Civics
Civics
Civics
NCERT Solutions for Class 8 Social Science Civics Chapter 1 The Indian Constitution
Question 1.
Why does a democratic country need a Constitution?
Solution:
A democratic country needs a constitution because
In a democracy people choose their representatives and the leaders might misuse their
powers. Constitution provides safeguards against this.
In a democracy, the constitution ensures that the dominant group does not use power against
less powerful groups.
The constitution guarantees fundamental rights to the citizens for their social, economic, and
political welfare.
Question 2.
What is the difference in who exercises Executive Power in the 1990 and Interim Constitutions of
Nepal? Keeping this in mind, why do you think Nepal needs a new Constitution today?
Solution:
In the 1990 Nepal constitution, the Executive powers of the Kingdom were entirely in the hands of
the King. According to the Interim constitution drafted in 2007, the executive powers of Nepal are in
the hands of the council of ministers headed by the Prime Minister.
There was a dire need for a new constitution as the ideals of the people had changed as the country
had moved from a monarchy to a democracy. The old constitution was drafted when the country was
under the rule of the king. The people of Nepal fought for a democratic government for many years.
So the old constitution does not reflect the ideals of the people. The new constitution will change the
rules of the old constitution in order to bring in a new society with new ideas.
Question 3.
What would happen if there were no restrictions on the power of elected representatives?
Solution:
If there were no restrictions on the power of elected representatives then:
These leaders (representatives) might misuse their authority.
This misuse of authority can result in gross injustice and mismanagement.
Question 4
In each of the following situations, identify the minority. Write one reason why you think it is
important to respect the views of the minority in each of these situations.
(a) In a school with 30 teachers, 20 of them are male.
Question 4.
Look up the annual calendar of the holidays of your school. How many of them pertain to
different’religions? What does this indicate?
Answer:
Holidays in a school calendar for different religions:
Question 5.
Find out some examples of different views within the same religion.
Answer:
Different views are followed even within the same religion. As for example, only in the Hindu
religion, we have hundreds of deities worshipped by different groups of people. Similarly, in the
Muslim community, there are Shiyas and Shunnis. In Jainas, there are Shwetambar and Digambar
sects. In Buddha Dharma, there are Hinayaans and Mahayaans.
Question 6.
The Indian State both keeps away from religion as well as intervenes in religion. This idea can be
quite confusing. Discuss this once again in class using examples from the chapter as well as those
that you might have come up with.
Answer:
India is a land of complex ideas. It is difficult to understand what it really wants. There are many
ideals in the Constitution but practices are quite different from them. In many cases we see laws
explain a concept in a different way. But people interpret it differently. Law itself in some cases acts
differently. As for example, in secular state law has nothing to say in any of the practices of the
religion but when the dominance of upper castes in religion was brought to question the law took
favour of the lower castes. This interference of the State creates confusion.
Question 7.
This poster highlights the need for ‘Peace’. It says, “Peace is a never-ending process….. It cannot
ignore our differences or overlook our common interests.” Write in your own words what you think
the above sentences are trying to convey? How does it relate to the need for religious tolerance?
This chapter had three drawings on religious tolerance made by students of your age. Design your
own poster on religious tolerance for your peers.
Answer:
Peace is a never-ending process. It is the need of today.
Peace respects our common interest and removes or minimize our difference.
Peace helps us to live together in harmony.
I. Multiple Choice Questions
Choose the correct option:
(i) Which one is a correct statement with regard to Saudi Arabia?
(a) Non-Muslims can gather in a public place for prayer.
(b) They cannot build a temple, church, etc.
(c) They can live in their own way.
(d) None of the above
(ii) The most important aspect of secularism is its …………
(a) separation of religion from State power
(b) separation of politics from religion
(c) separation of one community from another
(d) mixing of religion with State power
(iii) The government cannot force Sikhs to wear a helmet while driving two-wheelers because
………..
(a) Sikhs are very powerful
(b) they do not obey government rules
(c) they look handsome in pagri
d) wearing a pagri is a very important part of Sikh religion
(iv) In American secularism, there is a …………
(a) the strict separation between religion and the State
(b) the loose separation between religion and the State
(c) the strict mingling of religion with the State
(d) the strict rule that contracts all religions
Answer:
(i) (b), (ii) (a), (iii) (d), (iv) (a).
II. Fill in the Blanks.
Fill in the blanks with appropriate words to complete each sentence.
1. The intervention of the State can also be in the form of ………….
2. In the United States of America, most children in government schools have to begin their school
day reciting the
3. ‘Pledge of ……………….
4. The most important aspect of secularism is its separation of religion from …………. power.
5. Government schools don’t celebrate any ………….. festivals on the school premises.
6. The Indian State is not ruled by a ……………….. group and nor does it …………… any one
religion.
Answer:
1. support
2. Allegiance
3. state
4. religious
5. religious, support
III. True/False
State whether each of the following statements is True or False.
1. In Indian secularism, the State is not strictly separate from religion.
2. Wearing a pagri is central to a Sikh’s religious practice.
3. Government schools can promote any one religion.
4. The Indian Constitution does not grant religious communities to set up their own schools and
colleges.
5. In Indian secularism, the State cannot intervene in religion.
Answer:
1. True
2. True
3. False
4. False
5. False
IV. Matching Skills
Match the items given in Column A correctly with those given in Column B.
Answer:
(i) (d), (ii) (e), (iii) (a), (iv) (b), (v) (c).
Class 8 Social Chapter 2 Understanding Secularism Very Short Answer Type Questions
Question 1.
What examples does history provide us on the grounds of religion?
Answer:
History provides us with several examples of discrimination, exclusion, and persecution on the
grounds of religion.
Question 2.
What happened in the Jewish state of Israel?
Answer:
Muslim and Christian minorities were treated badly in the Jewish state of Israel.
Question 3.
How are non-Muslims treated in Saudi Arabia?
Answer:
In Saudi Arabia, non-Muslims are not allowed to build a temple, church etc. They also cannot gather
in a public place for prayers.
Question 4.
What does the term ‘secularism’ refer to?
Answer:
The term ‘secularism’ refers to the separation of the power of religion from the power of the State.
Question 5.
What do you mean by the freedom to interpret’?
Answer:
‘Freedom to interpret’ means an individual’s liberty to develop his own understanding and meaning
of the religion that one practices.
Question 6.
Why cannot government schools celebrate religious festivals?
Answer:
Government schools cannot celebrate religious festivals because it will be a violation of the
government’s policy of treating all religions equally.
Question 7.
Why is Paramjit allowed to drive in pagri?
Answer:
Paramjit is a Sikh youth and for him wearing a pagri is a very important part of his religion.
Question 8.
How is Indian secularism different from that of American secularism?
Answer:
Unlike Indian secularism, there is a strict separation between religion and the State in American
secularism.
Question 9.
What is meant by ‘principled distance’?
Answer:
This means that any interference in religion by the State has to be based on the ideals laid out in the
Constitution.
Class 8 Social Chapter 2 Understanding Secularism Short Answer Type Questions
Question 1.
Why is it important to separate religion from the State? Explain with examples.
Answer:
There are two main reasons why the separation of religion from the State is important:
The first is to prevent the domination of one religion over another. Example: Almost all countries of
the world will have more than one religious group living in them. Within these religious groups,
there will most likely be one group that is in a majority. If this majority religious group has access to
State power, then it could quite easily use this power and financial resources to discriminate against
and persecute persons of other religions. This would violate Fundamental Rights.
The second is to protect the freedom of individuals to exit from their religion, embrace another
religion or have the freedom to interpret religious teachings differently. Example: We can give an
example of untouchability in Hindu religious practice. If state power were in the hands of those
Hindus who support untouchability, then it would be a difficult task for anyone to abolish this
practice.
Question 2.
What are the three objectives of a secular State?
Answer:
The three objectives of a secular State are:
One religious community does not dominate another.
Some members do not dominate other members of the same religious community.
The State does not enforce any particular religion nor does it take away the religious freedom of
individuals.
Question 3.
Explain with an example that in Indian secularism the State can intervene in religious affairs.
Answer:
An important aspect of India’s secularism is that the State can intervene in religious affairs. We can
prove this fact with an example of untouchability. It was a practice in which the members of the same
religion, i.e. upper-caste Hindus, dominated other members, i.e. lower caste people, within it. In
order to prevent this religion-based exclusion and discrimination of lower castes, the Indian
Constitution banned untouchability. In this instance, the State intervened in religion in order to end a
social practice that it believed discriminated against and excluded and that violated the Fundamental
Rights of Lower castes.
Question 4.
What is secularism?
Answer:
The Indian Constitution contains Fundamental Rights. These rights are very important because they
protect us against State power as well as against the tyranny of the majority. The Indian Constitution
allows individuals the freedom to live by their religious beliefs and practices as they interpret these.
Thus, our Constitution gives religious freedom to all and to maintain it India adopted a strategy of
separating the power of religion and the power of the State. Secularism is, in fact, the separation of
religion from the State.
Class 8 Social Chapter 2 Understanding Secularism Long Answer Type Questions
Question 1.
In what different ways does the Indian State work to prevent religious domination?
Answer:
Indian secularism works in various ways to prevent religious domination:
(a) It uses a strategy of distancing itself from religion. The Indian State is not ruled by a religious
group. It also does not support any one religion. In our country, government places like law courts,
police stations, government schools, and offices are not supposed to demonstrate or promote any one
religion.
(b) The second way in which Indian secularism works to prevent the domination of religion is
through a strategy of non-interference. This means that in order to respect the sentiments of all
religions and not interfere with religious practices, the State makes certain exceptions for particular
religious communities. Just take the example of the Sikh community. For Sikhs, wearing a pagri is a
very important part of their religion. The government cannot force them to wear a helmet while
driving a two-wheeler.
(c) The third way in which Indian secularism works to prevent the domination of religion is through a
strategy of intervention. Untouchability presents a good example where members of the same
religion, e.upper caste Hindus, dominate other members, lower castes within it. In order to prevent
this religion-based discrimination of lower castes, our Constitution banned untouchability. Here, the
State intervened in religion in order to uproot a social practice that it believed discriminated against
and excluded, and that violated the Fundamental Rights of the people belonging to the lower caste.
Study Important Questions for Class 6 Social Science - Social and Political Life Chapter 2 –
Understanding Secularism
Refer to Page 1 - 3 for 1 Mark Questions in the PDF
Very Short Answer Questions: 1 Mark
1. Fill in the blanks-
(i) The state can also support during _______.
Ans: Interventions - State intervention can also take the form of assistance. Religious communities in
India have the right to establish their own schools and colleges under the Indian Constitution. It also
provides them with non-preferred cash assistance.
