Q.1 What is the primary role of civil society in a democracy?
To govern the country directly
To provide a check on government and represent citizen interests
To enforce laws and regulations
To manage private businesses
Explanation - Civil society includes organizations, associations, and movements that operate independently of the state, providing citizen voice, advocacy, and a check on government power.
Correct answer is: To provide a check on government and represent citizen interests
Q.2 Which of the following is an example of a social movement?
United Nations
Greenpeace campaigns against deforestation
Supreme Court
World Bank
Explanation - Social movements are organized collective efforts to promote or resist social change, such as environmental activism campaigns.
Correct answer is: Greenpeace campaigns against deforestation
Q.3 What distinguishes a social movement from a political party?
Social movements always contest elections
Social movements focus on specific issues and advocacy rather than governance
Political parties do not care about social issues
Social movements are funded by governments
Explanation - Social movements aim to influence society or policy on particular issues, while political parties aim to gain power and govern.
Correct answer is: Social movements focus on specific issues and advocacy rather than governance
Q.4 Which of these is a key feature of civil society organizations?
They operate independently of the government
They only work for profit
They are part of the judiciary
They have coercive powers
Explanation - Civil society organizations are autonomous, non-governmental entities that represent citizen interests and foster participation.
Correct answer is: They operate independently of the government
Q.5 The term 'grassroots movement' refers to:
A top-down government initiative
A movement that starts at the local community level
An international organization
A military campaign
Explanation - Grassroots movements emerge from ordinary citizens at the local level to address local or national issues.
Correct answer is: A movement that starts at the local community level
Q.6 Which factor often contributes to the success of a social movement?
Public support and mobilization
Government monopoly over resources
Isolation from society
Complete secrecy
Explanation - Social movements succeed when they gain widespread public support, mobilize resources, and create awareness.
Correct answer is: Public support and mobilization
Q.7 What is 'advocacy' in the context of civil society?
Promoting certain policies or issues to influence public opinion and decision-makers
Running political campaigns
Providing military protection
Regulating businesses
Explanation - Advocacy involves efforts by individuals or organizations to shape policies or public opinion around social, political, or environmental issues.
Correct answer is: Promoting certain policies or issues to influence public opinion and decision-makers
Q.8 Which of these is considered a transnational social movement?
Occupy Wall Street
Arab Spring
Climate strike led by Fridays for Future
French Revolution
Explanation - Transnational movements operate across countries to address issues of global concern, such as climate change.
Correct answer is: Climate strike led by Fridays for Future
Q.9 What is the relationship between civil society and democracy?
Civil society weakens democracy
Civil society strengthens democracy by promoting participation and accountability
Civil society replaces government
Civil society only focuses on economic development
Explanation - Civil society enhances democratic governance by enabling citizen engagement, fostering debate, and holding authorities accountable.
Correct answer is: Civil society strengthens democracy by promoting participation and accountability
Q.10 Which of the following is NOT a form of civil society organization?
Trade unions
Religious groups
Military units
Professional associations
Explanation - Civil society consists of non-state, non-military organizations that operate independently to represent citizen interests.
Correct answer is: Military units
Q.11 What does the term 'issue-based movement' mean?
A movement focusing on a specific concern or policy area
A movement aiming to take political power
A global trade organization
A military-led initiative
Explanation - Issue-based movements concentrate on specific topics such as gender equality, environmental protection, or human rights.
Correct answer is: A movement focusing on a specific concern or policy area
Q.12 Which of the following is an example of online activism?
Petition campaigns on social media
Street protests only
Running a political party
Forming a corporation
Explanation - Online activism uses digital platforms to raise awareness, mobilize supporters, and advocate for social or political change.
Correct answer is: Petition campaigns on social media
Q.13 Who are considered 'actors' in civil society?
Individuals and organizations engaged in public life outside government
Only government officials
Military leaders
Foreign investors
Explanation - Actors in civil society include NGOs, advocacy groups, citizens, and associations that work to promote interests and rights.
