CBSE Class 8 Civics - Understanding Secularism – CBSE NCERT Study Resources

In India, laws are made by the Parliament, as we studied in our Civics textbook. The process begins with a draft called a bill.

• A bill is introduced in either the Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha.
• Discussions and debates take place, involving public opinions.
• Examples include the Right to Education Act (2009) and the GST Bill (2017).

Laws like the MNREGA (2005) show how public participation ensures welfare.

Recently, the Farm Laws (2020) highlighted public feedback in lawmaking.

The rule of law means everyone is equal before the law, as we learned in class.

• Our Constitution guarantees fundamental rights under Article 14.
• Cases like Kesavananda Bharati (1973) upheld this principle.
• The Dowry Prohibition Act (1961) protects women equally.

Laws like the Right to Information Act (2005) empower citizens.

Recent protests against discriminatory laws show its importance.

Social movements raise awareness, as seen in our textbook’s chapter on laws.

• The Chipko Movement (1970s) led to forest conservation laws.
• Nirbhaya Case (2012) resulted in stricter rape laws.
• Farmers' protests influenced the repeal of Farm Laws (2021).

Movements ensure laws address public needs, like the Right to Food Campaign.

Recent environmental protests show ongoing influence.

Fundamental rights, under Part III of the Constitution, shield citizens.

• Article 21 guarantees life and liberty, as in the Maneka Gandhi case (1978).
• Right to Equality (Article 14) prevents discrimination.
• Examples include the abolition of untouchability (Article 17).

Laws like the SC/ST Act (1989) protect marginalized groups.

Recent debates on privacy laws highlight their role.

Laws ensure gender equality, as we studied in the chapter on laws.

• The Dowry Prohibition Act (1961) protects women.
• Maternity Benefit Act (2017) supports working mothers.
• Triple Talaq Ban (2019) promotes justice.

Schemes like Beti Bachao Beti Padho improve girls' education.

Recent laws on workplace harassment show progress.

We studied that laws in India are framed by the Parliament, following a democratic process. Our textbook shows how the Constitution grants this power to elected representatives.

• A bill is introduced in either House of Parliament.
• Discussions and debates take place, considering public opinion.
• Examples include the Right to Education Act (2009) and GST (2017).

Today, social media amplifies public voices, influencing laws like the IT Act amendments.

The RTI Act was passed to promote transparency, as we learned from NCERT’s case study on grassroots accountability.

• Citizens can request government data, like expenditure details.
• Used to expose scams like the Adarsh Society scam.
• Empowered movements like the Delhi Metro fare revision protests.

It bridges gaps between authorities and common people, ensuring participatory democracy.

Our textbook mentions how movements like Chipko Andolan (1973) influenced forest conservation laws.

• Farmers' protests led to the repeal of farm laws in 2021.
• Nirbhaya case protests resulted in stricter rape laws.
• Anna Hazare’s movement birthed the Lokpal Act.

Today, movements like #MeToo push for workplace harassment laws.

We learned that PILs, introduced in the 1980s, allow anyone to seek justice for societal issues.

• Ban on child labor (M.C. Mehta vs State of Tamil Nadu).
• Clean Ganga directives via PILs.
• Vishaka Guidelines against workplace harassment.

PILs empower marginalized groups, like securing midday meals for children.

Our textbook cites Article 14 of the Constitution, ensuring equality for all citizens.

• SC/ST Act prevents caste-based discrimination.
• Dowry Prohibition Act protects women equally.
• Right to Education Act guarantees schooling for all children.

Recent LGBTQ+ rights judgments, like decriminalizing Section 377, reinforce this principle.

In a democratic country like India, laws play a crucial role in maintaining order, protecting rights, and ensuring justice and equality for all citizens. Laws are a set of rules established by the government to regulate behavior and resolve conflicts in society.

The importance of laws can be understood through the following points:

• Protection of Rights: Laws safeguard fundamental rights such as freedom of speech, equality, and right to education, ensuring no individual is discriminated against.
• Maintaining Order: They prevent chaos by setting clear guidelines for acceptable behavior, reducing conflicts and violence.
• Justice: Laws provide a framework for fair trials and punishments, ensuring that wrongdoers are held accountable.
• Equality: They ensure all citizens, regardless of caste, religion, or gender, are treated equally under the Constitution.

For example, the Right to Education Act (2009) ensures free and compulsory education for children, promoting equality. Similarly, laws against discrimination protect marginalized groups. Thus, laws are essential for a just and harmonious society.

The process of a bill becoming a law in India involves several steps to ensure thorough discussion and approval. This process reflects the democratic principles of deliberation and consensus.

