NCERT Solutions for Class 11th: Ch 2 Freedom

NCERT Solutions for Class 11th: Ch 2 Freedom Political Science

Page No: 30

Exercises

1. What is meant by freedom? Is there a relationship between freedom for the individual and freedom for the nation?

Answer

Freedom is the absence of constraints. An individual could be considered free if he/she is not subject to external controls or coercion and is able to make independent decisions and act in an autonomous way. It is also about expanding the ability of people to freely express themselves and develop their creativity, sensibilities and capabilities.

Yes, there is a relationship between freedom for the individual and freedom for the nation. A nation whose government is free from external influence can only grant freedom to its individuals. On the other hand, a nation is said to be free only when it has freedom as one of its principle which is provided to its people.

2. What is the difference between the negative and positive conception of liberty?

Answer

Negative Liberty	Positive Liberty
It is only concerned with the inviolable area in which no external authority can interfere.	It recognises that one can be free only in society (not outside it) and hence tries to make that society such that it enables the development of the individual.
It is not concerned with the conditions of the society.	It is concerned with the enabling conditions of the society.
It is concerned with explaining the idea of ‘freedom from’.	It is concerned with explaining the idea of ‘freedom to’.

3. What is meant by social constraints? Are constraints of any kind necessary for enjoying freedom?

Answer

The domination and external controls on freedom of individual imposed by the society is known as social constraints. These controls may be imposed by government through laws which embody the power of the rulers over the people. Constraints on freedom can also result from social inequality
of the kind implicit in the caste system, or which result from extreme economic inequality in a society.
Yes, the constraints of any kind necessary for enjoying freedom because:
• It is necessary for the creation of society.
• It develops respect for differences of views, opinions and beliefs.
• It is required to control violence and settle disputes.

4. What is the role of the state in upholding freedom of its citizens?

Answer

The role of the state in upholding freedom of its citizen are:
• The state provides certain rights to its people.
• It also maintains reasonable restrictions and on people so that they cannot harm others and their freedom.
• It provides positive liberty to its citizens to enable them to expand their ability and talent.

• It keeps checks on freedom of its people in order to maintain social stability.

5. What is meant by freedom of expression? What in your view would be a reasonable restriction on this freedom? Give examples.

Answer

Freedom of expression means the freedom to express one's views and ideas freely through speech, writing, books plays etc. It is considered to belong to the minimum area of ‘non-interference’.
The examples of reasonable restriction on the freedom expression are:
• Censor boards restrict the freedom of speech by banning portion of the film which to maintains peace in the society or to keep check the bad effect of the film.
• The freedom shouldn't interfere in someone's privacy. Employees of Royal household of England are constrained by contract from disclosing any inner affairs of the royal household.

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