On Equality Class 7 Notes: CBSE Political Science Chapter 1

Equality in Indian democracy

Article 14 of the Constitution of India provides for equality and non-discrimination based on all genders, castes, economic backgrounds, educational backgrounds, tribes, and religions. It precludes the provisions of equality of each person before the law, that no person shall be discriminated against based on the aforementioned grounds, that every individual has access to public places, and finally the abolishment of untouchability.

• However, numerous cases have emerged over the decades that provide instances of discrimination based on equality. 

• In India, discrimination based on caste is highly prevalent. In such an instant, the people belonging to "lower castes'' are set aside from all other castes and are treated with extreme inequality even today. 

• They face multiple problems and difficulties throughout their lives. Such instances are against the very institution of the Constitution of India and should be reported and abolished from their very origin.

The government of India executes the idea of equality through the enforcement of laws along with government schedules as well as programmes such as the mid-day meal programme, etc.

Issues of Equality in Other Democracies 

Even in the current world, numerous democratic countries around the world face the challenge of conforming to the right to equality before the law. This can be understood by understanding the example of racism towards African-American communities within the USA which are largely discriminated against and which face huge difficulties throughout their lives. Such discrimination overlaps the right to equality based on any race.

• Inequality is not limited to India; many democratic countries face similar struggles for equality.

• In the United States, African Americans, descendants of slaves brought from Africa, still experience significant inequality today.

• During the 1950s, African Americans fought for equal rights, as they were treated unfairly by law, such as being forced to give up bus seats for white people.

• Rosa Parks, an African American woman, refused to give up her bus seat to a white man on December 1, 1955, sparking the Civil Rights Movement.

• The Civil Rights Act of 1964 banned discrimination based on race, religion, or nationality and ensured African American children could attend the same schools as white children.

• Despite these laws, many African Americans still face poverty and have limited access to quality education compared to white students, who often attend better-funded private or government schools.

Challenge of Democracy 

No country is fully democratic, as communities and individuals constantly work to expand democracy and push for greater equality. The core of this struggle is ensuring that all people are treated as equals and their dignity is respected. This book will explore how equality impacts daily life in democratic India. As you read, consider whether equality and dignity for all are truly upheld in different situations.

Key Aspects of Equality in Democracy:

Key Aspects of Equality in Democracy focus on important areas like equal voting rights, respect for everyone's dignity, and actions taken by governments to ensure fairness for all people, both in India and other democratic nations.

1. Equal voting rights 

In a democratic country like India, all adults, regardless of their religious beliefs, education level, caste, rich or poor, can vote. This is called the universal adult franchise, and it is an important aspect of all democracies. The idea of ​​universal suffrage for adults is based on the idea of ​​equality. 

2. Other types of equality 

In addition to poverty, Indians also experience inequality based on the caste system. 

3. Recognition of Dignity 

When people are treated unequally, their dignity is violated. Dignity is a person's right to be valued and respected for himself and to be treated ethically. 

4. Equality in Indian Democracy 

The Constitution of India recognizes that all people are equal. This means that all people in the country, including men and women of all caste, religious, tribal, educational and economic backgrounds, are considered equal. 

● The recognition of equality includes the following constitutional provisions: 

i. All are equal before the law. 

ii. No one shall be discriminated against because of religion, race, caste, place of birth, or male or female. 

iii. Everyone can enter all public places. 

iv. The untouchables have been abandoned. 

5. Government steps to achieve equality 

The two ways in which the government has tried to achieve equality guaranteed by the constitution are: 

i. First pass the law 

ii. Second pass a government plan or plan 

iii. One of the government steps includes a lunch plan. 

6. Equality in other democracies 

i. In many democracies around the world, equality remains a key issue in community struggles. 

ii. For example, in the United States of America, African Americans whose ancestors were slaves brought over from Africa continue to describe their lives today as fundamentally unequal. They are treated extremely unequally in the United States and have passed private laws on their right to equality. 

iii. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, religion, or national origin. He also stated that all schools will be open to African American children and that they will no longer need to attend separate schools created specifically for them.

5 Important Topics of Civics Class 7 Chapter 1 you shouldn’t Miss!

Importance of Political Science Chapter 1 on Equality Notes

• Clear Understanding of Equality: The notes help explain the concept of equality in simple terms.

• Government’s Role: They highlight how the government ensures equality through laws and schemes.

• Simplifies Complex Topics: The notes break down different types of inequality, like caste, religion, and gender.

• Constitutional Principles: They explain how the Indian Constitution supports equality for all citizens.

• Useful for Exam Preparation: These notes are a great resource for revising key ideas and preparing confidently for exams.

Tips for Learning the Class 7 Social Science Political Science Chapter 1 on Equality Notes

• Focus on understanding the main idea of equality and its role in a democracy.

• Pay attention to how the government promotes equality through laws and programs.

• Learn about the different types of inequality, such as caste, religion, gender, and economic status.

• Remember how the Indian Constitution protects and upholds equality for all citizens.

• Regularly revise the notes to keep key ideas fresh in your mind for exams.

Conclusion 

The Revision Notes for Class 7 Social Science - Political Science Chapter 1, "On Equality," give a simple and clear explanation of the key ideas about equality in society. These notes cover important topics like what equality means, how the government works to promote it, and the ongoing challenges in achieving true equality. By studying these notes, students will understand how equality is an important part of democracy and why it matters in our daily lives. These notes are a useful tool for exam preparation, helping students understand key concepts and do well in their studies.

Related Study Materials for Class 7 Political Science Chapter 1 on Equality

Students can also download additional study materials provided by Vedantu for Political Science Class 7, Chapter 1 –

Revision Notes Links for Class 7 Political Science

Important Study Materials for Class 7 Social Science