Important Questions Class 8 Social Science Social And Political Life Chapter 10

Important Questions Class 8 Social Science and Political Life Chapter 10

Political Science main research areas include local, state, federal, and international politics. Political science is dedicated to promoting research approaches that promote citizenship and help us comprehend the institutions, beliefs, and relationships that make up public life—the tenth chapter of Class 8 Social Science and Political Life in Law and Social Justice. The primary function of the government in regulating economic activity is covered in Chapter 10. This is mostly accomplished through laws, and the chapter emphasises the significance of putting new laws into effect and existing ones to safeguard the rights of employees, customers, and market producers. The Bhopal gas disaster is an example of the l  inadequate enforcement of laws. Chapter 10 Class 8 Social Science and Political Life Important Questions help students get a clear understanding of the chapter. Students can easily access all this and more on the Extramarks website.

Students choose Political Science to gain knowledge about the functioning of the government. At Extramarks, we recognise the value of solving important questions. As Extramarks’ social science subject experts have prepared Social Science and Political Life Class 8 Chapter 10 Important Questions, students may refer to the NCERT Textbook, NCERT reference books, past exam papers, and all other relevant sources. Social Science experts at Extramarks have developed step-by-step solutions to help students better understand each chapter. Students can register with Extramarks and access Class 8 Social Science and Political Life Chapter 10 Important Questions.

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Important Questions Class 8 Social Science and Political Life Chapter 10- with Solutions

The Social Science experts of Extramarks have designed a  list of Important Questionnaires for Class 8 Social Science and Political Life Chapter 10 using various sources. Chapter 10 discusses how the government primarily controls economic activity. Laws are largely responsible for doing this, and the chapter emphasises how important it is to implement both new and current laws to protect the rights of workers, consumers, and market producers. The Bhopal gas tragedy is an example of how poorly the regulations are enforced. These questions and solutions help students better comprehend Law and Social Justice.

Mentioned below are a few Important Questions Class 8 Social Science and Political Life Chapter 10 and their solutions:

Question 1. How was the environment treated earlier? What has been the change in perception? Discuss.

Answer 1. Any company or person was allowed to freely contaminate the environment since it was seen as a “free” entity. In India, there were hardly any regulations enacted to save the environment. Environmental protection received no attention from the government either.

There has been a shift in perception recently. The government has passed several laws to safeguard and preserve the environment, one of them being the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. Numerous court rulings have upheld the right to a healthy environment as integral to the fundamental right to life. River pollution has been reduced, and many regulations and processes have been established. The government might potentially fine those who damage our environment.

Question 2. What benefits does a private company receive if it establishes its business in India?

Answer 2. For international businesses, setting up manufacturing in our nation offers several benefits. India provides labour at a lower cost than many other overseas nations. Workers are paid much more in other countries than in India when doing the same occupations. International businesses may thus pay Indian workers more for the same labour amount than elsewhere. In addition, prices for other items like food and accommodation for workers are considerably lower here than in several other countries. Therefore, international businesses can benefit by saving money and making more money in the process.

Question 3. What are the advantages to foreign companies in setting up production in India?

Answer 3. The following are some benefits for foreign businesses starting up production in India:

  • India attracts foreign businesses due to its inexpensive labour. The wages that businesses must pay to employees in India are significantly lower than those they must pay in other nations.
  • Longer hours of work and little pay.
  • Minimum supplementary costs, such as worker housing. As a result, businesses may reduce expenses and boost earnings.
  • Other riskier cost-cutting methods include decreasing working conditions, which may include fewer safety precautions.

Question 4. What are your thoughts on the victims of the Bhopal gas tragedy? Was the government providing the victim’s family with some money for good service? Discuss.

Answer 4. The Bhopal gas tragedy victims have received cash compensation. It was brought on by the management of the factory’s blatant disregard for safety precautions. The administration has pushed for financial assistance for people who were affected.. The corporation has only paid out 470 million dollars of the 3 billion dollars in compensation requested by the government. People are now demanding justice after the tragedy caused so many tears. They still lack access to clean drinking water, medical facilities, and public employment. Many persons who have had lifelong mutilations don’t need compensation money. Therefore, it is safe to state that the Bhopal gas tragedy victims have not received justice.

Question 5. What are the sources of environmental pollution in your area? Discuss with respect to (a) Air, (b) Water and (c) soil. What are the steps being taken to reduce pollution? Can you suggest some other measures?

