Class 7 Chapter 1 Civics

Class 7

Chapter 1 (Civics)

On Equality

Worksheet

Q1. Write (Y) for the statement and (N) for the wrong statement.

1.      Inequality do not exist in India today. [N]

2.      To be treated as equals we should change our identity. [N]

3.      The principle of equality is recognized in a democratic country. [Y]

4.      We need to change our attitude towards eliminating inequalities from the society. [Y]

5.      Only a rich person can use publically available bathing Ghats and wells. [N]

Q2. Fill in the blanks:

1.      ______ of the Indian constitution prohibits discrimination of any type. [Article 15]

2.      The Indian ____ recognizes equality of every individual. [Constitution]

Q3. Multiple Choice Questions

1.      Voting rights to all adult population of a country without discrimination of any type is called--------            (d)

         a. Democracy                                       b. Civil Right

          c. Equality                                            d. Universal Adult Franchise

2.      Joothan, an autobiography was written by---------- ( c)

                      a. B R Ambedkar                                  b. Rosa Park

                      c. Omparkash Valmiki                         d. Kanta

       3. Dalit means------ (b)

                  a. Brave                                               b. Broken

                  c. Maid                                                d. Rich

Q4. Define the following terms

1.      Dignity: - This refers to thinking of oneself and other persons as worthy of respect.

2.      Caste system: - When people discriminate others on the basis of caste. it is hereditary transmission of lifestyle which often includes an occupation, status in a hierarchy and customary social interaction.

3.      Constitution: - This is a document that lays down the basic rules and regulations for people and the government in the country to follow.

Q5. Answer the following questions in brief (in 1 or 2 lines)

1.      What is the book Joothan about?

Ans: Joothan is an autobiography of Om Prakash Valmiki. This is the story of a Dalit boy who was to sit away from the class and too on the floor. He had to sweep the school’s floor and was also beaten by the headmaster just because he was a Dalit boy.

2.      What is Civil Right Movement? What was the Civil Right Act of 1964? What was the role of Rosa Parks in the Civil Right Movement in the US?

Ans: Civil Right Movement was stated on 1 December 1955. This movement forced the government give equal rights to the African Americans. Rosa Parks was an African American lady who refused to give up her seat on a bus to a white man. Her refusal that day started a huge agitation against the unequal ways by which African Americans were treated.  The Civil Right Act of 1964 prohibited discrimination on the basis of race, religion and national origin.

3.      Why is universal adult franchise important in a democracy?

Ans: Universal adult franchise is important for the democracy as it gives all the citizens 18 years or above the right to vote irrespective of their caste, creed, gender, race and religion. In other words this gives political equality to all the citizens.

Q6. Answer the following questions in detail (in 70 to 80 words)

1.      What do you understand by the term "all persons are equal before the law"? Why do you think this is important in a democracy?'  Give an example to show all people are equal according to the Indian Constitution.

Ans: The term “all person are equal before the law” means that everyone will be given justice before law by treating them equal. From the president of the country to the common people, all are equal in front of law.

It is important in a democracy because:

·         Democracy suggest that no one can be treated on unequal on the basis of their wealth, caste, colour, religion and gender.

·         It also ensures that no one will be given more preference for the same crime.

·         It provides the people equal opportunity to defend themselves in public court irrespective of their socio economic position.

·         It also reflects the true nature of democracy.

2.     What is a midday meal scheme? What is the motive behind the midday meal scheme? How is this scheme a success? List four benefits of midday meal programme.

Ans: Under mid-day meal scheme all the government elementary schools have to provide children with cooked lunch. This scheme is running successfully in all the states.

The motive behind it was to encourage poor students to come to schools to get education and to reduce their hunger so that they can concentrate on their studies.

Benefits of the mid-day meal programme are as follow:

a.      More poor children have begun enrolling.

b.      The attendance has improved. Now no mother interrupts the school to feed her child.

c.       It has also reduced caste prejudices because both lower and upper caste children eat meal together.

d.      Dalit women have been employed to cook the meal.

e.      The programme has helped reducing the hunger of poor children.

f.        Now poor students have started concentrated on the studies.

3.     Where is caste system more common- in rural areas or urban areas? Why?

Ans: the caste system prevails everywhere both in rural as well as urban areas.

People still are discriminated on the basis of their caste, race, religion, sex and place of birth. So called low caste people still have to stand in the lines of hospital, ration and even to get water. They cannot get good education like that of upper class people in the society as they do not have enough money to pay the school fee.

4.     In what ways was Om Prakash Valmiki’s experience similar to that of the Ansaris?

Ans: The following ways OmParkash Valmiki’s experience was similar to that of the Ansaris:

·         Both of them were discriminated by the society on the basis of their caste and religion.

·         Dignity and self-respect of both of them get violated.

·         Both suffered from unequal treatment.

5.     What is equality? Why is equality important in democratic country? Give three reasons for your answer. Give examples to show all people are equal according to the Indian Constitution.
ans: Equality is a state of being equal, especially in status, rights and opportunities. 
Every person has right to vote which effects in deciding rules and regulation.
Democracy is the government for the people, of the people and by the people. So equality is important so that every citizen can get equal rights, opportunities and justice before law. 
Four examples to show the equality are:
1. Every citizen has right to vote and so everyone contributes in decision making .
2. Every citizen from the President to a domestic help is equal before the law.
3. Government schemes like mid-day meal scheme are to remove caste discrimination.

6.     Re- read the box on the Article 15 and state two ways in which this article addresses inequality.

Ans: Article 15 in democracy of the constitution prohibits discrimination on ground of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth.

Two ways in which this Article addresses inequality.

a.      It suggests states not to discriminate against any citizen on ground of religion, race, caste, sex, and place of birth or any of them.

b.      No citizen shall be subjected to any disability, liability and restriction on grounds of religion, race, sex, caste and place of birth.

7.      In a democracy why is universal adult franchise important?

Ans: Universal adult franchise is important in democracy as:

a.      It is based on the principle of equality.

b.      It means all adult (age 18 years or above) have right to vote.

c.       It does not discriminate on the social and economic status.

d.      It is an important part of a democratic societies.