Master the Right to Social Security: Essential Knowledge for Human Rights Law

Question 1

Which component is not traditionally recognized as a pillar of social security?

Accepted Answer

Healthcare

Answer

Unemployment benefits

Answer

Old age benefits

Answer

Disability benefits

Question 2

Identify a key characteristic of unemployment benefits.

Accepted Answer

Time-limited

Answer

Means-tested

Answer

Contributory

Answer

Non-cash

Question 3

What does 'adequacy' refer to in the context of social security benefits?

Accepted Answer

Benefits sufficient to maintain a decent standard of living

Answer

Benefits accessible to all in need

Answer

Benefits provided in a timely and efficient manner

Answer

Benefits proportionate to individual contributions

Question 4

Which element is NOT included in the right to social security under the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights?

Accepted Answer

Parental leave

Answer

Unemployment benefits

Answer

Old age benefits

Answer

Disability benefits

Question 5

What is the primary purpose of social security benefits?

Accepted Answer

Financial assistance for those unable to support themselves

Answer

Economic growth promotion

Answer

Crime rate reduction

Answer

Population growth control

Question 6

Differentiate between contributory and non-contributory social security benefits.

Accepted Answer

Contributory benefits are based on past contributions, while non-contributory benefits are not.

Answer

Contributory benefits are available to all citizens, while non-contributory benefits are only available to specific groups.

Answer

Contributory benefits are higher in amount than non-contributory benefits.

Answer

Contributory benefits are subject to income tax, while non-contributory benefits are not.

Question 7

Identify the primary distinction between the approaches to social security adopted by the United Kingdom and the United States.

Accepted Answer

The UK has a more comprehensive social security system, while the US adopts a more contributory approach.

Answer

The US has a more generous social security system than the UK.

Answer

The UK has a higher level of social security expenditure than the US.

Answer

There are no significant differences in the approaches of the two countries.

Question 8

Which international human rights instrument explicitly enshrines the right to social security?

Accepted Answer

The International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights

Answer

The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights

Answer

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights

Answer

The European Convention on Human Rights

Question 9

State the primary objective of unemployment benefits.

Accepted Answer

To provide income support to individuals who have lost their employment due to circumstances beyond their control.

Answer

To encourage individuals to actively seek new employment opportunities.

Answer

To penalize individuals who fail to secure new employment promptly.

Answer

To compensate employers for lost productivity resulting from unemployment.

Question 10

Identify the element that is not a defining characteristic of a comprehensive social security system.

Accepted Answer

Discrimination against特定groups

Answer

Universal coverage

Answer

Adequacy of benefits

Answer

Contributory financing

Question 11

Which fundamental principle underpins the right to social security?

Accepted Answer

The inherent dignity of all individuals and their right to a basic standard of living.

Answer

The obligation of governments to provide welfare benefits to all citizens.

Answer

The principle of equal distribution of wealth and resources.

Question 12

According to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), which of the following fall within the scope of the right to social security?

Accepted Answer

Old age, disability, unemployment, and family-related benefits.

Answer

Freedom of speech, assembly, and religion.

Answer

Equal pay for equal work and protection from discrimination.

Answer

Healthcare, education, and housing.

Question 13

What is the overarching goal of unemployment benefits?

Accepted Answer

To provide temporary financial support to individuals who have involuntarily lost their jobs.

Answer

To penalize individuals for not making sufficient efforts to find work.

Answer

To stimulate job creation and boost economic growth.

Question 14

Which of the following is NOT a common eligibility requirement for old age benefits?

Accepted Answer

Proof of continuous employment for a specified number of years.

Answer

Reaching the statutory retirement age.

Answer

Being a citizen or permanent resident of the country.

Question 15

What is the primary objective of disability benefits?

Accepted Answer

To provide financial assistance and support services to individuals with disabilities, enabling them to live independently and participate fully in society.

Answer

To prevent people from working and becoming a burden on society.

Answer

To punish individuals for acquiring disabilities.

Question 16

What is the fundamental distinction between contributory and non-contributory social security systems?

Accepted Answer

Contributory systems require individuals to make regular contributions to qualify for benefits, while non-contributory systems provide benefits based on need or universal entitlement.

Answer

Contributory systems are always more generous than non-contributory systems.

Question 17

How can technological advancements contribute to the effectiveness and accessibility of social security systems?

Accepted Answer

By automating processes, facilitating communication, and reducing administrative costs, thereby enhancing efficiency and outreach.

Answer

By creating a more equitable distribution of benefits and eliminating bias.

Answer

By eliminating the need for human interaction and personalized assistance.

Question 18

According to international human rights law, what is the primary obligation of states regarding social security?

Accepted Answer

To ensure the right to social security through a minimum level of protection for all.

Answer

To provide the highest possible level of social security benefits to all citizens.

Answer

To prevent reliance on social security and encourage individual responsibility.

Question 19

What does the principle of 'non-contributory' social security benefits imply?

Accepted Answer

Eligibility is not determined by prior contributions to a social insurance scheme.

Answer

Benefits are funded solely through charitable donations.

Answer

The government has no obligation to provide such benefits.

Question 20

Which of the following is a common criticism of means-tested social security programs?

Accepted Answer

They can create administrative complexity and high costs.

Answer

They can help reduce poverty and inequality.

Answer

They provide a safety net for the most vulnerable in society.

Question 21

In the context of the right to social security, what does the concept of 'progressive realization' mean?

Accepted Answer

States should progressively implement social security measures to the maximum of their available resources.

Answer

The right to social security only applies in developed countries.

Answer

Social security benefits should be gradually reduced as societies become more developed.

Question 22

What is the main purpose of the 'adequacy' principle in relation to social security benefits?

Accepted Answer

To ensure benefits are sufficient to meet basic needs and provide a dignified standard of living.

Answer

To encourage reliance on social security over individual savings.

Answer

To maximize government expenditure on social security programs.

Question 23

Which of the following poses a significant challenge to the long-term sustainability of social security systems worldwide?

Accepted Answer

Increasing life expectancy and aging populations

Answer

Declining birth rates in developing countries

Answer

Rising global literacy rates and education levels

Answer

Rapid technological advancements in automation

Question 24

The principle of non-discrimination in social security ensures that:

Accepted Answer

Benefits and access are provided equally, regardless of race, gender, religion, or other prohibited grounds.

Answer

Social security benefits are universally provided at the same level to everyone.

Answer

Only citizens of a country are eligible for social security benefits.

Question 25

What does the 'social model of disability' emphasize in the context of disability benefits?

Accepted Answer

It highlights how societal barriers and attitudes create disability, not just individual impairments.

Answer

It emphasizes the individual's responsibility to adapt to their impairment.

Answer

It focuses on medical interventions and cures for disabilities.

Question 26

Proponents of universal social security programs often argue that such programs:

Accepted Answer

Strengthen social cohesion, reduce inequality, and provide a sense of shared citizenship.

Answer

Discourage individual initiative and create a disincentive to work.

Answer

Are always less expensive to administer than targeted social assistance programs.