Theme

Julius Caesar Theme of Power

When it seems evident to the conspirators in Shakespeare's play that Julius Caesar is headed for absolute power, he becomes a threat to the ideals and values of the Roman Republic.  They assassinate Caesar before he can be crowned king. The irony is that Caesar's death results in civil war. As two factions with questionable motives grab for power, chaos ensues and the Republic is never the same again.

Power Quote: Quote #9
BRUTUS
Stoop, Romans, stoop,
And let us bathe our hands in Caesar's blood
Up to the elbows, and besmear our swords;
Then walk we forth, even to the marketplace,
And waving our red weapons o'er our heads,
Let's all cry, "Peace, freedom, and liberty!" (3.1.11)

After the conspirators stab Caesar to death, they decide it would be a good idea to wash their hands in his blood, then run through the marketplace announcing that they have liberated Rome from bondage.  Good thinking – now everyone will know that Rome is safe from danger...right? 

Tools for Characterization

Tools of Characterization

Character Analysis

Thoughts and Opinions: Loyalty to the State

The greatest charge against Caesar, as laid out by Brutus, is that Caesar put his personal ambition before the state's well-being. Brutus believes this to be a strong enough charge against Caesar that all Rome will agree with him once he points it out. Of course, Antony levies the same charge against the conspirators and eggs on the crowd to the point that they call the companions of Cassius and Brutus traitors. As the crowd gets ready to riot, it now seems that the conspirators acted against the interests of Rome, as it was embodied by Caesar.
Loyalty's central importance is best brought out by the exchange between Brutus and Cassius versus Antony and Octavius before the battle. Octavius declares he won't put away his sword until Caesar is avenged, or until he, Octavius, dies on the swords of traitors. Brutus points out that Octavius can't be killed by a traitor unless he brought one with him, since Brutus and his men are no traitors. Octavius challenges him again, saying he wasn't meant to die on Brutus's sword. Brutus responds that, actually, he couldn't hope for a more honorable death than that, implying that Brutus only ever kills out of honorable intentions (like, for instance when he killed Caesar out of his loyalty to the state).
They go into the battle, and we know how it ends, but Brutus's death and his call out to Caesar are made all the more poignant by his characterization of himself at the pivotal moment of the play, when he decided he had to kill Caesar. Though he loved the man, his highest duty was to Rome. This loyalty to his state justifies his murder of Caesar, but in the end, it comes to justify Brutus's own death. He would not be brought back in chains to Rome, as it would be a disgrace to the city. Instead, he honors his country by doing himself in, because, as he said, "I love the name of honor more than I fear death."

Speech and Dialogue: Rhetoric

Ancient Rome was all about rhetoric, the art of speaking persuasively. Antony claims that if he were a better speaker, he'd be able to sway the crowd to mutiny. Of course the power of rhetoric is manipulating people without them realizing they're being manipulated. Cassius tries to do this when he suggests to Brutus that he's as good as Caesar (hinting that Brutus should rule instead of Caesar). Caesar is also his own undoing – while the men are kneeling to finish him off, he gets caught up in his own transparent rhetoric. Caesar means to compare himself to the North Star to show how firm and constant he is in his opinion, but his rhetoric betrays his arrogance, showing that he holds himself up above other men.
The most powerful rhetoric in the play by far is Antony's speech to the crowd. It's masterful for its use of irony – literally, saying the opposite of what you want your audience to hear. Antony's speech works because he doesn't come out and say Brutus and his buddies are traitors. Instead, he suggests it, which means the crowd thinks they come to the conclusion on their own. You're always more likely to believe your own ideas, even if they've been planted by someone else.

Speech and Dialogue: Eulogy and Elegy

So eulogies are those big speeches in praise of a dead person, particularly at their funeral. The word is related to elegy, which was originally a poetic form often used to deliver poems of mourning. Unlike in a lot of Shakespeare's other plays, the eulogies in Julius Caesar don't really have mourning at their center – they appear to, but there's actually some other goal achieved. When Portia and Cassius die, Brutus doesn't make great speeches of mourning; he honors them quietly. By contrast, Antony is the source of the play's two main eulogies, and if we know one thing about Antony, it's that he's slippery.
Antony specifically plays on the notion of the eulogy when he begins his speech at Caesar's funeral with, "I have come to bury Caesar, not to praise him." Of course, he does praise Caesar (again with irony), and the eulogy stops being an occasion for mourning and becomes instead a call to action.
The play's other notable eulogy is delivered by Antony about Brutus. It's strange that Antony, who specifically set out to get Brutus banished and killed, should be the one to call him "the noblest Roman of them all" – especially given that, like ten minutes ago, he was calling Caesar the noblest. This could be us being cynical, but when you take the two eulogies together, Antony doesn't come across as very sincere or trustworthy. What's more, we know that he will go on to betray Octavius (after the events of the play).
Though Antony's words for Brutus are nice and all, Brutus really gives us his own eulogy when he commits that incredibly noble act of self-sacrifice: taking revenge against himself to avenge the death of his friend Caesar. "Caesar, now be still, I kill'd not thee with half so good a will" is all the eulogy Brutus needs, because it tells us how, why, and for what he died.

Casca

Character Analysis

Casca is a Roman conspirator who takes part in Caesar's assassination.
Like all the other conspirators, Casca is worried that Caesar will be crowned king, which goes against the ideals of the Roman Republic. Casca is also not a big fan of Caesar's theatrics. Check out the way Casca describes how Caesar refused the crown three times and then fainted dramatically before the adoring crowd:
And then [Antony] offered it the third
time; he put it the third time by: and still as he
refused it, the rabblement hooted and clapped their
chapped hands and threw up their sweaty night-caps
and uttered such a deal of stinking breath because
Caesar refused the crown that it had almost choked
Caesar; for he swounded and fell down at it: and
for mine own part, I durst not laugh, for fear of
opening my lips and receiving the bad air. (1.2.9)
Casca knows that Caesar's dramatic refusal of the crown and fainting spell are just cheap tricks to curry favor with the "hoot[ing]" and "clap[ing]" crowd. What's interesting is that Casca describes the crowd as though it were a theater audience watching a performance.
If the tag-rag people did not
clap him and hiss him, according as he pleased and
displeased them, as they use to do the players in
the theatre, I am no true man. (1.2.11)
Casca is suggesting, by describing Caesar's "clap[ping]" and "hiss[ing]" fans, that political leaders like Caesar are nothing but actors on a very public stage. This concept isn't a new one. Shakespeare also explores the relationship between acting and politics in plays like Henry IV Part 1 and Part 2. Yet Casca's critique of Caesar and his followers seems pretty modern. His remarks could apply to just about any 21st-century politician and his or her supporters.