Correct answer is: Individuals and organizations engaged in public life outside government
Q.14 The term 'mobilization' in social movements refers to:
Organizing people and resources to achieve collective goals
Forming government policies
Building commercial enterprises
Creating military alliances
Explanation - Mobilization involves rallying supporters, resources, and public attention to strengthen a movement's influence and reach.
Correct answer is: Organizing people and resources to achieve collective goals
Q.15 Which of the following best describes a rights-based social movement?
A movement seeking to expand or protect human and civil rights
A movement aiming to overthrow governments
A military operation
A private business initiative
Explanation - Rights-based movements focus on legal, civil, and social rights, aiming to ensure equality and justice.
Correct answer is: A movement seeking to expand or protect human and civil rights
Q.16 What is 'advocacy journalism' in the context of civil society?
Journalism that promotes social or political causes
Journalism funded by governments only
Journalism focusing exclusively on sports
Journalism that avoids all social issues
Explanation - Advocacy journalism highlights issues, supports social movements, and informs public debate to influence change.
Correct answer is: Journalism that promotes social or political causes
Q.17 Which of the following is a key challenge for social movements?
Maintaining public support and resources over time
Having too much government funding
Operating in isolation from society
Avoiding any form of advocacy
Explanation - Sustaining momentum, mobilizing resources, and keeping supporters engaged are ongoing challenges for social movements.
Correct answer is: Maintaining public support and resources over time
Q.18 What is meant by 'participatory democracy' in the context of civil society?
Citizens actively participate in decision-making and social life beyond voting
Citizens only vote in elections
Citizens delegate all power to the government
Citizens avoid public engagement
Explanation - Participatory democracy emphasizes active citizen involvement through advocacy, NGOs, and social movements.
Correct answer is: Citizens actively participate in decision-making and social life beyond voting
Q.19 Which of the following is considered a long-term social movement?
Civil Rights Movement in the United States
A one-day protest
A short-term charity event
An election campaign lasting a week
Explanation - Long-term social movements aim for sustained social change over years or decades, like the Civil Rights Movement.
Correct answer is: Civil Rights Movement in the United States
Q.20 How do NGOs contribute to civil society?
By addressing social issues, providing services, and advocating for policy changes
By passing laws
By enforcing military rules
By collecting taxes
Explanation - NGOs operate independently of the government to promote social welfare, influence policies, and support citizens' rights.
Correct answer is: By addressing social issues, providing services, and advocating for policy changes
Q.21 Which of the following best defines a 'collective action problem' in social movements?
Difficulty in motivating individuals to contribute to a common goal
Legal issues with NGOs
Government taking over social initiatives
Conflict between businesses and consumers
Explanation - Collective action problems occur when individuals hesitate to participate in a movement, even though the group benefits if everyone contributes.
Correct answer is: Difficulty in motivating individuals to contribute to a common goal
Q.22 Which strategy can social movements use to influence government policy?
Protests, lobbying, media campaigns, and public petitions
Military interventions
Corporate mergers
Avoiding public engagement
Explanation - Social movements use multiple strategies, including advocacy and public mobilization, to influence policy and raise awareness.
Correct answer is: Protests, lobbying, media campaigns, and public petitions
Q.23 Which of the following is an example of a successful environmental social movement?
Fridays for Future climate strikes
The Cold War
Industrial Revolution
Formation of NATO
Explanation - Environmental social movements advocate for ecological protection and climate action, mobilizing public support globally.
Correct answer is: Fridays for Future climate strikes
Q.24 What does the term 'networked civil society' mean?
Civil society organizations connected through digital communication and collaboration
A government-run organization
Military alliances
International corporations controlling NGOs
Explanation - Networked civil society refers to NGOs and movements that collaborate and coordinate through digital platforms and social media.
Correct answer is: Civil society organizations connected through digital communication and collaboration
Q.25 Which of these statements about social movements is TRUE?
They always operate legally and peacefully
They may use diverse methods, including advocacy, protest, and public campaigns
They replace government functions
They only focus on local issues
Explanation - Social movements employ multiple strategies to raise awareness, influence policy, and advocate for social change.
Correct answer is: They may use diverse methods, including advocacy, protest, and public campaigns