UPSC Prelims 2017 Q8: Ancient History – Vedic Period
Which one of the following statements is correct?
- (a) Rights are claims of the State against the citizens.
- (b) Rights are privileges which are incorporated in the Constitution of a State.
- (c) Rights are claims of the citizens against the State.
- (d) Rights are privileges of a few citizens against the many.
Answer: (c) Rights are claims of the citizens against the State.
Explanation
What rights are
In political theory, rights are claims of individuals against the State.
They limit what the State may do to citizens and require it to protect certain freedoms.
| Option | Verdict | Why |
|---|---|---|
| (a) Claims of the State against citizens | Incorrect | That describes duties or obligations, not rights |
| (b) Privileges written into the Constitution | Incorrect | Rights are not privileges; many rights exist beyond the written text |
| (c) Claims of citizens against the State | Correct | Rights are justified claims that the State must recognise |
| (d) Privileges of a few against the many | Incorrect | Rights are universal, not for a privileged few |
In India, Fundamental Rights in Part III are enforceable against the State under Article 32.
Answer: (c) Rights are claims of the citizens against the State.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Claims of the State on citizens are duties, not rights.
- (b) Incorrect. Rights are not privileges; they belong to all citizens equally.
- (c) CORRECT. Rights are claims of citizens against the State, enforceable in India under Article 32.
- (d) Incorrect. Rights are universal, not privileges of a few.
Key point
Rights = justified claims of individuals against the State; Fundamental Rights (Part III) are enforceable under Article 32.
Remember
Rights = citizens' claims against the State.
Common mistakes
- Treating rights as privileges, which by nature belong to a few.
- Confusing rights with duties owed to the State.
- Thinking rights exist only if written in the Constitution.
Exam tip
Rights face the State; duties face society and the State.
Sources
- NCERT Class XI — Political Theory, Ch 5 (Rights)
- Constitution of India — Part III and Article 32