Multiple choice

As per the author, a democratic society

Directions: Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions by selecting the most appropriate options.

When Thomas Jefferson wrote in the American Declaration of Independence that all men are created equal', he was not seeking to describe men's endowments, but their political and legal rights. He was not saying that men do not differ from one another in the powers and dimensions of their bodies, minds and characters. He was asserting that, despite variations and differences, they all possessed the right to equal political and legal treatment. We must, however, ask of what real value are political and legal equality to a man who has no bread to eat, no clothes to wear, no roof to shelter him, no chance to earn a livelihood? What we understand as a democratic society must provide for its citizen's minimum status as a member of that society, that keeps him from becoming a beggar, outcast or outlaw and that offers him some protection in his deprivation, losses and fears.
In our times, the nations of the democratic world have installed elaborate systems of social security and welfare, ranging from compensation for industrial accidents to subsidised housing, unemployment insurance, old age pensions, psychiatric care and national health services. It is encouraging that the democratic nations are making a serious effort to provide against the characteristic losses and disasters of human life.

The evolving status of the poor in America is attracting the attention of the champions of equality. Much has been written on the wrongs, injustices and inequalities committed in the past but much on the inequalities remains to be said, because the history of this struggle for human rights is still unfolding.

  1. provides for its citizen's minimum status as a member of that society

  2. keeps its members away from beggars, outcasts and outlaws

  3. must ensure some protection to its members in deprivation and losses

  4. cannot provide basic requirements to its members

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

The author states that a democratic society 'must provide for its citizen's minimum status as a member of that society...and that offers him some protection in his deprivation, losses and fears.' Option C correctly captures the essential requirement of protection during deprivation and losses.