| Non-Rationalised Civics / Political Science NCERT Notes, Solutions and Extra Q & A (Class 6th to 12th) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Class 8th Civics NCERT Notes, NCERT Question Solutions and Extra Q & A (Non-Rationalised)
1. The Indian Constitution
This chapter introduces the **Constitution of India**, the supreme law that governs our country. It explains why a country needs a constitution – to provide fundamental rules, define the structure of government, and protect citizens' rights. Key features of the Indian Constitution are discussed, such as **federalism** (sharing power between central and state governments), **parliamentary form of government**, separation of powers (legislature, executive, judiciary), **Fundamental Rights** guaranteeing freedoms and equality, and **Secularism** (state treating all religions equally). Understanding the Constitution is vital for every Indian citizen.
2. Understanding Secularism
This chapter explores the concept of **secularism**, particularly as it is understood and practiced in **India**. It defines a secular state as one that does not establish any religion as the official state religion. The Indian model of secularism is discussed as maintaining a principled distance from all religions, allowing freedom to practice, profess, and propagate any religion, and ensuring no citizen is discriminated against based on their religion. This concept is crucial for managing religious diversity and promoting harmony among various religious communities in India, upholding the principle of equality for all faiths.
3. Why Do We Need A Parliament?
This chapter discusses the role and necessity of a **Parliament** in a democratic country like India. It explains that Parliament is the supreme legislative body representing the people's will. We need a Parliament to make laws for the country, control and guide the government (executive), discuss national issues, and hold the government accountable. The chapter introduces the structure of the **Indian Parliament** (Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha) and highlights how elected representatives participate in decision-making and debate on behalf of the citizens, ensuring democratic governance.
4. Understanding Laws
This chapter explains the concept of **laws** and their importance in regulating society. It introduces the principle of the **Rule of Law**, meaning that everyone, including government officials, is subject to and accountable under the law, and that laws are applied equally. The chapter discusses how laws are made by the Parliament and explores how citizens can understand and even challenge unjust laws through democratic means and the judiciary. Using examples, it illustrates how laws are essential for maintaining order, ensuring justice, and protecting rights in India.
5. Judiciary
This chapter focuses on the **Judiciary** in India, the system of courts responsible for administering justice and upholding the law. It discusses the structure of the Indian judiciary, which is integrated and independent, with the **Supreme Court** at the apex, followed by High Courts at the state level and various subordinate courts. The chapter explains the vital functions of the judiciary, including resolving disputes between citizens or between citizens and the government, upholding the law, protecting fundamental rights, and interpreting the Constitution. The independence of the judiciary is highlighted as essential for its effective functioning and safeguarding democracy and rule of law.
6. Understanding Our Criminal Justice System
This chapter explains how the **criminal justice system** works in India when a crime is committed. It discusses the roles of the key individuals and institutions involved: the **police** (investigating the crime), the **public prosecutor** (representing the state), the **defence lawyer** (representing the accused), and the **judge** (presiding over the trial and delivering judgement). The chapter outlines the process from filing an FIR (First Information Report) to investigation, court trial, and sentencing, emphasizing the importance of a fair trial and the principle of 'innocent until proven guilty' to ensure justice is served according to the law.
7. Understanding Marginalisation
This chapter introduces the concept of **marginalisation**, explaining how certain individuals or groups in society are excluded or pushed to the margins, facing disadvantages and social exclusion. It discusses how groups like **Adivasis** (tribal communities), **Dalits** (historically considered lower castes), **religious minorities**, and other disadvantaged groups often experience marginalisation due to social, economic, cultural, or political factors. Understanding marginalisation is crucial to recognizing inequality and injustice within society and the need for policies and efforts to ensure their inclusion, equal opportunities, and participation in India.
8. Confronting Marginalisation
Building on the previous chapter, this chapter explores the various ways **marginalisation** is addressed and challenged in India. It discusses the efforts made by marginalized communities themselves through social movements and collective action to assert their rights and dignity. The chapter highlights the significant role of the **Constitution** (through Fundamental Rights, reservations) and specific **laws** enacted by the government (like the SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act) aimed at protecting the rights and promoting the welfare of marginalized groups. It showcases how legal frameworks and social activism work together to confront discrimination and strive for social justice and equality in India.
9. Public Facilities
This chapter discusses **public facilities**, which are essential services provided by the government for the benefit of all citizens, such as water supply, sanitation, healthcare, education, and electricity. It explains why these facilities are crucial for people's basic needs, dignity, and quality of life. The chapter highlights the government's primary role and responsibility in ensuring adequate and equitable provision of these facilities. It also addresses the challenges of unequal access to public facilities across different regions and social groups in India, raising questions about equity, affordability, and universal access to basic necessities.
10. Law And Social Justice
This chapter explores the crucial link between **law** and **social justice**, discussing how laws can be powerful tools to protect the vulnerable, prevent exploitation, and promote fairness and equality in society. It examines how the state can make and enforce laws to regulate economic activities, ensure fair wages ($\textsf{₹}$), protect workers' rights (e.g., minimum wage laws), safeguard the environment, and address social inequalities. The chapter highlights how laws and legal frameworks can actively contribute to achieving social justice by providing legal protections and avenues for redressal to marginalized groups and ensuring that principles of equity are upheld in practice in India.