(ii) Secularism regards detachment of religion from the_________.
Ans: State - The term 'secularism' refers to the separation of religious and state power.
(iii) A country should function_______.
Ans: Democratically - Democracy is a form of governance in which all adult citizens, directly or
through freely chosen representatives, exercise authority and civic responsibility.
(iv) No religious group can rule on India as its ________. India is a country of multiple
religions.
Ans: Discriminative - In spite of certain legal inequities, India will remain secular by law as long as
the right to life and the right to equality are not weakened.
2. State true and false.
(i) After the amendment of Hindu succession act girls can inherit father’s property.
Ans: True - Daughters have the same title to their father's self-acquired property as sons, according
to the Hindu Succession (Amendment) Act 2005, if he dies intestate, that is, without a will. All
lawful heirs will receive an equal share of the estate.
(ii) The first republic day was celebrated on 26 January 1950.
Ans: True - The Indian republic and its constitution were formally established on January 26, 1950.
In 1965, Hindi was declared the national language of India on this day in history.
(iii) The laws are made and pass in the parliament.
Ans: True - A Bill is a draught statute that becomes law after both Houses of Parliament pass it and
the President signs it. Bills are the vehicles through which all legislative initiatives are presented to
Parliament.
(iv) The constitution of India deals equally with its people without any discrimination.
Ans: True - “The State shall not deny to any individual within the territory of India equality before
the law or equal protection of the laws,” according to Article 14 of the constitution. This means that
everyone living on Indian soil has the same legal rights as everyone else. That equals will receive
equal treatment.
3. Match the following:-
Ans:
I. Diwali, Holi, Sankranti - Makar Sankranti, Shivratri, Holi, Onam, Ganesh Chaturthi,
Dussehra, and Diwali are among the most prominent Hindu festivals. They are
commemorated in various ways across the country.
II. Eid, Ramdan - Though Muslims celebrate a variety of festivals, Eid-al-Fitr and Eid-al-Adha
are the two most important. Other Muslim holidays and festivals include Muharram, Eid-ul-
Zuha, and others.
III. Lohri, Guru Parv - Sikhism, also known as Sikhi, is an Indian Dharmic religion that began
at the end of the 15th century CE in the Punjab region of the Indian subcontinent.
IV. Good Friday, Easter, Christmas - Christianity is an Abrahamic, monotheistic religion
based on Jesus of Nazareth's life and teachings. With 2.4 billion adherents, it is the world's
largest religion.
4. Choose the correct option
(i) Protection of women from domestic violence came into force in ______.
a. 1990
b. 2006
c. 2001
d. 2005
Ans: (d) 2005 - The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act of 2005 was passed by
India's Parliament to protect women from domestic violence.
(ii) A bill becomes an act after the assent of _______.
a. President
b. Prime Minister
c. Supreme Court
d. Speaker
Ans: (a) President - Article 368 of the Constitution states that the President may not withhold a
constitutional amendment bill that has been legally passed by Parliament. If the President signs the
bill, it is published in The Gazette of India and becomes an act on the day of the President's
signature. The law is dropped if he refuses to sign it, which is known as absolute veto.
5. Define the Following
(i) Coercion
Ans: Coercion is a term used to describe the practise of forcing or oppressing somebody to perform
something.
(ii) Majority
Ans: The phrase "majority" refers to the people who make up the majority of a particular
demographic.
Refer to Page 4 for 2 Marks Questions in the PDF
Short Answer Questions 2 Marks
6. What are the different kinds of religious singing that you hear more often?
Ans: Below is a list of the various sorts of religious music and singing that I hear in my
neighbourhood. Bhajans, Gurubani, Kirtan, Mass, and Namaj are some of the terms used to describe
Bhajans.
7. Why does a country need laws?
Ans: A country requires laws for the reasons listed below:-
1. Preventing people from being subjected to unjust social and cultural practises.
2. To promote social equality, as some people in society discriminate against those from lower
social classes and castes.
8. What is the most important feature of state?
Ans: The most significant aspect of state power is secularism. A democratically run country should
function.
9. What is a controversial law?
Ans: The most significant aspect of state power is secularism. A democratically run country should
function.
10. How can on criticize the unpopular laws?
Ans: There are a variety of methods that can be utilised to criticise controversial policies. Social
media, newspapers, television, protests, and so on are all examples.
Refer to Page 4-6 for 3 Marks Questions in the PDF
Short Answer Question 3 Marks
11. Define Secularism.
Ans: People in India have the freedom to follow their religious beliefs and rituals as they see fit
under the Indian Constitution. India likewise chose a strategy of splitting the power of religion and
the authority of the state, in keeping with the principle of religious freedom for all. The term
"secularism" refers to the separation of religion from the state.
12. Why is it necessary that one religious community not dominate over other? Give one
example of its violation.
Ans: It is critical that one religion group does not dominate the others in order to maintain societal
harmony. A Christian family living in a predominantly Hindu neighbourhood is not permitted to have
prayer meetings at home.
13. How the laws are made by the government?
Ans: When the government determines that something needs to be implemented inside the country
for the benefit of its residents, it creates a law and has it passed by both chambers of parliament.
Finally, the President's signature is required for this bill to become an act.
14. Can the states of India intervene in the matters of religious affairs?
Ans: India's states do not meddle with religious concerns, beliefs, or practises. However, when one
religious community infringes on the rights of other religious communities to exercise their religious
practises and affairs, and attempts to disrupt societal order, the state steps in.
15. Define Indian Secularism.
Ans: The following points can help you understand Indian secularism.
1. In India, one religion does not have a disproportionate influence over other religions.
2. Some religious communities' groups do not dominate another religious community's group.
3. The state ensures the security of all religious countries and does not impose one religion over
another.
16. Why should a group of religious community not dominate another group of same religious
community? Give an example.
Ans: A religious community's group should not be able to control another religious community's
group. Establishing a sense of equality in society is critical. People from the tribal caste are not
permitted to access the shrine grounds.
Refer to Page 6-7 for 5 Marks Questions in the PDF
Long Answer Questions 5 Marks
16. Will the government intervene if it finds out that some religious groups are practising
female infanticide in the name of their religion?
Ans: If a religious group claims that their faith enables them to conduct female infanticide, the
government will intervene, as it is the government's responsibility to ensure that there is no gender
discrimination and that both female and male children have equal rights to live. As a result, because
every kid has the right to live on this planet, the state has the authority to intervene in any religious
practise that infringes the Fundamental Rights of the female child.
17. Why is it important that the government not take anyone’s religious freedom? Give any
example of its violation.
Ans: It is critical that the state does not impose any particular religion or limit an individual's
religious freedom, as this is a violation of the fundamental right to freedom of religion. The
destruction of the Babri Masjid was in direct contravention to Muslims' religious convictions and
wounded their feelings. This resulted in a massive bloodbath across India. This is why every
administration must strive for religious unity across the board.
18. Why did the laws enforce by the government often confusing?
Ans: India is a diverse country, with each region having its own set of values and ideals. As a result,
the Indian Constitution must make difficult decisions about the extent of influence and control it can
use over religions and religious beliefs. As a result, the Constitution contains several ideals. In India,
laws explain concepts in a variety of ways, which are perceived by people in a variety of ways. In
some instances, India's legal system is obligated to respond differently. For example, the state
enables people to practise their religion freely; nevertheless, there are laws against discrimination
based on caste or creed, though there is a provision to divide religion into castes. Interference like
this causes a lot of problems.
19. Why was the Hindu succession act enacted?
Ans: Prior to the Hindu succession laws, only the family's son was eligible to inherit his father's
property. Many cases of discrimination in families for their parents' land acquisition were brought
before the courts. In 2005, the government passed the Hindu Succession (Amendment) Act to combat
gender inequality. Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Sikhs were among those who were subjected to this.
The statute made it possible to have a comprehensive system of inheritance and succession that was
free of discrimination.
20. Separating religions from the state is necessary, why? Give your views.
Ans: The most significant aspect of state power is secularism. A democratically run country should
function. Almost every country on the planet has multiple religions practising their own cultures and
residing there. Within each of these religious groups, there will very certainly be a majority. If the
majority religious group gets control of the government, it can readily utilise its position to
discriminate against and persecute people of various faiths. Religious minority may face prejudice,
oppression, and even death as a result of the majority's oppression. Minorities could easily be denied
the right to practise their religion by the majority. Any form of religious dominance is a breach of the
rights that a democratic society guarantees to every individual, regardless of their religion.
Why Do We Need a Parliament? Class 8 Notes Social Science Civics Chapter 3
The Indian Parliament was formed after 1947 to enable the citizens of India to participate in decision
making and control the government.
The Parliament is made up of elected representatives of different political parties and has a lot of
power.
The Parliament consists of total of 543 representatives. They are called Members of Parliament.
Parliament has two houses Lok Sabha, i.e. Lower House and Rajya Sabha, i.e. Upper House, headed
by their presiding officers i.e., speaker and chairman respectively.
The Vice-President is the Chairman of Rajya Sabha.
In the Parliament, some seats are reserved for SC, ST and women candidates.
The Money Bill is presented only in Lok Sabha, whereas an ordinary bill can be presented in any of
the Houses.
The important functions of Parliament include making laws, and to control, guide and inform the
government.
India got freedom after a long and tough struggle. In this struggle for freedom people from different
backgrounds participated. They were greatly inspired by the ideas of freedom, equality and
participation in decision-making.
The British government had created such a havoc that they never dared to criticise any of their
decisions even if they did not agree with them.
The freedom movement changed this situation. The nationalists began to openly criticise the British
government and make demands. They demanded that there should be elected members in the
legislature with a right to discuss the budget and ask questions. The Government of India Act 1909,
allowed for some elected representation.
However, all adults were not allowed to vote. Also people could not participate in decision making
under the British rule.
But the nationalists wanted that all persons in independent India would be able to participate in
making decisions.
Therefore, when India got freedom, the dreams and aspirations of the freedom struggle were made
concrete in the Constitution. The Constitution of Independent India laid down the principle of
universal adult franchise. Now, all adult citizens of the country have the voting right.
In a democratic form of government, the individual or citizen is the most important person. Now the
question arises how does the individual give approval to the government? One way of doing so is
through elections.
People would elect their representatives to the Parliament, then one group from among these elected
representatives forms the government.
The Parliament is made up of all representatives together and it guides the government.
It means people through their chosen representatives form the government and control it.
The Indian Parliament came into existence in 1947. It is the representative of the people and enjoys
immense powers.
Elections to the Parliament are held in a similar manner as they are for the state legislature.
The Lok Sabha is usually elected once every five years. The country is divided into several
constituencies. Each of these constituencies elects one person to the Parliament.
