Goyal Brothers Solutions for ICSE Class 7 History Civics Chapter 12 Fundamental Rights And Duties

Important Words

• Fundamental Rights: The core human rights guaranteed by the Constitution that are considered absolutely essential for the overall development of an individual.
• Guaranteed Rights: The key basic rights protected under our Constitution:
  1. Right to Equality
  2. Right to Freedom
  3. Right to Freedom of Religion
  4. Right against Exploitation
  5. Cultural and Educational Rights
  6. Right to Constitutional Remedies
  7. Right to Education
• Justiciable Rights: The characteristic of Fundamental Rights meaning they apply to everyone across the country and can be legally enforced in a court of law.
• Reasonable Restrictions: The legal understanding that Fundamental Rights are not absolute, allowing the government to place sensible limits on them in the interest of public safety and society.
• Fundamental Duties: Moral duties and guidelines added to the Constitution by the 42nd Amendment Act in 1976.
• Non-Enforceable Duties: The nature of Fundamental Duties meaning they cannot be legally enforced by police or a court of law.

Time To Learn

I. Fill in the blanks:

Question 1. The citizens of India can move freely and __________ in any part of the country.
Answer: assemble peacefully.
In simple words: Indian citizens can travel anywhere and gather peacefully in any part of the country.

Exam Tip: This is a key part of the Right to Freedom under Article 19 of our Constitution.

Question 2. The citizens of India have right to profess, __________ and __________ the religion of their choice.
Answer: propagate and practice.
In simple words: Indian citizens have the right to follow, teach, and practice any religion they choose.

Exam Tip: This is guaranteed under the Right to Freedom of Religion (Articles 25 to 28).

Question 3. The Constitution does not allow __________ of labour or begar.
Answer: exploitation.
In simple words: The Constitution does not allow anyone to exploit workers or force them to work for free.

Exam Tip: 'Begar' means forced labor without any wages, which is strictly banned by the Right against Exploitation (Article 23).

Question 4. __________ and duties are two sides of a coin.
Answer: Rights.
In simple words: Rights and duties go together like two sides of the same coin.

Exam Tip: This means we cannot enjoy our rights without also performing our duties as responsible citizens.

Question 5. We should __________ the National Flag and the National Anthem.
Answer: respect.
In simple words: We must show respect to our National Flag and our National Anthem.

Exam Tip: This is listed as the very first Fundamental Duty of every Indian citizen under Article 51A.

II. Match the contents of Column A Column B

Answer:
1. Employment of children below 14 years is banned in India. - (c) Right against Exploitation.
2. In India one can practise any religion. - (d) Right to Freedom of Religion.
3. Every community can safeguard its language. - (e) Cultural and Educational Rights.
4. Everybody can approach the court for the enforcement of his Fundamental Rights, if they are encroached upon by anyone - (f) Right to Constitutional Remedies.
5. Everybody has the right to form an association. - (b) Right to Freedom.
6. Everybody has the right to use a public well. - (a) Right to Equality.
In simple words: This list matches different situations with their correct Fundamental Rights, like using public wells under the Right to Equality.

Exam Tip: Be sure to match the Right to Constitutional Remedies with the ability to go to court to protect your rights.

III. State whether the following statements are True or False:

Question 1. Right to property is one of the Fundamental Rights.
Answer: X (Incorrect)
In simple words: This is incorrect because the Right to Property was removed from the list of Fundamental Rights in 1978.

Exam Tip: The Right to Property was removed from the list of Fundamental Rights by the 44th Constitutional Amendment Act in 1978.

Question 2. India is a secular state.
Answer: ✓ (Correct)
In simple words: This is correct because the government of India treats all religions equally and has no official state religion.

Exam Tip: Secularism is a key feature of the Preamble and the Right to Freedom of Religion in our Constitution.

Question 3. We are not bound to preserve the rich heritage of our country.
Answer: X (Incorrect)
In simple words: This is incorrect because we have a moral duty as citizens to value and protect the rich culture and heritage of India.

Exam Tip: Valuing and preserving our composite culture and heritage is explicitly listed as a Fundamental Duty.

