11 CBSE NCERT👆Political Science 5 Rights
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Theme Analysis
Main ThemeUnderstanding the Concept, Basis, Types, and Responsibilities Associated with Rights in a Democratic Society
Subject CategoryPolitical Science
Key Concepts
Question FocusQuestions focus on defining rights, their philosophical and legal foundations, the different categories of rights, the obligations they place on both the state and individuals, and their importance in a democratic context. A mix of understanding, application, and analytical questions are included, drawing heavily from Priority 1 and 2 content to ensure a comprehensive assessment of the core concepts.
What is the fundamental essence of a 'right' as defined in the text?
Hint: Think about what society is expected to recognize and uphold.
Answer
A right is essentially an entitlement or a justified claim that denotes what we are entitled to as citizens, individuals, and human beings, and which society must recognize as legitimate.
Explanation
The text defines a right as 'an entitlement or a justified claim. It denotes what we are entitled to as citizens, as individuals and as human beings. It is something that we consider to be due to us; something that the rest of society must recognise as being a legitimate claim that must be upheld.' This distinguishes it from mere wants or desires.
According to the text, what are the primary grounds on which rights are claimed?
Hint: Consider the fundamental human needs and values that rights aim to protect and foster.
Answer
Rights are primarily claimed on the grounds that they are necessary for leading a life of respect and dignity, and for the well-being and development of individuals.
Explanation
The text states, 'Rights are primarily those claims that I along with others regard to be necessary for leading a life of respect and dignity.' It further adds, 'Another ground on which rights have been claimed is that they are necessary for our well-being. They help individuals to develop their talents and skills.'
A student wants to wear casual clothes to school instead of the prescribed uniform. According to the text's definition of rights, why might this not be considered a 'right'?
Hint: Recall the criteria for what constitutes a right versus a personal want.
Answer
The text distinguishes between personal wants and legitimate rights, stating that not everything an individual desires is a right. Rights are claims necessary for leading a life of respect and dignity, which a preference for casual clothes over a uniform typically isn't.
Explanation
The text explicitly uses this example: 'I may want to wear the clothes of my choice to school rather than the prescribed uniform. I may want to stay out late at night but this does not mean that I have a right to dress in any way I like at school or to return home when I choose to do so. There is a distinction between what I want and think I am entitled to, and what can be designated as rights.' The key is whether it's necessary for dignity/well-being and recognized by society.
Which characteristic best describes rights such as the right to a livelihood or freedom of expression, making them 'universal in nature'?
Hint: Think about why certain rights are considered essential for *everyone*.
Answer
Rights like livelihood and freedom of expression are considered universal because they are important for all human beings in society, enabling them to lead lives of dignity, develop talents, and make informed choices.
Explanation
The text states, 'Rights such as the right to a livelihood, or freedom of expression, would be important for all human beings who live in society and they are described as universal in nature.' It also mentions the right to education as a universal right because it helps develop reasoning capacity and useful skills.
The text argues that an activity cannot be claimed as a right if it is injurious to one's health and well-being, or affects relations with others. Which of the following best exemplifies this limitation?
Hint: Recall the specific examples given in the text for activities that cannot be rights.
Answer
The text specifically uses the example of smoking or taking banned drugs, stating they cannot be claimed as rights because they are injurious to health and can negatively affect relations with others, sometimes making individuals a danger to others.
Explanation
The text explicitly states, 'However, if an activity is injurious to our health and well-being it cannot be claimed as a right. For instance, since medical research has shown that prohibited drugs are injurious to one’s health and since they affect our relations with others, we cannot insist that we have a right to inhale or inject drugs or smoke tobacco.' It further notes the harm to others from smoking and the behavioral changes caused by drugs.
In the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, political theorists believed rights were derived from what source?
Hint: Think about the historical perspective on the origin of rights mentioned in the text.
Answer
Political theorists in the 17th and 18th centuries argued that rights were given by nature or God, derived from natural law.
Explanation
The text clearly states, 'In the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, political theorists argued that rights are given to us by nature or God. The rights of men were derived from natural law.'
What does it mean for natural rights to be considered 'inalienable'?
Hint: Consider the implication of rights being 'given by nature' and not by human authority.
Answer
Inalienable rights are those that we are born with and cannot be taken away by any ruler or society.
Explanation
The text explains, 'This meant that rights were not conferred by a ruler or a society, rather we are born with them. As such these rights are inalienable and no one can take these away from us.'
