, the spiritual father of Italian nationalism, said, “our country is our home, the house that God has given us.”
Q. What are the shared ideals and values in democratic nations?
Answer: Shared ideals and values are fundamental to the life of a nation, particularly in democratic nations. These values are Democracy, Freedom, Secularism, and Liberalism. These form the bedrock on which such nations function and provide a collective ethos to the populace. For instance, the core values of liberalism include rationalism, toleration, and a self-regulating market economy. These shared ideals and values work as unifying forces within a nation.
Q. How does a common identity contribute to the formation of a nation?
Answer: A common identity plays a pivotal role in the formation of a nation. Despite differences of race, religion, languages, and other socio-cultural factors, a basic unity in the thinking of people with nationalist ideas can contribute to the formation of a common identity. In India, corporate efforts in the field of language and literature created an atmosphere of intellectual unity, reflecting the country’s diverse cultural landscape shaped by Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, Sikhism, Islam, Christianity, and Animism. Notably, the Sufi saints like Hazrat Chisti, Nizam-ud-din Aulia, and others, have significantly contributed towards bringing about peace, harmony, and cultural unity in India. This shared culture and mutual understanding are key components of a common national identity.
Q. What is Aristotle’s definition of the state?
Answer: Aristotle defined State as “a union of families and villages having for its end a perfect and self-sufficing life, by which we mean a happy and honourable life.”
Q. How do W.E. Hall and Garner define the state?
Answer: W.E. Hall defines a state as a community that is permanently established for a political end, that it possesses a defined territory, and is independent of external control. Garner defines the state as a community of persons, more or less numerous, permanently occupying a definite portion of territory, independent or nearly so, of external control, and possessing an organized government to which the great body of inhabitants render habitual obedience.
Q. Elaborate on the importance of population in the State?
Answer: Population is considered a fundamental part of a State as it is primarily a human institution. The progress of a nation depends upon the character, wisdom, and education of the people. The size of the population for a State cannot be fixed; it should be sufficiently large to meet the needs of life. The people constituting a State must have agreement about their common ends and needs. Race, language or religion are not the essential marks of a State. Some modern States, such as the USA and Australia, are considered underpopulated, while others like India, China, and Italy are dealing with overpopulation.
Q. What is the role of the government in a State and how is it organized?
Answer: The government is an essential component of a State. It serves as the agency or machinery through which the Will of the State is formulated, expressed, and realized. Without a government, people would be an unruly mass with no means of collective action. The government comprises the legislative, executive, and judicial branches, as well as administrative agencies. The legislative branch makes laws, the executive branch enforces the laws, and the judicial branch interprets the laws. The government serves the purpose of maintaining order, providing public services, and enforcing decisions that are binding on all people living within the state.
Q. Discuss the various elements of a State.
Answer: The four essential elements of a State:
Population: The State is a human institution and depends upon the character, wisdom, and education of the people. The size of the population isn’t fixed but it should be self-sufficient. The citizens must have an agreement about their common goals and needs.
Territory: The State needs land where its population can live and where it can exercise its jurisdiction. The territory includes the surface of the land, soil beneath the surface, bodies of water wholly within the state, the airspace within the surface of the state, and the maritime belt i.e., the area of the territorial sea.
Government: The government is the agency through which the will of the State is formulated, expressed, and realized. It consists of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches, as well as administrative agencies.
Sovereignty: This term is implied in the definitions by both Hall and Garner. A state must be independent or nearly independent of external control, meaning it has the highest authority within its territory and can make decisions free from external interference.
Q. What is the meaning of ‘Sovereignty’ in the context of a State?
Answer: The term “Sovereignty” refers to the supreme and final legal authority, beyond which no further legal power exists. It is the element that separates the State from all other human associations, with all individuals and groups having to submit to the will of the State.
