Popular struggles and movements mcq

🧠 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) - Chapter 5: Popular Struggles and Movements

This set of 30 questions evaluates your understanding of how popular struggles shape democracy. It covers movements in Nepal and Bolivia, pressure groups, and their role in democratic politics as per the CBSE syllabus.

Standard MCQs (1 Mark Each)

Choose the single correct option for questions 1 to 15.

The ‘Movement for Democracy’ in Nepal in 2006 was aimed at:

(a) Overthrowing democracy

(b) Restoring democracy

(c) Establishing a communist state

(d) Joining India

Answer: (b) Restoring democracy
Explanation: In April 2006, the people's movement in Nepal aimed to restore the democratic government that had been dismissed by King Gyanendra in February 2005, and to regain control over the monarchy.
The ‘Bolivian Water War’ took place in the city of:

(a) La Paz

(b) Cochabamba

(c) Santa Cruz

(d) Sucre

Answer: (b) Cochabamba
Explanation: The Bolivian struggle against the privatization of water in 2000 is popularly known as the 'Cochabamba Water War', named after the city where it was centered.
Which organization was at the forefront of the protest against water privatization in Bolivia?

(a) FEDECOR

(b) SPA

(c) MNC

(d) UN

Answer: (a) FEDECOR
Explanation: FEDECOR (The Federation of Cochabamba Campesino Workers) was an organization comprising local professionals, engineers, and environmentalists that led the protest.
Which of these is a ‘single issue movement’?

(a) Narmada Bachao Andolan

(b) Women’s movement

(c) Environmental movement

(d) Labour movement

Answer: (a) Narmada Bachao Andolan
Explanation: Single-issue movements focus on a single, specific issue. The Narmada Bachao Andolan primarily focuses on opposing large dams on the Narmada river. Others are broader movements.
Which king of Nepal refused to accept democratic rule?

(a) King Birendra

(b) King Gyanendra

(c) King Mahendra

(d) King Tribhuvan

Answer: (b) King Gyanendra
Explanation: King Gyanendra, who became king in 2001, dismissed the elected government in February 2005, seized full power, and ruled directly, sparking the 2006 democracy movement.
Pressure groups and movements:

(a) Directly contest elections

(b) Aim to directly control political power

(c) Influence government policies

(d) Have no interest in politics

Answer: (c) Influence government policies
Explanation: Unlike political parties, pressure groups and movements do not aim to form governments. Their primary goal is to influence the policies and decisions of the government in their favor.
The Seven Party Alliance (SPA) in Nepal was:

(a) A coalition of human rights organizations

(b) An alliance of all the major political parties in the parliament protesting the king’s rule

(c) A group of seven countries supporting the king

(d) A trade union organization

Answer: (b) An alliance of all the major political parties in the parliament protesting the king’s rule
Explanation: The SPA was a coalition of seven Nepalese political parties (including the Nepali Congress and Communist parties) that came together to lead the protest against the king's autocratic rule.
Which of the following is an example of a ‘long-term movement’?

(a) Narmada Bachao Andolan

(b) Movement for Right to Information

(c) Women’s Movement

(d) All of the above

Answer: (d) All of the above
Explanation: Long-term movements address broad, enduring goals (like environmental protection, transparency, gender equality) and continue their struggle over a long period, unlike single-issue movements that may end when the issue is resolved.
The contract for water supply in Cochabamba was given to:

(a) The Bolivian government

(b) A cooperative of local farmers

(c) A multinational company (MNC)

(d) The United Nations

Answer: (c) A multinational company (MNC)
Explanation: The Bolivian government sold the rights of water supply in Cochabamba to a multinational company, which immediately raised water prices, triggering the protest.
What is the main difference between a pressure group and a political party?

(a) Pressure groups contest elections, political parties do not.

(b) Political parties aim to form the government, pressure groups aim to influence government policy.

(c) Pressure groups have a wider membership than political parties.

(d) There is no difference.

Answer: (b) Political parties aim to form the government, pressure groups aim to influence government policy.
Explanation: This is the fundamental distinction. Political parties seek direct control of state power through elections. Pressure groups seek to influence those in power on specific issues without seeking office.
Which of these is not a generic movement?

(a) Environmental movement

(b) Women’s movement

(c) Narmada Bachao Andolan

(d) Human Rights movement

Answer: (c) Narmada Bachao Andolan
Explanation: Generic or long-term movements address broad goals (environment, women's rights). The Narmada Bachao Andolan is a specific-issue movement focused on dams, making it not a generic movement.
In a democracy, which of the following is a way for people to express their demands?