Which of the following are identified as the three basic natural rights of man?
Hint: Recall the specific triad of rights associated with the natural rights theory.
Answer
The three natural rights identified were the right to life, liberty, and property.
Explanation
The text explicitly states: 'They identified three natural rights of man: the right to life, liberty and property.'
Why has the term 'human rights' become more prevalent than 'natural rights' in recent years?
Hint: Consider the philosophical shift in understanding the source of rights.
Answer
The term 'human rights' is preferred because the idea of a natural law or norms laid down by nature or God is less acceptable in contemporary thought. Instead, rights are seen as guarantees human beings seek for a good life, based on intrinsic value.
Explanation
The text explains, 'In recent years, the term human rights is being used more than the term natural rights. This is because the idea of there being a natural law, or a set of norms that are laid down for us by nature, or God, appears unacceptable today.' It clarifies that human rights are seen as guarantees human beings themselves seek.
What is the fundamental assumption behind the concept of human rights?
Hint: Focus on the inherent quality that grants everyone human rights.
Answer
The assumption behind human rights is that all persons are entitled to certain things simply because they are human beings, each unique and equally valuable.
Explanation
The text states, 'The assumption behind human rights is that all persons are entitled to certain things simply because they are human beings. As a human being each person is unique and equally valuable. This means that all persons are equal and no one is born to serve others.'
Which philosopher is associated with the idea that human beings possess 'dignity' and are valuable in themselves, not merely as a means to an end?
Hint: Recall the philosopher whose moral conception of rights emphasizes intrinsic worth.
Answer
Immanuel Kant, the eighteenth-century German philosopher, is associated with the concept that human beings possess dignity and are valuable in themselves.
Explanation
The text highlights, 'For the eighteenth century German philosopher, Immanuel Kant, this simple idea had a deep meaning. It meant that every person has dignity and ought to be so treated by virtue of being a human being.'
According to Kant's moral conception of rights, why should we respect people?
Hint: Think about Kant's distinction between 'price' and 'dignity' and treating people as 'ends' rather than 'means'.
Answer
Kant argued that we should respect people not because they are useful to us, but because they are human beings, possessing inherent dignity.
Explanation
The text explains Kant's view: 'Second, we should make sure that we don’t treat the other person as means to our ends. We should not treat people as we treat a pen, a car, or a horse. That is, we should respect people not because they are useful to us but because they are, after all, human beings.'
What is the primary goal of the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR)?
Hint: Consider the stated purpose of the UDHR in the context of human dignity.
Answer
The UDHR builds upon the understanding of human rights to recognize claims that the world community collectively deems important for a life of dignity and self-respect.
Explanation
The text states, 'Today, the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights builds upon this understanding of rights and it attempts to recognise those claims that the world community collectively sees as being important for leading a life of dignity and self-respect.' The preamble further reinforces this.
The text mentions that the list of human rights has expanded due to new societal threats and challenges. Which of the following is an example of such an expansion mentioned?
Hint: Look for examples of *new* rights claims that have emerged from contemporary concerns.
Answer
The text specifically mentions that a new consciousness about the natural environment has generated demands for rights to clean air, water, and sustainable development.
Explanation
The text notes, 'The list of human rights which people have claimed has expanded over the years as societies face new threats and challenges. For instance, we are very conscious today of the need to protect the natural environment and this has generated demands for rights to clean air, water, sustainable development, and the like.'
Why is legal recognition of rights, such as through a Bill of Rights in a constitution, considered so important?
Hint: Think about the consequences of a right being enshrined in the highest law of the land.
Answer
Legal recognition, especially in a constitution, gives rights primary importance and a special status, obliging the state to respect and uphold them.
Explanation
The text states, 'This is why so much importance is placed on the legal recognition of rights. A Bill of Rights is enshrined in the constitutions of many countries. Constitutions represent the highest law of the land and so constitutional recognition of certain rights gives them a primary importance.' It also mentions that legal endorsement gives rights 'a special status in society'.
What term is used in India for the rights mentioned in the Constitution that are considered to be of basic importance?
Hint: Recall the specific terminology used in the context of India's constitution.
Answer
In India, the rights considered of basic importance and mentioned in the Constitution are called Fundamental Rights.
Explanation
The text mentions, 'In our country we call them Fundamental Rights. Other laws and policies are supposed to respect the rights granted in the Constitution.'
When an individual asserts their right to education, what obligation does this place upon the state?
Hint: Consider the state's direct role in fulfilling a right like education.