Cassius

Character Analysis

Cassius is the ringleader of the conspirators. He's politically savvy and manipulative, and he absolutely resents the way the Roman people treat Julius Caesar like a rock star. More important, he hates the way Caesar runs around acting like a god: "Why, man, he doth bestride the narrow world /Like a Colossus, and we petty men / Walk under his huge legs and peep about" (1.2.10).
Cassius is also responsible for manipulating Brutus into joining the conspiracy (although Brutus may have already been thinking of turning against Caesar):
Well, Brutus, thou art noble; yet, I see,
Thy honourable metal may be wrought
From that it is disposed: therefore it is meet
That noble minds keep ever with their likes;
For who so firm that cannot be seduced? (1.2.24)
Bragging to the audience, Cassius compares himself to a metal-worker as he suggests that even the noblest of men can be manipulated, or bent, to his will. How does Cassius "seduce" Brutus? First he slyly suggests that the Roman people want Brutus to lead them, then he sends Brutus some forged letters urging him to take down Caesar.

Calphurnia

Character Analysis

Calphurnia is Julius Caesar's wife. Just before Caesar is assassinated at the Capitol, Calphurnia has an ominous dream that seems to predict Caesar's violent death. She begs Caesar to stay home, but her husband blows her off:
Calphurnia here, my wife, stays me at home:
She dreamt to-night she saw my statua [statue],
Which, like a fountain with an hundred spouts,
Did run pure blood: and many lusty Romans
Came smiling, and did bathe their hands in it:
And these does she apply for warnings, and portents,
And evils imminent; and on her knee
Hath begg'd that I will stay at home to-day. (2.2.11)
Calphurnia's dream of Caesar's body spurting blood like a fountain turns out to be pretty prophetic. (Remember, Caesar is stabbed 33 times and the conspirators stand around afterward and wash their hands in his blood.) So why doesn't Caesar pay attention to his wife? At first it seems like Caesar is going to heed his wife's warning. But Calphurnia's attempts to protect her husband are completely undermined when Decius shows up and says girls don't know how to interpret dreams. If this dream had come from someone other than Calphurnia (who is a woman and thus considered less insightful during Caesar's day), would Caesar have listened?

Antony

Character Analysis

Antony is a good friend of Julius Caesar who launches himself into a major position of power over the course of the play. And, yes, this is the same Mark Antony who has a torrid love affair with Cleopatra and goes down in another Shakespeare play, Antony and Cleopatra.

Antony the Brown-Noser

When we first meet him, Antony is running around in a goatskin loincloth at the Feast of the Lupercal, agreeing to everything Caesar has to say (1.2). After being ordered to touch Calphurnia with the magic fertility whip (head over to "Symbolism" for more on this), Antony declares "When Caesar says 'do this,' it is perform'd."(1.2.2). By asserting that Julius Caesar's words are authoritative enough to make anything happen, Antony draws our attention to the sheer power of language in the play.

Antony the Master of Rhetoric

Antony's strong suit is rhetoric (the art of speaking persuasively), which makes him a terrific politician. After Caesar's death, Antony manages to convince the conspirators that he should be allowed to speak at Caesar's funeral. In the famous speech that begins, "Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears" (3.2.3), Antony delivers a carefully crafted eulogy that's designed to turn the people against the conspirators and launch him into a position of power. The success of Antony's speech suggests that effective leadership goes hand in hand with rhetoric because, after Antony finishes talking, all hell breaks loose and civil war ensues, which is exactly what Antony intended.

Antony Timeline and Summary

• 1.2: At the Feast of the Lupercal Antony runs around in a goatskin g-string and whips Caesar's wife, Calphurnia, to ensure her fertility. (Seriously.) He then sucks up to Julius Caesar and listens attentively while big JC talks trash about Cassius (who always looks like he's up to no good).
• 3.2: After Julius Caesar is stabbed 33 times, Antony shows up and makes a big public speech about how awesome Caesar was. The crowd eats this up and seems ready to avenge Caesar's death.
• 3.2: Antony is pleased when he hears that Octavius has arrived in Rome and that Cassius and Brutus have run away like a couple of sissies.
• 4.1: Antony checks his hit list, which is made up the names of a bunch of people he intends to kill with the help of Octavius and Lepidus. Antony convinces Lepidus to have his own brother killed, then sends him off on an errand to raise some cash for a big war against Cassius and Brutus, who have raised an army.
• 5.1: Antony and his army prepare for a big smack-down at Philippi. Before heading into battle, Antony meets with the leaders of the other team and talks some trash.
• 5.5: After Brutus dies, Antony makes a big, flowery speech over his dead body, proclaiming that Brutus was the "noblest Roman" of them all.

Brutus

Character Analysis

One of the conspirators, Brutus is supposed to be Julius Caesar's BFF but he ends up stabbing his so-called pal in the back, literally and figuratively. Does this make Brutus a villain worthy of a Lemony Snicket novel? Not necessarily, but we'll let you decide.

Biggest Backstabber Ever or Roman Hero?

Brutus's decision to stab Caesar in the back isn't an easy one. He has to choose between his loyalty to the Roman Republic and his loyalty to his friend, who seems like he could be heading toward tyrant status. When Brutus hears how the commoners are treating Caesar like a rock star, he's worried for Rome:
BRUTUS
What means this shouting? I do fear the people
Choose Caesar for their king.
CASSIUS
Ay, do you fear it?
Then must I think you would not have it so.
BRUTUS
I would not, Cassius, yet I love him well. (1.2.7)
Even though Brutus "love[s]" Caesar "well," he also fears that his friend will be crowned king, which goes against the ideals of the Roman Republic.
After killing his pal and washing his hands in his blood, Brutus defends his actions:
If there be any in this assembly, any dear friend of
Caesar's, to him I say, that Brutus' love to Caesar
was no less than his. If then that friend demand
why Brutus rose against Caesar, this is my answer:
--Not that I loved Caesar less, but that I loved
Rome more. (3.2.2)
OK, fine – we believe Brutus when he says it was hard for him to murder Caesar. But does his sense of patriotism really justify killing a friend and a major political leader? It turns out that this is one of the most important questions in the play, and there aren't any easy answers.

The Noblest Roman of Them All?

There's a reason Antony calls Brutus the "noblest Roman" (meaning most honorable): he stands up for what he believes in, risks his life for Rome, and doesn't seem to be concerned with personal gain. Yet for all of Brutus's good qualities, his troubles stem from his decision to murder a man and his misjudgment about the consequences. Brutus's defining traits are still up for discussion: is he more naïve than noble, more callous than considerate? Brutus's honor convinces him that they shouldn't dispose of Antony when the other men want to, and his trust in Antony's honor leads him to believe Antony's funeral speech will not be an invitation to riot. (Sadly mistaken.)
His final words are most telling – he doesn't die just to avenge Caesar, but instead leaves a complicated legacy: "Caesar, now be still: I kill'd not thee with half so good a will." This incantation acknowledges the debt Brutus owes to Caesar, and it admits that Brutus sees some of his own failings too – leading him to embrace his own death. It's not that Brutus didn't willingly kill Caesar. He's as committed to his own death now as he was to Caesar's then. Brutus commits an act of self-sacrifice with no pride or self-pity. He's humble about what he's done (both good and bad) and quietly accepting of his own fate.