Question 4. Our Constitution provides titles like ‘Rai Sahib’ or ‘Khan Bahadur’.
Answer: X (Incorrect)
In simple words: This is incorrect because our Constitution strictly bans old aristocratic titles to ensure everyone is treated equally.

Exam Tip: Article 18 of the Constitution abolishes all such noble titles, allowing only military and academic ones to be used.

Question 5. Fundamental rights are not enforceable.
Answer: X (Incorrect)
In simple words: This is incorrect because citizens can go directly to the Supreme Court or High Courts to enforce their Fundamental Rights if they are violated.

Exam Tip: The Right to Constitutional Remedies (Article 32) exists specifically to let citizens enforce their Fundamental Rights in court.

IV. Answer the following questions:

Question 1. What are Fundamental Rights? Why are Fundamental Rights essential for us?
Answer: The basic human freedoms that every person is entitled to are called Fundamental Rights. They are guaranteed by our Constitution and are absolutely necessary for the balanced growth and development of every citizen. Because of this guarantee, anyone can go to court if these rights are violated, regardless of their caste, religion, or gender.
These rights are highly important because:
1. They help in the overall growth of a person by giving freedoms that make life happy and meaningful.
2. They apply to every citizen equally, providing equality of status and opportunity.
3. They protect individuals from any exploitation by other citizens or by the government.
In simple words: Fundamental Rights are basic human rights protected by the Constitution to help citizens grow and be happy. They are important because they treat everyone equally and protect us from being exploited.

Exam Tip: Define what these rights are first, and then list their three main points of importance clearly.

Question 2. List down the Fundamental rights guaranteed to the citizens of India.
Answer: The Constitution of India guarantees six main Fundamental Rights to its citizens:
1. Right to Equality: Ensures all citizens are treated equally under the law, banning discrimination on any ground.
2. Right to Freedom: Guarantees basic freedoms like speech, assembly, travel, and occupation.
3. Right against Exploitation: Bans forced labor, begar, and human trafficking, and forbids child labor under 14.
4. Right to Freedom of Religion: Gives citizens the freedom to practice and follow any religion they choose.
5. Cultural and Educational Rights: Protects minorities and communities, allowing them to preserve their language and culture.
6. Right to Constitutional Remedies: Allows citizens to go to court to protect and enforce their rights.
In simple words: The six main rights are the Right to Equality, Right to Freedom, Right against Exploitation, Right to Freedom of Religion, Cultural and Educational Rights, and the Right to Constitutional Remedies.

Exam Tip: Memorize the names of all six Fundamental Rights in order, as this is a fundamental civics question.

Question 3. What do you understand by the right to freedom of religion?
Answer: Freedom of religion is a core part of our democracy. This right means that all religions are treated equally by the government, and no single religion is considered superior or inferior.
Under this right, every citizen is free:
1. To choose and follow any religion they like.
2. To practice their faith according to their own traditions.
3. To share and preach their religious beliefs peacefully.
In simple words: This right means that the government treats all religions equally. Everyone is free to choose, practice, and share any religion they like.

Exam Tip: Explain that secularism is the core concept of this right, allowing citizens to choose, practice, and preach their faith.

Question 4. What are Cultural and Educational Rights? Explain with the help of an example.
Answer: Since India is home to many different languages, religions, and cultures, these rights exist to maintain national unity by protecting all communities.
The main provisions under these rights are:
1. Any community has the right to protect and preserve its unique culture, language, and script.
2. No government-aided school or college can deny admission to any student based on their religion.
3. Minorities and smaller sects have the full right to set up their own schools to preserve and develop their culture.
For example, a linguistic minority community in a state can run its own school to teach its mother tongue, and the government cannot discriminate against them.
In simple words: These rights protect minority groups, allowing them to keep their own language and culture. For example, a minority group can open its own school to teach its language.

Exam Tip: Remember to include a simple example, like minority groups running their own schools, to get full marks.

Question 5. How does the Right to Constitutional Remedies help to safeguard our Fundamental Rights?
Answer: The Right to Constitutional Remedies is a highly unique and important right. It allows any citizen to go directly to the Supreme Court or High Courts if their Fundamental Rights are violated by any person, group, or even by the government. This right serves as the protector of all other rights, making sure they can actually be enforced. Without this remedy, all other constitutional rights would be empty and meaningless.
In simple words: This right lets us go to court if anyone tries to take away our basic rights. Without it, all other rights would be useless because there would be no way to protect them.