Answer
The right to education places a primary obligation on the state to initiate necessary steps and make provisions for basic education.
Explanation
The text states, 'When I assert my right to education, I call upon the state to make provisions for my basic education... But the primary responsibility rests upon the state. It is the state that must initiate necessary steps to ensure that my right to education is fulfilled.'
The right to liberty places constraints on state actions. Which scenario best illustrates this principle?
Hint: Think about what prevents the state from acting purely on its own will when it comes to personal freedom.
Answer
The right to liberty means the state cannot arbitrarily arrest an individual; it must defend its actions and provide reasons before a judicial court for curtailing liberty.
Explanation
The text clarifies, 'My right to liberty as a person, for instance, suggests that the state cannot simply arrest me at its own will. If it wishes to put me behind bars, it must defend that action; it must give reasons for curtailing my liberty before a judicial court.' This is why arrest warrants are required.
According to the text, what is the ultimate purpose for which the sovereign state exists?
Hint: Consider who ultimately benefits from the existence of a state in a democratic framework.
Answer
The sovereign state exists not for its own sake, but for the sake of the individual and the well-being of its people.
Explanation
The text emphasizes, 'the sovereign state exists not for its own sake but for the sake of the individual. It is people who matter more and it is their well-being that must be pursued by the government in power.'
Which of the following rights is an example of a 'political right'?
Hint: Think about rights that enable citizens to engage in the democratic process.
Answer
Political rights include the right to vote and elect representatives, as they relate to participation in the political process.
Explanation
The text defines political rights as giving citizens 'the right to equality before law and the right to participate in the political process. They include such rights as the right to vote and elect representatives, the right to contest elections, the right to form political parties or join them.'
Which of the following is an example of a 'civil liberty'?
Hint: Consider rights that protect individual freedoms in daily life and interaction with the state.
Answer
Civil liberties refer to rights such as the right to a free and fair trial, the right to express one’s views freely, and the right to protest and express dissent.
Explanation
The text states, 'Political rights are supplemented by civil liberties. The latter refers to the right to a free and fair trial, the right to express one’s views freely, the right to protest and express dissent.'
Why does the text suggest that political rights alone have little value for a person struggling to meet basic needs like food and shelter?
Hint: Consider the practical prerequisites for effective political engagement.
Answer
Political rights can only be fully exercised when basic needs like food, shelter, clothing, and health are met, as these provide the foundation for meaningful participation.
Explanation
The text explains, 'However, our rights of political participation can only be exercised fully when our basic needs, of food, shelter, clothing, health, are met. For a person living on the pavements and struggling to meet these basic needs, political rights by themselves have little value.' This highlights the interdependence of different types of rights.
Which of the following is an example of an 'economic right' provided by democratic societies?
Hint: Think about rights related to material well-being and basic necessities.
Answer
Economic rights include provisions like housing and medical facilities from the state, or a minimum wage for unemployed persons, aimed at meeting basic needs.
Explanation
The text states, 'Hence democratic societies are beginning to recognise these obligations and providing economic rights. In some countries, citizens, particularly those with low incomes, receive housing and medical facilities from the state; in others, unemployed persons receive a certain minimum wage so that they can meet their basic needs.'
Which of the following best exemplifies a 'cultural right'?
Hint: Consider rights related to identity, language, and heritage.
Answer
The right to have primary education in one’s mother tongue is recognized as a cultural right, important for preserving language and identity.
Explanation
The text states, 'Today, in addition to political and economic rights more and more democracies are recognising the cultural claims of their citizens. The right to have primary education in one’s mother tongue, the right to establish institutions for teaching one’s language and culture, are today recognised as being necessary for leading a good life.'
How do rights place obligations on individuals concerning the 'common good'?
Hint: Think about the broader societal implications of individual actions related to shared resources.
Answer
Rights compel individuals to think beyond personal needs and to defend things essential for the common good, like protecting the environment for current and future generations.
Explanation
The text explains, 'Firstly, they compel us to think not just of our own personal needs and interests but to defend some things as being good for all of us. Protecting the ozone layer, minimising air and water pollution, maintaining the green cover by planting new trees and preventing cutting down of forests, maintaining the ecological balance, are things that are essential for all of us.'
If an individual asserts their right to express their views freely, what reciprocal obligation does this place on them regarding the rights of others?
Hint: Consider the principle of reciprocity and equality in the exercise of rights.