Q. What are the two main aspects of Sovereignty?
Answer: Sovereignty comprises two main aspects – internal supremacy and external independence. Internally, a State wields absolute power over all persons and things within its territorial boundaries except those over which it has relinquished its jurisdiction to meet international law requirements. Externally, in international law, Sovereignty signifies independent Statehood and complete freedom from direct external control.
Q. Describe the internal supremacy aspect of Sovereignty.
Answer: The aspect of internal supremacy signifies that a State possesses absolute power over all persons and things within its territorial limits. This is with the exception of those over whom it has waived its jurisdiction in order to fulfil its obligations under international law. It implies that there can be only one legal sovereign on the same territory over the same people. The powers of government may be divided between central authorities and local governments, but this doesn’t mean the existence of two legal sovereigns within the same territory.
Q. Explain the concept of external independence in terms of Sovereignty.
Answer: External independence, in the context of Sovereignty, represents independent Statehood and complete freedom from direct external control in international law. However, it’s crucial to note that absolute sovereignty doesn’t exist in international affairs. From the start, larger and more potent States have been influencing the affairs of less powerful ones. In fact, the principle of Sovereignty has recently seen significant transformation with the emergence of multinational corporations and institutions like WTO, IMF, and the World Bank that restrict the scope of state activity in many ways.
Q. What are some other attributes that the State is supposed to possess?
Answer:
- Element of Permanence: The State is a permanent entity. Changes in territory due to conquests or defeats do not impact its existence.
- Continuity of State: The replacement of one government by another doesn’t affect the State’s continuity. The new government inherits the funds, estates, debts, and obligations of the previous one.
- Equality of States: Despite differences in size, population, or resources, all States are equals as international persons. This is the basis for the UNO’s principle of ‘Sovereign Equality’ of all States.
Q. What is the status of Delhi according to the Constitution 69th Amendment Act (December 1991)?
Answer: According to the Constitution 69th Amendment Act enacted in December 1991, Delhi now has a Legislative Assembly and a Council of Ministers. However, it continues to be a Union Territory administered by the Government of India. Delhi cannot be considered a State because it does not possess supreme and final legal authority.
Q. What is the status of Jammu and Kashmir?
Answer: Jammu and Kashmir, previously a Princely State under the personal rule of its ruler, acceded to India on October 26, 1947. It is now one of the component parts of the Indian Union. Despite being designated as a State under the Constitution of India, it is not a State in the strictest sense of the term.
Q. Discuss the status of Bhutan as a State.
Answer: Bhutan is a small land-locked State situated on the south-east slopes of the Himalayas. According to the treaty of 1949, the Government of India pledged not to interfere in Bhutan’s domestic matters. Conversely, Bhutan agreed to be guided by India’s advice in regard to its foreign relations. In 1971, India recognized Bhutan’s claim to full Statehood, and consequently, Bhutan became a member of the United Nations. Today, Bhutan is a self-governing State concerning its internal and external affairs.
Q. What is the principle that dominated European politics since the days of the Congress of Vienna?
Answer: The principle that dominated European politics since the days of the Congress of Vienna is “One Nation, One State.” This principle maintains that the boundaries of a state should coincide with those of nationality.
Q. Can you elaborate on the significance of the principle of National Self-Determination as illustrated after the First World War?
Answer: The principle of national self-determination gained support after the First World War, as demonstrated by the Treaty of Versailles. This treaty marked the end of the old European order. Regions inhabited by various nationalities were given independence or allowed to join states with whom they had political and national affinities. For example, Alsace-Lorraine was returned to France, Eupen and Malmedy to Belgium, and Poland was made independent. This demonstrated the recognition of each nation’s right to self-government.
Q. Why is the recognition of the principle of national self-determination considered essential for world peace?
Answer: The recognition of the principle of national self-determination is essential for world peace because when a nation is not independent, it will always seek to win back its independence. This results in conflicts between the imperial power and subject nations, undermining global peace. By acknowledging the right of nations to govern themselves, such conflicts can be minimized or avoided, contributing to a more peaceful international landscape.