Exam Tip: Highlight that Dr. B.R. Ambedkar called this right the 'Heart and Soul' of the Constitution.

Question 6. List any five Fundamental Duties. How are Fundamental Duties important for us?
Answer: Five of the key Fundamental Duties listed in our Constitution are:
1. To follow the Constitution and show respect for the National Flag and the National Anthem.
2. To value and follow the noble ideals of our national struggle for freedom.
3. To support and protect India's sovereignty, unity, and integrity.
4. To defend our nation and do national service when requested.
5. To promote peace, harmony, and brotherhood among all citizens of India.

These duties are highly important because they help our nation grow and remain united. Although they cannot be legally enforced in court, they act as moral reminders that encourage us to be responsible and honest citizens.
In simple words: Some of our duties are to respect the flag and anthem, protect our nation's unity, and care for others. They are important because they help make us responsible and good citizens.

Exam Tip: List any five duties clearly, and explain that while they are not enforceable in court, they are vital for national unity.

Question 7. Why do we say that every right has a corresponding duty? Explain with the help of an example.
Answer: We say rights and duties go hand in hand because they are two sides of the same coin. If we want to enjoy our basic rights, we must also perform our duties. For every right we are given, we have a duty to let others enjoy their rights too.

For example, if you have the right to practice your own religion, it is your duty to let others follow and practice their faith peacefully. The Constitution lists duties to remind citizens that enjoying rights also requires performing duties to keep our nation peaceful and strong.
In simple words: Rights and duties go together like two sides of a coin. For example, if you have the right to follow your religion, you must let others follow theirs too.

Exam Tip: Explain the 'two sides of a coin' concept and provide a clear example, like religious freedom, to support your answer.

Question 8. Do you think Fundamental Duties should be made enforceable? Give reasons for your answer.
Answer: No, these duties should not be legally enforceable. They are meant to be moral guides that citizens are expected to follow voluntarily. Since moral values cannot be forced on people by courts, they are not enforceable. Instead, they act as healthy reminders of Indian culture and the struggles of our freedom fighters. However, Parliament can still pass specific laws to enforce certain duties if needed.
In simple words: No, duties should not be forced on people by courts. They are moral reminders of our culture, though Parliament can make specific laws to enforce some of them if necessary.

Exam Tip: Explain that moral guidelines cannot be easily policed, but note that Parliament has the power to pass laws to enforce specific duties if needed.

V. Mention the Right which is exercised / violated in each of the following cases:

Question 1. A group of citizens assembles peacefully.
Answer: Right to Freedom.
In simple words: Gathering peacefully is part of the Right to Freedom.

Exam Tip: Article 19 of the Constitution guarantees the right of citizens to assemble peacefully without weapons.

Question 2. A citizen goes to worship to a place of his choice.
Answer: Right to Freedom of Religion.
In simple words: Going to any temple or church to pray is protected under the Right to Freedom of Religion.

Exam Tip: This right protects your freedom to practice any faith and follow your own religious beliefs.

Question 3. A citizen moves a court of law to seek justice.
Answer: Right to Constitutional Remedies.
In simple words: Going to court to protect your rights is part of the Right to Constitutional Remedies.

Exam Tip: This right is crucial as it guarantees that all other Fundamental Rights can be enforced in court.

Question 4. A citizen can join any institution run by the state.
Answer: Right to Equality.
In simple words: Being able to join any government school or college is part of the Right to Equality.

Exam Tip: This ensures equal opportunity for all citizens in public education and employment without discrimination.

Question 5. A citizen cannot be forced to work without payment.
Answer: Right against Exploitation.
In simple words: Being protected from working without pay is part of the Right against Exploitation.

Exam Tip: This right specifically bans forced labor (begar) and protects citizens from being exploited by anyone.

Additional Questions

(The Fundamental Rights and Duties)

A. Fill in the blanks:

Question 1. There are __________ Fundamental Rights provided to the Indian citizens.
Answer: six.
In simple words: The Indian Constitution gives six main Fundamental Rights to its citizens.

Exam Tip: Focus on the number 'six' as the current total of Fundamental Rights.