The candidates who contest elections usually belong to different political parties. Once elected, these
candidates become Members of Parliament, also known as MPs. These MPs together form the
Parliament.
The Parliament performs several functions. It selects the national government.
The Parliament in India consists of the President, the Rajya Sabha and the Lok Sabha.
After the Lok Sabha elections are declared, the leader of the party with the majority of elected
members is invited by the President to form a government. The other political parties form the
opposition. The largest amongst these parties are known as the opposition party.
Sometimes, it so happens that one political party does not get a clear majority. In such a situation a
group of parties comes together to form a government. Such a government is known as a coalition
government.
The Prime Minister of India is the leader of the ruling party in the Lok Sabha. From the MPs who
belong to his party, the Prime Minister selects ministers to work with him to implement decisions.
The Rajya Sabha functions primarily as the representative of the states of India in the Parliament.
It plays an important role of reviewing and altering (alterations are required) the laws initiated by the
Lok Sabha.
The Parliament keeps a check on the ministers and their work. MPs have the right to question the
ministers about the working of their departments. This is usually done during the question hour.
The government gets valuable feedback and is kept on its toes by the questions by the MPs.
In all matters dealing with finances, the Parliament’s approval is crucial for the government.
The Parliament makes laws for the entire country.
The Parliament now has more and more people from diverse backgrounds.
There has also been an increase in political participation from the Dalit and backward castes and the
minorities.
Some seats are reserved in the Parliament for SCs and STs.
It has also been suggested that there should be reservation of seats for women. However, this issue is
still debated.
EVM: It stands for Electronic Voting Machine.
Approval: It refers to the formal consent through elected representatives that Parliament has as well
as the fact that it needs to continue to enjoy the people’s trust.
Representative: The person who is elected by the people is known as the people’s representative.
Universal Adult Franchise: All adult citizens of the country enjoy the right to vote.
Coalition: When one party does not get a clear majority, a group of political parties
form a coalition and elect a leader who then forms a government, known as a coalition government.
Parliament: The Parliament in India consists of the President, the Rajya Sabha and the Lok Sabha. It
is the highest law-making body in the country. It is also known as Sansad.
Rajya Sabha: It is also known as the Council of States. Its total membership is 245.
It is chaired by the Vice-President of India.
Lok Sabha: It is also known as the House of the People. Its total membership is 545.
It is presided over by the Speaker.
Opposition Party: The opposition in Parliament is formed by all the political parties that oppose the
majority party or coalition formed. The largest amongst these parties is known as the opposition
party.
Ruling party: The party that rules the country.
Unresolved: It refers to the situations in which there are no easy solutions to problems.
Chapter 3 Why Do We Need a Parliament
Question 1
Why do you think the nationalist movement supported the idea that all adults have a right to vote?
Solution:
The national movement supported the idea that all adults have a right to vote because of the
following reasons:
Every responsible citizen should participate in the government.
Law-making and decision-making should also be shared by the adults of the country.
Question 2.
In this 2004, map of Parliamentary constituencies, roughly identify the constituencies in your State.
What is the name of the MP from your constituency? How many MPs does your state have? Why are
certain constituencies coloured green while others are coloured blue?
Answer:
Question 3.
You have read in Chapter 1 that the ‘Parliamentary form of government’ that exists in India has three
tiers. This includes the Parliament (Central Government) and the various State Legislatures (state
governments).
Fill in the following table with information on the various representatives from your area:
State Government. Central Government
Which political
party/parties is/are
currently in power?
Who (name) is the
current representative
from your area?
Which political parties
currently form the
Opposition?
When were elections
last held?
When will the next
elections be held?
How many women
representatives are there
(from your state)?
Answer:
The answer will vary for each state. One example is:
State Government
Central Government
(Uttar Pradesh)
Which political
party/parties is/are Samajwadi Party BJP Led NDA
currently in power?
Who (name) is the
Laxmi Kant Rajender Aggarwal
current representative
Vajpayee (Meerut)
from your area?
Which political parties
Bahujan
currently form the Congress
Samajwadi Party
Opposition?
When were elections
In 2012 In 2014
last held?
When will the next
In should be 2017 In 2019
elections be held?
How many women
representatives are there Find yourself Find yourself
from your state?
Study Important Questions for Class 8 Social Science Civics- Chapter 3 - Why do we need a
Parliament
Very Short Answer Questions: 1 Mark
1. Fill in the blanks-
(i) The members of Lok Sabha are known as ______.
Ans: Member of Parliament - In the Indian system of government, a Member of the Legislative
Assembly (MLA) is a representative elected by the voters of an electoral district (constituency) to the
legislature of the State government. The voters elect one representative from each constituency, who
subsequently becomes a member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA).
(ii) The members of Rajya Sabha are known as _______.
Ans: Member of Legislative assembly - A Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha (abbreviated:
MP) is an Indian state's representative in one of India's two houses of Parliament (Rajya Sabha).
(iii) The Parliament of India has _____ houses.
Ans: Two - The Indian Parliament is made up of the President and two Houses: the Rajya Sabha
(Council of States) and the Lok Sabha (House of People) (Lok Sabha)
(iv) PMO is the abbreviation of______.
Ans: Prime minister’s Office - The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) is the Prime Minister's main
office. It is made up of various levels of support personnel who report to the Prime Minister. PMO
stands for Project Management Office in its full form.
2. State true and false.
(i) The Lok Sabha is a permanent house.
Ans: False - The upper chamber, the Rajya Sabha (Council of States), is a permanent body that
cannot be dissolved.
(ii) The session of the parliament begins with question hour.
Ans: True - The first hour of the Lok Sabha's sitting session is devoted to inquiries from members of
Parliament about any part of administrative activity.
(iii) EVMs were first used in the year 2004.
Ans: True - Electronic Voting Machines ("EVM") have been used in Indian general and state
elections to implement electronic voting in part since the 1999 general election and most recently in
the 2018 state elections held in five Indian states.
(iv) The questions asked in Lok Sabha are addressed to the Prime Minister.
Ans: False - The Secretary General of the Lok Sabha receives the notifications of questions, which
must include the official designation of the Minister to whom the question is addressed.
3. Match the following:-
Ans:
Lower House - The Lok Sabha, or House of the People, is India's bicameral Parliament's
lower house, with the Rajya Sabha serving as the upper house.
Upper House - The Rajya Sabha, or Council of States, is India's bicameral Parliament's
upper house.
Lok Sabha - The Lok Sabha has a Speaker and a Deputy Speaker, according to Article 93 of
the Indian Constitution. Both the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha are
elected from among its members by a simple majority of those present and voting in the
House.
Right to Vote - All adult citizens, with the exception of a few minor exclusions, have the
right to vote regardless of their money, income, gender, social standing, race, ethnicity,
political attitude, or any other restriction.
4. Choose the correct option
(i) The Rajya Sabha is also known as the council of _______.
a. Ministers
b. Advocates
c. Executives
d. None of the above
Ans: (a) Ministers - House of States or Council of States is the name given to the Rajya Sabha. The
state legislative assemblies elect members to the Rajya Sabha. At its core, its members represent the
state. The Rajya Sabha defends the states' rights and interests against the federal government.
(ii) ______ house dissolves after every five years.
a. Lower
b. Upper
c. a and b both
d. None of the above
Ans: (c) a and b both - The Houses of Parliament cannot be dissolved at the same time. Because the
Rajya Sabha is a permanent house, it cannot be dissolved, whereas the Lok Sabha can. It is possible
to disband both the Rajya Sabha and the Lok Sabha.
5. Define the Following
(i) Unresolved
Ans: When there is no solution to a problem, it is said to be unresolved.
(ii) Opposition
Ans: The opposition is made up of parties that gained votes in their constituencies but were unable to
gain a majority.
Refer to Page 4 for 2 marks Questions in the PDF
Short Answer Questions: 2 Marks
6. Who is the leader of the ruling party?
Ans: The Prime Minister is the party's leader. He is a member of the Lok Sabha.
7. Who selects the minister of different ministries?
Ans: The Prime Minister of India appoints ministers to various ministries. These ministers assist the
Prime Minister in carrying out his choices.
8. What is the most important function of the Lok Sabha?
Ans: The Lok Sabha's most essential role is to elect the executive. Ministers are the title given to
these executives.
9. What is the question hour in Parliament?
Ans: The question hour is a parliamentary session during which opposition parties inquire about the
ruling party's activities during the year.
10. What is the number of the members in the lower house of the parliament?
Ans: There are 233 members that were elected, plus 12 members who were nominated by the
President.
Refer to Page 4-5 for 3 marks Questions in the PDF
Short Answer Questions: 3 Marks
11. Why did the national movement favour the voting of adults?
Ans: The British administration was opposed to enabling Indian adults to vote or participate in the
decision-making process. As a result, the nationalist movement came to believe that all adults should
have the opportunity to vote for the best candidate.
12. How does parliament become an instrument to control, guide and to inform the
government?
Ans: The parliament's session begins with question hour. The question hour is a parliamentary
session during which opposition parties inquire about the ruling party's activities during the year. The
government is in charge of responding to all of them. As a result, the entire Parliamentary process
becomes a tool for controlling, guiding, and informing the government.
13. What is the basic premise of Democracy?
Ans: The concept of consent is the cornerstone of democracy. For instance, the people's
participation, approbation, and willingness to form government and see it function. The citizen is the
most important person in a democracy, and all government institutions should have faith in them.
14. What does the article 17 of the Indian constitution state?
Ans: “Untouchability” is abolished, and its practise in any form is prohibited, according to Article
17. Any disability imposed as a result of "Untouchability" shall be considered a criminal offense
punished by law."
15. Who are the people that sit in the parliament?
Ans: The parliament is made up of representatives from several seats. They are elected MPs and
MLAs from their respective seats.
Refer to Page 5-7 for 5 marks Questions in the PDF
Long Answer Questions: 5 Marks
16. What is the role of a parliament and what is its importance?
Ans: Parliament is a place where people's representatives get together to establish laws for the
common good. The parliament is also where bills and budgets are drafted. The finance minister
prepares the budget for the general welfare of the people and submits it to parliament for approval.
Parliament is a place where decisions are made. Parliament is the most important concept in a
democratic government. The ruling party, which also forms the government, and the opposition
parties meet in parliament to discuss and debate laws, which are then passed for the benefit of the
people.
17. How is a national government selected?
Ans: Every five years, elections are held to elect a national government. India is a massive country
with over 500 electoral districts. Every constituency has a member of parliament. The electoral
process selects these MPs. People vote for their preferred representative. The winning representatives
are seated in parliament, and the winning party forms the government if it maintains a majority. The
winning party's MPs elect their leader, who is often known as the Prime Minister. Some of these MPs
are assigned to different ministries, and they work for the people's benefit and welfare. If no party
achieves a majority, several parties join forces to create a coalition government.