Brutus Timeline and Summary

• 1.2: At the feast of the Lupercal, Brutus acts like a party pooper and says he can't help it – he's just not as much fun as some people...like Antony. Plus, he's been upset about something lately and is "at war" with himself.
• 1.2: Before heading home, Brutus chats it up with Cassius, who tries to convince Brutus that Caesar is bad for Rome and needs to be offed. Brutus should totally join the conspirators against Caesar. Brutus plays coy and says he'll think about it.
• 2.1: Brutus reasons with himself in his garden late at night. He concludes that he must help take down Caesar, who could become a tyrant if he's given too much power.
• 2.1: Brutus reads a bunch of letters supposedly written by some concerned Roman citizen (they're really written by Cassius) about Caesar's growing power.
• 2.1: Brutus then welcomes all the conspirators, and as Cassius suggests they swear an oath, Brutus gives a rousing speech about how killing Caesar is the right thing to do.
• 2.1: Brutus meets a concerned Portia and tries to convince her that he's just not feeling well. She pleads with him to let her know what's bothering him. He promises she's his true wife (meaning that he loves her), and after listening to her beautiful speech about being a noble daughter and a noble wife, he cries out to the gods that he hopes to be worthy of her. He's interrupted by a knock and sends her to bed, promising he'll share his burden with her eventually.
• 3.1: Brutus participates in stabbing Caesar until the guy looks like a bleeding fountain.
• 3.1: Brutus agrees to let Antony speak at Caesar's funeral, on the condition that Antony not blame the traitors but speak only good of Caesar.
• 3.2: Brutus delivers a speech about Caesar. Prophetically, he promises he has done no more to Caesar than the Romans will do to him (Brutus). He closes with the fact that he "slew his best lover" (not in a romantic sense) for Rome, and that he will use the same dagger he killed Caesar with on himself when his countrymen want his death. (It's like he's psychic!) He then excuses himself from hearing Antony's speech, which is probably not a good idea.
• 4.2: Planning the battle against Antony, Brutus confides in Cassius's servant Pindarus. He says Cassius's actions since the murder have been shady and make him wish they have never started down this path. Still, he'll wait until Cassius arrives to clear it all up. Brutus also tells Lucilius that he fears Cassius's friendship is cooling, which can't be a good sign.
• 4.3: Brutus and Cassius argue about Cassius's acceptance of bribes, and Brutus condemns him for being greedy. Worse, he thinks this undermines their assassination of Caesar. If they begin to support robbers, he says, they can't claim they killed Caesar out of justice.
• 4.3: The fight escalates, and when it comes to a head, Brutus warns Cassius that he'll be sorry. Brutus has no fear because he's strong in his honesty. (Again, he thinks he's protected by his own integrity, which is admirable but not so smart.) Then they go back to fighting again: Cassius denied Brutus gold for his troops, and Brutus wouldn't pinch it from the poor peasants. This continues until Cassius, in a fit, offers himself up for Brutus to stab, since Brutus thinks he's such an awful guy.
• 4.3: There are apologies all around, and the men leave the tent as friends willing to put up with each other's tempers. Before they exit, though, Brutus cryptically says Cassius is "yoked with a lamb that carries anger as the flint bears fire," meaning something else is up that's the real foundation of Brutus's bad mood.
• 4.3: Brutus admits what the lamb is: Portia's recent death, which has added to his sorrow. He explains that she died of grief over his absence. He doesn't want to talk about her anymore and demands that no one else does. Then he takes a drink to soothe his feelings.
• 4.3: Brutus now confers with Messala, who has arrived with some news from Rome. The two discuss what Antony and Octavius are up to in Rome, then Brutus asks Messala what news there is of Portia. Once he gets Messala to admit Portia is dead, he simply says farewell to her. She had to die sometime, and he can endure the thought of her death now that it has passed.
• 4.3: Brutus quickly gets back to business. The men debate whether they should meet the enemy at Philippi or wait for the enemy to come to them. Brutus makes a case for the former: they're at their most powerful now and can only become weaker, he argues. If they act now, fortune might carry them, but if they wait, they're doomed.
• 4.3: Brutus, content that everyone (including Lucius, the musician) has gone to bed, cracks open his book. Just then he sees the ghost of Caesar, which makes his "blood cold." He asks what it has come for, and hearing it say they'll meet at Philippi, he becomes brave Brutus again. He bids the ghost a terse good-bye, saying fine, they'll meet at Philippi then. Brutus wakes everyone else up to ask if they saw anything. Hearing that they didn't, he sends messengers to tell Cassius they should deploy their armies early.
• 5.1: Brutus is now at the battlefield with Cassius. They challenge Antony and Octavius before the battle begins. Brutus asks if they'll have words before blows, which seems mocking, because he would like to get straight to the point and not mess around. Octavius and Antony taunt him, but Brutus keeps his cool before he goes back to his men.
• 5.1: In veiled terms, Brutus and Cassius confer over what they'll do if this is their last meeting. While Brutus thinks suicide is cowardly, he admits, upon Cassius's reminder, that he will never go to Rome in bonds of defeat. He then pronounces that the work they began on the Ides of March will come to an end today. Brutus says goodbye to Cassius, just in case this is it, and he doesn't let on whether he thinks they have a chance. Brutus is neither proud nor cowardly. He follows Cassius into battle, the very picture of stoicism. They don't know what the day will bring, but they know that it will end, and when it does they'll have the answer.
• 5.3: Brutus has advanced his troops on Octavius's weak spot. Now he goes to see the body of Cassius, whom Messala told him has died. Seeing Titinius dead too, Brutus cries out to Caesar's spirit, saying it is mighty still, as it makes men kill themselves.
• 5.3: As Brutus looks over the bodies of Cassius and Titinius, he declares there shall never be more Romans like them; he calls them the last of all the Romans. Brutus says his friends won't see him shed all the tears he owes Cassius, but he'll find time eventually to mourn. Back to business, Brutus sends the bodies away from the camp to be buried so they don't disturb the men. He calls all his remaining men back to the field to try their luck again.
• 5.5: Brutus stops to rest with the remainder of his men. He pulls each of them aside separately and asks them to kill him. To the last man, Volumnius, he admits he saw the ghost of Caesar at Sardis and again on the battlefields. He says he knows his time has come. He would rather jump into the pit of death than wait for his enemies to push him in, and he hopes Volumnius, out of love, will help him take his own life.
• 5.5: Brutus says good-bye to his men and promises to follow them as they flee from the enemy. Then he declares that he finds more glory in this losing day than Antony or Octavius shall have through their vile conquest. Brutus accepts death peacefully, saying his bones have worked their whole life for this hour's rest. Strato holds Brutus's sword while Brutus runs on it, proclaiming: "Caesar, now be still, I kill'd not thee with half so good a will."

Julius Caesar (NEW)

Julius Caesar

Character Analysis

Julius Caesar is a powerful Roman political and military leader who gets stabbed in the back (and the arms, legs, and guts!) by a group of conspirators who are supposed to be his friends.

Will the Real Julius Caesar Please Stand Up?

