Question 1

The Congress Party

Accepted Answer

A)  was the dominant party until the late 1980s in large part because it grew out of the independence movement. 
B)  has had a consistent ideological stance over the years. 
C)  has always had a very decentralized organization. 
D)  has been the dominant party in every coalition government. 
E)  was the dominant party until the late 1990s. 
A)  was the dominant party until the late 1980s in large part because it grew out of the independence movement. 
B)  has had a consistent ideological stance over the years. 
C)  has always had a very decentralized organization. 
D)  has been the dominant party in every coalition government. 
E)  was the dominant party until the late 1990s. A

Question 2

India is typically cited as a large, successful democracy. What historical factors have contributed to the country's generally stable democracy? What current factors threaten the country's democracy?

Accepted Answer

India's stable democracy can be attributed to several historical factors. Firstly, the country's struggle for independence from British colonial rule in 1947 laid the foundation for a democratic system, with leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru advocating for democratic principles. Additionally, the drafting of the Indian Constitution in 1950, which enshrined democratic values and institutions, further solidified India's commitment to democracy.

Furthermore, India's diverse and pluralistic society has also played a role in maintaining a stable democracy. With a multitude of languages, religions, and cultures, India's democratic system has been able to accommodate and represent the interests of its diverse population.

However, there are also current factors that threaten India's democracy. One major concern is the rise of religious and ethnic tensions, which have led to instances of communal violence and discrimination. Additionally, there have been concerns about the erosion of democratic norms and institutions, with some critics pointing to the centralization of power and restrictions on freedom of speech and expression.

Furthermore, corruption and inequality continue to pose challenges to India's democracy, as they can undermine the trust and legitimacy of democratic institutions. Additionally, the influence of money in politics and the lack of transparency in political funding have raised concerns about the fairness and integrity of the democratic process.

In conclusion, while India has a strong historical foundation for democracy, there are current challenges that threaten its stability. Addressing issues such as religious and ethnic tensions, corruption, and the erosion of democratic norms will be crucial in safeguarding India's democracy for the future.

Question 3

Which of the following is NOT true?

Accepted Answer

A)  Although they are highly fragmented, labor unions have played a major role in Indian politics. 
B)  Social movements and organizations have flourished in India because there has never been any government effort to restrict their activities. 
C)  Organizations associated with the religious right sometimes form tactical alliances with left-wing organizations. 
D)  Most social movements have increasingly ceased to focus on poverty and class inequality. 
E)  Indians engage in protests wherein they hold executives hostage to press their demands. 
A)  Although they are highly fragmented, labor unions have played a major role in Indian politics. 
B)  Social movements and organizations have flourished in India because there has never been any government effort to restrict their activities. 
C)  Organizations associated with the religious right sometimes form tactical alliances with left-wing organizations. 
D)  Most social movements have increasingly ceased to focus on poverty and class inequality. 
E)  Indians engage in protests wherein they hold executives hostage to press their demands. B

Question 4

Which of the following is NOT true?

Accepted Answer

A)  The Indian military is highly professionalized and apolitical. 
B)  Increasingly, the Indian government has relied upon paramilitary forces to maintain internal order. 
C)  The Indian police forces are generally seen as being corrupt, inefficient, and political. 
D)  The country's police forces operate under the control of the national government. 
E)  The country's paramilitary forces operate under the control of the national government. 
A)  The Indian military is highly professionalized and apolitical. 
B)  Increasingly, the Indian government has relied upon paramilitary forces to maintain internal order. 
C)  The Indian police forces are generally seen as being corrupt, inefficient, and political. 
D)  The country's police forces operate under the control of the national government. 
E)  The country's paramilitary forces operate under the control of the national government.

