| 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 as the foundational legal document that lays down the framework for the country's governance. It explains that a constitution serves several crucial purposes: it defines the nature of a country's political system, provides a set of rules that all citizens agree upon, and safeguards against the misuse of power by leaders. The chapter details the key features of the Indian Constitution, such as Federalism (a system with governments at both the central and state levels), a Parliamentary Form of Government (where elected representatives govern), and the Separation of Powers among the three organs of the state: the Legislature (makes laws), the Executive (implements laws), and the Judiciary (interprets laws). Most importantly, it introduces the Fundamental Rights, which protect citizens against the arbitrary exercise of power, and the principle of Secularism.
2. Understanding Secularism
This chapter provides a detailed exploration of Secularism as a cornerstone of the Indian democracy. It defines a secular state as one that does not officially promote any single religion as the state religion. The chapter highlights the uniqueness of Indian secularism, which involves a strategy of maintaining a "principled distance" from religion. This means the state can intervene in religious affairs to end social evils (like untouchability) but generally does not interfere with religious practices. The Indian model of secularism aims to achieve two main objectives: preventing the domination of one religious community over another and preventing the domination of some members over others within the same religious community. This approach is vital for fostering religious freedom, tolerance, and harmony in a diverse country like India.
3. Why Do We Need A Parliament?
This chapter explains the central role and significance of the Parliament in India's democratic system. It establishes that the Parliament is the embodiment of the people's will and trust, as citizens participate in decision-making through their elected representatives. The three main functions of the Parliament are detailed: 1. To Select the National Government (the executive is formed from the party with a majority in the Lok Sabha), 2. To Control, Guide, and Inform the Government (through mechanisms like question hour and debates), and 3. Law-Making. The chapter introduces the two houses of the Indian Parliament: the Lok Sabha (House of the People), whose members are directly elected, and the Rajya Sabha (Council of States), whose members are elected by state legislative assemblies. The Parliament is thus the supreme legislative body and the cornerstone of Indian democracy.
4. Understanding Laws
This chapter focuses on the concept of Laws and the fundamental principle of the Rule of Law. It explains that the Rule of Law means that all citizens, including those in power, are equal before the law and that no one is above it. This is a significant departure from the arbitrary laws of the colonial period. The chapter describes the process of law-making in Parliament, where a 'bill' is debated and passed by both houses before becoming an 'act' or law. It also explores how laws can sometimes be unpopular or controversial, and discusses the legitimate ways in which citizens can express their dissent and campaign for changes to unjust laws through protests, the media, and by approaching the courts, thereby participating actively in the democratic process.
5. Judiciary
This chapter delves into the role and structure of the Judiciary in India. It describes the judiciary as an independent organ of the government responsible for administering justice. The structure is explained as an integrated system, with the Supreme Court at the top, followed by High Courts in the states, and subordinate courts at the district and lower levels. The key functions of the judiciary are highlighted: Dispute Resolution (between citizens, citizens and government, etc.), Judicial Review (the power to strike down laws that violate the Constitution), and Upholding the Law and Enforcing Fundamental Rights. The chapter stresses the crucial importance of the independence of the judiciary—its ability to function without fear or favour from the other branches of government—as essential for safeguarding democracy and ensuring justice for all.
6. Understanding Our Criminal Justice System
This chapter provides a step-by-step overview of the criminal justice system in India. It introduces the four key players in the process: the Police, who investigate crimes and arrest suspects; the Public Prosecutor, who represents the state's interests in court; the Defence Lawyer, who represents the accused person; and the Judge, who presides over the trial and delivers the verdict. The process begins with the filing of a First Information Report (FIR). The chapter emphasizes the constitutional guarantee of a fair trial, which includes the right of the accused to be informed of the charges, to be presented before a magistrate, and to have a lawyer. It reinforces the fundamental legal principle that every person is considered innocent until proven guilty by the court.
7. Understanding Marginalisation
This chapter introduces the concept of marginalisation, which refers to the social process by which certain groups are pushed to the fringes of society, making them feel powerless and excluded. It focuses on the experiences of two specific marginalized groups in India: Adivasis (tribal communities) and Muslims. The chapter explores the reasons behind their marginalisation, such as stereotypes, economic disadvantage, and displacement from traditional lands in the case of Adivasis. It explains how marginalisation leads to a lack of access to resources, education, and development opportunities, resulting in social and economic inequalities. Understanding this process is crucial for recognizing the deep-rooted injustices present in society and the need for inclusive policies.
8. Confronting Marginalisation
Following the previous chapter, this one explores how marginalisation is confronted and challenged. It shows that marginalized communities are not passive victims but have actively struggled to assert their rights. The chapter highlights the two main ways this confrontation occurs: through the assertion of Fundamental Rights provided by the Constitution and by leveraging specific laws and policies enacted by the government to protect them. Key legal safeguards like the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, and reservation policies are discussed. The chapter showcases how these constitutional and legal tools empower marginalized groups to demand justice and fight against discrimination and exploitation, making the promise of equality a reality for all.
9. Public Facilities
This chapter discusses the importance of Public Facilities—essential services that need to be provided for everyone. Examples include water, healthcare, sanitation, electricity, and public transport. The chapter establishes that providing these facilities is a primary responsibility of the government, as private companies may not provide them affordably or equitably. It connects the provision of many public facilities, especially water, to the fundamental Right to Life under Article 21 of the Constitution. The chapter also critically examines the issue of unequal access, where these facilities are often better in urban areas compared to rural ones and in affluent localities compared to poor ones, raising important questions about equity, affordability, and justice in their distribution.
10. Law And Social Justice
This chapter examines the vital relationship between Law and Social Justice. It explains how laws are necessary to protect people from exploitation and to ensure fairness in the market. The chapter argues that simply making laws is not enough; the government must also ensure they are effectively enforced. It discusses various laws aimed at achieving social justice, such as the Minimum Wages Act, which ensures workers are paid a fair wage ($\textsf{₹}$), and laws against child labour. Using the case study of the Bhopal Gas Tragedy, it powerfully illustrates the consequences of weak safety laws and lax enforcement. The chapter concludes that strong, well-enforced laws are crucial for protecting the rights of workers, consumers, and the environment, thereby promoting a more just and equitable society.