Important Questions For Class 11 Political Science Political Theory Chapter 7 Nationalism - 2025-26

Q1. Which of the following is NOT a necessary feature for the existence of a nation?

• (a) A common language
• (b) Shared beliefs
• (c) Common territory
• (d) Aspirations for independent political existence

Answer: (a) A common language.

Q2. The Treaty of Versailles is associated with:

• (a) Granting autonomy to Basque region
• (b) Reorganisation of state boundaries after World War I
• (c) Establishing democracy in Asia
• (d) Unification of Germany

Answer: (b) Reorganisation of state boundaries after World War I.

Q3. Tagore’s main critique of narrow nationalism was that:

• (a) It promotes internationalism
• (b) It restricts economic growth
• (c) It can turn hostile towards other cultures and identities
• (d) It opposes democracy

Answer: (c) It can turn hostile towards other cultures and identities.

2. Very Short Answer (VSA).

Q4. Define nationalism in one sentence.

Answer: Nationalism is a powerful political idea where people identify as a nation, sharing beliefs and aspirations for independent political existence.

Q5. What does the term ‘national self-determination’ refer to?

Answer: National self-determination means the right of a group to determine its own political status and to govern itself without external interference.

Q6. What is meant by ‘imagined community’ in the context of nation?

Answer: ‘Imagined community’ means members of a nation may not know each other personally but feel united by common beliefs, history or aspirations.

3. Short Answer Questions.

Q7. Explain why a common language is not essential for the formation of a nation.

Answer: A common language is not essential because nations like Canada and India have multiple languages but exist as one nation. Shared beliefs, history, political ideals, and collective identity play a greater role in creating a sense of nationhood than language alone.

Q8. Briefly state two ways in which nationalism can impact a country positively and negatively.

Answer: Nationalism can unite and liberate people, leading to independence or social progress. However, it can also create divisions, conflicts, or exclusion of minorities if it turns intolerant or focuses on a single identity, undermining democratic ideals.

3. Fill in the Blanks Questions.

Q9. The Indian Constitution has elaborate provisions for the protection of _____, linguistic, and cultural minorities.

Answer: religious

Q10. Nations are held together by _____ beliefs, aspirations and imaginations of their members.

Answer: collective

4. Long Answer Questions.

Q11. Discuss how nationalism can both unite and divide people with suitable examples from the chapter.

Answer: Nationalism can unite people by fostering a shared sense of identity and purpose, as seen in anti-colonial struggles like India’s freedom movement. However, it can also divide, leading to separatism or conflict, as in the cases of Basque in Spain or language-based movements. Excessive focus on one identity can marginalise minorities, causing bitterness and unrest.

1. Nationalism inspired liberation from foreign rule (e.g., India's independence).
2. It caused break-up of empires and emergence of new nation-states.
3. Separatist nationalist movements threaten existing states (e.g., Basque, Kurds).

Q12. Examine Tagore's view on patriotism and how it contrasts with narrow nationalism.

Answer: Tagore critiqued narrow expressions of nationalism that could lead to hostility against other cultures and identities. He believed patriotism should not triumph over humanity and valued openness to global influences. Tagore distinguished between opposing imperialism and rejecting beneficial aspects of other civilizations, highlighting the dangers of intolerance and exclusion.

1. Nationalism should not overshadow universal human values.
2. True identity should embrace diversity and humanity, not just patriotism.
3. Learning from outside traditions is not a threat to national heritage.

5. Assertion–Reason type questions.

Assertion (A): In a democracy, a shared commitment to political values is the most desirable basis of nationhood.
Reason (R): Imposing a single religious identity on all citizens protects equal liberty.

• (a) A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A
• (b) A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A
• (c) A is true, but R is false
• (d) A is false, but R is true

Answer: (c) A is true, but R is false. Imposing a single religious identity limits, not protects, equal liberty.

Assertion (A): Nations exist even when most members never meet each other.
Reason (R): Nations are bound by shared beliefs and imagined ties.

• (a) A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A
• (b) A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A
• (c) A is true, but R is false
• (d) A is false, but R is true

Answer: (a) A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A. Shared beliefs create imagined communities.

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