Answer
Asserting one's right to free expression means one must also grant the same right to others and refrain from interfering in their choices, recognizing that rights are limited by the principle of equal rights for all.
Explanation
The text states, 'Secondly, they require that I respect the rights of others. If I say that I must be given the right to express my views I must also grant the same right to others. If I do not want others to interfere in the choices I make — the dress I wear or the music I listen to — I must refrain from interfering in the choices that others make.' It also explicitly states, 'I cannot use the right to free speech to incite a crowd to kill my neighbour.'
An individual takes pictures of a person bathing in their house without consent and posts them online. This action violates the person's right to privacy, despite the photographer's right to freedom of expression. What principle of rights and responsibilities does this scenario illustrate?
Hint: Consider the situation where two legitimate rights clash and how they should be reconciled.
Answer
This scenario illustrates the principle that individuals must balance their rights when they come into conflict, recognizing that one's right to freedom of expression does not override another's right to privacy.
Explanation
The text provides this exact example: 'Thirdly, we must balance our rights when they come into conflict. For instance, my right to freedom of expression allows me to take pictures; however, if I take pictures of a person bathing in his house without his consent and post them on the internet, that would be a violation of his right to privacy.'
When governments impose increased restrictions on civil liberties in the name of national security, what is the crucial question citizens should ask, according to the text?
Hint: Think about the inherent danger when the very mechanism meant to protect rights begins to undermine them.
Answer
The crucial question is 'at what point could the restrictions imposed as necessary for security themselves become a threat to the rights of people?', emphasizing the need for vigilance against potential overreach.
Explanation
The text directly addresses this: 'A currently debated topic concerns the increased restrictions which many governments are imposing on the civil liberties of citizens on the grounds of national security... But at what point could the restrictions imposed as necessary for security themselves become a threat to the rights of people?'
Even when a country faces a threat of terrorist bombings, what protections should still be afforded to arrested persons?
Hint: Recall the principles of due process and individual liberty, even under duress.
Answer
Even in crisis, arrested persons should be allowed legal counsel and the opportunity to present their case before a magistrate or a court of law to protect their rights.
Explanation
The text states, 'Even arrested persons should be allowed legal counsel and the opportunity to present their case before a magistrate or a court of law.' It also warns against allowing governments powers that could be misused, such as arresting on mere suspicion or using torture.
On what date was the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) adopted and proclaimed by the General Assembly of the United Nations?
Hint: Look for the specific date mentioned for the UN's declaration.
Answer
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted and proclaimed by the UN General Assembly on December 10, 1948.
Explanation
The text explicitly states, 'On 10 December 1948, the General Assembly of the United Nations adopted and proclaimed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.'
The Preamble to the UDHR states that the recognition of inherent dignity and equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of what?
Hint: Refer to the opening lines of the UDHR Preamble in the text.
Answer
The Preamble declares that recognition of inherent dignity and equal, inalienable rights is the foundation of freedom, justice, and peace in the world.
Explanation
The Preamble begins: 'Whereas recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world...'
The General Assembly proclaimed the UDHR as a 'common standard of achievement for all peoples and all nations' to encourage what?
Hint: Consider the educational and promotional role envisioned for the Declaration.
Answer
The UDHR was proclaimed as a common standard to encourage every individual and organ of society to strive, through teaching and education, to promote respect for these rights and freedoms.
Explanation
The text states the UDHR was proclaimed 'to the end that every individual and every organ of society, keeping this Declaration constantly in mind, shall strive by teaching and education to promote respect for these rights and freedoms and by progressive measures, national and international, to secure their universal and effective recognition and observance.'
A doctor refuses to treat a patient simply because the patient is poor and cannot pay immediately, viewing the patient only as a source of income. Which of Kant's moral principles does this action violate?
Hint: Consider how the doctor's action relates to the patient's inherent worth and the doctor's own expectations of treatment.
Answer
This action violates both of Kant's principles: treating others as one would like to be treated and, more directly, treating a person as a means to an end (income) rather than recognizing their inherent dignity as a human being.
Explanation
Kant's moral position rests on two arguments: 'First, we should be treating others as we would like to be treated ourselves. Second, we should make sure that we don’t treat the other person as means to our ends. We should not treat people as we treat a pen, a car, or a horse. That is, we should respect people not because they are useful to us but because they are, after all, human beings.' The doctor is treating the patient merely as a means (source of income) and likely not how they would wish to be treated if they were the patient.
How has the conception of a 'free and equal self' based on human rights been used in society?