Even though the play is named after Caesar, we don't really see much of him. He appears on stage only a few times before he's assassinated in the middle of Act 3, Scene 1. What's more, Caesar is the kind of politician who really likes to put on a show, so it's hard to tease out the difference between the "real" Caesar (if there is one) and the public persona he's created. (Sometimes it seems like even Caesar himself is not sure where the line is, which may be why he refers to himself in the third person.) It's also important to remember that much of what we hear about Caesar is filtered through the points of view of various characters – particularly his enemies. (Not to mention, this is only Shakespeare's fictional interpretation of the historical Julius Caesar.)
Some study guides will tell you that Shakespeare's Caesar is a flat-out tyrant or that he has ambitions to rule Rome with absolute authority. This isn't necessarily accurate. Regardless of what we think about the historical Julius Caesar, Shakespeare's portrayal of him as a character in his play is ambiguous.

Caesar the Drama Queen

The one thing we do know for sure about Caesar is that he is a total drama queen who likes to put on a big show. When he returns to Rome at the beginning of the play, he parades through the streets like he's a rock star (1.1). (Does this remind you of any modern-day politicians?) The clearest example of Caesar's theatricality is when he appears before the crowd during the Feast of the Lupercal. After refusing the crown Antony offers him, he faints dramatically and then apologizes for his behavior (1.2). The crowd eats it up, of course. As Casca points out, when Caesar acts this way the crowd "clap[s]" and "hiss[es]" for him like he's an actor "in the theater" (1.2.11).

Caesar the Ambitious Tyrant?

We hear a lot about Caesar from the conspirators, who want to take him down before he becomes even more powerful than he already is. Because Caesar is so popular with the commoners, the conspirators worry he'll be crowned king, turning the republican (in the sense of democratic) government into a monarchy.
He would be crown'd:
How that might change his nature, there's the question.
It is the bright day that brings forth the adder;
[...]
And therefore think him as a serpent's egg
Which, hatch'd, would, as his kind, grow mischievous,
And kill him in the shell. (2.1.3)
Here Brutus compares Caesar to a "serpent's egg" that should be eliminated before it hatches and becomes dangerous. This suggests that the conspirators see in Caesar a future threat to Rome. They're afraid of Caesar not because he is a tyrant, but because he might become a tyrant if he gains more power by being crowned king.
On the other hand, there may be some evidence that Caesar is already beginning to show signs of tyranny. When Casca says that Murellus and Flavius have been "put to silence" for covering up pictures of Caesar during the Feast of Lupercal, we're left to wonder if Caesar has them put to death:
[...] I could tell you more
news too: Murellus and Flavius, for pulling scarfs
off Caesar's images, are put to silence. Fare you
well. There was more foolery yet, if I could
remember it. (1.2.14)

Caesar the Non-Threat?

Still, for a guy who is supposed to be a major threat to Rome, Caesar sure does have a lot of physical ailments and handicaps, don't you think? Early on in the play we learn that his hearing is impaired (in 1.2.13 he makes Antony stand on his right side because his left ear is "deaf"). We're also told by Cassius that Caesar is a lousy swimmer (he almost drowned once) and that he became very sick as a young man (1.2.9). Later, in Act 1, Scene 3, we hear that he suffers from something resembling epileptic fits. Shakespeare also raises the possibility that Caesar may have been impotent or sterile: when Caesar announces that Calphurnia is "barren," it's clear the couple is childless, but we wonder if Caesar is the one with the problem.
So why does Shakespeare go to so much trouble to show us how imperfect Caesar is when he's supposed to be such a major threat to the Roman Republic? Shakespeare may just be showing us that Caesar is as human as the rest of us. But might he also be suggesting that Caesar isn't as big a threat as the conspirators make him out to be? Or do Caesar's multiple physical problems suggest that he's not fit to rule Rome? What do you think?

Julius Caesar Superstar?

We've just seen how the play goes out of its way to show us that Julius Caesar is no superhero, but that doesn't prevent Caesar from seeing himself as the biggest "star" in the galaxy. Check out this famous speech, in which arrogant Caesar compares himself to the Northern Star:
I am Constant as the Northern Star
I could be well moved, if I were as you;
If I could pray to move, prayers would move me;
But I am constant as the northern star,
Of whose true-fix'd and resting quality
There is no fellow in the firmament.
The skies are painted with unnumber'd sparks;
They are all fire and every one doth shine;
But there's but one in all doth hold his place.
So in the world, 'tis furnish'd well with men,
And men are flesh and blood, and apprehensive;
Yet in the number I do know but one
That unassailable holds on his rank,
Unshaked of motion; and that I am he,
Let me a little show it, even in this;
That I was constant Cimber should be banish'd,
And constant do remain to keep him so. (3.1.7)
During this famous "I'm the brightest star in the sky" speech, Caesar claims to be the most "constant" (steady) guy in the universe because he can't be swayed by the personal appeals of other men. This says a lot about Caesar's character, don't you think? When Caesar aligns himself with the "northern star," he attempts to elevate himself above all other men. According to Caesar, even though there are other stars (men) in the sky (Rome), "there's but one in all doth hold his place." In other words, Caesar claims that he's the only guy solid enough to rule Rome (as evidenced by his refusal to relent after having banished Cimber).
The irony here is that Caesar delivers this big, fancy speech mere seconds before he's assassinated. Just as our superstar declares how "unshak[able]" and immovable he is, the conspirators surround him and stab him to death (33 times!), unseating him from power. But before we conclude that Julius Caesar isn't as "constant" as he claims to be, let's not forget that centuries after the historical (and still famous) Caesar was assassinated, Shakespeare wrote a play about him...and we're still reading it.

Julius Caesar Timeline and Summary

• 1.2: After whooping up on Pompey's sons, Caesar parades through the streets of Rome and parties it up at the Feast of Lupercal, where he gets the rock star treatment. When a soothsayer warns Caesar to "beware the Ides of March," Caesar blows him off.
• 1.2.: Caesar chats it up with Antony about how Cassius is a dangerous little ankle biter.
• 2.2: Fast forward a month. After hearing about Calphurnia's bad dream (she envisioned a bunch of Romans bathing in Caesar's blood), Caesar decides he'll stay home instead of going to the Senate. But then Decius shows up and says Calphurnia's dream just means Caesar is going to be an awesome ruler. Caesar decides to go to the Capitol, where he thinks he'll be crowned king.
• 3.1: On his way to the Capitol, Caesar runs into Artemidorus, who is carrying a letter warning Caesar about Cassius's plot to assassinate him. Caesar refuses to read the letter and tells Artemidorus to scram.
• 3.1: When Metellus Cimber kneels before Caesar, petitioning for his banished brother, Caesar acts like a jerk and threatens to kick him away like a dog.
• 3.1: Caesar gets stabbed 33 times by his frenemies and blood spurts out of his wounds, making him look like a bloody fountain. Before falling down, he looks at his so-called pal and asks, "Et tu, Brute?"

History (Outline Political Map Of India)

Chapter 3: Nationalism in India – (1918-1930)

1) Indian National Congress Session: 

Calcutta(Sept.1920), 
Nagpur(Dec. 1920),
Madras(1927) & 
Lahore(1929).