18. What are the functions of the Rajya Sabha?
Ans: The Rajya Sabha is the Parliament's representative body for India's many states. The bill could
potentially be introduced in the Rajya Sabha. To become legislation, a bill must pass the Rajya
Sabha. As a result, like the Lok Sabha, the Rajya Sabha has the power to make and alter laws by the
government. In the Rajya Sabha, representatives from the government and opposition parties sit
together and provide their consent or dissent to a bill tabled in the Rajya Sabha. There are 233
members that were elected, plus 12 members who were nominated by the President.
19. How does the opposition play a major role in the affairs of the government?
Ans: The Parliamentary session opens with a question hour. The question hour is a parliamentary
session during which opposition parties inquire about the ruling party's activities during the year.
This is a critical way in which Parliament assesses the executive branch. The government learns
about the concerns of the common people via the inquiries of the representatives, i.e. the MPs. Every
MP's primary responsibility is to question the government. Opposition parties play a critical role in a
democracy's healthy functioning. They draw attention to flaws in the government's policies and
operations, and they garner public support for their positions.
When a party is unable to create a government due to a lack of a majority, he seeks other parties to
join him in forming a government. Coalition government is the name for this type of government. It
could be a brief or long-term partnership.
(iii) The Sedition Act of _____ proved to be a turning point in the Indian freedom struggle.
Ans: 1870 - Anyone criticizing or protesting the British government might be arrested without a trial
under the Sedition Act of 1870.
(iv) Imposition of one’s religion over another is against the fundamental right of_________.
Ans: Freedom of religion - Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion,
which includes the freedom to change one's religion or belief and the freedom to manifest one's
religion or belief in worship, teaching, practise, and observance, whether alone or in community with
others and in public or private.
2. State true and false.
(i) The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act came into effect in 2006.
Ans: True - The purpose of the Act is to provide a rapid, straightforward, and affordable legal
remedy for stalking incidents in the form of a protection order.
(ii) Indians played a major role in the evolution of the rule of law during the colonial period.
Ans: True - Indians began to use the law to protect their legal rights. Judges in India began to take a
larger role in decision-making. As a result, during the colonial period, Indians played a significant
part in the development of the rule of law.
(iii) The early 2000s saw prominent cases of domestic violence on Indian women.
Ans: False - Domestic violence in India can be any form of abuse perpetrated by a biological
relation, however it is most commonly perpetrated by male members of a woman's family or
relations.
(iv) The Indian judges began to play an important role in the decision-making process.
Ans: True - They began to use the law to safeguard Indians' legal rights. Indian judges began to
assume a larger part in decision-making as well.
3. Match the following:-
Ans:
I. 1919 - The Imperial Legislative Council, British India's legislature, passed the Rowlatt Acts
in February 1919. The acts allowed for the trial of some political crimes without juries and
the imprisonment of suspects without charge.
II. 1870 - Anyone criticizing or protesting the British government might be arrested without a
trial under the Sedition Act of 1870.
III. Lead to Conflict - It will be contentious and lead to conflict if the legislation favours one
group while ignoring the other.
IV. 2006 - The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act of 2005 was passed by India's
Parliament to protect women from domestic violence. On October 26, 2006, the Indian
government and the Ministry of Women and Child Development signed it into law.
V.
VI.
4. Choose the correct option
(i) A bill becomes an act after the assent of _________.
a. Prime Minister
b. Supreme Court
c. CJI
d. President
Ans: (d) President - Article 368 of the Constitution states that the President may not withhold a
constitutional amendment bill that has been legally passed by Parliament. If the President signs the
bill, it is published in The Gazette of India and becomes an act on the day of the President's
signature. The law is dropped if he refuses to sign it, which is known as absolute veto.
(ii) Abuse includes_________.
a. Economic Abuse
b. Sexual Abuse
c. Verbal Abuse
d. All of the above
Ans: (d) All of the above - The use of spoken or written words to communicate, suggest, or imply
sexual content is known as verbal sexual abuse. Verbal sexual abuse is common, and it can happen in
social situations, at work, or at home.
5. Define the Following
(i) Rowlatt Act
Ans: The Rowlatt Act gave the British the power to imprison persons without a trial.
(ii) Rule of Law
Ans: The rule of law is defined as the application of every law equally to all citizens.
Short Answer Questions: 2 Marks
6. What was the Rowlatt act?
Ans: The Rowlatt Act gave the British the power to imprison persons without a trial.
7. What was the “Prevention and Protection from Domestic Violence” act about?
Ans: Women were the focus of the “Prevention and Protection from Domestic Violence Act.” This
law was put in place to protect them from prejudice.
8. What do you mean by law?
Ans: Law is a system of rules that regulates a group of people and is usually imposed by the
government or a legal organization.
9. What was the Sedition Act during British India?
Ans: Anyone observed protesting or criticizing the British government is subject to immediate arrest
under this Act.
10. Are the laws of ancient India and modern India same?
Ans: No, present Indian laws are vastly different from those of ancient India. Ancient Indian rules
were extremely discriminatory and unjust.
Short Answer Questions: 3 Marks
11. What do you mean by understanding laws?
Ans: Understanding laws refers to the concept of comprehending how laws are produced and
implemented. Not only should we be aware of the consequences of any crime, but we should also be
aware of the laws that have been enacted for our benefit.
12. What is violation of law?
Ans: The following points can help you understand what it means to break the law:-
When a person commits a crime.
Any conduct that is potentially detrimental to society and government.
When we attempt to disrupt society's harmony and peace.
Any act that is contrary to the rule of law.
13. What do you mean by rule of law?
Ans: The laws are enacted for the citizens' benefit and security.
In no way, shape, or form, these laws may be discriminatory. These rules prohibit discrimination
based on caste, creed, culture, or religion. The rule of law is defined as the application of all laws to
all citizens equally.
14. Why does any country need laws?
Ans: Laws are necessary for the following reasons:-
Laws protect everyone from being exploited in any way.
Some laws restrict untouchability, which aids in the spread of inequality.
Laws ensure that everyone is treated equally.
Laws assist the government in getting the most out of all types of resources.
15. Why did the historians reject the idea that the Rule of Law was given by the British?
Ans: Historians refute the assertion that the British were the ones who established the rule of law in
India. This is because the British followed subjective and arbitrary colonial legislation. They are
convinced that Indian nationalists played a significant role in the development of British India's legal
system.
Long Answer Questions: 5 Marks
16. How was the law “Prevention and Protection from Domestic Violence” granted as an Act?
Discuss briefly.
Ans: Domestic abuse against Indian women was common in the early 1990s. In order to write the
Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Bill, law students and activists began protesting.
People from all around the country came out in support of this bill, holding meetings all over the
country. When this measure was first introduced in Parliament in 2002, there was a lot of backlash.
Several women's organizations have asked for modifications to this bill. The Parliamentary Standing
Committee highlighted these concerns and made recommendations to the Rajya Sabha and the Lok
Sabha in December 2002. The Committee agreed to most of these demands. The President gave his
permission to The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act in 2006 after it was passed by
both chambers of Parliament.
17. How did the changes in Rule of Law take place at the time of British India?
Ans: The 1870 Sedition Act was a watershed moment in the Indian freedom struggle. Anyone
observed protesting or criticizing the British government is subject to immediate arrest under this
Act. This infuriated Indian nationalists, who began demonstrating and condemning the British
people's arbitrary use of authority. By the late 1800s, the Indians had asserted themselves in colonial
courts. The role of Indian judges in the decision-making process began to improve. This explains
why the Indians were so important in the development of the rule of law throughout the colonial
period.
18. How was the rule different in ancient India?
Ans: There used to be a plethora of local laws in India, most of which overlapped. Different groups
had varying degrees of autonomy in deciding these regulations among themselves. In other
situations, the punishment meted out to two people for the same act differed based on their caste
backgrounds, with lower castes being punished more harshly. As the practice of law progressed
during the colonial period, this began to change on purpose. This occurred as a result of inequalities
in castes and religions that were widely diffused and practiced throughout India.
19. How did the Rowlatt Act implement?
Ans: The Rowlatt Act gave the British the power to imprison persons without a trial. The Rowlatt
bills were fiercely opposed by Indian nationalists, including Mahatma Gandhi. Despite widespread
opposition, the Rowlatt Act was passed on March 10, 1919. Protests against the act continued
throughout Punjab, and two of the campaign's leaders, Dr. Saifuddin and Dr. Satyapal, were detained
on April 10th. On the 13th of April, a general gathering was called in Amritsar's Jallianwala Bagh to
protest the arrests.
20. Define rule of law and its implementation briefly.
Ans: Law is a system of rules that regulates a group of people and is usually imposed by the
government or a legal organization. Such laws aid in the shaping of a nation's society and politics in
a variety of ways, ensuring that all citizens live in peace and harmony. Violation of such laws causes
havoc and is usually punished. When someone tries to impose a certain religion on a school or other
educational institution, this is an example of a legal infraction. Students should not be forced or
coerced into following a certain religion against their will. Such restrictions violate the fundamental
right to religious liberty.
Ans:
I. Criminal Law Cases - The person who has been the victim of such a crime frequently files a
complaint with the police. Anyone can report a crime to the police, either in writing or orally.
II. Disputes between Center and States - When a dispute arises between Indian states or
between state governments and the Union government, the Supreme Court has jurisdiction
under Article 131 of the Constitution, which provides it the authority to decide such disputes.
III. Key Feature of Constitution - The separation of powers system separates the government's
responsibilities into three branches: legislative, executive, and judicial. These tasks are
distributed among many institutions in such a way that each may double-check the work of
the others.
IV. Uphold the Law of the Land - The fundamental framework also established three
governmental organs: executive, judiciary, and legislative, with the Judiciary's role being to
preserve the rule of law.
V.
VI.
4. Choose the correct option
(i) In ______ courts people interact with each other.
a. Subordinate Courts
b. Supreme Courts
c. High Courts
d. National Courts
Ans: (a) Subordinate Courts - Subordinate or district courts are the courts with which the majority
of people deal. These are mainly located in towns or at the district or Tehsil level, and they hear a
variety of cases.
(ii) ______ is the Chief Justice of India
a. Ranjan Gogoi
b. Sarad Arvind Bobde
c. Dipak Mishra
d. Jagdish Singh Khehar
Ans: (b) Sarad Arvind Bobde - Sharad Arvind Bobde is an Indian judge who served as the
country's 47th Chief Justice from November 18, 2019 to April 23, 2021. He formerly served as the
Chief Justice of the Madhya Pradesh High Court.
5. Define the Following
(i) Acquitted
Ans: Acquitted refers to a person who has been cleared of all allegations against him and has not
been found guilty.