Question 5

Which of the following is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

A)  Under the Indian federal system, states formally control agriculture and education although their actual power is limited as they are dependent upon the central government for funds in these areas. 
B)  States have demanded the devolution of power from the national government, a greater allocation of resources from the central government, and recognition of their distinctive cultural identities. 
C)  Economic liberalization has allowed states to pursue foreign investment independently of the national government, thus resulting in widening regional disparities. 
D)  Central-state relations are particularly intense when conflicting parties are in power at each level. 
E)  All of the above statements are true. 
A)  Under the Indian federal system, states formally control agriculture and education although their actual power is limited as they are dependent upon the central government for funds in these areas. 
B)  States have demanded the devolution of power from the national government, a greater allocation of resources from the central government, and recognition of their distinctive cultural identities. 
C)  Economic liberalization has allowed states to pursue foreign investment independently of the national government, thus resulting in widening regional disparities. 
D)  Central-state relations are particularly intense when conflicting parties are in power at each level. 
E)  All of the above statements are true.

Question 6

To what extent has federalism contributed to democracy in India and to what extent has it endangered democracy? On balance, has it contributed more to promoting democracy or endangering it? What factors in contemporary Indian politics will likely shape the impact of federalism in this regard?

Accepted Answer

The answer of To what extent has federalism contributed to...

Question 7

Societal prejudices against women can be seen in

Accepted Answer

A)  the continued practice of giving and receiving a dowry. 
B)  the fact that the country has a lower percentage of females than males. 
C)  illiteracy, which is higher among girls and women than among boys and men. 
D)  a lower survival rate of female versus male infants. 
E)  All of the above statements are true. 
A)  the continued practice of giving and receiving a dowry. 
B)  the fact that the country has a lower percentage of females than males. 
C)  illiteracy, which is higher among girls and women than among boys and men. 
D)  a lower survival rate of female versus male infants. 
E)  All of the above statements are true.

Question 8

Which of the following is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

A)  Whereas the Indian Administrative Service is generally seen as being professional and efficient, the lower levels of the civil service are seen as inefficient and corrupt. 
B)  The attraction of the Indian Administrative Service has declined in recent years as more young people enter the private sector. 
C)  The professionalism of the Indian Administrative Service has declined over the years as politicians increasingly prefer personal loyalty over merit when making promotions. 
D)  Competition for the Indian Administrative Service is very intense. 
E)  All of the above statements are true. 
A)  Whereas the Indian Administrative Service is generally seen as being professional and efficient, the lower levels of the civil service are seen as inefficient and corrupt. 
B)  The attraction of the Indian Administrative Service has declined in recent years as more young people enter the private sector. 
C)  The professionalism of the Indian Administrative Service has declined over the years as politicians increasingly prefer personal loyalty over merit when making promotions. 
D)  Competition for the Indian Administrative Service is very intense. 
E)  All of the above statements are true.

Question 9

What is interesting about India from comparative politics standpoint?

Accepted Answer

A)  Despite widespread poverty, it has remained a stable democracy. 
B)  It offers instructive lessons about multiethnic democracy. 
C)  It provides an example of how democracy affects economic growth. 
D)  It provides an example of democracy and social equity. 
E)  All of the above statements are true. 
A)  Despite widespread poverty, it has remained a stable democracy. 
B)  It offers instructive lessons about multiethnic democracy. 
C)  It provides an example of how democracy affects economic growth. 
D)  It provides an example of democracy and social equity. 
E)  All of the above statements are true.

Question 10

The Indian president

Accepted Answer

A)  serves as the country's head of state symbolizing the unity of the country. 
B)  chooses the prime minister when parliamentary elections fail to produce a clear verdict as to which party should head a new government. 
C)  must approve most parliamentary bills in order for them to become laws. 
D)  is selected by an electoral college comprised of elected representatives from the national and state governments. 
E)  All of the above statements are true. 
A)  serves as the country's head of state symbolizing the unity of the country. 
B)  chooses the prime minister when parliamentary elections fail to produce a clear verdict as to which party should head a new government. 
C)  must approve most parliamentary bills in order for them to become laws. 
D)  is selected by an electoral college comprised of elected representatives from the national and state governments. 
E)  All of the above statements are true.

Question 11

One major problem facing India is institutional decay. Citing examples, explain what is meant by this and why it is a problem.

