Class 7 NCERT Polity Chapter 1

On Equality
Universal Adult Franchise: It means that all adult citizens have
the right to vote irrespective of their social or economic
backgrounds. Here, adult means those who are 18 and above.

Dalit: It means broken.

Dignity: Thinking of oneself and other persons as worthy of

respect.

Constitution: A document that lays down the basic rules and

regulations for people and the government in the country to follow.

Civil Rights Movement: This movement took place in the USA in

the 1950s in which the African- Americans demanded equal rights
and an end to racial discrimination.
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Equal Right to Vote
In a democratic country, like India, all adults irrespective of
what religion they belong to, how much education they have
had, what caste they are, or whether they are rich or poor are
allowed to vote.

This is called universal adult franchise and is an essential

aspect of all democracies. The idea of universal adult
franchise is based on the idea of equality.

Other kinds of equality

Apart from being poor, people in India experience inequality
which is based on the caste system.
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Recognising dignity
When persons are treated unequally, their dignity is violated.
Dignity is the right of a person to be valued and respected for their
own sake and to be treated ethically.
Equality in Indian democracy
The Indian Constitution recognises every person as equal. This
means that every individual in the country, including male and
female persons from all castes, religions, tribes, educational and
economic backgrounds are recognised as equal.

The recognition of equality includes the following provisions in

the Constitution:
1. Every person is equal before the law.
2. No person can be discriminated against on the basis of their
religion, race, caste, place of birth or whether they are female
or male.
3. Every person has access to all public places.
4. Untouchability has been abolished. Instagram
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Steps taken by Government to Implement
Equality

The two ways in which the government has tried

to implement the equality that is guaranteed in
the Constitution is:

• First through laws

• Second through government programmes or

schemes

One of the steps taken by the government

includes the midday meal scheme. Instagram
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Issues of equality in other democracies
In many democratic countries around the world, the issue of
equality continues to be the key issue around which
communities struggle.

For example, in the United States of America, the African–

Americans whose ancestors were slaves who were brought over
from Africa, continue to describe their lives today as largely
unequal. They were treated extremely unequally in the US and
denied equality through the law.

The Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibited discrimination on the

basis of race, religion or national origin. It also stated that all
schools would be open to African–American children and that
they would no longer have to attend separate schools specially
set up for them. Instagram
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Exercises

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

Answer

Universal Adult Franchise is important in democracy as:

(i) It is based on the principle of equality.
(ii) It means that all adult (those who are 18 and above) citizens have the equal right to
vote.
(iii) It do not discriminate on the basis of social or economic backgrounds.
(iv) It is an important aspects of democratic societies

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

Answer

Article 15 in democracy of the constitution prohibits discrimination on grounds of religion,

race, caste, sex or place of birth.
Two ways in which this Article addresses inequality:
(i) It suggests States not to discriminate against any citizen on grounds only of religion,
race, caste, sex, place of birth or any of them.
(ii) No citizen shall be subject to any disability, liability and restriction on grounds only of
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3. In what ways was Omprakash Valmiki’s experience similar to that of the Ansaris?

Answer

In following ways Omprakash Valmiki’s experience was similar to that of the Ansaris:
(i) Both of them discriminated by the society on the basis of their caste or religion.
(ii) Dignity and self respect of both of them get violated.
(iii) Both suffered from unequal treatment.

4. What do you understand by the term "all persons are equal before the law"? Why do
you think it is important in a democracy?

Answer

The term "all persons 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:

(i) Democracy suggests that no one should be treated on unequal basis because of their
wealth, caste, colour, religion, gender etc.
(ii)It also ensures that no one will be given more preference for the same crime.
(iii) It provide the people equal opportunity to defend themselves in public court irrespective
of their socioeconomic position.
(iv) It also reflects the true nature of democracy. Instagram
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5. The Government of India passed the Disabilities Act in 1995. This law states that
persons with disabilities have equal rights, and that the government should make
possible their full participation in society. The government has to provide free
education and integrate children with disabilities into mainstream schools. This
law also states that all public places including buildings, schools, etc., should be
accessible and provided with ramps.

Look at the photograph and think about the boy who is being carried down the
stairs. Do you think the above law is being implemented in his case? What needs
to be done to make the building more accessible for him? How would his being
carried down the stairs affect his dignity as well as his safety?

Answer

No, I don't think the above law is being implemented in his case.
According to the Disabilities Act, all public places including buildings, schools, etc.,
should be accessible and provided with ramps which is not done in this case. Therefore,
the buildings should be provided with ramps to make it accessible for the persons with
disabilities.
Also, persons with disabilities have equal rights, and that the government should make
possible their full participation in society but here the dignity and self respect of that
person is hurt as someone is showing sympathy and extending their helping hands. The
boy may feel pity or inferior in this case of being helped by other only due to disabilities.
It also affect the safety of that person as he may slip due to imbalance or carelessness.
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