Answer 5. Following are some of the main local environmental contamination sources:

  1. The primary causes of air pollution are smoke from industries and cars running on gasoline or diesel.
  2. Chemical fertilisers and rubbish from businesses, farms, and residences are the main causes of water pollution.
  3. Pesticides and fertilisers used to cultivate crops and rubbish discarded by people or factories damage the soil.

These actions are performed to reduce pollution:

  • Several laws have been put into effect to control environmental contamination.
  • CNG car promotion to lower air pollution
  • Strict penalties for businesses that break environmental rules.

Until and unless each member of society assumes personal responsibility for maintaining their environment, no laws or norms can assist in keeping our environment clean and pollution-free. The only way we can clean up our environment is through voluntary activity.

Question 6. What does law enforcement involve?

Answer 6. A way to encourage or enforce compliance with a set of regulations is through law enforcement. Laws must be upheld to function properly; otherwise, they are worthless. As a result, the government must enforce the laws and ensure everyone abides by it. By implementing these laws, the government will be able to regulate both individual and corporate behaviour, guarantee social fairness across the nation. Therefore, enforcement is much more important which ensures that workers, consumers or producers are not exploited..

Question 7. Write a paragraph on various government roles you have read about in this unit.

Answer 7. The government plays the following roles:

  • Public services like healthcare, sewage disposal, and water supply guarantee that private businesses do not overtake them. .
  • The government has passed the Factories Act, 1948. This Act regulates the health, safety, welfare, and other working conditions of workers in factories. 
  •  Enforcing the exploitation of child labour.
  • Establishing a minimum salary for workers and periodically reviewing it.
  • Enforcing regulations about worker safety
  • Enforcement of environmental safety legislation.
  • To ensure that the workers were not exploited it passed several laws such as the Payment of Wages Act, 1936; Minimum Wages Act, 1948; Payment of Bonus Act, 1965 
  •  To defend the interests of customers against inflated prices and inferior goods.
  • Organisations should be penalised for not adhering to environmental protection regulations.

Question 8. How does the government ensure that the underprivileged have access to essentials?

Answer 8. The government has put regulations in place to ensure that the price of essentials like kerosene, oil, and food grains won’t increase and that the poor won’t be left helpless. The Consumer Protection Act, which guarantees that clients are not misled regarding the quality or quantity of products, has also been passed by the government. These rules are essential to safeguard customers’ rights while ensuring that producers of goods and retailers follow the law.

Question 9. What do we mean when we speak of law enforcement? Who is responsible for enforcement? Why is enforcement so important?

Answer 9. Law enforcement is the process of carrying out the law. Enforcement is the responsibility of the government. When the aim of the law is to defend the weaker members of society against the strong, enforcement is necessary. . It’s crucial to enforce laws to guarantee that all employees receive equitable pay. The fear of losing future earnings or fearing retaliation leads workers to accept low salaries when they are weak or helpless. Employers utilise this as a means to underpay their employees. The law must be upheld in such circumstances.

Question 10. Talk about some local causes of pollution.

Answer 10. There are several sources of pollution in my area. My hometown is an industrial hub, and many companies and manufacturing facilities are close to my town. Thus, a lot of traffic on the highways goes to these enterprises.

Additionally, the smoke emitted by manufacturing chimneys puts the general public’s health in danger in various ways. As a result, the groundwater is also affected. My town’s soil has become mostly unsuitable for cultivation as a result. The government has stepped in and controlled these hazardous pollution levels by placing a ceiling on emission levels.

Question 11. How can laws ensure that markets work fairly? Give two examples to support your answer.

Answer 11. Laws protect people from unfair practices,  ensuring that markets operate fairly. The two instances are:

Right against Exploitation: According to this law, no one can make anyone labour in return for slave wages or other inhumane conditions.

Child Labour Prevention Act: No child under the age of 14 may be engaged to work in a factory, mine, or any other dangerous occupation, according to the Child Labor Prevention Act.

Additionally, laws have been implemented by the government to ensure that basic goods like kerosene, food grains, sugar, etc., are not overpriced. Such limitations must be placed so that those from lower socioeconomic levels can afford them. 

Question 12. How do the developed nations exploit the less developing nations?

Answer 12. The following are some ways developed nations exploit developing nations:

  • They relocate their hazardous industries to these emerging nations, harming the environment and emitting poisonous gases.
  • The big attraction is the availability of inexpensive labour.
  • Longer hours can be obtained for less money by companies.
  • Employers take advantage of workers because of their precarious conditions and the easy availability of replacement workers due to the huge population and widespread unemployment.

