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Class 11 Political Science Chapter 17 Nationalism
Section-B Political Theory
Selected Questions & Answers
A. Very Short Answer Type Questions: (Marks for each – 1)
1. From which language and word does the English term Nationoriginate?
Ans: The word Nation comes from the Latin word Natio.
2. What is the meaning of the word ‘Natio’?
Ans: Birth.
3. “A nation is a politically organized community that is either independent or striving for independence.” Who said this?
Ans: James Bryce.
4. What is the most important element in the creation of nationality?
Ans: Spiritual unity.
5. Is blood relationship essential for the formation of a nation?
Ans: No.
6. “A nation is a historically evolved stable community organized on the basis of linguistic unity, geographical proximity, common economic life, and cultural unity.” Whose statement is this?
Ans: Joseph Stalin.
7. Are the Jews a nation?
Ans: Yes.
8. Are nation and state the same?
Ans: No.
9. Does a nation possess sovereignty?
Ans: No.
10. “The elements of nationality are not racial unity or linguistic unity; its main element is psychological feeling.” Who said this?
Ans: Oswald Spengler.
11. Are nation and nationality the same?
Ans: No.
12. Mention one right of nationality.
Ans: The right to exist.
13. What is meant by the right of nationality?
Ans: The right of nationality means the right to self-determination.
14. Is a definite geographical area a characteristic of a nation?
Ans: Yes.
B. Short Questions and Answers: (Marks for each – 2)
1. What is pluralism?
Ans: Pluralism generally refers to the presence of different ideals, beliefs, or cultures among people of different nations, languages, cultures, races, and religions within a state. Pluralism is considered an obstacle to worldbrotherhood. At present, communication systems have developed greatly and the world has become a global village. In such a situation, pluralism is considered an irrelevant concept. Therefore, it is suggested that pluralism should be avoided in order to establish world brotherhood.
2. What is meant by national self-determination?
Ans: When a nation seeks the right to control its own political future while preserving its distinct characteristics, it is called national self-determination. The demand for national self-determination became strong in the world after World War I.
3. Mention two external elements of nationalism.
Ans: Two external elements of nationalism are:
(a) Common religion.
(b) Common language.
C. Medium Answer Type Questions: (Marks for each – 4)
1. Mention four differences between nation and nationality.
Ans: Although the terms nation and nationality are often used in the same sense, there are subtle differences between them. These are:
(a) Nation refers to a political organization, whereas nationality is not necessarily connected with a political organization.
(b) Nation is the later stage of nationality. A nation is formed only after nationality develops.
(c) A nation has its own definite geographical territory, whereas nationality does not necessarily have a fixed geographical territory.
(d) A nation may exist without a state, but nationality cannot exist without a state.
2. Mention four characteristics of a nation.
Ans: A nation has several characteristics. These are:
(a) A nation has a definite geographical territory.
(b) A nation possesses political consciousness.
(c) A nation has a government, which may be independent or dependent.
(d) A nation is united by common beliefs, ideals, and aspirations.
3. Mention the differences between nation and state.
Ans: Nation and state are often thought to be synonymous, but there are some differences between them. These are:
(a) A definite geographical territory is not essential for the formation of a nation, whereas it is essential for the formation of a state.
(b) The concept of a nation is social and psychological, whereas the state is a legal creation with a distinct existence.
(c) Sovereignty is not essential for a nation, but it is essential for a state.
(d) A nation does not possess an organized authority and may be spread across different parts of the world, whereas a state has its own authority and its will and power are expressed through the activities of the government.
(e) The formation of a nation requires a sense of unity among people with similar beliefs or ideals, whereas a state may exist even without such emotional unity.
4. Are there any limitations of nationalism? Mention them.
Ans: Nationalism has certain limitations. These include:
(a) Extreme or narrow nationalism may create jealousy and conflict among different nations and may lead to unrest. For example, extreme nationalism created conflicts between United Kingdom and France for several centuries.
(b) When nationalism becomes extreme, it may hinder the development of human values, culture, and civilization.
(c) The ruling class may use nationalism to provoke people into war to fulfill their own interests. For example, Adolf Hitler used extreme nationalism to bring about World War II.
(d) Extreme nationalism may obstruct the establishment of world peace and brotherhood.
D. Essay Type Questions & Answers: (Marks for each – 6)
1. Discuss the elements of nation or nationalism.
Ans: Nation and nationalism are often used in the same sense because both concepts originate from the same root word “Natio”. Secondly, many of their elements are similar. The main elements responsible for the formation of a nation or nationalism are briefly discussed below.
(1) Racial Unity: Racial unity contributes to the creation of a nation or nationality. A feeling of kinship easily develops among people of the same ancestry. However, it is not an essential element. For example, Adolf Hitler propagated the idea that Germans belonged to the Aryan race and incited Germans against non-Germans in order to prove the superiority of his race.
(2) Linguistic Unity: Linguistic unity is one of the important elements of nation-building. A sense of national consciousness easily develops among people who speak the same language. However, nationalism can also develop among people who speak different languages. For example, in Switzerland, there are several national languages, yet nation-building has not been hindered.
(3) Geographical Proximity: Living together in the same territory for a long time helps in the formation of a nation. Most of the major nations of the world have developed on the basis of geographical proximity.
(4) Common Religion: Religion also plays an important role in the formation of a nation. During the freedom movement in India, some groups tried to build nationalism on the basis of religion. Similarly, the state of Pakistan was created on the basis of religion.
(5) Economic Interest: Economic interests are an important element in nation-building. Economic ties play a significant role in generating national consciousness.
(6) Historical Background: The recollection of glorious historical memories of the past can unite people and contribute to the creation of nationalism. For example, during the movements against British rule in India, many people recalled the heritage of ancient India to inspire nationalist feelings.
(7) Common Culture: A common culture also plays a major role in the formation of a nation. People who share the same culture naturally develop a sense of unity, which leads to the growth of nationalism. During the freedom movement in India, a shared culture contributed to the development of Indian nationalism.
(8) Political Ideals: Political ideals also encourage the formation of nations or nationalism. Many nations of the world have developed on the basis of political ideals. For example, the French nation emerged with unity around democratic ideals during the French Revolution. Similarly, events such as the Russian Revolution and the Chinese Communist Revolution united different groups of people and shaped them into distinct nations.