Q. How are states unified by national sentiments more stable?
Answer: States unified by national sentiments are more stable because their laws are usually better obeyed than states held together by force and repression. When citizens identify with their nation and share a common sense of nationality, they are more likely to respect and adhere to its laws. This reduces internal conflict and enhances the state’s stability.
Q. What development happened in Spain regarding the status of Catalonia and the Basque?
Answer: In Spain, Catalonia and the Basque were granted the status of ‘Autonomous Regions’ within the Spanish Federation in 1980. However, Basque extremists were not satisfied with the grant of autonomy and continued their campaign for Independence. This culminated in the May 2001 elections in Basque province where the moderate nationalist party, PNV, emerged victorious. Despite this, the people of Basque Province have not given up their demand for separate Statehood.
Q. Can you describe the process through which Mizoram achieved statehood within the Indian Union?
Answer: Mizoram in India achieved statehood through a process that started with armed rebellion by the Mizos, who were demanding a separate State outside the Union of India. After some time, they agreed to give up violence and resolve all disputes through constitutional means. This led to Mizoram being accorded statehood within the Indian Union in 1987.
Q. What was the stance of the DMK party under C.N. Annadurai regarding Tamil Nadu’s relation with the Indian Union?
Answer: The DMK party, under the leadership of C.N. Annadurai, did not advocate for Tamil Nadu to secede from the Indian Union. Instead, it called for greater autonomy for the state while remaining part of the Union. This stance reflected a desire for more self-governance while maintaining a connection with the larger national entity.
Q. What does the principle of national self-determination imply about nation-states?
Answer: The principle of national self-determination implies that nation-states, despite having a cultural or ethnic mix, could break into many smaller parts. This could lead to the disintegration of states and the painful displacement of large masses of people.
Q. What are the prerequisites for a nationality to become independent and sovereign?
Answer: For a nationality to become independent and sovereign, it needs to fulfill certain conditions. First, it must be economically viable to sustain itself without much external financial support. Second, it should have the capability to defend itself against foreign attacks, taking into consideration the possibility of a war.
Q. What rights should be granted to each distinct national group?
Answer: Each distinct national group should be granted the following rights:
- The right to conserve its language and script.
- The right to conserve its culture and customs.
- The right to conserve its religion and other institutions.
Q. Explain how the failure of Pakistan’s rulers to protect certain rights led to its disintegration.
Answer: The rulers of Pakistan failed to protect the language (Bengali language), customs, and traditions of the people of East Pakistan. This disregard for the cultural rights of a distinct national group led to the dissatisfaction and unrest among the people, resulting in the Independence Movement led by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. As a consequence, in December 1971, East Pakistan declared its independence and became an independent state known as ‘Bangladesh’. This illustrates how the denial of cultural rights and identity can lead to the fragmentation and disintegration of a state.
Q. Explain the difficulties caused by the ideal of nation-state in practice, citing the examples of Germany, United States, Canada, and Switzerland.
Answer: The ideal of a nation-state, meaning one homogeneous cultural or ethnic group forming a single state, is challenging because no state is culturally or ethnically homogeneous in practice. All states contain some degree of cultural or ethnic mix. For instance, Germany hosts a non-German population called the Wends. Similarly, in countries like the United States, Canada, and Switzerland, people of several nationalities live together in harmony and cooperation. The concept of national self-determination could potentially lead to the disintegration of these multicultural states into smaller parts. If the principle of ‘one nationality, one state’ were strictly applied, these nations would break down into numerous smaller states, leading to possible conflicts, displacements, and socio-political instability. Hence, the principle of national self-determination, while noble, can present practical difficulties and conflicts in multicultural societies.