Accepted Answer

Institutional decay in India refers to t

Question 12

All of the following are TRUE of the caste system EXCEPT

Accepted Answer

A)  people are assigned to a specific occupation based on their caste. 
B)  caste is a powerful force around which electoral politics and voting blocs coalesce. 
C)  the link between caste and occupation remains quite strong in urban areas. 
D)  caste divides the lower classes, so it makes it difficult for the poor to organize. 
E)  caste groups sometimes re-designate their caste identities to achieve social and economic mobility for the group as a whole. 
A)  people are assigned to a specific occupation based on their caste. 
B)  caste is a powerful force around which electoral politics and voting blocs coalesce. 
C)  the link between caste and occupation remains quite strong in urban areas. 
D)  caste divides the lower classes, so it makes it difficult for the poor to organize. 
E)  caste groups sometimes re-designate their caste identities to achieve social and economic mobility for the group as a whole.

Question 13

A major change in the social composition of parliament has been the larger representation of

Accepted Answer

A)  women. 
B)  the poor. 
C)  the middle castes. 
D)  Muslims. 
E)  all of the above. 
A)  women. 
B)  the poor. 
C)  the middle castes. 
D)  Muslims. 
E)  all of the above.

Question 14

What was the impact of the 2008 global economic crisis upon India?

Accepted Answer

A)  The country was largely unaffected by the crisis due to being fairly insulated from the global financial networks. 
B)  The country's growth rate declined and its deficit grew. 
C)  The country's growth rate declined although its exports continued to be strong. 
D)  The country's growth rate declined but foreign investment in the country grew. 
E)  The country's growth rate grew. 
A)  The country was largely unaffected by the crisis due to being fairly insulated from the global financial networks. 
B)  The country's growth rate declined and its deficit grew. 
C)  The country's growth rate declined although its exports continued to be strong. 
D)  The country's growth rate declined but foreign investment in the country grew. 
E)  The country's growth rate grew.

Question 15

Which of the following is NOT true?

Accepted Answer

A)  Foreign investment in India has tended to concentrate upon industries for the domestic market and has thus not facilitated export promotion. 
B)  Foreign investment in India is about equal to foreign investment in China and Brazil, two other BRIC countries. 
C)  Financially, India is not as integrated into the global economy as are countries in East Asia and Latin America that has allowed the country to suffer less during global financial crises. 
D)  Foreign portfolio investment in India has buoyed the country's stock market but has also increased its volatility. 
E)  India has become a prime call center. 
A)  Foreign investment in India has tended to concentrate upon industries for the domestic market and has thus not facilitated export promotion. 
B)  Foreign investment in India is about equal to foreign investment in China and Brazil, two other BRIC countries. 
C)  Financially, India is not as integrated into the global economy as are countries in East Asia and Latin America that has allowed the country to suffer less during global financial crises. 
D)  Foreign portfolio investment in India has buoyed the country's stock market but has also increased its volatility. 
E)  India has become a prime call center.

Question 16

Economic liberalization

Accepted Answer

A)  began in the 1980s and intensified in the 1990s. 
B)  occurred because the country's political and economic elite were concerned with India's growth relative to other Asian countries. 
C)  required the borrowing of foreign capital. 
D)  has resulted in impressive and steady economic growth. 
E)  All of the above statements are true. 
A)  began in the 1980s and intensified in the 1990s. 
B)  occurred because the country's political and economic elite were concerned with India's growth relative to other Asian countries. 
C)  required the borrowing of foreign capital. 
D)  has resulted in impressive and steady economic growth. 
E)  All of the above statements are true.

Question 17

State governors

Accepted Answer

A)  serve as the heads of state governments. 
B)  are elected by popular vote. 
C)  often become powerful independently of other political actors. 
D)  have the power to appoint state-level ministers. 
E)  all of the above. 
A)  serve as the heads of state governments. 
B)  are elected by popular vote. 
C)  often become powerful independently of other political actors. 
D)  have the power to appoint state-level ministers. 
E)  all of the above.

Question 18

The roles of the Lok Sabha, the lower house of parliament, include

Accepted Answer

A)  passing legislation. 
B)  electing the prime minister. 
C)  debating government action. 
D)  voting to unmake government. 
E)  All of the above statements are true. 
A)  passing legislation. 
B)  electing the prime minister. 
C)  debating government action. 
D)  voting to unmake government. 
E)  All of the above statements are true.

