Social Studies CASE BASED QUESTIONS

Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow.
The most important aspect of secularism is its separation of religion from State power. This is important for a country to function democratically. Almost all countries of the world will have more than one religious group living in them. Within these religious groups, there will most likely be one group that is in a majority. If this majority religious group has access to State power, then it could quite easy to use this power and financial resources to discriminate against and persecute persons of other religions. This tyranny of the majority could result in the discrimination, coercion and at times even the killing of religious minorities. The majority could quite easily prevent minorities from practising their religions. Any form of domination based on religion is in violation of the rights that a democratic society guarantees to each and every citizen irrespective of their religion. Therefore, the tyranny of the majority and the violation of Fundamental Rights that can result is one reason why it is important to separate the State and religion in democratic societies.
Q. 1. What are some of the benefits of secularism?
Q. 2. What is the relationship between secularism and democracy?
Q. 3. What is the potential outcome if the majority religious group has access to State power without separation?

Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow.
In February 2004, France passed a law banning students from wearing any conspicuous religious or political signs or symbols such as the Islamic headscarf, the Jewish skullcap, or large Christian crosses. This law has encountered a lot of resistance from immigrants who are mainly from the former French colonies of Algeria, Tunisia and Morocco. In the 1960s, France had faced a shortage of workers and, therefore, had provided visas for these immigrants to come and work in the country. The daughters of these immigrants often wear headscarves while attending school. However, with the passing of this new law, they have been expelled from their school for wearing headscarves.
Q. 1. The new law was passed in France with which of the following objectives?
(a) To reduce religious tensions in the country.
(b) To reduce immigration from Muslim countries.
(c) To promote secularism in the country.
(d) To promote French culture.
Q. 2. What were the views of the immigrant community regarding the new law?
(a) They were generally supportive of the law
(b) They were generally opposed to the law
(c) They were divided in their opinion on the law.
(d) None of the above
Q. 3. Which of the following situations encouraged France to encourage immigrants into the country?
(a) To address a shortage of workers.
(b) To promote cultural exchange.
(c) To encourage tourism.
(d) To boost diplomatic relations.
Q. 4. What was the consequence of not adhering to the new law that was passed in France in 2004?
(a) Daughters of the immigrants were asked to leave the school.
(b) The parents of Jewish students were fined.
(c) Daughters of immigrants started a protest against this law.
(d) All of the above