CIVICS) L-1

C. Write short answers.

1.What does a constitution signify in the context of a nation?
1. In context of a nation, the Constitution plays a crucial role in providing guidelines which
ensure the safety and well-being of the people of a nation who belong to various communities
and cultures. It includes principles, provisions, ideals and rules which form the basis of
governance of a nation.
2. Being a democratic nation, why do we need a constitution? Give reasons.
2. We need a constitution for the following reasons. • It ensures political stability, peace and
maintenance of the Rule of Law in the country. • It defines the roles and powers of the elected
representatives. • It lays down the basic guidelines according to which laws are framed by the
government.
3. What is Rule of Law?
3. Rule of Law entails that law reigns supreme. It refers specifically to a body of rules,
regulations and provisions that define the fundamental political principles and outlines the
structure, procedures, powers and duties of a government.
4. What is dowry? How does it affect women in our country?
4. Dowry consists of the gifts, money and property given to the groom or his family by the
bride’s family at the time of marriage. It is a means of exploitation and in many cases continues
even after marriage. If the bride or her family is unable to fulfill the demands, she is often
tortured and in extreme cases force to commit suicide or even killed.
5. Describe the Vernacular Press Act of 1878.
5. In order to curb the dissent voiced by Indians through the regional press, the British passed
the Vernacular Press Act of 1878. Under this Act, all Indian newspapers were to submit proof
sheets before publication and could be fined or the editors jailed if the British felt so.
D. Write long answers.
1. How can people protest against the laws that do not benefit them?
1. People can protest against laws that do not benefit them by various methods. A few
examples of protests are Salt Satyagraha by Mahatma Gandhi and the protest against the
Vernacular Press Act. Some forms of protest commonly seen are: a. Hartals or strikes b. Rallies
or demonstrations c. Marches d. Vigils e. Boycott f. Organising press conferences g. Filing
lawsuits h. Motorcades i. Symbolic displays such as painting graffiti j. Civil disobedience
methods such as ‘sit-ins’ k. Information distribution through pamphlets, petitions, writing
letters, etc. l. Violent methods such as attack, riots, among others.
2. Can democracy be effective without a constitution?
2. It is said that the ‘soul’ of democracy is its constitution. Its usefulness for a democracy can be
gauged from the following points. 135 • While it lays down the rights and duties of citizens, it
also acts as a guiding source for the government, when it prepares laws. • While upholding the
right of individuals to show dissent, the Constitution also helps prevent a country from going
into a state of lawlessness. • It is the ‘Rule Book’ which all individuals are bound to follow. • It
lays down the foundation of promoting welfare and safety of all sections of society, which are
essential for a democracy to function properly.
3. What safeguards does our Constitution have for the minorities?
3. The Constitution has special provisions for minorities based on religion and language. • It
creates ‘common domain’ provisions which are applicable to all citizens equally and ‘special
domain’ provisions, Which are applicable only to minorities. • It declares that India is a ‘secular’
State, which sees all religions Equally. • All citizens are given ‘liberty of thought, expression,
belief, faith, worship’ and ‘equality of Status and opportunity’. • Minority rights under the
‘special domain’ include provisions such as ‘right of Any section to conserve its distinct
language, script or culture’. • Special provisions of reservation in Educational institutions and
government jobs are also made for some sections of the society, such as Women, STs, SCs, etc.
4. Discuss the major purposes served by our Constitution. In what way does it seek to address
the interests and concerns of the people?
4. The major purposes served by our Constitution are: a. It contains certain ideals and principles
that Determine the structure, nature and duties of the government. B. It serves as a set of rules
and Principles that all citizens respect and should follow irrespective of the religion, caste or
community they Belong to. C. The Constitution does not allow domination of the minorities. It
has provisions to protect The rights of all citizens irrespective of religion, language or caste
differences. D. Powers of the central And state governments are defined clearly, facilitating
decision-making. Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles are two ways by which the
Constitution seeks to address the interests of the citizens.
5.Why do we need the Dowry Prohibition Act?
5. The Dowry Prohibition Act of 1961 declares that taking and giving dowry is a crime. • It is a
punishable Offence with a fine and jail term from 6 months up to 5 years. • This was required as
in many cases it Had become a way to earn money the easy way by the groom and his family. •
To get their daughter Married, families would go to any lengths to fulfil the demands. • Many
families were ruined and Daughters considered a burden. In many cases, the demand for
money continued after marriage as well. • Women are tortured if they are unable to meet the
demand.