Question 2. Children below the age of __________ cannot be employed for any __________ work or in __________ and __________.
Answer: fourteen, dangerous, factories and mines.
In simple words: Children under 14 cannot be made to do dangerous work, or work in factories and mines.

Exam Tip: This child labor ban is protected under Article 24 of the Indian Constitution.

Question 3. Fundamental Rights are universal, which means that they are granted to all the __________ of India.
Answer: citizens.
In simple words: Fundamental Rights are universal because they are given to every single citizen of India.

Exam Tip: These rights apply equally to every citizen, regardless of their caste, religion, or gender.

Question 4. Some Fundamental Rights can be suspended during an __________.
Answer: Emergency.
In simple words: Some basic rights can be put on hold by the government during a national emergency.

Exam Tip: However, remember that Articles 20 and 21 (protection of life and liberty) can never be suspended, even during an emergency.

Question 5. It is the Fundamental Duty of every citizen to respect the __________, its __________ and the __________ of India.
Answer: Constitution, ideals, symbols.
In simple words: It is our moral duty to show respect to the Constitution, its values, and our national symbols.

Exam Tip: This duty requires us to show respect to our national flag, national anthem, and constitutional values.

B. Match the following:

Question. Match the following:

Answer:
1. Fundamental Rights - (b) are universal.
2. Right to Freedom - (c) Freedom of speech and expression.
3. Fundamental Duties - (a) cannot be enforced.
In simple words: This list matches rights and duties with their features, such as the Right to Freedom protecting our right to speak freely.

Exam Tip: Remember that while Fundamental Rights are legally enforceable, Fundamental Duties are moral guidelines and cannot be enforced in court.

C. Choose the correct answer:

Question 1. What do all democratic nations guarantee to their citizens?
(a) certain basic rights
(b) special privileges
(c) powers
(d) None of the options
Answer: (a) certain basic rights
In simple words: Every democracy in the world guarantees basic human rights to all its citizens.

Exam Tip: These basic rights are essential to protect the freedom and dignity of citizens in a democracy.

Question 2. Under the Right to Equality, the practice of conferring titles such as Raja or Rai Bahadur has been:
(a) approved
(b) abolished
(c) legalized
(d) None of the options
Answer: (b) abolished
In simple words: To make sure everyone is treated as equal, the Constitution has banned old aristocratic titles.

Exam Tip: Article 18 abolishes these aristocratic titles to maintain equality of status among all citizens.

Question 3. How many fundamental freedoms are guaranteed to all Indian citizens under the Right to Freedom?
(a) five
(b) six
(c) seven
(d) None of the options
Answer: (b) six
In simple words: The Right to Freedom guarantees exactly six basic freedoms to every Indian citizen.

Exam Tip: These six freedoms under Article 19 include speech, assembly, association, movement, residence, and profession.

Question 4. Which of the following makes education a Fundamental Right for children between 6 and 14 years?
(a) The Right to Education
(b) Right against Exploitation
(c) Right to Equality
(d) None of the options
Answer: (a) The Right to Education
In simple words: The Right to Education ensures that every child aged 6 to 14 gets free and compulsory education.

Exam Tip: This right was added to the Constitution as Article 21A by the 86th Constitutional Amendment Act in 2002.

Question 5. Who can enforce Fundamental Rights if they are violated?
(a) the police
(b) the army
(c) the courts
(d) None of the options
Answer: (c) the courts
In simple words: If someone violates your basic rights, the courts (Supreme Court and High Courts) can enforce them.

Exam Tip: Only the judiciary has the constitutional authority to issue writs and protect your Fundamental Rights.

D. State whether the following are true or false:

Question 1. Rights enable everyone to maintain a dignified existence in society.
Answer: True.
In simple words: Yes, having rights allows every person to live a life of respect and dignity.

Exam Tip: Rights are essential for the personal, moral, and social development of individuals.

Question 2. We can use our freedoms to do anything we want, even if it harms other people.
Answer: False.
In simple words: This is false because our freedoms have limits. We cannot use our rights to hurt or harm others.

Exam Tip: Freedom must be used responsibly, and the state can place reasonable restrictions on our rights to protect public safety.