37. Analyze the statement “A nation-state never existed in perfect form anywhere in the world.”
Answer: The statement “A nation-state never existed in perfect form anywhere in the world” essentially refers to the fact that no state is entirely culturally or ethnically homogeneous. While the concept of a nation-state implies a single ethnic or cultural group forming a state, in reality, all states contain some mix of cultures or ethnicities. This heterogeneity makes it nearly impossible for the ideal of a nation-state to be realized in its purest form. The presence of multiple ethnicities or cultures within a state can lead to difficulties in terms of national self-determination. This is evident from the examples of Germany, the United States, Canada, and Switzerland, where different nationalities coexist and live in harmony. It is a challenge to determine who deserves ‘statehood’ and the ensuing complexities associated with it, such as economic viability and defense capabilities, make the practical implementation of the nation-state ideal problematic.
Additional/extra MCQs
1. From which Latin word is the term ‘nation’ derived?
A. Natio B. Natus C. Nativus D. Natur
Answer: A. Natio
2. Who was one of the early scholars to use the term ‘Nation’ denoting an ‘ethnic unity’?
A. Prof. Smith B. Prof. Burgess C. Prof. Johnson D. Prof. Adams
Answer: B. Prof. Burgess
3. What factors were originally considered to constitute a nation?
A. Unity of race, common language, shared religion, and geographic unity B. Unity of race, shared economy, and geographic unity C. Common language, shared religion, and shared economy D. Common language, shared religion, and shared political ideology
Answer: A. Unity of race, common language, shared religion, and geographic unity
4. Does ethnicity play a major role in the formation of nationality in the United States?
A. Yes B. No C. Maybe D. Not mentioned
Answer: B. No
Q. How many distinct languages do the Swiss speak?
A. Two B. Three C. Four D. Five
Answer: B. Three
Q. Is common ‘religion’ regarded as a basic element of nationalism?
A. Yes B. No C. Sometimes D. Not mentioned
Answer: B. No
Q. What is nationality essentially referred to as?
A. Objective B. Subjective C. Personal D. Collective
Answer: B. Subjective
Q. How many assumptions is the concept of a nation based on?
A. One B. Two C. Three D. Four
Answer: B. Two
Q. What is nationalism often associated with?
A. Patriotic feelings B. Economic prosperity C. Scientific advancement D. Cultural diversity
Answer: A. Patriotic feelings
Q. Which event represents a manifestation of a nation’s ‘mystical existence’?
A. International sports competitions B. Religious festivals C. Economic summits D. Scientific conferences
Answer: A. International sports competitions
Q. Which event is considered a symbol of nationalism in India?
A. The Partition of 1947 B. The Uprising of 1857 C. The Battle of Plassey D. The Mughal Reign
Answer: B. The Uprising of 1857
Q. Who is known as the spiritual father of Italian nationalism?
A. Giuseppe Garibaldi B. Giuseppe Mazzini C. Vittorio Emanuele II D. Benito Mussolini
Answer: B. Giuseppe Mazzini
Q. Which saint is mentioned as a contributor to peace, harmony and cultural unity in India?
A. Guru Nanak B. Kabir Das C. Hazrat Chisti D. Ramanujan
Answer: C. Hazrat Chisti
Q. What are the core values of liberalism?
A. Democracy, Freedom, Secularism B. Rationalism, Toleration, Self-regulating market economy C. Democracy, Toleration, Self-regulating market economy D. Freedom, Secularism, Rationalism