Hint: Think about the social impact of recognizing everyone's intrinsic value and equality.
Answer
The conception of a free and equal self has been increasingly used to challenge existing inequalities based on race, caste, religion, and gender.
Explanation
The text states, 'This conception of a free and equal self is increasingly being used to challenge existing inequalities based on race, caste, religion and gender.'
New claims for rights, such as rights to livelihood for women or children's rights against bonded labor, primarily express what?
Hint: Consider the underlying emotional and ethical motivation behind demands for new rights.
Answer
Such claims express a sense of moral outrage about infringements of people's dignity and act as a rallying call to extend rights to all human beings.
Explanation
The text states, 'Such claims express a sense of moral outrage about infringements of peoples’ dignity and they also act as a rallying call to people to try and extend rights to all human beings.'
In a situation where national security concerns are high, which action by the government would be most consistent with the text's caution about protecting civil liberties?
Hint: Recall the balance between state power and individual rights, even in challenging times.
Answer
The text advises extreme caution against giving governments powers that could curtail civil liberties, even for national security. It suggests that any arrested person should have legal counsel and a court hearing, implying judicial oversight and proportionality.
Explanation
The text discusses the need for vigilance regarding restrictions on civil liberties for national security, asking 'at what point could the restrictions imposed as necessary for security themselves become a threat to the rights of people?' It emphasizes that 'the person concerned poses an imminent threat to society' and 'Even arrested persons should be allowed legal counsel and the opportunity to present their case before a magistrate or a court of law.' This implies a need for proportionality and judicial oversight.
How have the struggles of groups that have felt excluded sometimes impacted the interpretation of existing rights?
Hint: Think about how societal changes and advocacy can influence how laws and rights are understood and applied.
Answer
The struggles of excluded groups have sometimes led to the reinterpretation of existing rights to ensure their inclusion and equal opportunities.
Explanation
The text states, 'In fact, it is through the struggles of groups that have felt excluded that the interpretation of existing rights has sometimes been altered. Slavery has, for instance, been abolished, but there are other struggles that have only had a limited success.'
What is the overarching purpose that rights serve, as discussed throughout the chapter?
Hint: Consider the fundamental human value that rights consistently aim to uphold.
Answer
The overarching purpose of rights is to protect the well-being of the individual and ensure conditions for a life of dignity and self-respect.
Explanation
The introduction and various sections repeatedly link rights to 'leading a life of respect and dignity' and being 'necessary for our well-being'. The Kant section also reinforces human dignity as central.
While claims for human rights appeal to our moral self, what factor is most important for the success of such appeals?
Hint: Think about what transforms a moral claim into an enforceable entitlement.
Answer
The degree of success for human rights appeals, while appealing to morality, largely depends on the support of governments and the law.
Explanation
The text states, 'While claims for human rights appeal to our moral self, the degree of success of such appeals depends on a number of factors, most important of which is the support of governments and the law. This is why so much importance is placed on the legal recognition of rights.'
If a society believes that the 'right to life' includes a 'right to a good quality of life,' what is expected of the state?
Hint: Consider how an expanded understanding of a basic right like 'life' would broaden the state's obligations.
Answer
If the right to life extends to a good quality of life, the state is expected to pursue policies that ensure a clean environment and other conditions essential for a healthy life.
Explanation
The text explains, 'If a society feels that the right to life means a right to a good quality of life, it expects the state to pursue policies that provide for clean environment along with other conditions that may be necessary for a healthy life.'
What is the key difference between 'political rights' and 'civil liberties' as described in the text?
Hint: Think about the sphere of life each category of rights primarily addresses.
Answer
Political rights empower citizens to participate in the political process (e.g., vote, contest elections), while civil liberties protect individual freedoms and ensure fair treatment (e.g., free speech, fair trial).
Explanation
The text states, 'Political rights give to the citizens the right to equality before law and the right to participate in the political process.' For civil liberties, it says, 'The latter refers to the right to a free and fair trial, the right to express one’s views freely, the right to protest and express dissent.'
What combination of rights forms the basis of a democratic system of government?
Hint: Recall the two main categories of rights that are essential for a functioning democracy.
Answer
Collectively, civil liberties and political rights form the basis of a democratic system of government.
Explanation
The text explicitly states, 'Collectively, civil liberties and political rights form the basis of a democratic system of government.'
My right to life obliges the state to make laws protecting me from injury by others (a 'do' action) and to punish those who harm me. My right to liberty suggests the state cannot simply arrest me at its own will (a 'do not do' action). What do these two examples collectively demonstrate about rights and the state?