Question 19

During his tenure, Jawaharlal Nehru

Accepted Answer

A)  promoted rapid industrialization. 
B)  promoted a foreign policy of nonalignment. 
C)  promised, but generally failed, to redistribute wealth through land reform. 
D)  reluctantly agreed to the creation of linguistically defined states. 
E)  All of the above statements are true. 
A)  promoted rapid industrialization. 
B)  promoted a foreign policy of nonalignment. 
C)  promised, but generally failed, to redistribute wealth through land reform. 
D)  reluctantly agreed to the creation of linguistically defined states. 
E)  All of the above statements are true.

Question 20

Which of the following characterizes the Indian policy-making process?

Accepted Answer

A)  As the prime minister's party or bloc of parties controls the legislature, the passage of most legislation is ensured except in very controversial manners. 
B)  Well-designed national policies are often not implemented because they face resistance from vested interests at all levels, and these interests may simply drag their feet or even actively sabotage the implementation process. 
C)  In order to get some major controversial legislation passed, the government often has to compromise and modify its position. 
D)  Civil servants, both in individual ministries and in cross-ministry offices, play a major role in presenting alternative solutions to political leaders. 
E)  All of the above statements are true. 
A)  As the prime minister's party or bloc of parties controls the legislature, the passage of most legislation is ensured except in very controversial manners. 
B)  Well-designed national policies are often not implemented because they face resistance from vested interests at all levels, and these interests may simply drag their feet or even actively sabotage the implementation process. 
C)  In order to get some major controversial legislation passed, the government often has to compromise and modify its position. 
D)  Civil servants, both in individual ministries and in cross-ministry offices, play a major role in presenting alternative solutions to political leaders. 
E)  All of the above statements are true.

The Congress Party

India is typically cited as a large, successful democracy. What historical factors have contributed to the country's generally stable democracy? What current factors threaten the country's democracy?

Which of the following is NOT true?

Which of the following is NOT true?

Which of the following is TRUE?

To what extent has federalism contributed to democracy in India and to what extent has it endangered democracy? On balance, has it contributed more to promoting democracy or endangering it? What factors in contemporary Indian politics will likely shape the impact of federalism in this regard?

Societal prejudices against women can be seen in

Which of the following is TRUE?

What is interesting about India from comparative politics standpoint?

The Indian president

One major problem facing India is institutional decay. Citing examples, explain what is meant by this and why it is a problem.

All of the following are TRUE of the caste system EXCEPT

A major change in the social composition of parliament has been the larger representation of

What was the impact of the 2008 global economic crisis upon India?

Which of the following is NOT true?

Economic liberalization

State governors

The roles of the Lok Sabha, the lower house of parliament, include

During his tenure, Jawaharlal Nehru

Which of the following characterizes the Indian policy-making process?

Introducing Comparative Politics

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Exam 6: India

The Congress Party

India is typically cited as a large, successful democracy. What historical factors have contributed to the country's generally stable democracy? What current factors threaten the country's democracy?

Which of the following is NOT true?

Which of the following is NOT true?

Which of the following is TRUE?

To what extent has federalism contributed to democracy in India and to what extent has it endangered democracy? On balance, has it contributed more to promoting democracy or endangering it? What factors in contemporary Indian politics will likely shape the impact of federalism in this regard?

Societal prejudices against women can be seen in

Which of the following is TRUE?

What is interesting about India from comparative politics standpoint?

The Indian president

One major problem facing India is institutional decay. Citing examples, explain what is meant by this and why it is a problem.

All of the following are TRUE of the caste system EXCEPT

A major change in the social composition of parliament has been the larger representation of

What was the impact of the 2008 global economic crisis upon India?

Which of the following is NOT true?

Economic liberalization

State governors

The roles of the Lok Sabha, the lower house of parliament, include

During his tenure, Jawaharlal Nehru

Which of the following characterizes the Indian policy-making process?

Introducing Comparative Politics

Britain

France

Germany

Japan

The United States

Russia

Brazil

Mexico

South Africa

Nigeria

Iran

China

Filters