(ii) To Appeal
Ans: The process of petitioning a higher court for a reversal of a lower court's decision is known as
"to appeal."
Short Answer Questionss: 2 Marks
6. Why is the judiciary necessary?
Ans: The judiciary is required to uphold the country's or state's laws.
7. Who separates the powers of the Parliament?
Ans: The Indian Constitution divides Parliament's powers into three categories: legislative,
executive, and judicial.
8. What do the Civil laws deal with?
Ans: Civil law deals with issues such as property, money, and marriage conflicts, among other
things.
9. What do you mean by acquitted?
Ans: Acquitted refers to a person who has been cleared of all allegations against him and has not
been found guilty.
10. What is “To appeal” in the matter of courts?
Ans: The process of petitioning a higher court for a reversal of a lower court's decision is known as
"to appeal."
Short Answer Questions: 3 Marks
11. Which court is the apex court of India?
Ans: The Supreme Court of India is the country's apex court, or highest court. The Chief Justice of
India is in charge of the court's judges. All of the apex court's functions are administered by the CJI.
Justice Sarad Arvind Bobde is the current Chief Justice of India.
12. Why is the independence of the Judiciary necessary?
Ans: Courts play a crucial role in "upholding the law and enforcing fundamental rights," since they
ensure that the executive and legislative branches do not interfere or abuse their power. As a result,
having an independent judiciary is essential.
13. What are Subordinate Courts?
Ans: Subordinate courts are the courts where the majority of people contact. District courts, or Tehsil
level courts, are sometimes known as subordinate courts because they are located in the districts of
the states.
14. What is your opinion about the Constitutional Remedies prescribed by the Constitution of
India?
Ans: The Constitution establishes the Right to Constitutional Remedies, which permits any citizen to
seek justice in court against anyone who acts to restrict or violate any of the citizen's Fundamental
Rights. It also relates to the concept of judicial review, because the judiciary's independence is
necessary to protect citizens' rights.
15. Why did the Olga Tellis protest?
Ans: They questioned whether or not they had the right to survive. Because of their poverty, they had
little choice but to sleep on the street or in a slum near their workplace. This meant they possessed a
Right to Livelihood as well as a Right to Life.
Long Answer Questions: 5 Marks
16. What are the duties of the government to ensure food safety for the people of its citizens?
Ans: The following are the government's responsibilities, as outlined on this poster:-
According to the government, everyone should have access to food.
The government should take steps to ensure that no one goes to bed hungry.
The government must ensure that those most vulnerable to hunger, such as the elderly,
disabled, widows, and others, receive special attention.
The government must ensure that no one dies as a result of hunger or malnutrition.
17. Construct a story for the theme “Justice delayed is justice denied”.
Ans: Mr. Satyaprakash, a banker, lived a simple and happy life. He was the father of two young
children and the husband of an unemployed lady. Mr. Satyaprakash was gravely injured in an
accident on his way home from work one day, and he lost his ability to walk. His wife filed a lawsuit
in court to recover damages from the guy who knocked him down. However, because the court took
over eight years to issue a ruling approving the compensation of Rs. ten lakhs from the guilty party,
Mr. Satyaprakash's children were unable to finish their studies, leaving them uninformed. As a result,
it is correct to say that "justice delayed is justice denied."
18. Discuss the case between the Olga Tellis and the Municipal corporation of Bombay.
Ans: The case of Olga Tellis vs. Bombay Municipal Corporation was notable because it brought to
light the problems of lakhs of people who live on the streets and in slums in Bombay. They
accounted for roughly half of Bombay's population. These men and women went to court to find
another place to live before being forced to leave their homes on the streets and in slums. They cited
Article 21 of the Constitution, which states that no one may be deprived of his or her life except in
accordance with legal procedures.
19. Explain the working of different types of courts of India in the Sudha Goel case.
Ans: Lower court: In the case, the Lower Court found Sudha's husband, mother, and brother-in-law
guilty and delivered a decision that sentenced all three to death. The High Court ruled that Sudha's
husband, mother, and brother-in-law were all innocent and set them free. Supreme Court: The
Supreme Court ruled that Sudha's husband and mother were guilty in the case and hence condemned
them to life in prison. The court also declared the brother-in-law innocent and released him.
20. Why do you think the independence of the Judiciary is necessary?
Ans: Judiciaries can be swayed by powerful politicians and wealthy individuals. It is essential to
have an independent judiciary, which permits the courts to play a major role in "upholding the law
and enforcing fundamental rights," as it ensures that the executive and legislative branches do not
interfere or misuse power. As a result, everyone has the right to file a complaint with the courts if
they believe their rights have been violated. This precludes persons in positions of power from
influencing or manipulating any decision.
Understanding Our Criminal Justice System Class 8 Notes Social Science Civics Chapter 6
There are four key players in the criminal justice system: The Police, The Public Prosecutor, The
Defence Lawyer and The Judge.
The main role of the police is to investigate a crime, when FIR, i.e. First Information Report is
registered at a police station.
An investigation includes recording statement of witness and collecting different kinds of evidence.
The role of the Public Prosecutor begins when the police have filed the charge sheet in the court.
The Public Prosecutor conducts the prosecution on the behalf of the State.
The Judge conducts the trial impartially in an open court and on the basis of the evidence presented,
he pronounces the sentence.
According to Indian Constitution, every citizen, irrespective of the class, caste, gender, religion and
background must get a fair trial when accused.
A boy under 15 years of age and women cannot be called to the Police Station only for questioning.
The Indian Constitution guaranteed that every arrested person must be presented before a magistrate
within 24 hours of arrest.
There are four people who play a key role in our criminal justice system. These are: the police, the
Public Prosecutor, the defence lawyer and the judge.
The role of the police begins with the lodging of an FIR in the police station. After the registration of
the FIR, the police start the investigation. On the basis of the investigation, they form an opinion.
If the police think that the evidence points to the guilt of the accused person, then they file a charge
sheet in the court.
Police investigations always have to be conducted in accordance with the law and with full respect
for human rights.
The police are not allowed to torture or beat or shoot anyone during an investigation.
In court, the Public Prosecutor represents the interests of the State. His role begins once the police
has conducted the investigation and filed the charge-sheet in the court.
The Public Prosecutor is expected to act impartially and present the full and material facts, witnesses
and evidence before the court.
The defence lawyer acts on behalf of the accused. He also produces witnesses and evidence before
the court in favour of his client.
The judge hears all the witnesses and any other evidence presented by the prosecution and the
defence.
Afterwards, he decides whether the accused person is guilty or innocent.
It the accused is guilty, then the judge pronounces the sentence.
Witness: It refers to the person who is called upon in court to give a first-hand account of what
he/she has seen, heard or knows.
Detention: It refers to the situation when the police forcibly keeps someone in custody.
Offence: Any act that is defined by the law as a crime.
Investigation: It refers to an official examination of the facts about a crime.
Memo: It refers to an official note.
Cognizable: It refers to an offence for which the police may arrest a person without the court’s
permission.
Cross-examine: To question the witness carefully who has already been examined by the opposite
side to determine the truth of his/her testimony.
Evidence: It refers to the facts or signs that make you believe that something is true.
Confession: Acceptance of an offence.
NCERT Solutions for Class 8 Social Science Civics Chapter 6 Our Criminal Justice System
NCERT Solutions for Class 8 Social Science Civics Chapter 6 Our Criminal Justice System
Question 1.
Define the term “Criminal Justice System’.
Solution:
Criminal justice system is the ‘body of law’ or ‘Court’ regulating the inquiry into whether a person
has violated criminal law or not.
Question 2.
Write a brief note on the criminal procedure in the Criminal Justice System in India.
Solution:
A crime is first reported by the victim to the Police and the police file a FIR or First Information
Report. Then the police begin the investigation and arrest the suspected person or persons. The police
then file a charge sheet in the Magistrate’s Court. The trial begins in court. The Public Prosecutor
represents the victim and the accused can defend themselves with the help of a lawyer. Once the trial
is over the accused is either convicted or acquitted. If convicted, the accused can appeal to the higher
court.
Question 3.
What is the role of the police in the Criminal Justice System?
Solution:
In the Criminal Justice System the police play the role of investigating the case and arresting the
accused.
Question 4.
What are the guidelines that the police have to follow during investigation?
Solution:
Police investigations have to be conducted in accordance with law and with full respect for human
rights. The police are not allowed to torture or beat or shoot anyone during investigation. They
cannot inflict any form of punishment on a person even for petty offences.
Question 5.
What are D.K. Basu Guidelines?
Solution:
D.K. Basu Guidelines are as follows
1. The police officials who carry out the arrest or interrogation should wear clear, accurate and
visible identification and name tags with their designations.
2. A memo of arrest should be prepared at the time of arrest and should include the time and date of
arrest. It should also be attested by at least one witness who could include a family member of
the person arrested. The arrest memo should be counter-signed by the person arrested.
3. The person arrested, detained or being interrogated has a right to inform a relative, friend or well
wisher.
4. When a friend or relative lives outside the district, the time, place of arrest and venue of custody
must be notified by police within 8 to 12 hours after arrest.
Question 6.
What is a FIR?
Solution:
FIR stands for First Information Report. The police have to file a FIR whenever a person gives
information about a known offence. This information can be given to the police either orally or in
writing. A FIR is necessary for the police to begin their investigations into a crime.
The FIR should mention the date, time and place of the offence, details about the offence, including a
description of the events. The FIR should also state the name and address of the complainant. There
is a prescribed form in which the police register an FIR and it is signed by the complainant. The
complainant also has a legal right to get a free copy of the FIR from the police.
Question 7.
Who is a Prosecutor?
Solution:
‘The Prosecutor’ is a lawyer representing the state or the people of the state in a criminal trial.
Question 8.
Why is the Prosecutor called a Public Prosecutor?
Solution:
The Prosecutor who represents the State is called a Public Prosecutor as a criminal offence is
regarded as a public wrong, which has been committed not only against the victim, but also against
the society as a whole.
Question 9.
What is the role of the judge in the Criminal Justice System?
Solution:
The judge conducts the trial impartially and in an open court. The judge hears all the witnesses and
any other evidence presented by the prosecution and the defence. The judge decides whether the
accused person is guilty or innocent on the basis of the evidence presented and in accordance with
the law. If the accused is convicted, then the judge pronounces the sentence. He may send the person
to jail or impose a fine or both, depending on what the law prescribes.
Question 10.
What are the procedures that have to be followed if the criminal trial has to be a Fair Trial?
Solution:
A copy of the charge sheet and all other evidence has to be given to the accused. The trial has to be
held in an open court, in public view, and should be in the presence of the accused. The accused has
to be given a lawyer to defend himself in case he cannot afford to employ a lawyer.