(a) Voting in elections

(b) Forming pressure groups

(c) Launching social movements

(d) All of the above

Answer: (d) All of the above
Explanation: Democracy provides multiple channels for participation: choosing representatives (elections), and influencing policies between elections (through pressure groups and movements).
‘Sectional interest groups’ promote:

(a) Selective interests of a particular section of society

(b) Common or general interests that benefit everyone

(c) Interests of other countries

(d) Interests of the government only

Answer: (a) Selective interests of a particular section of society
Explanation: Sectional interest groups represent the interests of a specific section/social group (e.g., workers, farmers, lawyers). Their concern is the well-being of their members, not society as a whole.
The Nepalese movement of 2006 was successful in forcing the king to:

(a) Declare himself a dictator

(b) Concede all demands and restore the House of Representatives

(c) Flee the country

(d) Abolish the monarchy himself

Answer: (b) Concede all demands and restore the House of Representatives
Explanation: The massive public protests forced King Gyanendra to restore the dissolved parliament, reinstate the Prime Minister, and transfer sovereign power back to the people.
Which of these is a ‘public interest group’?

(a) Trade Union

(b) FICCI (business group)

(c) BAMCEF (Backward and Minorities Communities Employees Federation)

(d) Environment protection group

Answer: (d) Environment protection group
Explanation: Public interest groups (or promotional groups) aim to promote collective good and benefits for society at large (like clean environment), not just their own members. Others are sectional groups.

Assertion-Reasoning Questions (1 Mark Each)

Directions: For questions 16 to 25, a statement of Assertion (A) is followed by a statement of Reason (R). Choose the correct option:

(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A

(b) Both A and R are true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A

(d) A is false but R is true

Assertion (A): Popular struggles are integral to the working of democracy.
Reason (R): They help to deepen democracy by highlighting the needs and demands of the people and forcing the government to be responsive.
Answer: (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
Explanation: Struggles like those in Nepal and Bolivia show that democracy evolves through mass mobilization. They keep power in check and make democracy more accountable and substantive, as R explains.
Assertion (A): The struggle in Bolivia was about one specific policy.
Reason (R): It was against the privatization of water, which raised prices and affected everyone.
Answer: (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
Explanation: The Bolivian struggle was indeed a single-issue movement focused on a specific government policy (water privatization). The reason correctly describes that policy and its universal impact, explaining the nature of the struggle.
Assertion (A): Pressure groups and movements do not seek to form governments.
Reason (R): Their main objective is to influence those who hold political power to take decisions in their favor.
Answer: (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
Explanation: The defining characteristic of pressure groups is that they are indirect participants. They aim to sway policy-makers (as stated in R), which is why they do not contest elections to form governments (A).
Assertion (A): The 2006 movement in Nepal was a decisive moment in the country's democratic history.
Reason (R): It led to the abolition of the monarchy and establishment of a republic in 2008.
Answer: (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
Explanation: The 2006 movement successfully restored democracy and set in motion a process that culminated in the 2008 election of a Constituent Assembly, which declared Nepal a republic, ending the monarchy—a truly decisive outcome.
Assertion (A): Most pressure groups are formed by people engaged in a particular occupation.
Reason (R): Their principal concern is the betterment and well-being of their members, not society in general.
Answer: (b) Both A and R are true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A
Explanation: Both statements are true descriptions of 'sectional interest groups'. However, R describes their objective, not why they are formed by people in a particular occupation. The reason does not explain the assertion's cause.
Assertion (A): The involvement of political parties is necessary for a movement's success.
Reason (R): In Nepal, the SPA and the Maoists together brought a successful end to the king's rule.
Answer: (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
Explanation: The assertion is supported by the Nepalese example. The movement succeeded because the people's anger was channeled and given direction by organized political parties (SPA, Maoists), as cited in R.
Assertion (A): Movements often use unconventional methods of participation.
Reason (R): They may include strikes, sit-ins, and demonstrations to draw attention to their cause.
Answer: (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
Explanation: Movements operate outside the formal electoral process. The reason lists specific unconventional methods (protests, strikes) that they use to gain visibility and pressure authorities, which explains the assertion.
Assertion (A): The Bolivian struggle was not led by any political party.
Reason (R): It was led by an organization called FEDECOR, supported by the people of Cochabamba.
Answer: (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
Explanation: The assertion is true; the water war was a spontaneous, citizen-led movement. The reason correctly identifies the leading organization, FEDECOR, and the mass support, explaining why it wasn't party-led.
Assertion (A): Democracy must allow organizations of the poor, marginalized, and powerful to function.
Reason (R): This ensures that power remains balanced and democracy does not become an exercise in favoring the powerful.
Answer: (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
Explanation: A healthy democracy requires countervailing power. Allowing organizations of the weak to exist and protest (A) creates a check against the influence of wealthy/powerful groups, maintaining a balance as explained in R.
Assertion (A): Interest groups are not healthy for democracy.
Reason (R): They provide a voice to diverse social interests and strengthen public participation.
Answer: (d) A is false but R is true
Explanation: The assertion is false. Interest groups are generally considered healthy for democracy as they facilitate participation beyond elections. The reason correctly states a positive role they play.