2) Important Centres of Indian National Movement:

Champaran(Bihar)-Movement of Indigo Planters;
Kheda(Gujarat)-Peasant Satyagraha; 
Ahmedabad(Gujarat)-Cotton Mill Workers Satyagraha;
Amritsar(Punjab)-Jallianwala Bagh Incident;
Chauri Chaura(UP)-Calling off the NCM;
Bardoli(Gujarat)-No tax campaign;
Dandi(Gujarat)-Civil Disobedience Movement.

Sample Paper

Time Allowed  :  3  hours  Maximum Marks  :  90
General Instructions
1.     The question paper has 31 questions in all. All questions are compulsory.
2.     Marks are indicated against each question.
3.     This question paper consists of FOUR SECTIONS. Sections A of the question paper contains Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) from serial number 1 to 10 of 1 mark each. These Ten questions of Section A are to be answered on a separate sheet provided. This part has to be completed in first 30 minutes only and the answer sheet must be handed over to the invigilator before starting Section B.
4.     In Section B, C and D of the question paper, there are Twenty One questions from serial no. 11 to 31 which are to be attempted in 2 hours and 30 minutes. This part should be attempted only after the stipulated time given for Section A.
5.     Questions from serial number 11 to 22 are 3 marks questions. Answer of these questions should not exceed 80 words each.
6.     Questions from serial number 23 to 30 are of 5 marks questions. Answers of these questions should not exceed 120 words each.
7.     Question number 31 is a map question of 4 marks from Geography only. After completion, attach the map inside your answer book. 

SECTION-A
(Question  numbers  1  to  10  carry  1 mark  each)

1.     What was  the Civil Code  of  1804  popularly  known  as? [1]
    (a) Hitler’s  Code     (b) Napoleonic  Code    (c) Metternich’s  Code     (d) None  of  these
Or
    In  1925,  in  a  population  of  17 million  in Vietnam,  how many  had  passed  the  school leaving  examination? [1]
    (a) 200     (b) 400     (c) 1000     (d) 2000

2.     During  the  Civil  Disobedience  Movement,  the  Congress  was  unwilling  to  support which  demand  of  the  peasants? [1]
    (a) Reduction  of  land  revenue     (b) ‘No  rent’  campaign
    (c) Both  of  these         (d) None  of  these

3.     ________  is  an  important metal  because  it  combines  the  strength  of metals  such  as iron,  with  extreme  lightness  and  also  with  good  conductivity  and  great  malleability.    [1]
    (a) Steel     (b) Aluminium     (c) Mica     (d) Manganese

4.     In  the  early  years,  the  cotton  textile  industry was  concentrated  in  the  cotton  growing belt  of  : [1]
    (a) Bihar  - Uttar  Pradesh     (b) Uttar  Pradesh  - Madhya  Pradesh
    (c) Kerala  - Tamil Nadu     (d) Gujarat  - Maharashtra

5.     Over  __________ million  foreign  tourists  visit  India  every  year. [1]
    (a) 2.6     (b) 3.6     (c) 4.6     (d) 5.5

6.     What  is  the  objective  of  pressure  groups  and movements?      [1]
    (a) To  directly  control  or  share  political  power
    (b) To  form  government
    (c) To  influence  government  policies
    (d) None  of  these

7.     Which of  the  following parties was  formed  in 1999  following  a  split  in  the Congress Party ?     [1]
    (a) CPI  (M)     (b) BSP     (c) NCP     (d) AGP

8.     About  what  percentage  of  the  globe  is  under  democratic  government? [1]
    (a) 75%     (b) 90%     (c) 95%     (d) 100%

9.     Banks  use  the major  portion  of  the  deposits  for which  purpose? [1]
    (a) To  extend  loans     (b) To  repay  loans    (c) For  social  service     (d) To pay  to RBI

10.     Which  of  the  following  is  not  a  consumer  right? [1]
    (a) Right  to  be  informed     (b) Right  to  choose
    (c) Right  to  seek  redressal     (d) Right  to protest

SECTION-B
(Question  numbers  11  to  22  carry  3 marks  each.)
11.     Bring  out  the main  features  of  Italian  unification.             [3]
Or
    What was  the  rat menace? How  did  the  French  get  rid  of  this menace?             [3]

12.     What did the liberalism mean to the middle classes in Europe?            [3]
                                                                              Or
    How Nationalism in Vietnam emerged through the efforts of different sections of the society to fight against the French ? Explain.                [3]
13.    “The sense of collective belonging came partly through the experience of united struggles. But there were also a variety of cultural processes through which nationalism captured people’s imagination.” Prove with examples.                    [3]   

14.     From which ore Aluminium is extracted ? What is its importance ?            [3]

15.     Explain  any  three  features  of  the  National  Jute  Policy  formulated  in  2005.         [3]

16.     Where  should  the  steel  plants  be  ideally  located?  Explain  any  three  points.         [3]

17.     Explain how the activities of pressure groups are useful in the functioning of a democratic government.[3]

18.     Describe any four functions of the political parties in a democracy.             [3]

19.     Do  you  agree with  the  view  that  democracy  in  India  has  strengthened  the  claims  of the  disadvantaged  and  discriminated  castes  for  equal  status  and  equal  opportunity ? Justify  your  answer  citing  three  examples.                 [3]

20.    Why sould the banks and cooperative societies provide more loan facilities to the rural households in India ? Give four reasons.                 [3]
21.     You  are  faced  by  two  arguments  :  one  is  that  globalisation  has  hurt  our  country’s development;  the other  is  that globalisation  is helping  India  develop. Which  argument will  you  support  and  why?                         [3]
22.    What is standardization of products ? Mention any two organizations responsible for the standardization of products in India.                       [3]


SECTION-C
(Question  numbers  23  to  30  carry  4 marks  each.)

23.     ‘Following  the  defeat  of  Napoleon  in  1815,  European  governments  were  driven  by  a spirit  of  conservatism.’  Elaborate  giving  four  examples.                 [5]
Or
    What  was  the  purpose  behind  the  establishment  of  the  Tonkin  Free  School? Did  the French  succeed  in  their  objective ?                 [5]

24.     Describe the Satyagraha movements  launched by Gandhiji in the years 1916 and 1917.  [5]

25.    “Initially Cotton textile industry were mostly located at Gujarat and Maharashtra, but now are spreading all over India.” Explain reasons with suitable examples.
26.     (a) State  any  two merits  of  roadways which makes it advantageous over other modes of transport.
    (b) What  is  the  significance  of  the  border  roads?                                                [2+3=5]

27.     Define interest groups. How many types of interest groups are there, differentiate between them.     [5]

28.      Describe  the challenges  faced  by  political  parties  in  a  democracy.            [5]
29.    What are Self-Help Groups. Describe any four advantages of ‘Self Help Groups’  for the poor.    [5]
30.    How is the consumer redressal process becoming cumbersome ? Give reasons.        [5]        

SECTION-D
(Question  number  31  is  a map  question  of  4 marks  from  Geography.)