The Prosecution has to prove beyond doubt the guilt of the accused and the Judge has to pass the
judgment only on the basis of the evidence before the court.
Study Important Questions for Class 8 Social Science(Civics) Chapter 6 – Understanding Our
Criminal Justice System
Very Short Answer Questions: (1 Mark)
1. Fill in the blanks-
(i) The innocent is _____ in a fair trial.
Ans: Acquitted
(ii) Any act that is defined as a crime is called _____.
Ans: Offence
(iii) An accused is an individual who is tried by _____ for the crime.
Ans: The court
(iv) ______ guarantees a fair trial to every citizen.
Ans: Article 21
i. Detention Crime
Ans:
(i) Detention-Keeping in illegal custody
(ii) Impartial-Fair
(iii) Open court-Public view
(iv) Offence-Crime
12. What are the rights that Article 22 of the Indian Constitution provides?
Ans: The following rights are guaranteed under Article 22 of the Indian constitution:
1. The arrested person should be notified of the reason for his or her arrest.
2. The person who has been arrested should be brought before the court within 24 hours.
3. The arrested individual has the right to refuse medical treatment.
4. The confession given while detained by the police is invalid.
5. Only a lady and a boy are allowed to be summoned to the police station for questioning.
13. What are the guidelines stoat the Supreme Court of India has set for the Police?
Ans: The Indian Supreme Court has established the following guidelines for the police force:
1. Police officers who conduct investigations and arrests must dress appropriately and wear a
prominent name tag.
2. A memo should be written that includes the time and date.
3. The arrested person's family member must attest to the document.
14. Can the state provide a lawyer to the victim who cannot afford the fee of an advocate?
Ans: Yes, the state has the authority to appoint a public prosecutor to represent the victim in court.
Article 22 of the Indian constitution guarantees that everyone has the right to be represented by a
lawyer. Another article 39A of the Indian Constitution instructs the state to provide a person with a
lawyer to fight his or her case if he or she is unable to employ one.
15. Why do you think the confessions made in police custody are not valid?
Ans: Confessions made by the accused or victim while in police custody are not valid since they
could be made under duress. Under the duress of any prominent politician, the police may record a
fake statement and bring it to court.
Long Answer Questions: (5 Marks)
16. Discuss the guidelines that police should follow during the investigation.
Ans: The Constitution's entity is the police. He is obligated to assist India's citizens by protecting
their rights and making them feel safer from crime. The police should work in accordance with the
guidelines laid out in the criminal proceedings. For the sake of suspicion, he should not disturb
everyone. The police should be held to a higher standard than anyone else. His primary role is to
gather evidence and present it to the judge for a more thorough hearing and consent. The police must
be impartial and adhere to human rights principles. No one can be shot unnecessarily by the police.
This copy of the FIR will also hold the police accountable for locating the perpetrator and bringing
him or her before the court for punishment if proven guilty.
18. What is your opinion on giving different people different roles in the case of court?
Ans: Distinct people must play different roles in the criminal justice system since any decision must
be based on specific evidence, and the people involved must be treated fairly. Each of the
responsibilities played by different people, such as the police, the public prosecutor, the defense
lawyer, and the judge, assists in gathering evidence and cross-examining witnesses in order to
identify the genuinely guilty person and sanction him so that the victim wins the case fairly. Because
all persons are equal in the eyes of the law, different people in different roles are required to be active
in the criminal justice system.
13. Why are the safeguards of the Constitution necessary for minority communities?
Ans: The safeguards in the Constitution are necessary to keep minority communities from being
marginalised and culturally controlled by the majority groups in society. If such measures are not in
place, minorities may be subjected to harassment and neglect.
14. How would you explain about the Adivasis to your friend?
Ans: In response to the friend’s remarks on Adivasis, I would tell her that they have an in-depth
knowledge of the forests and were traditionally hunter-gatherers and nomads who depended on
forests for their livelihood. They started to settle in one place by beginning the practice of
agriculture.. They also have their own style of communication which is believed to be as ancient as
the Sanskrit language.
15. Why was it not possible for Adivasis to merge with other people?
Ans: The Adivasis have their own culture and traditions. Outside the tribal community, they are
regarded as a distinct group of people. It is difficult for both populations to tolerate one other due to
differences in culture and customs, as well as illiteracy.
17. How economic marginalisation and social marginalisation are inter-linked? Explain.
Ans: Economic and social marginalisation are inextricably intertwined. When the Adivasis were
forced to leave their forest homes, they lost their source of income. They were compelled to abandon
their traditions and adapt to a new way of life. As a result, they were subjected to both social and
economic marginalisation as they lost their means of subsistence and had to endure harsh conditions
to survive. As a result, they and their children had fewer possibilities for skill development. Because
of the devastation of the trees, people did not have adequate access to herbs and treatments. As a
result, it is apparent that social and economic marginalisation are inextricably intertwined.
18. What are then metals that are important these days? Where do they come from?
Ans: There are numerous metals that are important in today's world. The following points will help
you understand this:
Gold and silver are two of the most common metals used in jewelry. These metals are rare and
valuable. The scarcity of these metals is one of the factors that contribute to their high cost.
2- Metals Used in construction- Some metals, such as iron, are utilized in construction. Iron rods are
used to construct pillars.
Confronting Marginalisation Class 8 Notes Social Science Civics Chapter 8
Confronting refers to the way in which groups and individuals challenge the existing inequalities.
In many cases, the marginalised groups are derived from the Fundamental Rights. In this case, they
forced the government to enforce these laws.
The marginalised groups also influenced the government to frame new laws. The abolition of
untouchability is one of such examples.
The Constitution always tries to ensure Social and Cultural Justice to the marginalised groups. The
government has framed many schemes and policies for the marginalised groups and made efforts to
promote them.
Reservation is one of them, which plays an important role in providing social justice to Dalits and
Adivasis.
For the safeguards of Dalits, the government has framed SC and ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act,
1989.
The 1989 Act also helps the Adivasis to defend their right to occupy the land that traditionally
belonged to them.
Adivasis, Dalits, Muslims, and women come under marginal groups. These groups experience
inequality and discrimination at every level in society. As this hurt them, they want to come out of
this. They often challenge existing inequalities.
They argue that simply by being citizens of a democratic country, they process equal rights that must
be respected. Many of them look up to the Constitution to address their concerns.
The Constitution provides Fundamental Rights which are available to all Indians equally, including
the marginalised groups.
But as the marginalised groups fail to enjoy equal rights, they insist the government to enforce laws.
The government, as a result, frame new laws in keeping with the spirit the Fundamental Rights.
Untouchability has been abolished. This means that no one can henceforth prevent Dalits from
educating themselves, entering temples, using public facilities, etc.
Our Constitution States that no citizen of India shall be discriminated against on the basis of religion,
race, caste, sex or place of birth. This has been used by Dalits to seek equality where it has been
denied to them.
There are specific laws and policies for the marginalised groups in our country.
The government sets up a committee or undertakes a survey and then makes an effort to promote
such policies in order to give opportunities to specific groups.
The government tries to promote social justice by providing for free or subsidized hostels for
students of Dalit and Adivasi communities.
The Government’s reservation policy is a very significant effort to end inequity in the system.
The laws which reserve seats in education and government employment for Dalits and Adivasis are
based on an important argument that in a society like ours, where for centuries sections of the
population have been denied opportunities to learn and to work in order to develop new skills or
vocations, a democratic government must assist these sections.
Governments across the country have their own list of SCs or Dalits, STs, and backward and most
backward castes. The central government too has its list.
Students applying to educational institutions and those applying for posts in government are expected
to furnish proof of their caste or tribe status in the form of caste and tribe certificates.
If a particular Dalit caste or a certain tribe is on the government list, then a candidate from that caste
or tribe can avail of the benefit of reservation.
Besides policies, there are also specific laws to protect the rights of marginalised communities.
The Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act
came into being in 1989 to. protect Dalits and Adivasis from the domination of the powerful
communities.
Dalit: The term Dalit means ‘broken’ or oppressed socially and economically.
Confront: To come face to face or to challenge someone or something. In the chapter, the word
refers to groups that challenge their marginalisation.
Policy: A well-planned course of action that provides direction for the future, sets goals to be
achieved or lays out guidelines to be followed and acted upon.
Ostracise: To socially boycott an individual and his family.
Dispasses: To give up ownership or authority.
Morally reprehensible: An act that violates all norms of decency and dignity that society believes
in.
Assertive: An individual or a group that expresses themselves and their views strongly.
Manual Scavenging: It refers to the manual practice of removing human and animal waste or
excreta with the help of brooms, tin plates and baskets from dry latrines and carrying it on the head to
disposal grounds.
NCERT Solutions for Class 8 Social Science Civics Chapter 8 Confronting Marginalisation
Question 1.
List two Fundamental Rights in the Constitution that Dalits can draw upon to insist that they should
be treated with dignity and as equals. Re-read the Fundamental Rights listed on page 14 (of NCERT
Textbook) to help you answer this question.
Answer:
Right to Equality (1st Fundamental Right).
Right against Exploitation.
Question 2.
Re-read the story on Rathnam as well as the provisions of the 1989 Scheduled Castes and Scheduled
Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. Now list one reason why you think he used this law to file a
complaint.
Answer:
Rathnam used the law to file a complaint because he was forced to leave the village along with
his mother and other members of his family.
He filed the complaint against the domination and violence of the powerful castes of the village.
Question 3.
Why do Adivasi activists, including C.K. Janu, believe that Adivasis can also use this 1989 Act to
fight against dispossession? Is there anything specific in the provisions of the Act that allows her to
believe this?
Answer:
The Adivasi activists including C.K Janu believe that Adivasis can also use this 1989 Act to fight
dispossession because this Act guarantees the tribals not to be dispossessed from the land and
resources forcibly. Their land cannot be sold or bought by non-tribal people. The Constitution also
guarantees the right of the tribal people to repossess their land.
Question 4.
The poems and the song in this Unit allow you to see the range of ways in which individuals and
communities express their opinions, their anger and their sorrow. In class, do the following two
exercises:
(a) Bring to class a poem that discusses a social issue. Share this with your classmates. Work in small
groups with two or more poems to discuss their meaning as well as what the poet is trying to
communicate.
(b) Identify a marginalised community in your locality. Write a poem, or song, or draw a poster, etc.
to express your feelings as a member of this community.
Answer:
(a) Frame a poem of your own and do the activity which this question asks you to do.
(b) Yes. Marginalised community in our locality is the scheduled caste community. Now frame a
poem or song or draw a poster, etc. to express your feelings as a member of this community.
Hints: A Poster
An SC member wants to enter a Hindu Temple.
