Chapter 5: Democratic Rights

Political Science (Civics) • Class 9

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Chapter Analysis

Intermediate17 pages • English

Quick Summary

Chapter 5 of the Class 9 Political Science textbook titled 'Democratic Rights' discusses the importance of rights in a democracy. It explains how rights serve as a safeguard against the majority's domination and protect minority communities from oppression. The chapter outlines the Fundamental Rights in the Indian Constitution and elaborates on their significance for ordinary citizens. Real-life examples are used to illustrate the impact of exercising or being denied rights, and the chapter emphasizes the role of rights as enshrined in constitutional law.

Key Topics

  • Fundamental Rights in the Indian Constitution
  • Importance of rights in a democracy
  • Right to Equality
  • Right to Freedom
  • Right against Exploitation
  • Right to Freedom of Religion
  • Cultural and Educational Rights
  • Right to Constitutional Remedies

Learning Objectives

  • Understand the significance of rights in a democratic framework.
  • Identify the Fundamental Rights provided by the Indian Constitution.
  • Analyze real-life scenarios to understand the implications of rights and their violations.
  • Appreciate the role of the judiciary in safeguarding rights.
  • Evaluate the relationship between rights, duties, and responsibilities in a democracy.

Questions in Chapter

Which of the following is not an instance of an exercise of a fundamental right?

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Which of the following freedoms is not available to an Indian citizen?

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Name the Fundamental Right under which each of the following rights falls:

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Which of these statements about the relationship between democracy and rights is more valid? Give reasons for your preference.

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Are these restrictions on the right to freedom justified? Give reasons for your answer.

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Manoj went to a college to apply for admission into an MBA course. The clerk refused to take his application and said 'You, the son of a sweeper, wish to be a manager! Has anyone done this job in your community? Go to the municipality office and apply for a sweeper’s position'. Which of Manoj’s fundamental rights are being violated in this instance?

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Additional Practice Questions

Discuss how Fundamental Rights are safeguarded in India.

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Answer: In India, Fundamental Rights are safeguarded by the Constitution, which empowers the judiciary to enforce these rights. The Supreme Court and High Courts can issue orders and writs to protect citizens' rights. Furthermore, Public Interest Litigation allows any citizen to approach the courts if a right is violated.

Explain the concept of 'Right to Constitutional Remedies'.

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Answer: The 'Right to Constitutional Remedies' empowers citizens to approach the Supreme Court or High Courts to enforce their Fundamental Rights. It is considered the 'heart and soul' of the Constitution, as it makes other rights effective and enforceable by judicial intervention when needed.

How do 'rights' and 'duties' complement each other in a democracy?

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Answer: In a democracy, 'rights' ensure citizens the freedoms necessary for their development, while 'duties' encourage responsibilities that contribute to the well-being of society. Both are essential for maintaining social harmony and enabling citizens to exercise their rights fully without infringing upon others’.

Illustrate how the 'Right to Freedom of Expression' can be balanced with maintaining public order.

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Answer: The 'Right to Freedom of Expression' is fundamental; however, it must be balanced with maintaining public order by placing reasonable restrictions. The government can impose restrictions to prevent hate speech, defamation, or incitement to violence, ensuring that public peace is not disrupted.

What are the rights provided under 'Right to Equality', and why are they important?

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Answer: The 'Right to Equality' includes the equality before law, prohibition of discrimination, equality of opportunity in employment, and abolition of untouchability. These rights are crucial for ensuring fair treatment of all citizens and maintaining a just social order.