Question 13. How do consumers and producers relate to one another?

Answer 13. A person who purchases products and services for their consumption alone is referred to as a consumer. Anyone or anything that creates a supply chain of products and services for customers is a producer. This suggests that producers produce and market goods that customers are interested in buying. They are directly or indirectly involved in the process. We may thus assert that they are connected and interdependent.

Question 14. Why do we require a minimum wage law?

Answer 14. Government representatives ensure that all employees receive the minimum wage set by the Indian government. The private sector, however, disregards these laws. In any private corporation, employees who work on the same project are paid differently and receive different perks. Private businesses pay their employees the bare minimum wage to get the maximum profit out of them. The authorities need to consider this as an instance of exploitation. Therefore, the minimum wage is required to ensure that the workers are not underpaid or paid fairly.

The above section of Important Questions Class 8 Social Science and Political Life Chapter 10 covers all the chapter’s important concepts.

Benefits of Solving Important Questions Class 8 Social Science and Political Life Chapter 10

Sometimes students find Political Science to be vast and challenging to remember. To help students, they are encouraged to go through Extramarks Important Questions Class 8 Social Science and Political Life Chapter 10. Students gain confidence and retention by answering important questions and reviewing their solutions.

Following are some benefits of solving Important Questions Class 8 Social Science and Political Life Chapter 10:

  • These solutions help students save time while preparing for the upcoming examination and cover the entire chapter.
  • Students can entirely rely upon these important questions as these are made following all the guidelines laid by CBSE.
  • Important Questions Class 8 Social Science and Political Life Chapter 10 covers the concepts of the entire chapter- Law and Social Justice.

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Q.1 Which tragedy in India is dubbed as “Hiroshima of the Chemical Industry”?

Ans

The leak of poisonous gases dubbed the “Hiroshima of the Chemical Industry” from the Union Carbide plant in Bhopal, India, remains the worst industrial disaster in human history. It happened shortly after the midnight on 2 December 1984, when a cloud of poisonous gas escaped from a Union Carbide pesticide plant. The release of 42 tones of methyl isocyanate (known as MIC) from the factory exposed more than 500,000 people to toxic gas. More than 10,000 died within the first 72 hours after the leak and an estimated 120,000 remained chronically ill. There are still thousands of the people suffering from various diseases caused by the leakage of the gas.

Q.2 What do you mean by law enforcement? Who is responsible for law enforcement?

Ans

The government has to ensure that laws of the land are implemented and for this, laws must be enforced. Enforcement of law is important as it protects the weak from the strong. For instance, to ensure that every worker gets fair wages, the government has to regularly inspect work sites and punish those who violate the law. When workers are poor, the fear of losing future earnings often forces them to accept low wages. Employers know this well and use this power to pay the workers less than fair wages. To avoid such a situation, it is important to enforce laws. A major role of the government is to ensure that labour laws should be followed at work places whether it is public or private companies. Thus, enforcing and upholding laws to prevent unfair practices and secure social justice is a key duty of the government.

Q.3 In what ways were the safety laws violated leading up to the Bhopal Gas Tragedy?

Ans

First of all, the government officials refused to recognize the plant as hazardous and allowed it to come up in a populated locality. When some municipal officials in Bhopal objected to the installation of an MIC production unit, the government maintained that the state needs the continued investment of the Bhopal plant which provides jobs. Government inspector continued to approve the procedures in the plant even when repeated incidents of leaks from the plant made it obvious to everyone that things were seriously wrong.

Q.4 What are minimum wages?

Ans

Wages means all payment capable of being articulated in terms of money, and are payable to a person employed in respect of his employment or of work done in such employment. Minimum Wages are the wages which would be sufficient to cover the bare minimum need of the worker and his family. Each country sets its own minimum wage laws and regulations.

Q.5 When was the Minimum Wages Bill passed in India?

Ans

The Minimum Wages Bill was passed by the Indian Dominion Legislature and came into force on 15th March, 1948. Under the Act both State and Central Government are “Appropriate Governments” for fixation/revision of minimum rates of wages for employments covered by the Schedule to the Act. The rates of wages once fixed are revised at an interval not exceeding of five years.

Q.6 What does the Right Against Exploitation state?

Ans

The Right Against Exploitation states that no one can be forced to work under bondage or for low wages.

