On Equality Class 7 Worksheet Civics Chapter 1

Q.1. Why is universal adult franchise important in a democracy? 

The universal adult franchise is vital in a democracy for several reasons:

• It grants the right to vote to all adults aged 18 and over.
• This right is not influenced by an individual's social or economic status.
• It ensures that every citizen's voice is heard in the political process.
• Universal voting rights promote equality and inclusivity in governance.

Q.2. Why do people not consider Dalits as equal, even though the law says it? 

This is because attitudes change very slowly. True change occurs when society embraces the belief that no one is inferior and that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity. Achieving equality in a democratic society is a continuous struggle that requires the efforts of individuals and communities.

Q.3. Why do you think Omprakash Valmiki was being treated unequally by his teacher and his classmates? 

Omprakash Valmiki faced unequal treatment from his teacher and classmates primarily due to his caste. This discrimination manifested in several ways:

• He was often excluded from group activities.
• His contributions were ignored or undervalued.
• Classmates displayed hostility towards him based on his background.

This unequal treatment highlights the persistent issue of caste-based discrimination in society.

Q.4. What is the midday meal programme? 

The midday meal programme is a government initiative designed to provide cooked lunches to children in all government elementary schools. 
Key aspects include:

• Ensures children receive a nutritious meal during school hours.
• Encourages regular school attendance by reducing the need for children to go home for lunch.
• Helps alleviate hunger, allowing students to focus better on their studies.
• Promotes social equality as children from different backgrounds eat together.

This programme has significantly improved the enrolment and attendance rates among disadvantaged children, contributing to greater educational opportunities.

Q.5. What do you understand by ‘dignity’? 

Dignity is about recognising oneself and others as deserving of respect. It includes:

• Valuing personal worth.
• Promoting mutual respect among individuals.
• Upholding dignity is essential for a fair society.

Q.6. Who was Rosa Parks?

Rosa Parks was an African-American woman who refused to give up her seat on a bus to a white man on 1 December 1955. Her act of defiance started a movement against racial discrimination, which became known as the Civil Rights Movement.

Q.7. What does the Civil Rights Act of 1964 state? 

The Civil Rights Act of 1964 made significant changes to American society by:

• Prohibiting discrimination based on race, religion, or national origin.
• Ensuring that all schools must be open to African-American children.
• Ending the requirement for African-American children to attend separate schools.

Q.8. How were African Americans treated before the movement in the late 1950s to push for equal rights for African Americans? 

Before the movement for equal rights in the late 1950s, African-Americans faced severe inequality in the United States. They were often denied basic rights and treated unfairly under the law. Key points include:

• African-Americans were required to sit at the back of buses.
• They had to give up their seats if a white person wanted to sit.
• Discrimination was widespread in various aspects of life, including education and employment.

This systemic inequality highlighted the urgent need for change, leading to the Civil Rights Movement.

Q.9. What was the Civil Rights Movement? 

The Civil Rights Movement began in the USA during the 1950s. It was a significant campaign led by African-Americans who sought:

• Equal rights for all citizens
• An end to racial discrimination

One pivotal moment occurred on 1 December 1955, when Rosa Parks refused to give up her bus seat to a white man. This act of defiance sparked widespread protests against the unfair treatment of African-Americans. The movement ultimately led to the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibited discrimination based on race, religion, or national origin, and ensured that schools would be open to African-American children.

Q.10. What is the purpose of the midday meal programme?

The midday meal programme aims to:

• Increase enrolment and attendance of disadvantaged children in schools.
• Provide proper nutrition to children from poor backgrounds.
• Encourage children to stay in school and focus on their education.

Q.11. Establishing equality in a democratic society is a continuous struggle. Comment 

 Establishing equality in a democratic society is an ongoing challenge due to several factors:

• Attitudes change very slowly, making it difficult to achieve true equality.
• Despite knowing that discrimination is illegal, many still treat others unequally based on caste, religion, disability, economic status, or gender.
• Real change occurs when society believes that no one is inferior and that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity.
• This shift in attitude is gradual, which is why the struggle for equality continues.

Q.12. What do you understand by the term “all persons are equal before the law”? Why do you think it is important in a democracy?

All persons are equal before the law means:

• Every individual, from the President to a domestic worker, must follow the same laws.
• No one can face discrimination based on their religion, race, caste, place of birth, or gender.
• Everyone has access to public places, including playgrounds, hotels, shops, and markets.
• Untouchability has been abolished.

In a democracy, where people elect their representatives, it is crucial to ensure equality of opportunity. This allows everyone an equal chance to participate. If discrimination based on religion, race, caste, or place of birth persists, true democracy cannot thrive.

Q.13. In a democracy why is a universal adult franchise important?

The universal adult franchise is vital in a democracy for several reasons:

• It promotes equality by ensuring every adult citizen has the right to vote, regardless of their wealth or background.
• This principle reinforces the idea that each vote carries the same weight, fostering a sense of inclusiveness.
• It empowers citizens to participate in the decision-making process, enhancing government accountability.

Q.14. Which was the first state in India to introduce a midday meal scheme?

Tamil Nadu was the first state in India to introduce the midday meal scheme.

• This programme provides cooked lunches to children in government schools.
• It aims to improve school enrolment and attendance, particularly among disadvantaged children.
• The scheme has positively affected children's concentration and overall well-being.

Q.15. What does Article 15 of the Indian Constitution prohibit?

Article 15 of the Indian Constitution prohibits discrimination on the grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth. It ensures that no citizen is denied access to public places like shops, restaurants, hotels, wells, roads, and other public facilities based on these factors.