Case-Based Questions (1 Mark Each)

For questions 26 to 30, read the case/source carefully and answer.

Case: "The Nepalese movement of 2006 was a conflict between the monarch and the democratic forces. The Maoist insurgents and the Seven Party Alliance (SPA) came together, leading to a massive people's protest that forced the king to restore democracy."
What was a unique feature of this struggle?

(a) It was led by the army against the people.

(b) It saw the coming together of politically diverse groups (Maoists and other parties) with a common democratic goal.

(c) It was supported by foreign governments only.

(d) It had no participation from political parties.

Answer: (b) It saw the coming together of politically diverse groups (Maoists and other parties) with a common democratic goal.
Explanation: The alliance between the armed Maoist rebels (fighting for a communist republic) and the mainstream parliamentary parties (SPA) for the immediate goal of restoring democracy was a critical and unique aspect of this movement.

Case: Study the timeline of the Bolivian Water War:

Year	Event
1999	Bolivian government grants a 40-year lease for Cochabamba's water to a private MNC.
Jan 2000	Formation of a broad alliance (FEDECOR, farmers, factory workers, students).
April 2000	Mass protests, strikes; government declares martial law.
April 10, 2000	Government agrees to revoke the contract; water control returns to public hands.

What does this timeline demonstrate about the nature of popular struggles?

(a) They are always violent and achieve nothing.

(b) They can be swift, organized, and successful in reversing unpopular government policies.

(d) They are always led by political parties.

Answer: (b) They can be swift, organized, and successful in reversing unpopular government policies.
Explanation: The case shows that within months of forming a broad-based coalition, a sustained campaign of protests can force a government to cancel a major policy decision, highlighting the power of organized citizen action.

Case: "Sectional interest groups (like trade unions, business associations) represent a section of society. Public interest groups (like environmental groups) represent a general interest that is not selective."
Which of the following is a key challenge posed by sectional interest groups to democracy?

(a) They ensure everyone's voice is heard equally.

(b) Their influence may be disproportionate if the section they represent is already powerful, potentially tilting policies in their favor.

(c) They have no influence on policy.

(d) They always work against the poor.

Answer: (b) Their influence may be disproportionate if the section they represent is already powerful, potentially tilting policies in their favor.
Explanation: A major concern in democracy is that well-resourced sectional groups (e.g., big business lobbies) can exert undue influence, leading to policies that benefit the powerful at the expense of the broader public good.
Case: Read the following on movements and democracy: "Movements test the limits of 'institutional' politics. They show that democracy must allow space for voices outside the established parties and procedures."
What essential democratic function do movements perform according to this view?

(a) They destabilize and should be banned.

(b) They act as a crucial feedback mechanism, signaling when formal institutions are failing to address people's concerns.

(c) They replace political parties permanently.

(d) They ensure only the wealthy are heard.

Answer: (b) They act as a crucial feedback mechanism, signaling when formal institutions are failing to address people's concerns.
Explanation: When routine politics (elections, parties) become unresponsive, movements emerge as an extra-institutional channel to raise urgent issues, thereby strengthening democracy's capacity for self-correction.
Case: "In India, the Right to Information (RTI) movement started as a grassroots struggle by villagers in Rajasthan for access to government records. It eventually led to the passage of a national RTI Act in 2005."
What does the success of the RTI movement illustrate?

(a) Local movements cannot have a national impact.

(b) Popular struggles can originate from specific local demands and evolve into major national laws that empower all citizens.

(c) Only movements led by urban elites succeed.

(d) Movements are irrelevant in a parliamentary democracy.

Answer: (b) Popular struggles can originate from specific local demands and evolve into major national laws that empower all citizens.
Explanation: The RTI movement is a classic example of how a struggle for a basic democratic right (transparency), born in rural areas, can gain momentum and result in transformative legislation for the entire country.

📘 Final Practice and Mastery Tips

Comprehensive attempt: Solve the entire chapter's questions in one sitting to assess overall readiness.

Deep dive into explanations: For every question, ensure you understand not just the 'what' but the 'why' behind the correct answer.

Compare and contrast: Relate concepts from this chapter (movements, pressure groups) to earlier chapters (democracy, power-sharing) for an integrated understanding.

Exam simulation: Time your final revision attempt strictly to 25 minutes to build the pace required for the board exam.

Confidence check: A week before the exam, revisit all 30 questions to confirm mastery and boost confidence.

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