31.     Three features A and B are marked on  the given outline map of India. Identify these features  with  the  help  of  the  following  information  and  write  their  correct  names  on the  lines marked  in  the map. [2]
    (A) Nuclear  power  plant        (B) Iron-ore  mine
                                                                          Or
    Locate  and  label  the  following  features  on  the  same map  with  appropriate  symbols. [2]
    (i) Indore  –  Cotton  textile  centre
    (ii) Anantnag  –  Silk  industry
   

Political Parties

http://www.slideshare.net/viduvinodkumar/political-parties-16769603

Sample Paper

Summative Assessment - II (Sample Paper)

Class X - Social Science

Time - 3 hrs                                                                                                               Max. Marks - 90
General Instructions
1.     The question paper has 31 questions in all. All questions are compulsory.
2.     Marks are indicated against each question.
3.     This question paper consists of FOUR SECTIONS. Sections A of the question paper contains Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) from serial number 1 to 10 of 1 mark each. These Ten questions of Section A are to be answered on a separate sheet provided. This part has to be completed in first 30 minutes only and the answer sheet must be handed over to the invigilator before starting Section B.
4.     In Section B, C and D of the question paper, there are Twenty One questions from serial no. 11 to 31 which are to be attempted in 2 hours and 30 minutes. This part should be attempted only after the stipulated time given for Section A.
5.     Questions from serial number 11 to 22 are 3 marks questions. Answer of these questions should not exceed 80 words each.
6.     Questions from serial number 23 to 30 are 5 marks questions. Answers of these questions should not exceed 120 words each.
7.     Question number 31 is a map question of 4 marks from Geography only. After completion, attach the map inside your answer book.
SECTION-A
(Question  numbers  1  to  10  carry  1 mark  each)

1.     Which  of  the  following measures  was  adopted  by  French  revolutionaries  to  create  a sense  of  collective  identity  among  the  French  people ?                     [1]
    (A) The  ideas  of  la  patri  and  le  citoyen were  emphasised.
    (B) The  Estate  General  was  renamed  the  National Assembly.
    (C) French,  as  it was  spoken  and written  in  Paris,  became  the  common  language  of the  nation.
    (D) All  of  these
Or
    What was  the  reason  for  the  Scholars Revolt  in  1868?                 [1]
    (A) French  colonial  rule        (B) Large  scale  conversion  to  Christianity
    (C) Both  of  these         (D) None  of  these

2.     Why  did Mahatma  Gandhi  relaunch  the  Civil  Disobedience Movement?             [1]
    (A) The  Second  Round  Table Conference  was  a  failure
    (B) The  government  had  began  a  new  cycle  of  repression
    (C) The  Congress  had  been  declared  illegal
    (D) All  of  these

3.     The Balaghat mines  in Madhya Pradesh produce 52 per cent of India’s which mineral ?         [1]
    (A) Silver     (B) Copper     (C) Tin     (D) Bauxite

4.     Which  of  the  following  industries  is  based  on  agricultural  raw materials?             [1]
    (A) Iron     (B) Cement     (C) Cotton     (D) Automobiles

5.     Which  of  the  following  is National Waterways No.  1  [N.W. No.  1]?                 [1]
    (A) The  Ganga  river  between Allahabad  and  Haldia
    (B) The Brahmaputra  river  between  Sadiya  and Dhubri
    (C) The West-Coast  canal  in Kerala
    (D) None  of  these

6.     Trade  unions,  business  associations  and  professional  bodies  are  which  type  of  organisation?     (A) Public  interest  groups     (B) Sectional  interest  groups
    (C) Movement  groups         (D) None  of  these

7.     Which  of  the  following  parties  does  not  believe  in Marxism–Leninism?                 [1]
    (A) CPI     (B) CPI  (M)     (C) NCP     (D) MCC

8.     Most  of  the  established  democracies  face which  kind  of  challenge  to  democracy?          [1]
    (A) Foundational  challenge     (B) Challenge  of  expansion
    (C) Challenge  of  deepening  of  democracy     (D) None  of  these

9.     Which  of  the  following  is  crucial  for  the  country’s  development?                 [1]
    (A) Credit         (B) Costly  and  unaffordable  credit
    (C) Cheap  and  affordable  credit     (D) None  of  these

10.     When  did  the  UNO  adopt  the  UN  Guidelines  for  Consumer  Protection?         [1]
    (A) 1983     (B) 1985     (C) 1990     (D) 2000

SECTION-B

(Question  numbers  11  to  23  carry  3 marks  each.)

11.     ‘During  the  nineteenth  century,  nationalism  emerged  as  a  force  which  brought  about sweeping  changes  in  the  political  and mental  world  of  Europe.’  Explain.                 [3]
Or
    Who was  Francis Garnier? Why  was  he  killed  by  soldiers  of  the  court ?         [3]

12.     Why  did  Gandhiji  launch  the  Civil  Disobedience  Movement?     [3]

13.     What  do  you  understand  by  Rat-hole Mining?     [3]

14.     Why  is  it  important  for  our  country  to  keep  the  mill  sector  loomage  lower  than powerloom  and  handloom ?                         [3]

15.     Why  is  it  important for us  to  improve our weaving  sector  instead of exporting yarn  in large  quantities?                             [3]

16.     Is  the  influence of pressure groups and movements healthy  for democracy? Discuss.      [3]

17.     Do you prefer Monarchy or Democracy? Justify your answer by giving three reasons.     [3]

18.     Is economic growth  in democracies accompanied by  increased  inequalities between  the people?  Justify  your  answer.                         [3]

19.     Examine  various  aspects  of  legal  ways  of  reforming  politics.     [3]

20.     What  do  you  understand  by  ‘Fair  globalisation’?     [3]

21.     How  has  rapid  improvement  in  technology  quickened  the  pace  of  globalisation  in India?      [3]

22.     What  is  Consumer’s  International?  How  does  it  function?     [3]

23.    How  will  you  exercise  your  right  as  a  consumer  if  you  happen  to  fall  ill  after consuming  adulterated  milk ?                         [3]

SECTION-C

(Question  numbers  23  to  30  carry  5 marks  each.)

24.     How and why was Ireland forcibly  incorporated  into  the United Kingdom  in 1801?         [5]
Or
    According  to  Paul Bernard,  what were  the  barriers  to  economic  growth  in Vietnam?

25.     Describe  the  consequences  of  Jallianwala  massacre  on  the  national  movement  of India?     [5]

26.     What types of pollution are created by Industries ? Discuss any two of them.                [5]   
27.    Why  is  air  travel  preferred  in  north-eastern  states?     [5]

28.    Distinguish  between  national  and  state  parties  in  India.     [5]

29.     Why  are  demand  deposits  considered  as  money?     [5]

30.    Define three rights and three duties of a consumer.                [5]
SECTION-D
(Question  number  31  is  a map  question  of  4 marks  from Geography.)
31.     Locate  and  label  the  following  items with  appropriate  symbols  on  the political map of India.   [4]
    (i) Namrup  – Thermal  power  station
    (ii) Srinagar  – Woollen  textiles  centre
    (iii) Mohali  –  Software  Technology  Park
    (iv) Cardinal points of the East -West corridor.

