Class 7 Civics Chapter 1 Question Answers - On Equality

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Short Answer Type Questions

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

Ans. In a democracy, the universal adult franchise is crucial for several reasons:

• It ensures that democracy is a government by the people, for the people.
• Every adult, regardless of caste, creed, religion, region, sex, or wealth, has the right to vote. This principle is known as the universal adult franchise.
• It is founded on the concept of equality.

Universal Adult Franchise

Q.2. What is one of the main reasons that is responsible for the continuance of discrimination?

Ans. Main reasons for the continuance of discrimination is that attitudes change very slowly. 

• People know that discrimination is illegal, yet they still treat others unequally based on caste, religion, disability, economic status, and gender.
• Attitudes can only change when individuals believe that no one is inferior and that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity.
• Establishing equality in a democratic society is an ongoing struggle.
• Individuals and various communities in India play a vital role in addressing and removing inequalities.
  
  

Q.3. Give an example to show all people are equal according to the Indian constitution.
Ans. The right to vote is given to all adults irrespective of their gender, caste, creed, or socio-economic status. This ensures that every citizen has an equal voice in the democratic process.

Q.4. Write a brief note on the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Ans. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 was a landmark piece of legislation in the United States. It aimed to:

• Prohibit discrimination based on race, religion, or national origin.
• Ensure that all schools were open to African-American children, ending the practice of separate schools.

Q.5. What is the position of equality in India, a democratic country?

Ans. The Indian Constitution recognises that every person is equal. This includes:

• All individuals, regardless of gender, caste, religion, or economic background, are considered equal.
• Despite this recognition, inequality still exists in society.
• Previously, there were no laws to protect individuals from discrimination and mistreatment.
• Now, several laws are in place to ensure that everyone is treated with dignity and as equals.

Q.6. Why do people refuse to think of Dalits as equal, even though the law says it?

Ans. People often struggle to see Dalits as equals, despite legal protections. This is largely due to:

• Attitudes that change slowly over time.
• A lack of understanding that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity.
• Deep-rooted beliefs about superiority and inferiority among different groups.

True equality will only be achieved when society collectively acknowledges that no one is inferior or superior.

Q.7. List the provision in the constitution for recognition of equality.
Ans. The Constitution recognises equality for all individuals.This includes several key provisions:

• Equality before the law: Every person, from the President to domestic workers, is subject to the same laws.
• Non-discrimination: No one can be discriminated against based on caste, colour, race, religion, place of birth, or gender.
• Access to public places: All individuals can access public areas such as parks, markets, and hotels.
• Abolition of untouchability: This practice has been completely abolished.

Q.8. What do you mean by a mid-day meal program?

Ans. The mid-day meal program is an initiative in government elementary schools aimed at providing students with cooked lunches. Key features include:

• Improved attendance as children no longer go home for lunch.
• Support for working mothers who previously had to interrupt their jobs to feed their children.
• Promotion of equality as children from different backgrounds eat together, helping to reduce caste prejudices.
• Addressing hunger among poor students, allowing them to concentrate better in class.

Overall, this program plays a crucial role in enhancing educational opportunities for disadvantaged children

Q.9. Does Kanta have enough reason to doubt the equality level of citizens?

Ans. Yes, Kanta has enough reasons to doubt whether she is equal. The reasons behind it are:

• She cannot skip work when her daughter is ill
• She does not have enough money to take her to the doctor
• She has to stand in line in the government hospital for her turn to show her daughter to the doctor.

Q.10. What do you mean by the term “All persons are equal before the law”? Why do you think this is important in a democracy?

Ans. By the term “All persons are equal before the law,” we mean:

• The law applies to everyone, regardless of class, caste, or gender.
• Everyone is expected to treat others as equals in public spaces and in exercising their fundamental rights.
• This principle is crucial in a democracy as it helps maintain the dignity of all individuals.

Q.12. Are all the people who have voting rights equal?
Ans. People like Kanta have voting rights, but their daily living conditions are far from equal. They experience inequality in different ways.

Long

Answer Type Questions

Q.1. Re-read the box on Article 15 and state two ways in which this Article addresses inequality.
Ans. Article 15 addresses inequality in two significant ways:

• The State is prohibited from discriminating against any citizen based solely on religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth.

No citizen can face any disability, restriction, or condition regarding:

• Access to shops, public restaurants, hotels, and entertainment venues.
• The use of public facilities such as wells, tanks, bathing ghats, roads, and other places maintained with State funds.

Q.2. Mention two different kinds of inequalities that exist in our country. Give examples.  

Ans. Two different kinds of inequalities that exist in our country are:

• Caste-based inequality: - Omprakash Valmiki, a Dalit, faced severe discrimination. - In school, his headmaster forced him to sweep the school and playground.
• Religious inequality: - The Ansaris experienced unfair treatment due to their religion. - They were interested in renting an apartment, but when the landlady learned their names, she refused to rent to them.

Q.3. When persons are treated unequally, their dignity is violated. How?

Ans. When people are treated unequally, their dignity is violated, leading to feelings of humiliation. Here are some key points:

• The dignity of both Omprakash Valmiki and the Ansaris was harmed due to their treatment.
• Omprakash Valmiki was made to sweep the school because of his caste, which deeply hurt his dignity and made him feel inferior to his classmates.
• As a child, Omprakash had limited ability to change his situation; it was his father who felt anger and confronted the teachers.
• The Ansaris also faced dignity violations when people refused to rent them apartments.
• A property dealer suggested they change their name, which further disrespected their dignity, leading them to reject the idea.
• Both Omprakash and the Ansaris deserve the same respect and dignity as everyone else.

Q.4. List four benefits of the midday meal program.

Ans. The following are the benefits of the mid-day meal program:

• The midday meal programme has significantly increased enrolment and attendance among poor children in schools.
• It has eliminated the practice of students going home for lunch and not returning, thereby improving overall attendance.
• This initiative has helped reduce caste prejudices, as children from different castes share meals together, and many Dalit women are employed to cook.
• By providing meals, the programme addresses hunger among poor students, allowing them to concentrate better in class.