Question 3. The Fundamental Rights are absolute.
Answer: False.
In simple words: This is false because the government can place reasonable limits on our basic rights to keep society safe and orderly.

Exam Tip: Fundamental Rights are not absolute, meaning they are subject to constitutional restrictions in the interest of the public.

Question 4. The Fundamental Rights cannot be suspended during an emergency.
Answer: False.
In simple words: This is false because some basic rights can be put on hold by the President during a national emergency.

Exam Tip: Under Article 359, the President has the power to temporarily suspend the right to move courts to enforce Fundamental Rights during an emergency.

Question 5. The Indian Constitution does not provide safeguards against the violation of Fundamental Duties.
Answer: True.
In simple words: Yes, this is true because Fundamental Duties cannot be legally enforced in court, and there are no direct punishments in the Constitution if they are violated.

Exam Tip: Unlike Fundamental Rights, Fundamental Duties are non-justiciable, meaning no legal safeguards or penalties exist for their violation unless backed by a specific act of parliament.

E. Answer the following questions in one or two words/ sentences:

Question 1. Mention one reason why Fundamental Rights are essential in a democratic country.
Answer: These rights are essential because they make sure a democratic republic runs smoothly, protecting personal growth and the social and cultural development of our country.
In simple words: Fundamental Rights are needed to help the country run smoothly and protect the overall growth of every citizen.

Exam Tip: They act as a vital safeguard to protect citizens from any abuse of power by the government.

Question 2. State one provisions of the Constitution which proves that all citizens are equal in the eyes of law.
Answer: One key provision is that all public areas funded by the government—such as roads, parks, wells, and markets—are open to all citizens without any discrimination. Additionally, every citizen has equal opportunities in public education and employment.
In simple words: One provision is that all public places like roads, parks, and wells are open to all citizens equally without any discrimination.

Exam Tip: Mention the equal access to public places under Article 15 as a key proof of constitutional equality.

Question 3. What right is guaranteed by the abolition of untouchability?
Answer: The abolition of untouchability is part of the Right to Equality.
In simple words: Banning untouchability is guaranteed by the Right to Equality.

Exam Tip: Article 17 of the Constitution abolishes untouchability and makes its practice a punishable offence.

Question 4. Mention any one Fundamental Right which shows that India is a secular country.
Answer: The Right to Freedom of Religion shows India is secular. It lets every citizen freely practice and share any religion they like without any discrimination.
In simple words: The Right to Freedom of Religion shows India is secular because it lets everyone choose and practice any faith freely.

Exam Tip: Name the right clearly and explain that it guarantees that there will be no discrimination on religious grounds.

Question 5. Which Fundamental Right helps to protect our cultural diversity?
Answer: Cultural and Educational Rights help protect our diversity by allowing every community to preserve, protect, and develop its own language, script, and unique culture.
In simple words: Cultural and Educational Rights help keep our diverse cultures safe by letting every group protect its own language and traditions.

Exam Tip: State that this right is specifically designed to protect minority groups and preserve their language and script.

Question 6. Mention one Fundamental Duty that Indian citizens have towards women.
Answer: Citizens have a duty to respect the dignity of women and avoid any practices that treat them poorly.
In simple words: We have a duty to respect the dignity of women.

Exam Tip: This duty requires all citizens to give up practices that hurt or degrade the dignity of women.

F. Answer the following questions briefly:

Question 1. What are Rights? Why are certain basic rights guaranteed to all citizens in a democratic country?
Answer: Rights are basic claims to have or do certain things that are necessary for people to live a life of respect and dignity. Since India is a democracy, its government is formed by the choice and cooperation of the people. All democratic nations guarantee basic rights to protect and support their citizens. These rights are essential because they ensure the smooth running of a democracy and help individuals grow culturally and socially. They also protect citizens from any unfair use or abuse of power by other individuals or by the government.
In simple words: Rights are basic claims that let us live with respect. Democractic countries guarantee these rights to keep citizens safe from any abuse of power and to help everyone grow.

Exam Tip: Be sure to divide your answer into two clear parts: what rights are, and why they are essential in a democracy.

