Question 13
ComprehensionJAMB 1999 Passage III: Equality and the democratic state
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 time, the nations of the democratic world have installed elaborate systems of social security and welfare, ranging from compensation for industrial accidents to subsidized 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 negro in America is attracting the attention of the champions of equality . Much has been written on the wrongs, injustices and inequalities of the coloured citizen of the USA and much remains to be said, because the history of this struggle for human rights is still unfolding.
In our time, the nations of the democratic world have installed elaborate systems of social security and welfare, ranging from compensation for industrial accidents to subsidized 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 negro in America is attracting the attention of the champions of equality . Much has been written on the wrongs, injustices and inequalities of the coloured citizen of the USA and much remains to be said, because the history of this struggle for human rights is still unfolding.
According to the passage, a democratic nation is one which
- A.arranges welfare packages for every citizen
- B.absorbs the negro into its political structure
- C.grants equality to all citizens
- D.ensures socio– political and legal equality for every citizen
Show the answer and explanation
Answer: D (ensures socio– political and legal equality for every citizen)
Explanation
The passage says a democratic society must give equal political and legal rights and also provide a minimum social status for every citizen.