Answer: B. Rationalism, Toleration, Self-regulating market economy
Q. Who was the Rani of Jhansi remembered for?
A. Her poetic skills B. Her heroic deeds C. Her administrative skills D. Her religious teachings
Answer: B. Her heroic deeds
Q. Which homeland were the Jews hoping would be restored to them?
A. Israel B. Egypt C. Palestine D. Mesopotamia
Answer: C. Palestine
Q. Who spoke the words, “our country is our home, the house that God has given us”?
A. Jawaharlal Nehru B. Giuseppe Garibaldi C. Giuseppe Mazzini D. Mahatma Gandhi
Answer: C. Giuseppe Mazzini
Q. Which form of worship in India involves the worship of inanimate objects and natural phenomena?
A. Hinduism B. Jainism C. Buddhism D. Animism
Answer: D. Animism
Q. Who is Tantia Tope celebrated for in popular Indian songs?
A. His musical compositions B. His political strategies C. His heroic deeds D. His religious teachings
Answer: C. His heroic deeds
Q. What is referred to as ‘Motherland’ or ‘Fatherland’ or the ‘Sacred Land’?
A. The nation’s capital B. The nation’s cultural heritage C. The geographically defined territory of a nation D. The nation’s historic monuments
Answer: C. The geographically defined territory of a nation
Q. Who defined the state as “a union of families and villages having for its end a perfect and self-sufficing life, by which we mean a happy and honourable life?”
A. W.E. Hall B. Garner C. Aristotle D. Raphael
Answer: C. Aristotle
Q. According to W.E. Hall, which of the following is NOT a mark of an independent state?
A. Permanent establishment for a political end B. Defined territory C. Dependent on external control D. Community constituting it
Answer: C. Dependent on external control
Q. What does the term ‘community’ signify in the context of a state?
A. Territory B. Government C. Population D. Sovereignty
Answer: C. Population
Q. Which factor does not necessarily influence the unity and cohesion of a state’s population?
A. Common language B. Common religion C. Common race D. Common territory
Answer: D. Common territory
Q. What includes the air space falling within the surface of a state?
A. Community B. Government C. Sovereignty D. Territory
Answer: D. Territory
Q. What does the government of a State consist of?
A. Judicial branches B. Administrative agencies C. Legislative branches D. All of the above
Answer: D. All of the above
Q. Which of the following is NOT considered a crucial element of a State?
A. Population B. Territory C. Religion D. Government
Answer: C. Religion
Q. Which country is considered underpopulated in view of their overall resources?
A. India B. China C. Australia D. Italy
Answer: C. Australia
Q. Which of the following is NOT included in the territory of a State?
A. The surface of the land B. The lakes and the rivers lying wholly within a State C. The air space falling within the surface of the State D. The moon’s surface closest to the state
Answer: D. The moon’s surface closest to the state
Q. What term represents the supreme and final legal authority of a State?
A. Democracy B. Constitution C. Sovereignty D. Governance
Answer: C. Sovereignty
Q. How many main aspects does Sovereignty have?
A. One B. Two C. Three D. Four
Answer: B. Two
Q. What does internal supremacy of a State refer to?
A. Foreign policy B. Constitutional amendments C. Legal power within territorial limits D. International agreements
Answer: C. Legal power within territorial limits
Q. What is not absolute in international affairs?
A. Democracy B. Territory C. Sovereignty D. Diplomacy
Answer: C. Sovereignty
Q. Which principle is the United Nations Organization (UNO) based on?
A. Democracy of all States B. Sovereign Equality of all States C. Constitutional superiority of all States D. Territorial integrity of all States