The Priest asks him not to do so.
Visitors to the temple belonging to Hindu powerful people beat the SC member and throw him
away out of the gate of the temple.
Study Important Questions for Class 8 Social Science Chapter 8 - Confronting Marginalisation
Very Short Answer Questions 1 Mark
1. Fill in the blanks-
(i) The Schedule cast and Scheduled Tribes act was incorporated in ______.
Ans: 1989
(ii) ______ are mainly involved in manual scavenging.
Ans: Dalits
(iii) Article ____ of the Indian constitution states that the untouchability has been abolished.
Ans: 17
(iv) The term Dalit means ____.
Ans: Broken
2. State True and False
(i) Dalit communities are mainly employed in manual Scavenging.
Ans: True
(ii) The constitution makes the principles that make our society.
Ans: True
(iii) Fundamental rights are the most important part of the constitution.
Ans: True
(iv) Article 17 of the Indian constitution states that untouchability has been abolished.
Ans: True
iv. Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest
1989
Rights) Act.
Ans:
ii. Employment of Manual Scavengers and Construction of Dry Latrines (Prohibition) Act. 1993
iv. Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights)
2006
Act.
8. What did the marginal groups rely on to protect themselves from continued exploitation by
other groups?
Ans: Marginal groups have relied upon the Constitution of India and the judicial system to protect
them from continued exploitation by other groups.
17. Why did the state not extend its machinery in tribal areas?
Ans: Socially and economically, tribal regions lag behind. They are believed to be state aboriginals.
They are regarded as the land's initial inhabitants. The administration is attempting to improve the
social and economic situation of the people. Several countries have taken varied approaches to this.
As a result, all of the machinery that operates in the rest of the state and in other locations is not
extended to tribal regions. It's just for the sake of safeguarding their rights, habitat, and customs.
18. Why did the activist C.K Janu believed that he can use the 1989 amendments to fight
against dispossession?
Ans: C.K. Janu, an Adivasi activist, has also pointed out that one of the violators of Constitutional
rights guaranteed to tribal people are governments in the various states of India – for it is they who
allow non-tribal encroachers in the form of timber merchants, paper mills, etc, to exploit tribal land,
and to forcibly evict tribal people from their traditional forests in the process of declaring forests as
reserved or as sanctuaries. She has also noted that in cases where tribals have already been evicted
and cannot go back to their lands, they must be compensated. That is, the government must draw up
plans and policies for them to live and work elsewhere. After all, governments spend large sums of
money on building industrial or other projects on lands taken from tribals.
19. In a society dominated by upper caste people, should any Dalit worry about the job if he’s
well educated? Give your view?
Ans: The Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes Prevention of Atrocities Act, 1989, seeks to
punish those who humiliate or abuse members of Dalit or tribal groups. Rathnam requested the
endorsement of the law, filing his complaint under the above law to obtain protection against the
domination and violence of powerful castes in his village.
20. Explain the below fundamental rights- Right to Equality, Right to freedom.
Ans:
1. Right to Equality: All persons are equal before the law. No citizen can be discriminated against
on the basis of his or her socioeconomic background, caste, religion, etc. Every person has an equal
right to access all public places.
2. Right to Freedom: This includes the right to freedom of speech and expression, the right to move
freely, the right to form associations, the right to reside in any part of the country, and the right to
practice any kind of profession, occupation, or business.
Public Facilities NCERT Class 8 Social and Political life Extra Questions
Question 1
Mention some public facilities that are provided by the government.
Solution:
Public facilities provided by the government are:- Health care
Water
Sanitation
Transport
Education
Electricity
Roads
Question 2
Which Article in the Indian Constitution recognises the ‘right to water’?
Solution:
The Constitution of India recognises the right to water as being a part of the Right to Life under
Article 21.
Question 3
What is Universal Access to water?
Solution:
Every person, rich or poor, has the right to sufficient amount of water to meet their daily needs, at a
price they can afford. This is known as Universal Access to water.
Question 4
What are the characteristics of Public facilities?
Solution:
The benefits of public facility can be shared by many people. Government schools enable many
children to get educated. The supply of electricity is essential for all households. Farmers can run
pump sets to irrigate their fields; people open small workshops that run on electricity.
Public transport help people commute at an affordable price. Public parks and libraries provide
recreation for the citizens. Health care and sanitation are essential for a healthy life.
Question 5
Mention some public facilities that only the government can provide and maintain.
Solution:
Roads
Railways
Sanitation
Water supply
Electricity
Question 6
Mention a few public facilities that are provided by private companies.
Solution:
Schools and colleges
Hospitals
Transportation
The above mentioned facilities are provided by the government and private companies. We can find
many private educational institutions in cities. Long distance buses are operated by private
companies; similarly there are many Private Hospitals that provide health care for the citizens.
Question 7
How does the government raise fund to provide public facilities?
Solution:
The main source of income for the government is through the tax it collects from the citizens.
Some of the types of taxes the government collects are………..
Income Tax
Property Tax
Sales Tax
Excise Duty
Water Tax
Vehicle Tax
With the revenue from the tax collected, the government provides the public facilities mentioned
earlier.
Question 8
What is a Government Budget?
Solution:
The government plans its expenditure, making a clear statement on the amount of money it is going
to spend on each facility.
This statement is called the ‘Government Budget’ and is presented in the Parliament and Legislature
every year in the month February / March.
Question 9
What is sanitation?
Solution:
Sanitation is measures taken up by the government to protect public health through proper solid
waste disposal, sewage disposal, and cleanliness during food processing and preparation.
Question 10
Write a short note on Sulabh International.
Solution:
Sulabh International is an Indian based social service organization which works to promote human
rights, environmental sanitation, non-conventional sources of energy, waste management and social
reforms through education. Sulabh was founded by Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak in 1970 and has 50,000
volunteers.
The organization constructs and maintains pay-&-use public toilets, popularly known as Sulabh
Complexes with bath, laundry and urinal facilities being used by about ten million people every day.
There are more than 7,500 public toilet blocks and 1.2 million private toilets. The majority of the
users of Sulabh facilities are from the poor working class.
Study Important Questions for Class 8 Social Science (Social and Political Life) Chapter 9 –
Public Facilities
Very Short Answer Questions: 1 Mark
Ans:
(i) Preventable disease-Polio
(ii) Waterborne disease-Cholera
(iii) Public facility-Basic rights and needs
(iv) Sulabh-Sanitation
9. Name the NGO who has been working for three decades to address the problem of
sanitation.
Ans: Sulab, the non-government organisation (NGO) has been working for three decades to address
the problems of sanitation.
12. How did the volunteers help in collecting the data for the census?
Ans: These volunteers must travel from house to house collecting data, which is then tabulated. This
information is needed in subsequent computations to produce the final report. For the collection and
enumeration of the data acquired for the Census, a large number of paid volunteers are participating
on a contract basis.
14. How can you say that water is part of a fundamental right?
Ans: Water is the most basic product that nature provides for everyone. There is no life without
water. However, some upper middle-class and wealthy people gain more from government-provided
or other sources of water. This causes a disparity in access to water between the middle and lower
classes. Water scarcity may pose a hazard to their survival. The constitution, on the other hand,
guarantees that everyone has the right to life, liberty, and equal opportunity. As a result, water can be
considered a fundamental right.
15. What happens when there is a great shortage of public facilities like water?
Ans: When there is a great scarcity of public facilities such as water, the burden of inadequate water
supplies falls mainly on the poor. Middle-class citizens are able to deal with a variety of private
means such as drilling wells, buying water from tankers and using bottled water for drinking. The
rich have more choices, they can afford bottled water and water purifiers. People who can afford it
have clean drinking water while the poor are still falling through the cracks.
18. How do you think the distribution of public facilities is not adequate for everyone?
Ans: Our country's distribution of public amenities is insufficient to suit the needs of its citizens.
City dwellers have access to the majority of amenities such as water, healthcare, energy, educational
institutions, public transportation, and so on. When we travel a few kilometers outside of the city,
though, we notice a severe lack of such services. This explains why our country's allocation of public
services is insufficient and unequal. People in neighboring villages in our area do not have access to
clean drinking water or sanitary facilities, despite the fact that the city where I live has all of the
amenities.
19. What is the condition of the water supply in Chennai and why?
Ans: Because of water scarcity, private companies have an opportunity and provide water to cities by
purchasing at locations around the city. In Chennai, water comes from nearby towns like Karungizhi
Palur and Mamandur, from villages in the north of the city, with a fleet of over 13,000 tankers. On a
monthly basis, water traders provide advance payments to farmers to exploit water source on their
land. In this way, the water that is removed does not only create a deficit for agricultural purposes,
but also increases the scarcity of drinking water for villagers. As a result, ground water levels have
fallen drastically in all these cities and villages.
20. Why are most of the private hospitals and private schools located in major cities and not in
towns or rural areas?
Ans: The reasons given are:
In big cities, life goes fast. People could not wait hours together in long lineups like they do
in government hospitals.
They have the wherewithal to do this because they have money to spend.
Urban residents are more ambitious.
The expectation is that private hospitals and private schools will have better facilities.
Private schools have more facilities.
Law and Social Justice Class 8 Notes Social Science Civics Chapter 10
Enforcement of the law is important to protect the rights of minorities from the majority. In order to
ensure the abolition of child labor, the government has to regularly inspect the factories and punish
those who violate the law.
Many of these laws have their basis in the Fundamental Rights guaranteed by the Indian
Constitution. For instance, Right against Exploitation:
According to this right, no one can be forced to work on low wages or under bondage
No child below the age of 14 years shall be employed in shops, factories or mines.
The EPA (Environment Protection Act), 1986 came into force soon after the Bhopal Gas Tragedy
and is considered umbrella legislation as it filled many gaps in the existing laws.
The Environment Protection Act authorizes the central government to protect and improve
environmental quality, and control and reduce pollution from all sources. It prohibits or restricts the
setting or operation of any industrial facility on environmental grounds.
According to the 2001 census, over 12 million children in India between the age group of 5 and 14
worked in various occupations. In 2006, the Government of India amended the Child Labour
Prevention Act.
Minimum Wages Law deals with the wages of the workers, ensuring that they are not underpaid and
this is updated every year.
There is also a law to protect the interest of the producers and consumers in the market. So, laws are
there to ensure the relationship between the worker, consumer and producer. They are governed in an
un-exploitative manner.
Markets tend to be exploitative of people. Therefore the government makes certain laws to protect
people from such exploitation. These laws try to check unfair practices in the markets.
Private companies, contractors, etc. in order to make maximum profits might deny workers their
rights and not pay them wages.
In this regard, there is a law on minimum wages which ensures that workers are paid fairly.