Sample Paper

Sample Paper - SOCIAL SCIENCE

Summative Assessment - 2 (Term – II)
Time Allowed  :  3  hours  Maximum Marks  :  90
General Instructions

1.     The question paper has 31 questions in all. All questions are compulsory.

2.     Marks are indicated against each question.

3.     This question paper consists of FOUR SECTIONS. Sections A of the question paper contains Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) from serial number 1 to 10 of 1 mark each. These Ten questions of Section A are to be answered on a separate sheet provided. This part has to be completed in first 30 minutes only and the answer sheet must be handed over to the invigilator before starting Section B.

4.     In Section B, C and D of the question paper, there are Twenty One questions from serial no. 11 to 31 which are to be attempted in 2 hours and 30 minutes. This part should be attempted only after the stipulated time given for Section A.

5.     Questions from serial number 11 to 22 are 3 marks questions. Answer of these questions should not exceed 80 words each.

6.     Questions from serial number 23 to 30 are 4 marks questions. Answers of these questions should not exceed 120 words each.

7.     Question number 31 is a map question of 4 marks from Geography only. After completion, attach the map inside your answer book. 
SECTION-A
(Question  numbers  1  to  10  carry  1 marks  each)

1.     The  1830s were  years  of  great  economic  hardship  in  __________.             [1]
    (a) Asia     (b) Europe     (c) Africa     (d) North America
Or
    In  1911,  the  long  established  monarchy  in  China  was  overthrown  by  a  popular movement  led  by  which  leader?                     [1]
    (a) Chiang-Kai-Shek     (b) Mao  Le  Dong    (c) Sun Yat-sen     (d) None  of  these

2.     Which  of  the  following Acts  allowed  detention  of  political  prisoners without  trial  for two  years? [1]
    (a) Government  of  India Act,  1909     (b) Government  of  India Act,  1919
    (c) Rowlatt Act         (d) Indian  Independence  Act

3.     Which  is  the  highest  quality  hard  coal ?                 [1]
    (a) Lignite     (b) Bituminous     (c) Anthracite     (d) None  of  these

4.     Production  and  consumption  of  which  metal  is  often  regarded  as  the  index  of  a country’s  development ?                     [1]
    (a) Steel     (b) Gold     (c) Silver     (d) Copper

5.     What  are  the  terminal  stations  of  East-West  corridor?             [1]
    (a) Srinagar  - Kanyakumari     (b) Silchar  -  Porbandar
    (c) Varanasi  - Kanyakumari     (d) Vadodara  - Guwahati

6.     Democracy  evolves  through  __________.                 [1]
    (a) Revolution         (b) Popular  struggles
    (c) Rebellion  against  government     (d) All  of  these

7.     Which  of  the  following  parties  was  a major  constituent  of  the  Seven  Party Alliance (SPA)  which  spearheaded  the  movement  for  democracy  in  Nepal?             [1]
    (a) Nepalese  Congress  Party     (b) Maoists
    (c) Both  of  these         (d) None  of  these

8.     Which  challenge  to  democracy  involves  strengthening  those  institutions  that  help people’s  participation  and  control?                     [1]
    (a) Challenge  of  expansion    (b) Challenge  of  deepening  of  democracy
    (c) Foundational  challenge     (d) All  of  these

9.     Most  of  the MNCs  belong  to which  country?                 [1]
    (a) America     (b) Japan     (c) European  countries     (d) All  of  these

10.     Prakash  filed a case  in a district  level consumer court  in New Delhi. Which consumer right  did  he  exercise?                       [1]
    (a) Right  to  be  informed     (b) Right  to  choose
    (c) Right  to  seek  redressal     (d) Right  to  appeal

        SECTION-B
(Question  numbers  11  to  22  carry  3 marks  each.)

11.     Describe  any  three  factors  responsible  for  the  rise  of  nationalism  in  Europe.         [3]
Or
    Describe  the  role  played  by  the US media  in  both  supporting  as  well  as  criticising the war. [3]

12.     What was the reason given by Mahatama Gandhi for launching the Non-Cooperation Movement. Explain  any  three main  features  of  the  Non-cooperation Movement.             [3]
13.    “When Gandhi relaunched Civil Disobedience Movement in 1932, the Industrial and Business classes were not interested in it.” Explain reasons behind it.            [3]

14.     Differentiate between the Conventional and Non-Conventional sources of energy. Which non-conventional source of energy is applicable most in the coastal areas ?             [2+1=3]

15.     “Most of the Iron and Steel Industries are located on the Chotta Nagpur Plateau.” Give reasons. [3]

16.     Why are the means of transportation and communications called the lifelines of a nation and its economy ?                    [3]

17.     Compare  and  contrast  popular  struggles  with  movements  bringing  out  their  main features. [3]

18.     Do  we  prefer  democracy  only  for  moral  reasons?  Or  are  there  some  prudentrial reasons  to  support  democracy  too?  Explain.                 [3]

19.     Out  of  the  three  major  challenges  faced  by  democracy,  which  is  the  most  difficult challenge? Why  do  you  think  so?                     [3]
20.     How the earliest form of currency different from the present one ? What makes the present form of currency important ?                     [3]

21.     Discuss  the  role of World Trade Organisation  in bringing about  liberalisation of  trade.      [3]

22.     Explain the duties of a  responsible consumer.                  [3]

SECTION-C

(Question  numbers  23  to  30  carry  5 marks  each.)

23.     What  did  ‘Liberal Nationalism’  stand  for? Discuss.             [5]
Or
    ‘The  battle  against  French  colonial  education  became  part  of  the  larger  battle  against colonialism  and  for  independence.’  Discuss.                 [5]

24.     How did different  social groups in Countryside conceive of  the  idea of Non-cooperation? Discuss.      [5]

25.     Why conservation of minerals are necessary ? Explain a few steps for their conservation.    [5]
26.    Classify and Explain the Roads on the basis of their capacity.             [5]

27.     Compare and contrast between  the  ideological orientation of  Indian National Congress (INC)  and  the Bharatiya  Janata Party  (BJP).                 [5]

28.    What makes Democratic government - an accountable, responsive and ligitimate government ?    [5]
29.     Distinguish between  formal  sector  loans and  informal  sector  loans. Why formal sector of loans needs to be promoted in rural areas ?                    [5]
30.    Why Government used to provide artificial protection to our industries before 1990 ?  What made it change its policies ?                        [5]   

SECTION-D
(Question  number  31  is  a map  question of 4 marks  from  Geography.)

31.     (a) Two  features A  and  B  are  marked  on  the  given  outline  political  map  of  India. Identify  these  features  with  the  help  of  the  following  information  and  write  their correct  names  on  the  lines marked  in  the map. [2]
    (A) Iron-Ore  mine    
    (B) Silk  Textile  Centre
   
    (b) Locate  and  label  the  following  items  on  the  same map with  appropriate  symbols. [2]
    (i) Narora Nuclear  Power  Station
    (ii) Surat  - Textile Centre
   

Class X - Challenges to Democracy

Class X - Challenges to Democracy

Class X - Challenges to Democracy (Civics)

NCERT TEXTBOOK QUESTIONS

Q.1. Each of these cartoons represents a challenge to democracy. Describe what that challenge is.