Answer: B. Sovereign Equality of all States
Q. What is the status of Delhi as per the Constitution 69th Amendment Act (December 1991)?
A. State B. City C. Union Territory D. Autonomous Region
Answer: C. Union Territory
Q. Which Princely State acceded to India on October 26, 1947?
A. Punjab B. Bengal C. Madras D. Jammu and Kashmir
Answer: D. Jammu and Kashmir
Q. What is Bhutan’s status in regard to its internal and external affairs?
A. Dependent B. Semi-autonomous C. Autonomous D. Subject
Answer: C. Autonomous
Q. What was recognized by India in 1971 regarding Bhutan?
A. Its independence B. Its full Statehood C. Its territorial expansion D. Its cultural heritage
Answer: B. Its full Statehood
Q. What is an essential attribute of the State that remains unaffected by territorial changes?
A. Equality of States B. Element of Permanence C. Sovereignty D. Continuity of State
Answer: B. Element of Permanence
Q. Which principle dominated European politics since the days of the Congress of Vienna?
A. Nationalism, B. Democracy, C. “One Nation, One State”, D. Federalism
Answer: C. “One Nation, One State”
Q. When did the Treaty of Versailles, marking the end of the old European order, take place?
A. After the Second World War, B. After the First World War, C. During the Napoleonic Wars, D. During the Cold War
Answer: B. After the First World War
Q. Which region was returned to France after the First World War?
A. Eupen, B. Malmedy, C. Alsace-Lorraine, D. Poland
Answer: C. Alsace-Lorraine
Q. What happens when a nation is not independent, in terms of global peace?
A. It fosters peace, B. It has no effect, C. It undermines peace, D. It encourages diplomacy
Answer: C. It undermines peace
Q. Which type of states are more stable?
A. States held together by force, B. States unified by national sentiments, C. Imperial states, D. States under foreign rule
Answer: B. States unified by national sentiments
Q. In which year were Catalonia and the Basque granted the status of ‘Autonomous Regions’ within the Spanish Federation?
A. 1975, B. 1980, C. 1990, D. 2001
Answer: B. 1980
Q. In the May 2001 elections in Basque province, which party emerged victorious?
A. PNV, B. PVM, C. PVC, D. PNP
Answer: A. PNV
Q. In what year was Mizoram accorded statehood within the Indian Union?
A. 1985, B. 1987, C. 1990, D. 1992
Answer: B. 1987
Q. Which party was formed when the Justice Party of Madras was merged with the Self-Respect Movement?
A. DMK, B. AIMIM, C. BJP, D. DK
Answer: D. DK
Q. What stance did the DMK party, under C.N. Annadurai, take regarding Tamil Nadu’s relation with the Indian Union?
A. Secession, B. Greater autonomy, C. Complete merger, D. Military rule
Answer: B. Greater autonomy
Q. Which principle could potentially disintegrate multicultural nation-states into smaller parts?
A. Cultural Integration B. National Self-Determination C. Ethnic Solidarity D. Social Assimilation
Answer: B. National Self-Determination
Q. What is the first condition a nationality must meet to become independent and sovereign?
A. Military Strength B. Population Size C. Economic Viability D. Geographic Location
Answer: C. Economic Viability
Q. What is the second prerequisite for a nationality to attain independence and sovereignty?
A. Cultural Homogeneity B. Economic Prosperity C. Defense Capability D. Technological Advancement
Answer: C. Defense Capability
Q. Which nationality in Germany is not German?
A. Franks B. Saxons C. Wends D. Bavarians
Answer: C. Wends
Q. Which rights should a distinct national group be granted? (Select one)
A. Right to Vote B. Right to Free Education C. Right to Conserve Its Culture and Customs D. Right to Free Healthcare
Answer: C. Right to Conserve Its Culture and Customs
Q. Who led the Independence Movement in East Pakistan?
A. Muhammad Ali Jinnah B. Zulfikar Ali Bhutto C. Sheikh Mujibur Rahman D. A. K. Fazlul Huq
Answer: C. Sheikh Mujibur Rahman
Q. What name did East Pakistan take after its independence in 1971?
A. West Bengal B. Balochistan C. Sindh D. Bangladesh
Answer: D. Bangladesh
Q. Which language did the rulers of Pakistan fail to protect?
A. Urdu B. Punjabi C. Pashto D. Bengali
Answer: D. Bengali
59. In which country do several nationalities live together in harmony and cooperation, apart from the United States and Canada?
A. Japan B. Switzerland C. Norway D. Russia
Answer: B. Switzerland
60. Is it true that a nation-state in perfect form has existed anywhere in the world?
A. Yes B. No C. Maybe D. Information Not Provided
Answer: B. No
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