Test: Understanding Secularism - 2 - Class 8 MCQ

False, the Indian Constitution does not allow the government to promote one religion over others. In fact, the Constitution mandates a secular state and requires the state to treat all religions impartially. The Preamble of the Indian Constitution has the word "secular", and articles 25 to 28 implying that the State will not discriminate, patronise or meddle in the profession of any religion. However, it shields individual religions or groups by adding religious rights as fundamental rights.

• True! The Indian Constitution permits the State to get involved in religious affairs, but it must do so based on the principles outlined in the Constitution. This means that if the State interferes in religious matters, it must align with the values set out in the Constitution. An interesting fact is that this is different from how things work in some other countries, like the United States, where there is a strict separation between State and religion.

• True
• Secularism means that in a country where people follow different religions, the government will not favor or discriminate against any particular religion. This allows everyone to practice their own beliefs freely. It also means that individuals are free to choose their religion or interpret their religious teachings as they wish. Separating State and religion helps protect the rights of each citizen, regardless of their beliefs. It's like saying everyone should be treated fairly, just like how you share your toys with all your friends.

B is the correct option.A secular state is an idea pertaining to secularity, whereby a state is or purports to be officially neutral in matters of religion, supporting neither religion nor irreligion. secularism does not mean that the state has absolute powers regard to the religion.

Corrected answer is D. Jews were persecuted in Hitler’s Germany

In the context of Indian secularism, Fundamental Rights, especially Articles 14, 15, 25, and 26 of the Indian Constitution, play a crucial role in ensuring equality for all citizens, irrespective of their religion. These rights protect individuals from discrimination on the basis of religion and guarantee the freedom to practice, profess, and propagate their religion, while also allowing the state to intervene in religious matters to promote equality and prevent exploitation. Indian secularism promotes equal treatment of all religions rather than endorsing any specific religious ideology.

- Indian Secularism: Allows state intervention in religious affairs to ensure equality and social justice. The state can regulate or reform religious practices if they conflict with fundamental rights, such as banning untouchability.

- U.S. Secularism: Emphasizes a strict separation of church and state, preventing government interference in religion and vice versa. This ensures freedom of religion where the state neither promotes nor restricts religious practices.

Thus, Indian secularism's flexibility in intervention is a key difference.

India's first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru is credited with the formation of the secular republic in the modern history of the country. With the Forty-second Amendment of the Constitution of India enacted in 1976, the Preamble to the Constitution asserted that India is a secular nation.