Suggestive Activity-1 (Week -1) Class-8-Social Science (Democratic Politics)

 

Class 8 Civics (Social Science) Activity 1 for Week-1
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Day-1-2

The Constitution of India:

✅ What is a Constitution?

• A constitution is a set of written rules and principles that governs a country.

• It defines the rights and responsibilities of citizens.

• It also explains how the government will work.

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✅ Importance of Constitution / Why Do We Need a Constitution?

1. Provides Rules and Laws: It ensures law and order in the country.

2. Protects Rights: It guarantees fundamental rights to all citizens.

3. Defines Government Structure: It explains the roles of different branches of government.

4. Ensures Equality and Justice: Promotes fairness and prevents discrimination.

5. Promotes Unity: It brings together people of different cultures and backgrounds.

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✅ Drafting Committee of the Indian Constitution

• The Drafting Committee was formed to write the Indian Constitution.

• It had 7 members and was chaired by Dr. B. R. Ambedkar.

• The committee worked for almost 3 years(2 years 11 months 18 days) to complete the Constitution.

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✅ Role of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar in Making of Constitution

1. Chairperson of Drafting Committee: He led the team that wrote the Constitution.

2. Voice of Equality: Worked to ensure justice and rights for all citizens.

3. Promoted Social Justice: Strongly opposed caste discrimination.

4. Protected Fundamental Rights: Focused on individual freedom and dignity.

5. Constitutional Expert: His knowledge and leadership were key in forming the Constitution.

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✅ Key Features of the Indian Constitution

1. Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic Republic: India is independent, believes in equality, and respects all religions.

2. Fundamental Rights: It guarantees basic rights like freedom of speech and equality.

3. Directive Principles of State Policy: Guidelines for the government to ensure the welfare of people.

4. Federal System: Division of power between the central and state governments.

5. Secularism: No official religion, and all religions are treated equally.

6. Independent Judiciary: Ensures justice for all and checks government power.

7. Universal Adult Franchise: Every citizen above 18 has the right to vote.

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✅ Guardian of the Indian Constitution

• The Supreme Court of India is known as the Guardian of the Indian Constitution.

• It ensures that the Constitution is followed and protects the fundamental rights of citizens.

• The Supreme Court has the power of judicial review, meaning it can check whether laws made by the government are constitutional or not.

• It acts as the final interpreter of the Constitution.

• If any law or action violates the Constitution, the Supreme Court can declare it invalid.

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Day-3-4

✅ What is Parliament?

• Parliament is the supreme legislative body of India.

• It consists of two houses: Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.

• It represents the people of India and makes important decisions for the country.

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✅ Role of the Parliament

• Makes laws for the country.

• Approves the budget and manages government spending.

• Discusses and debates important issues.

• Checks the work of the government and holds it accountable.

• Represents the views of the citizens.

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✅ Difference Between Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha

Aspect	Lok Sabha	Rajya Sabha
Also Called	House of the People	Council of States
Members	543 Members	245 Members(233+12 Nominated by President)
Election	Members elected by the people	Members elected by State Legislative Assemblies
Term	5 Years	Permanent, but one-third members retire every 2 years
Leader	Speaker of the Lok Sabha	Vice President of India (Chairperson)
Role	Introduces and passes money bills	Reviews and suggests changes to bills
Power	More powerful in money-related matters	Less power in financial matters

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✅ Who Makes New Laws?

• Parliament makes new laws.

• Members of Parliament (MPs) discuss and vote on proposed laws, called bills.

• If a bill is approved by both houses and signed by the President, it becomes a law.

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✅ Unpopular and Controversial Laws

• Sometimes, the government may pass laws that are unpopular or controversial.

• People can express their disagreement through protests or public debates.

• Courts can also check if the law violates the Constitution.

• Parliament can review and make changes to such laws based on public opinion.