What is Civics?
Civics Topics
FAQs on Civics
1. What is the subject of Civics?
Civics is a branch of Social Science that deals with the rights and duties of citizens in a society. It focuses on the study of government, the constitution, and the various political and social structures that citizens interact with. The primary goal of Civics is to prepare students for active and responsible citizenship.
2. What is the main purpose of studying Civics as per the CBSE curriculum?
The main purpose of studying Civics is to develop an understanding of the social and political world. According to the NCERT framework for the 2025-26 session, it aims to help students:
- Understand their rights and responsibilities as citizens.
- Learn about the functioning of government at local, state, and national levels.
- Appreciate the core principles of democracy, such as equality, justice, and liberty.
- Develop skills for critical thinking and informed participation in civic life.
3. Is Civics the same as Political Science?
While closely related, Civics and Political Science are not exactly the same. Civics is typically taught at the school level and focuses on the practical aspects of citizenship and the functioning of government. Political Science is a broader, more theoretical academic discipline studied at the college level, involving the analysis of political systems, behaviour, and theories.
4. Who is known as the father of Civics?
While the study of citizenship dates back to ancient Greece with philosophers like Aristotle, Benjamin Franklin is often credited as the 'Father of Civics' in the modern sense. He strongly advocated for the education of citizens on their roles and responsibilities within a democracy to ensure its success.
5. What are the key topics covered in Civics from Class 6 to Class 10?
The CBSE Civics syllabus is designed to build knowledge progressively. Key topics include:
- Classes 6-8: Introduction to concepts like Diversity, Government, Local Government (Panchayati Raj), State Government, the role of Media, and an initial look at the Indian Constitution.
- Classes 9-10: Deeper exploration of democratic principles, including Constitutional Design, Electoral Politics, Power Sharing, Federalism, Political Parties, and Outcomes of Democracy.
6. How does studying Civics help a student become a better citizen in real life?
Studying Civics provides the essential knowledge and skills for active citizenship. It moves beyond just voting and teaches a person to understand legal rights, respect the law, participate in community discussions, hold elected officials accountable, and appreciate diverse perspectives. It transforms a person from a mere resident into an informed and engaged member of the community and the nation.
7. Why is the Indian Constitution so important in the study of Civics?
The Indian Constitution is the cornerstone of Civics because it is the supreme law of the land. It lays down the fundamental framework defining the country's political code, structure, procedures, powers, and duties of government institutions. For a citizen, it is the source document for their fundamental rights and duties, making its study essential to understanding how the nation is governed and what their place is within it.
8. What is the fundamental difference between 'Civics' and being 'civil'?
The terms are related but distinct. 'Civics' refers to the academic subject about the structure of society and government. Being 'civil', on the other hand, refers to the behaviour of a citizen. It means acting with courtesy, politeness, and respect for others and the law. While Civics teaches you the rules of society, being civil is about following those rules and interacting constructively within that society.
9. How does understanding Civics help in dealing with everyday issues like traffic rules or waste management?
Civics teaches that a society functions based on shared rules and collective responsibilities. Understanding this principle helps us see that everyday issues are not just personal inconveniences but civic matters. For example:
- Following traffic rules is a civic duty to ensure public safety.
- Proper waste management is a responsibility towards community health and the environment.
10. How are History and Civics related subjects?
History and Civics are deeply interconnected. History explains how our current civic structures came to be. For instance, studying the history of India's freedom struggle is essential to understand why our Constitution guarantees certain fundamental rights. History provides the context for the laws, institutions, and political values that Civics teaches us about today. One subject explains the 'past journey,' while the other explains the 'present system'.