Q.7 What was the name of the company, which was involved in the Bhopal tragedy? Also name the gas that caused the devastation.

Ans

The name of the company was Union Carbide and the gas that caused the devastation was methyl-isocyanite.

Q.8 State any two Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles mentioned in the constitution to ensure social and economic justice for Indian citizens.

Ans

The two Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles mentioned in the constitution to ensure social and economic justice for Indian citizens.
Fundamental Rights:-
a. The right to fredom gives all citizens the right to do any work of their choice.
b. The right against exploitation protects citizens from being forced to do any work or being forced to work without pay.
Directive Principles of State Policy:-
a. Early childhood care and education up to the age of 6 and primary education after that must not be denied to any child aged below 14.
b. Give free legal aid to poor

Q.9 Why is the law to form worker unions/associations necessary?

Ans

The law to form worker unions/associations is necessary because by organizing themselves into unions, workers can use their combined power to demand fair wages and better working conditions. The trade unions through its leadership, bargains with the employer on behalf of union members and negotiate labour contracts with their employers. The most common aim of these organizations is to maintain or improve the working conditions of their employment.

Q.10 Why do we need laws for safeguarding the environment?

Ans

Environmental laws provide the foundation for governmental policies and actions for the conservation of the environment and for ensuring that the use of natural resources is both equitable and sustainable.

Q.11 Why is the worth of an Indian worker perceived to be so low?

Ans

The worth of an Indian worker is percieved to be low as one worker can easily be replaced by another. Since there is so much unemployment, there are many workers who are willing to work in unsafe conditions in return for a wage. Making use of the workers’ vulnerability, employers ignore safety in workplaces. Thus, even so many years after the Bhopal gas tragedy, there are regular reports of accidents in construction sites, mines or factories due to the callous attitude of the employers.

Q.12 Why is the law requiring that the quality of goods meet certain prescribed standards necessary?

Ans

If the products are not standardized then they won’t work as expected. They may be of inferior quality and incompatible with other equipments, in fact they may not even connect with them, and in extreme cases; non-standardized products may even be dangerous.
Standardized products and services are valuable User ‘confidence builders’, being perceived as: safe, healthy, secure, high quality and flexible. As a result, standardized goods and services are widely accepted, commonly trusted and highly valued. Hence the law is an essential requisite to maintain the quality of goods.

Q.13 How can laws ensure that markets work in a manner that is fair? Give examples to support your answer.

Ans

Laws are necessary in many situations, whether this be the market, office or factory so as to protect people from unfair practices. Private companies in order to make profits, resort to unfair practices such as paying workers low wages, employing children for work, etc. A major role of the government, therefore, is to control the activities of private companies by making, enforcing and uploading laws so as to prevent unfair practices and promote social justice. Laws that are weak and poorly enforced can cause serious harm, such as the Bhopal Gas tragedy. Environment is one example where people have pushed a public cause and the courts have upheld the right to healthy environment as intrinsic to the Right to Life.

Q.14 What matters are dealt by Social Justice?

Ans

Social Justice deals with matters like regulation of wages and profits, the protection of individual’s rights through the legal system, the allocation of housing, medicines, welfare benefits and like.

Q.15 How were the victims of the Bhopal Tragedy cheated out of justice?

Ans

The Bhopal Gas Tragedy victims were paid a very low compensation even though the death toll was very high and several people continue to suffer even today. This was because the worth of the Indian worker is far less than a foreign worker and the Indian workers are easily replaceable.

Q.16 Why is the law of minimum wages necessary?

Ans

The law of minimum wages is necessary because many workers are denied fair wages by their employers. Because they badly need work, workers have no bargaining power and are paid low wages.

Q.17 How can the government ensure social justice?

Ans

Through making, enforcing and upholding laws, the government can control the activities of individuals or private companies and thus, ensure social justice.

Q.18 What can the government do to enforce the law of minimum wages?

Ans

To ensure that the workers get their fair wages, the government should regularly inspect work sites and punish those who violate the law of minimum wages for workers.

Q.19 Are there any laws for producers and consumers? If yes, then what they state?

Ans

Yes, there are laws for the rights of producers and consumers.These laws protect the interest of producers and consumers in the market.These laws make sure that the relations between the three parties – the worker, the consumer and the producer are governed in a manner that there is no exploitation and unjust treatment.

Q.20 How did the textile mills in Ahemdabad close due to power looms?