Question 2. Discuss the provisions of the following rights to prove that India is a secular country: (a) Right to Freedom of Religion (b) Cultural and Educational Rights.
Answer:
(a) Right to Freedom of Religion:
This right allows all citizens to freely choose, follow, and practice any religion. It guarantees that the state will treat all faiths equally and will not discriminate against anyone based on their religion.
(b) Cultural and Educational Rights:
These provisions guarantee that every community has the right to preserve and develop its own script, language, and culture. It also ensures that minorities can establish their own schools and colleges without any government bias.
In simple words: India is secular because citizens are free to follow any religion, and the government protects the unique languages and cultures of minority communities equally.

Exam Tip: Use the sub-headings (a) and (b) to keep your answers organized and easy to evaluate.

Question 3. How do the Fundamental Rights protect Indian citizens from exploitation?
Answer: The Right against Exploitation protects citizens by ensuring that no one can be forced to work against their will. It defends vulnerable women and children from being exploited with very low pay. Specifically, it protects children under 14 by making child labor illegal in any dangerous jobs, mines, or factories.
In simple words: This right stops forced labor and low wages. It also bans children under 14 from working in dangerous jobs or factories.

Exam Tip: Mention the two main elements of this right: the ban on forced labor (begar) and the ban on child labor under 14 years.

Question 4. Explain the significance and scope of the right to Constitutional Remedies.
Answer: The Right to Constitutional Remedies is highly important because rights are useless without courts to protect them. This right let citizens file a case in the High Court or the Supreme Court if their basic rights are violated by anyone.

The scope and nature of our Fundamental Rights are:
1. They are universal, meaning they apply to every Indian citizen equally.
2. They are secure and cannot be easily changed or removed by the government.
3. They are not absolute, as reasonable limits can be placed on them for public safety.
4. They can be temporarily put on hold (suspended) during a national emergency.
In simple words: This right lets us go to court to protect our basic rights if anyone violates them. Our rights apply to everyone, cannot be easily changed, have some limits, and can be suspended in an emergency.

Exam Tip: Be sure to write about both the meaning of constitutional remedies and the four scope points of our Fundamental Rights.

Question 5. Mention the Fundamental Duties laid down in the Constitution with reference to: (a) India’s struggle for freedom (b) The Indian Nation (c) Public property
Answer:
(a) Freedom Struggle: Every citizen must cherish and follow the noble ideals that inspired our fight for independence.
(b) The Indian Nation: It is our duty to support and protect India's sovereignty, unity, and integrity, and do national service when requested.
(c) Public Property: Every citizen has a moral duty to safeguard public property and reject any form of violence.
In simple words: We must follow the ideals of our freedom struggle, protect the unity and safety of India, and take good care of public property.

Exam Tip: Keep your answers separated under (a), (b), and (c) to address each of the three duties properly.

G. Picture Study

This picture is a symbolic representation of a Fundamental Right.

Question 1. Name the Fundamental Right.
Answer: Right to Freedom.
In simple words: The picture represents the Right to Freedom, which includes the freedom to gather and march peacefully.

Exam Tip: This right allows citizens to assemble peacefully and form associations.

Question 2. How many Fundamental Rights are guaranteed to the people of India? Name them.
Answer: There are six basic Fundamental Rights guaranteed by our Constitution:
1. Right to Equality.
2. Right to Freedom.
3. Right to Freedom of Religion.
4. Right against Exploitation.
5. Cultural and Educational Rights.
6. Right to Constitutional Remedies.
In simple words: The six rights are the Right to Equality, Right to Freedom, Right to Freedom of Religion, Right against Exploitation, Cultural and Educational Rights, and the Right to Constitutional Remedies.

Exam Tip: Memorize all six rights, as this is a fundamental and frequently asked question.

Question 3. Identify the Fundamental Right enjoyed by an Indian citizen under the following circumstances or conditions:
1. We can reside and settle in any part of India.
2. Indians can follow any religion of their choice.
3. Indian children have a right to go to school.
Answer:
1. Right to Freedom.
2. Right to Freedom of Religion.
3. Right to Education (under the Right to Freedom).
In simple words: 1. We have the freedom to live anywhere. 2. We can follow any religion. 3. Every child has the right to go to school.

Exam Tip: Be sure to match each circumstance with its specific Fundamental Right to ensure full marks.