The government is also keen to protect the interests of producers and consumers in the market. There
are also laws for them.
These laws ensure that the relations between the worker, consumer and producer are governed in a
manner that is not exploitative.
Well, laws are there to protect various interests. But what is important in this regard is the
implementation of these laws. Unless these laws are enforced it will be difficult to protect the weak
from the strong.
To ensure that every worker gets fair wages, the government has to regularly inspect work sites and
punish those who violate the law.
Through making, enforcing and upholding these laws, the government can control the activities of
individuals or private companies in order to ensure social justice.
In October 2006, the government amended the Child Labour Prevention Act, banning children under
14 years of age from working as domestic servants or as workers in dhabas, restaurants, etc. It made
employing these children punishable offense.
Bhopal Gas Tragedy is the world’s worst industrial tragedy that took place in the year 1984. Union
Carbide (UC), an American company, had a factory in Bhopal in which it produced pesticides. At
midnight on 2 December 1984 methyl-isocyanide (MIC), a highly poisonous gas, started leaking
from this VC plant which took numerous lives. Among those who survived, many developed severe
respiratory disorders, eye problems etc. Children developed peculiar abnormalities.
The disaster was not an accident. Union Cabinet had deliberately ignored the essential safety
measures in order to cut costs.
Although UC stopped its operations, it left behind tons of toxic chemicals which have seeped into the
ground to contaminate water.
25 years later, people are still fighting for justice, for safe drinking water, for healthcare facilities and
jobs for the people poisoned by UC.
Now the question arises why Union Carbide set up its plant in India.
Foreign companies usually come to India for cheap labor. Here, they can save costs and earn higher
profits.
Lower working conditions including lower safety measures are used as ways of’ cutting costs. In the
UC plant, every safety device was malfunctioning.
In India, there is so much unemployment, that there are many workers who are willing to work even
in unsafe conditions in return for a wage. Employers take advantage of this.
The government must ensure that safety laws are implemented. It is also the duty of the government
to ensure that the Right to Life guaranteed by the Constitution is not violated.
The Bhopal disaster shows lacking on the government’s part. There were weak safety laws and these
too were not enforced.
Government officials refused to recognize the plant as hazardous and allowed it to come up in a
crowded locality. In this way, the safety of the people was disregarded both by the government and
by private companies.
In the year, the Bhopal gas tragedy took place, there were few laws protecting the environment in
India. The environment was treated as a free entity and any industry could pollute the air and water
without any restrictions.
The Bhopal disaster brought the issue of the environment to the forefront.
The Indian government introduced new laws on the environment. Henceforth, the polluter was to be
held accountable for the damage done to the environment.
Laws were important not only for the workers but also for those who might be injured due to
industrial accidents.
• One of the prime responsibilities of the government is to make appropriate laws and to enforce
them. Laws that are weak and poorly enforced can cause a serious disaster.
Consumer: One who buys goods for personal use.
Producer: A person or an organisation that produces goods for sale in the market.
Investment: It refers to the money that is spent to purchase new machinery or buildings or training
so as to be able to increase production in the times to come.
Hazardous: Condition that is full of dangers.
NCERT Solutions for Class 8 Social Science Civics Chapter 10 Law and Social, Justice
NCERT Solutions for Class 8 Social Science Civics Chapter 10 Law and Social, Justice
Question 1
What are the advantages to foreign companies in setting up production in India?
Solution:
India provides cheap labour compared to some other countries. Wages paid to workers in foreign
countries are much higher than in India. For lower pay, foreign companies can get long hours of
work. Additional expenses such as housing facilities for workers are also fewer in India. Thus,
foreign companies can save costs and earn higher profits.
Question 2
Do you think the victims of the Bhopal gas tragedy got justice? Discuss.
Solution:
The victims of the Bhopal gas tragedy did not get justice. The disaster was caused due to gross
neglect of safety measures by the management of the factory.
The government of India represented the people to legally claim compensation for the affected
people. The government demanded $ 3 billion but had to accept a meager $ 470 million from the
Company.
Today, 24 years after the disaster, people of Bhopal are still fighting for justice.
Question 3
What do we mean when we speak of law enforcement? Who is responsible for enforcement? Why is
enforcement so important?
Solution:
1. When we speak of law enforcement, we mean that the provisions of the law must be applied to
all and sundry without discrimination.
2. Government is responsible for law enforcement.
3. Rights of workers and citizens to be protected.
With more industries being set up by both Indians and foreign businesses, there is a greater
need for stronger laws.
It is all the more important to safeguard our environment.
Question 4.
How can laws ensure that markets work in a manner that is fair? Give two examples to support your
answer.
Solution:
Law can ensure that markets work in a manner that is fair by ensuring the enforcement of the law in
letter and spirit.
Law against hoarding and black marketing must be enforced in such a way that stringent
punishment is given to the violators of the law and the hoarded goods must be forfeited.
Anti Child Labour Act must be enforced, not a single child must be allowed to work in shops, tea
stalls, and restaurants.
Question 5
Write a paragraph on the various roles of the government that you have read about in this unit.
Solution:
The common man is exploited in most societies. When this happens it is the duty of the government
to ensure that social justice prevails and all the citizens can establish their rights.
The government has passed many laws to guarantee that workers are not exploited by unscrupulous
employers. Payment of Wages Act, 1936; Minimum Wages Act, 1948; Payment of Bonus Act, 1965
is some of the Acts that ensure that workers are not underpaid and exploited.
The government has passed the Factories Act, 1948. This Act regulates health, safety, welfare, and
other working conditions of workers in factories. It is enforced by the State Governments through
their factory inspectorates.
The Consumer Protection Act ensures that the consumer is not put to risk by the poor quality of
products such as electrical appliances, food, and medicines. The Bureau of Indian Standards is a
government organization that oversees the quality of products sold.
The government has also passed laws that ensure that essential products such as food grains, sugar,
and kerosene are not highly-priced.
The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, was passed to protect the environment and avert health
hazards to human beings.
Prohibition of Employment of Young Children protects children from being exploited. No child who
has not completed his fourteenth year shall be required or allowed to work in any factory.
The Trade Unions Act, 1926 provides for registration of trade unions with a view to render lawful
organisation of labour to enable collective bargaining.
Question 6
How was the environment treated earlier? What has been the change in perception?
Solution:
In 1984, there were very few laws to protect the environment in India. These few laws were not
enforced strictly by the government. Industries discharged their waste into water bodies and made it
unfit for consumption. The air was polluted with smoke that bellowed from the factories.
This pollution proved to be a health hazard for the people. The Bhopal disaster brought the issue of
environmental pollution into focus.
The existing laws did not protect the common man from industrial disasters. Environmental activists
insisted on new laws which will protect all the citizens from hazardous pollution of the environment.
In response to the demand by the activists and the public, the government introduced new laws on
environmental safety.
According to the new laws imposed by the government the polluter will be held accountable for the
damage done to the environment.
The Right to Life is a Fundamental Right under Article 21 of the Constitution and it includes the
right to the enjoyment of pollution-free water and air for full enjoyment of life.
Question 7
What do you think the famous cartoonist R.K. Laxman is trying to convey in this cartoon? How does
it relate to the 2006 law that you read about on page 125?
Solution:
The cartoon shows a young under privileged boy carrying the books of a well-to-do boy who is off to
school. This reveals that the boy who is less than 14 years of age has been employed by the woman
seen in the picture.
The cartoon emphasizes that young children are being exploited at workplaces. They are made to
work for long hours for very little wages. These children are being denied basic education which is
very essential for them.
This is a violation of the Child Labour Prevention Act that was passed by the government in 2006.
No child who has not completed his fourteenth year shall be required or allowed to work in any
factory. The government has passed certain laws that will protect these children from being
exploited.
Study Important Questions for Class 8 Social Science (Civics) Chapter 10 - Law and Social
Justice
Very Short Answer Questions 1 Mark
1. Fill in the blanks-
(i) A worker should get paid the minimum wage set by the _____.
Ans: A worker should get paid the minimum wage set by the government
(ii) Most of the road accidents occur due to not following the _____ rules.
Ans: Most of the road accident occurs due to not following the Traffic rules
(iii) Consumers and _____ are interrelated.
Ans: Consumers and Producers are interrelated.
(iv) Raw materials are the substances that are used to ______ goods.
Ans: Raw materials are the substances that are used to Produce goods.
Ans:
(i) Hazardous Industry
(ii) Methyl Isocyanides
(iii) 2006
(iv) 2 December 1984
8. Who is a producer?
Ans: A producer is a person or a company that produces a supply chain of goods and services for
consumers.
10. How can the pollution control board help in reducing pollution?
Ans: Periodic examinations by the pollution control board can ensure that pollution levels do not
exceed a set limit.
15. How are the developed countries taking advantage of the developing countries?
Ans: Developed countries exploit developing countries in the following ways:
1. They migrate their harmful businesses to these developing countries, causing environmental
damage and producing toxic emissions.
2. Availability of cheap labour is the prime attraction.Companies can get longer hours of work
for lower pay.Due to high population and rampant unemployment, employers exploit workers
because of their vulnerable positions and there is always the option to replace one employee
with another.
17. How does the government ensure that the poor are not devoid of essential goods?
Ans: The government has implemented rules ensuring that the cost of basic products such as food
grains, oil, and kerosene should not go higher, ensuring that the impoverished do not go without
these necessities. The government has also approved the Consumer Protection Act, which assures
that customers are not duped in terms of product quality or quantity. These regulations are necessary
to protect customers' rights while also ensuring that product makers and merchants abide by the law.
19. What is your opinion on the Bhopal gas tragedy victims? Was paying the victim’s family
some money as good service by the government? Point out.
Ans: The victims of the Bhopal gas tragedy have been financially compensated. It was caused by an
obvious lack of safety measures on the part of the factory management. The government has been
advocating for compensation for those affected. The government has asked for 3 billion dollar in
compensation from which the company has only paid out 470 million dollars. Today, after so many
tears from that tragedy, there are people calling for justice. They are still not getting safe drinking
water, health care facilities and jobs for the public. A lot of people who have been mutilated for life
don't have any use for compensation money. It is therefore safe to say that the victims of the Bhopal
gas tragedy have not obtained justice.
20. What are the advantages that a private company gets if it settles its business in India?
Ans: Setting up production in our country has various advantages for foreign enterprises. In
comparison to many other foreign countries, India has the advantage of offering cheap labor. Wages
paid to workers in other nations are significantly higher than those paid to people in India doing the
same jobs. As a result, international corporations are able to wring more labor from Indian workers
for the same salary as those in other nations. In addition, compared to several other nations, the cost
of other things such as worker housing and food is significantly lower. As a result, international
enterprises have the advantage of being able to save a lot of money and hence earn more money.