Ans.  These cartoons illustrate the following challenges to democracy :

1. The first cartoon shows that Mubarak has not been elected by democratic laws and rules. The ballot boxes have not been opened! This is a  foundational challenge  where institutions of democracy have not been established.

2. In the second cartoon again, there is the rule of the gun! No democracy. The challenge is to establish democracy and it is a  foundational challenge.

3. The third cartoon shows the  challenge of expansion. The leader talks about gender equality, about more women to be included in power position, but in reality, women are not included in position of power.

4. In the fourth cartoon, it is a deepening of democracy, money power is used by the rich to achieve position of power to reach the White House.

Q.2. Describe the challenges to democracy in the cases and context given here.

Case and context                    Your description of the challenges to democracy in that situation        

Chile : General Pinochet’s                          Example : Establishing civilian control over all governmental

government defeated, but                          institutions, holding the first multi-party elections, recalling all

military still in control of                             political leaders from exile.

many institutions.

Poland : After the first                               The challenge is to re-establish democracy and take away the

success of Solidarity, the                           martial law. Ban should be lifted and free and fair elections be

government imposed                                 allowed.

martial law and banned

Solidarity.

Ghana : Attained                                    To preserve democracy. Not allow Nkruma to  

independence, Nkruma                            become dictator and hold elections regularly.

elected president.

Myanmar : Suu Kyi under                     Military rule to be challenged. Suu Kyi should be freed and act as

house arrest for more than                       a leader elected by common consent. Governments military rules

15 years, army rulers                               should not be accepted by the world.

getting global acceptance

International organisations :               The US should not be allowed to bully other nations. All nations

US as the only super power                     have equal powers in the UN. UN should assert its authority.

disregards the UN and                             (as in Iraq and now in Iran)

takes unilateral action

Mexico : Second free                              The challenge is to have free and fair elections. No candidate

election after the defeat                            should win due to rigging. Democracy has not taken roots.

of PRI in 2000; defeated

candidate alleges rigging.

China : Communist Party                      One-party rule, no democracy, people have no voice in the decision

adopts economic reforms                        making, foundational challenge to democracy.

but maintains monopoly

over political power.

Pakistan : General                                It means that institutions of democracy are not strong. It is a military

Musharraf holds                                     rule. Democracy has not expanded or deepened.

referendum, allegations                           of fraud in voters’ list.

Iraq : Widespread                               A weak centre, incapable of controlling the country. Thus a challenge

sectarian violence as                             of expansion.

the new government

fails to establish its

authority.

South Africa : Mandela                      Democracy has not deepened. The majority group cannot suppress

retires  from  active  politics,                 the rights of the minority. It has also not expanded to take in all social

pressure on his successor                     groups, can lead to conflict.

Mbeki to withdraw

some concessions given

to White minority.

US, Guantanamo Bay :                    US misusing its power. A rich country disregarding the world

UN Secretary-General                        opinion. The UN has to face the challenge of making US listen to

calls this a violation of                          world opinion.

international law, US

refused to respond

Saudi Arabia :                                   No democracy. It faces all challenges—foundational, of expansion,

Women not  allowed                           and deepening of democracy. All social groups not given equal rights.

to take part in public                           Religious freedom disallowed.

activities, no freedom

of religion for minorities

Yugoslavia :  Ethnic                          Democracy has failed to keep the country together. The differences of

tension between Serbs                       region, religion and social groups has led to the break-up of the

and Albanians on the rise                   country.

in the province of Kosovo.

Yugoslavia disintegrated

Belgium : One round of                   In this case, the majority is trying to dominate at the expense of the

constitutional change taken                minority. The challenge is to keep social groups together.

place, but the Dutch

speakers not satisfied; they

want more autonomy.

Sri Lanka : The peace                   Once again foundational challenge. The majority is imposing its will

talks between the                            on the minority, hence, civil war.
government and the

LTTE break down

renewed violence.

US, Civil Rights : Blacks              Democracy won, but it has not deepened in America. The Blacks are

have won equal rights, but               still denied equal education and are a challenge to democracy.

are still poor, less educated

and marginalised.

Northern Ireland : The                 Peace but not fully accepted. Religious divisions have created

civil war has ended but                    mistrust, challenge is of deepening democracy.

Catholics and Protestants

yet to develop trust

Nepal : Constituent                       This is the transition period, Nepal is giving up monarchy and

Assembly                                       about to be struggling to become a democracy. Foundational challenge.

elected, unrest in Terai

areas, Maoists have not

surrendered arms

Bolivia : Morales, a                      Again social groups have not come together. Democracy has not

supporter of water                         expanded.      
struggle, becomes Prime Minister,
MNCs threaten to

leave the country.

Q.3. Group the countries given in Q.2 by the nature of these challenges as per the classification suggested in the first section. For each of these categories, find at least one example from India as well.

Foundational challenges                   Challenge of expansion                   Challenge of deepening

Ans.

Foundational Challenge - Saudi Arabia, Nepal, China, Myanmar, India - Checking terrorism challenges

Challenge of Expansion - Iraq, Bolivia, Belgium, US : Civil Rights, India : Women still have a low status; there is lack of literacy

Challenge of deepening  - South Africa, USA : Challenges before India are of corruption, casteism and criminalisation in politics, poverty.

 

Q.4. Think of all the challenges that democracy faces in contemporary India. List those five that should be addressed first of all. The listing should be in order of priority, i.e., the challenge you find most important or pressing should be mentioned at number 1, and so on. Give one example of that challenge and your reasons for assigning it the priority.

Ans.

Priority             Challenges to democracy     Example                            Reasons for preference

 

1.                       Over-population                  Whatever economic            Smaller countries like UAE,

                                                                      growth, or whatever           Singapore, Malayasia have

                                                                       progress we make is           made tremendous progress

                                                                      negated by ever growing     because of small population.

                                                                      population.

 

2.                        Poverty and                        A result of our bursting        Poverty leads to clashes and

                           Unemployment                  population. Percentage of   violence, India can never be

                                                                     people living below the        counted as a super power till

                                                                     poverty line is still 26.10%   we control poverty and                                                                                                                    unemployment.

 

3.                       Illiteracy and                     Ten Five-Year Plans have     Leads to ignorance and

                          Ignorance                          failed to have total literacy    superstitions. Ignorance

                                                                    in India, Kerala is the only   leads people astray. People

                                                                    state to have achieved it.      cannot select a good govt.               

4.                      Casteism                             Has corrupted politics.         People have lost faith in

                                                                   Candidates chosen from      political parties, able people are

                                                                    their castes                          not elected.Voters do not come

                                                                                                                to vote, bad for democracy.

 

5.                       Communalism                    Led to the partition of      Threatens the unity of the

                                                                    India. Riots take place        country, leads to conflicts, riots

                                                                    every year in some             and divisive tendencies.

                                                                    parts of India.