The steps are as follows:

• Introduction: A bill is introduced in either the Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha by a minister or member.
• Discussion: The bill is debated, and suggestions are made. It may be referred to a committee for detailed review.
• Voting: After discussions, the bill is voted upon. If passed, it moves to the other house for approval.
• President's Assent: Once both houses pass the bill, it is sent to the President for final approval. Upon assent, it becomes a law.

This process is important because:

• It ensures transparency and public participation through debates.
• Prevents misuse of power by requiring multiple approvals.
• Reflects the will of the people, as elected representatives debate and decide.

For example, the Right to Information Act (2005) underwent rigorous discussions before becoming law, ensuring it served public interest. Thus, the process upholds democratic values.

The Rule of Law is a fundamental principle in a democratic country like India, ensuring that no one is above the law, including government officials and leaders. It promotes equality and justice by treating every citizen equally under the legal framework.

Key aspects of Rule of Law include:

• All individuals, regardless of status, must follow the same laws.
• Laws are made through a transparent and democratic process, such as by the Parliament.
• The judiciary acts independently to protect citizens' rights.

For example, if a powerful person commits a crime, they are subject to the same legal consequences as an ordinary citizen. This prevents misuse of power and ensures fairness. Additionally, laws like the Right to Equality (Article 14-18 of the Constitution) reinforce this principle by prohibiting discrimination.

Thus, the Rule of Law strengthens democracy by upholding justice and protecting citizens' rights.

The process of law-making in India involves several steps to ensure democratic participation and thorough scrutiny:

• Drafting: A proposed law (Bill) is introduced in either house of Parliament (Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha).
• Debate: Members discuss and suggest amendments.
• Approval: Both houses must pass the Bill before it is sent to the President for assent.

Public movements and protests play a crucial role by highlighting social issues and pressuring the government to act. For instance, the Nirbhaya Case protests led to stricter laws against sexual violence, such as the Criminal Law Amendment Act, 2013.

This shows how public participation strengthens democracy by ensuring laws reflect people's needs.

The Rule of Law is a fundamental principle in a democracy like India, ensuring that no one is above the law, and every citizen is treated equally. It promotes justice, fairness, and accountability in society.

Significance:

• It prevents arbitrary use of power by the government or individuals.
• It guarantees fundamental rights to all citizens, such as the right to equality and freedom.
• It ensures that laws are applied uniformly, protecting citizens from discrimination.

Examples:

• Traffic rules apply equally to all, whether a common citizen or a government official.
• The Right to Education Act ensures free education for all children, promoting equality.

Ensuring Equality: The Rule of Law ensures that laws are not biased and are applied without favoritism. For instance, the Constitution of India prohibits discrimination based on caste, religion, or gender, ensuring equal opportunities for all.

The process of law-making in the Indian Parliament involves several stages to ensure thorough discussion and approval before a law is enacted.

Stages of Law-Making:

1. Introduction: A bill is introduced in either the Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha.
2. Discussion: The bill is debated, and suggestions are considered.
3. Committee Review: A parliamentary committee examines the bill in detail.
4. Voting: Members vote, and if passed, the bill moves to the other house.
5. Presidential Assent: After approval from both houses, the President signs it into law.

Importance of Public Participation:

• It ensures laws reflect the needs and opinions of citizens.
• Public feedback helps identify potential flaws in proposed laws.
• It strengthens democracy by involving people in governance.

For example, discussions on bills like the Right to Information Act involved public debates, making the law more effective and inclusive.

In a democratic country like India, laws play a crucial role in ensuring order, justice, and equality. Laws are rules established by the government to regulate behavior and protect the rights of citizens. Here’s why they are important:

• Maintaining Order: Laws prevent chaos by setting clear guidelines for acceptable behavior. For example, traffic laws ensure smooth movement of vehicles and reduce accidents.
• Ensuring Justice: Laws provide a framework for resolving disputes and punishing wrongdoers. The Right to Equality under Article 14 of the Constitution ensures everyone is treated equally before the law.
• Promoting Equality: Laws like the Right to Education Act (2009) ensure that all children, regardless of their background, have access to education, reducing social inequalities.

Without laws, society would be unfair, and powerful individuals or groups could exploit others. Thus, laws are essential for a functioning democracy.

The process of turning a bill into a law in India involves several steps and the participation of both houses of Parliament and the President:

• Introduction of the Bill: A bill can be introduced in either the Lok Sabha or the Rajya Sabha by a minister or a member. It is discussed and voted upon.
• Passage in Both Houses: The bill must be passed by a majority in both houses. If there are disagreements, a joint session may be called.
• President’s Approval: Once passed by Parliament, the bill is sent to the President for assent. The President can approve, reject, or send it back for reconsideration.

For example, the Right to Information Act (2005) went through this process before becoming law. This ensures that laws are carefully reviewed and represent the will of the people.