Hint: Consider the dual nature of how rights compel state behavior.
Answer
These examples demonstrate that rights place both positive obligations (requiring the state to act, e.g., protect) and negative constraints (requiring the state to refrain from arbitrary actions, e.g., arrest without cause) upon the state.
Explanation
The text explicitly discusses this: 'Thus, rights place an obligation upon the state to act in certain kinds of ways. Each right indicates what the state must do as well as what it must not do.' The examples provided in the question directly illustrate these 'do' and 'do not do' obligations.
The text concludes that 'even though rights can never be absolute,' we need to be vigilant in protecting them. What is the implication of rights 'never being absolute'?
Hint: Think about the implications of the earlier discussion on balancing rights and the 'one man's rights end...' quote.
Answer
The statement implies that rights are not boundless; they are always subject to limitations, particularly when they conflict with the rights of others or necessary societal considerations, necessitating careful balancing.
Explanation
The text discusses balancing conflicting rights (e.g., freedom of expression vs. privacy) and the need for vigilance against state overreach while acknowledging national security needs. The concluding sentence, 'Hence, even though rights can never be absolute, we need to be vigilant in protecting our rights and those of others for they form the basis of a democratic society,' ties these ideas together, implying that rights have inherent limits and require careful consideration in context.
How do economic rights contribute to the full exercise of political participation?
Hint: Recall the connection drawn between meeting basic needs and the ability to engage in civic life.
Answer
Economic rights ensure basic needs are met, which is a prerequisite for individuals to effectively exercise their political rights and participate meaningfully in the political process.
Explanation
The text states, 'However, our rights of political participation can only be exercised fully when our basic needs, of food, shelter, clothing, health, are met. For a person living on the pavements and struggling to meet these basic needs, political rights by themselves have little value.' Economic rights address these basic needs.
What did the peoples of the United Nations reaffirm in their Charter regarding human rights?
Hint: Look at the Preamble section regarding the UN Charter's reaffirmation.
Answer
In the UN Charter, the peoples reaffirmed their faith in fundamental human rights, the dignity and worth of the human person, and the equal rights of men and women.
Explanation
The Preamble to the UDHR states, 'Whereas the peoples of the United Nations have in the Charter reaffirmed their faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person and in the equal rights of men and women and have determined to promote social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom.'
A factory pollutes a local river, harming the environment and the health of nearby residents. Which aspect of individual responsibility related to rights is the factory owner violating?
Hint: Think about the shared resources and collective welfare that individual actions can impact.
Answer
The factory owner is violating the responsibility to defend the common good, which includes minimizing air and water pollution, as these are essential for the well-being of all.
Explanation
The text lists 'minimising air and water pollution' as one of the things 'that are essential for all of us. They represent the ‘common-good’ that we must act to protect for ourselves as well as for the future generations'. The factory owner's actions directly contradict this responsibility.
What did the Preamble to the UDHR identify as the result of 'disregard and contempt for human rights'?
Hint: Refer to the historical context and the negative consequences highlighted in the UDHR Preamble.
Answer
The Preamble states that disregard and contempt for human rights have resulted in barbarous acts which have outraged the conscience of mankind.
Explanation
The Preamble states, 'Whereas disregard and contempt for human rights have resulted in barbarous acts which have outraged the conscience of mankind, and the advent of a world in which human beings shall enjoy freedom of speech and belief and freedom from fear and want has been proclaimed as the highest aspiration of the common people.'
The UDHR Preamble states it is essential that human rights should be protected by the rule of law to prevent what?
Hint: Think about the dire consequences if human rights are not legally safeguarded.
Answer
Protection by the rule of law is essential to prevent man from being compelled to resort to rebellion against tyranny and oppression as a last resort.
Explanation
The Preamble states, 'Whereas it is essential, if man is not to be compelled to have recourse, as a last resort, to rebellion against tyranny and oppression, that human rights should be protected by the rule of law.'
What does the text imply about the accountability of rulers in a state where rights are upheld?
Hint: Consider the ultimate beneficiaries of state power and the role of law.
Answer
The text states that rulers are accountable for their actions and must not forget that law exists to ensure the good of the people.
Explanation
The text concludes this section by stating, 'The rulers are accountable for their actions and must not forget that law exists to ensure the good of the people.' This reinforces the idea that the state exists for the well-being of its members, not for its own sake or the arbitrary power of its rulers.
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