CBSE Class 7 Social Science Political Science Revision Notes Chapter 1

CBSE Class 7 Political Science (Civics) Chapter 1 Notes – On Equality

In a diverse democratic society like India, there are several examples of prejudice and discrimination against certain communities. Therefore, there is a need for a platform that enforces individual rights and provides equality to all. The duty of enforcing equality represents the development of laws that must be correctly followed by the democratic executive power.

Students must therefore develop strong attitudes regarding the significance of the right to equality. The Class 7 Civics Chapter 1 Notes assist them in developing a solid understanding of what equality means in Indian democracy and how it must be implemented. 

On Equality Class 7 Political Science (Civics) Chapter 1 Notes

Access Class 7 Social Science Chapter 1 Notes – On Equality

Class 7 Social Science Chapter 1 – On Equality – Revision Notes

Extramarks’ Revision Notes will help students revise the concepts in this chapter effectively and quickly. The NCERTRevision Notes for Class 7 Social Science (Civics) Chapter 1 are designed to make learning fun and easy for students. The notes provided by Extramarks are accurate and trustworthy because they were created by subject matter experts. The website provides easy access to these notes, enabling students to learn directly from quality materials. They can improve and write better answers in their exams with these pointers in mind to score better marks in examinations. 

On Equality – Class 7 Notes Chapter 1 Notes 

The regular operation and enforcement of democracy necessitate the issue of equality, as well as equal protection of rights. The Indian Constitution guarantees the right to equality to all citizens of the country. The concept of dignity was introduced through the experiences of Kanta, Omprakash Valmiki, and the Ansaris. It has succeeded in focusing on social movements as well as highlighting creative ways (writings, songs, poems) for people to express their equality demands.

CBSE Class 7 Civics Chapter 1 discusses democracy and equality, and the various aspects and grounds for discrimination against equality.  It explains the various grounds for confirming equality among all citizens within the Indian democracy.

Voting Rights

In terms of voting rights, equality entails the inclusion of the universal adult franchise, which in the most basic sense refers to the ideology of ‘one person, one vote’ for every citizen over the age of 18. This concept gives meaning to the concept of equality before the law by treating every citizen equally in the decision-making process of electing certain people to govern the country.

Recognition of Dignity

CBSE Class 7 Civics Chapter 1 begins by recognising the dignity of every person living in the country. The dignity of a person is central to the understanding of equality. This is due to the fact that when an individual is discriminated against on the basis of equality, their dignity suffers on both a personal and moral level. To achieve equality in the eyes of the law, everyone must be treated ethically in a way that does not jeopardise the person’s dignity.

Both Omprakash Valmiki’s and Ansari’s dignity were violated due to various social practices. Omprakash Valmiki was forced to sweep the school because of his caste. His classmates and teachers used to belittle him and make him feel inferior to other students. After seeing this circumstance and the abuse his son was subjected to, his father was enraged. These people did not deserve to be treated this way. They are entitled to the same respect as any other citizen.

Equality in Indian Democracy

Article 14 of the Indian Constitution guarantees equality and indiscrimination across all genders, castes, socioeconomic backgrounds, educational backgrounds, tribes, and religions. It precludes the provisions of equality before the law, that no one shall be discriminated against on the above-mentioned grounds, that everyone has access to public places, and, finally, that untouchability be abolished.

Nonetheless, numerous cases of discrimination based on equality have emerged over the decades. Discrimination based on caste is extremely common in India. People belonging to the “lower castes” are separated from all other castes in an instant and are still treated with extreme inequality today. Throughout their lives, they face a variety of problems and difficulties. Such incidents are against the Indian Constitution and should be reported and abolished from the start. 

The Indian government implements the concept of equality through the enforcement of laws, as well as government schedules and programmes such as the mid-day meal programme, and so on.

The Challenges Faced by Equality in Other Democracies of the World

Even in today’s world, many democratic countries face the challenge of upholding the right to equality before the law. This can be understood by looking at the example of racism toward African-American communities in the United States, which are largely discriminated against and face significant challenges throughout their lives. Such discrimination encroaches on the right to equality regardless of race.

Benefits of Class 7 Civics Chapter 1 Notes

These notes are written in a lucid manner by subject matter experts for easy comprehension by students. They make it easier for students to prepare for exams and give special attention to the more difficult areas.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. What is a democratic government?

The people form a democratic government. People participate in the formation of the government by casting votes and electing representatives. Equality is the most important feature of a democratic government. A democratic government treats all citizens equally and does not discriminate against them based on their caste, colour, creed, or gender. Other characteristics of a democratic government include equal justice and conflict resolution.

2. What is the significance of the Universal Adult Franchise?

The Universal Adult Franchise is important for several reasons:

  • It is based on the equality principle.
  • The operation of a democracy corresponds to the presence of people and is defined as “of the people, by the people, and for the people.”
  • This ensures that all adults, i.e., those aged 18 and above, have the right to vote regardless of their socioeconomic status.
  • The universal adult franchise is a necessary component of governance.
  • It increases the government’s responsiveness to the public.

3. What does Article 15 of the Constitution entail?

Article 15 of the Indian Constitution states that there shall be no discrimination based on religion, race, caste, gender, or place of birth. This takes two forms:

 

To begin with, no one shall be discriminated against solely on the basis of religion, race, caste, gender, place of birth, or any combination thereof, and the State shall protect such a right. Second, no resident of the country shall be subject to any disability, limitation, or condition based on faith, race, caste, sex, place of birth, or any combination thereof, in relation to the following.

 

  • Access to public stores, restaurants, hotels, and entertainment venues
  • Tanks, bathing ghats, wells, roads, and public recreation areas that have been maintained entirely or partially by state funds, or have been designated for public use

4. What were the effects of starting midday meals in elementary schools?

The introduction of midday meals in elementary schools had a wide-ranging positive impact. This programme involved providing food to students at school.  Parents who could not afford to feed their children properly began enrolling their children in schools so that they could receive proper nutrition. As a result, the number of children attending elementary schools increased. The nutrition and health of elementary school children have also improved because of midday meals.

5. Write down the differences between a private hospital and a government hospital.

People do not have to wait in line at a private hospital, and they receive better treatment. People must wait in long lines for their turn in a government hospital. They do not receive better medical care in government hospitals often because of a lack of healthcare professionals. People have to pay more money for treatment in a private hospital, whereas people do not have to pay much for treatment in a government hospital.