Ans

The power looms are small units with 4-6 looms. The private owners operate them with hired and family labour. The conditions of work in the power looms are far from satisfactory. The textile mills in Ahmedabad had faced greater competition from power looms. The majority of the textile mills closed during 1980s and 1990s because of cheap and vast production rate of small power looms.

Q.21 How did the ruling of the courts solved one problem and created another in Delhi?

Ans

The courts ruled out that the industries in residential areas of Delhi should close down or shift out of the city. These industries were polluting the neighbourhood and discharge from these industries was polluting river Yamuna. Moreover, these industries do not follow any rules and regulations. While the court’s action solved one problem, it created another. Because of the closure of industries, many workers lost their jobs.

Q.22 Which industries are relocated by developed countries and where?

Ans

Developed countries are relocating their toxic and hazardous industries to developing countries in order to take advantage of the weaker laws of these countries and to keep their own countries clean and safe. South Asian countries like India, Bangladesh and Pakistan are engaged in the recreation of the industries that produce pesticides, asbestos or processing zinc and lead.

Q.23 What do you understand by the ‘Worker’s Union’?

Ans

Workers’ Union is an association of workers. Workers’ unions are common in factories and offices, but we also find them in other types of industries. The leaders of the union bargain and negotiate with the employer on behalf of its members. They deal with the issues like wages, work rules, rules concerning hiring, firing and promotion of workers, benefits and workplace safety.

Q.24 State some of the features of the trade union

Ans

The trade union is an organization of workers who are bonded together to achieve a common goals in key areas, such as working conditions.

Features of the Trade Union

1. An association of either employers or employees of independent workers. They may consist of general labourer union, union of intellectual union (e. teachers association) and employers association.

2. It is a permanent body. They exist throughout the year.

3. Formed to protect and promote all types of interest – economic, political and social of its members.

4. Achieve its objective through collective action and group efforts. Negotiation and collective bargaining are the collective tools for accomplishing the objectives.

Q.25 How does the ship-breaking industry get boost in South Asia?

Ans

The Ship-breaking is a hazardous industry which is getting boost in South Asia. The old ships, which are not in use, are sent to shipyards in Bangladesh and India for scrapping. These ships contain potentially dangerous and harmful substances.

Q.26 What is the life of thrown out factory workers?

Ans

The thrown out factory workers end up as small traders or as daily-wages labourers. Some of them find work in smaller production units, where the conditions of work are more exploitative and the enforcement of laws is weaker.

Q.27 Who is a consumer?

Ans

Consumer is an individual who buys goods or services for his/her personal use.

Q.28 What is the full form of CNG?

Ans

CNG stands for Compressed Natural Gas.

Q.29 Name the major hazardous industries relocated by the developed countries into the developing countries.

Ans

The major hazourdous industries are of Pesticides, asbestos, zinc and lead processing and the Ship-breaking.

Q.30 Name major Ship-breaking yard in India and where is it located?

Ans

Alang is the major Ship-breaking yard in India and it is located on Gujarat seacoast.

Q.31 How much compensation did the travel agency paid to the foreign trip tourists after court’s order?

Ans

The travel agency had paid Rs 8 lakh to the foreign trip tourists after court’s order.

Q.32 Which company owns the Union Carbide plant in Bhopal at present?

Ans

Dow Chemicals is the company, which owns the Union Carbide plant in Bhopal at present.

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FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. How can the making and enforcing Class 8 laws achieve social justice for workers?

Various laws are created to shield employees against employer abuse and exploitation. Laws are also created to guarantee that employees are paid a minimum wage and that their workplaces are safe. A government’s duties also include enforcing the laws that it has passed. To guarantee that regulations are followed, employees are working in a safe environment, overtime is being paid for, and minimum wages are being paid, the government must inspect workplaces, factories, and other enterprises. The government must also punish the offenders. To know more about this, refer to Extramarks Important Questions Class 8 Social Science and Political Life Chapter 10

2. What events caused the Bhopal Gas Tragedy?

The world’s biggest industrial catastrophe occurred on 2 Dec. 1984 in Bhopal, India. More than 8000 individuals perished due to the gas plant’s methyl isocyanate spill. Many of the survivors are still afflicted with numerous diseases today. Several circumstances were responsible for the accident. First, India’s safety regulations lacked teeth. Second, even lax safety regulations were not put into effect. Third, the authorities failed to acknowledge the facility as dangerous, endangering the lives of the locals. The tragedy highlighted the need for stringent regulations and improved enforcement.