Selina Concise Solutions for ICSE Class 7 History Civics Chapter 2 Fundamental Rights and Duties

Fundamental Rights and Duties

Important Words

• Fundamental Rights: These are the basic rights that every individual needs to grow and develop in a healthy way.
• The Indian Constitution guarantees the following rights to its citizens:
  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
• These core rights apply to everyone and can be protected directly through a court of law.
• These rights are not absolute. The government can place fair limits on them to keep society safe and orderly.
• Fundamental Duties: These civic responsibilities were added to the Constitution in 1976 through the 42nd Amendment.
• Unlike rights, these duties cannot be legally enforced by a court.

Time To Learn

I. Fill in the blanks:

Question 1. The citizens of India can move freely and ________ peacefully in any part of the country.
Answer: assemble
In simple words: Indian citizens have the freedom to travel anywhere and gather peacefully without weapons.

Exam Tip: Remember that peaceful assembly is a key part of our freedom, but it must always remain non-violent.

Question 2. The citizens of India have right to profess, ________ and practice the religion of their choice.
Answer: propagate
In simple words: Everyone in India is free to follow, worship, and share any religion they like.

Exam Tip: The words "profess, practice, and propagate" define the complete freedom of religion in India.

Question 3. The Constitution does not allow ________ of labour or begar.
Answer: exploitation
In simple words: The law protects people from being forced to work without getting paid.

Exam Tip: "Begar" refers to forced labor without payment, which is illegal under the Right against Exploitation.

Question 4. Rights and duties are two sides of a ________.
Answer: coin
In simple words: We cannot enjoy our rights unless we also perform our duties.

Exam Tip: Use the "two sides of a coin" analogy to show how rights and duties are connected.

Question 5. We should ________ the National Flag and the National Anthem.
Answer: respect
In simple words: It is our basic duty to show respect to our country's flag and anthem.

Exam Tip: Respecting national symbols is one of our primary Fundamental Duties.

Question II. Match the contents of Column A with Column B:
Column A
1. Employment of children below 14 years is banned in India.
2. In India one can practise any religion.
3. Every community can safeguard its language.
4. Everybody can approach the court for the enforcement of his Fundamental Rights, if they are encroached upon by anyone.
5. Everybody has the right to form an association.
6. Everybody has the right to use a public well.

Column B
(a) Right to Equality
(b) Right to Freedom
(c) Right against Exploitation
(d) Right to Freedom of Religion
(e) Cultural and Educational Rights
(f) Right to Constitutional Remedies
Answer:

In simple words: This matching pairs daily examples of citizens' lives with the specific rights protected by our Constitution.

Exam Tip: Make sure you know which real-life situations correspond to each of the six major Fundamental Rights.

III. State whether the following statements are correct (✓) or incorrect (X):

Question 1. Right to property is one of the Fundamental Rights.
Answer: Incorrect (X)
In simple words: The right to own property is no longer a Fundamental Right in India.

Exam Tip: The Right to Property was removed from the list of Fundamental Rights and is now just a legal right.

Question 2. India is a secular state.
Answer: Correct (✓)
In simple words: India treats all religions equally and does not have an official state religion.

Exam Tip: A secular state ensures equal freedom and respect for all religious beliefs.

Question 3. We are not bound to preserve the rich heritage of our country.
Answer: Incorrect (X)
In simple words: It is our duty to look after and preserve our country's history and culture.

Exam Tip: Protecting national heritage is an important Fundamental Duty of every citizen.

Question 4. Our Constitution provides titles like 'Rai Sahib' or 'Khan Bahadur'.
Answer: Incorrect (X)
In simple words: The Indian Constitution bans royal or noble titles to ensure everyone is treated as equal.

Exam Tip: Article 18 abolished these titles to promote equality among all citizens.

Question 5. Fundamental rights are not enforceable.
Answer: Incorrect (X)
In simple words: Anyone can go to court if their Fundamental Rights are violated, which means they are fully enforceable.

Exam Tip: Fundamental Rights are justiciable, meaning they can be enforced in a court of law, unlike Fundamental Duties.

IV. Answer the following questions:

Question 1. What are Fundamental Rights? Why are Fundamental Rights essential for us?
Answer: Fundamental Rights are the basic rights that every citizen needs to grow and live well. They are protected by our country's Constitution. They are essential because:
1. They help people live happy, complete, and free lives.
2. They ensure that everyone gets equal treatment and fair opportunities, no matter their caste or religion.
3. They protect citizens from being treated unfairly by the state or other individuals.
In simple words: Fundamental Rights are basic rules that protect every citizen. They help everyone live safely, happily, and as equals.

Exam Tip: Remember to state that these rights are protected by the Constitution and are necessary for the development of every individual.

Question 2. List down the Fundamental rights guaranteed to the citizens of India.
Answer: The Right to Equality is a core Fundamental Right in India. It ensures that every citizen is treated the same, regardless of their gender, caste, or religion. It includes these key points:
1. Everyone is equal before the law and receives the same protection.
2. No one can face discrimination when applying for government jobs.
3. The Constitution bans titles like 'Rai Sahib' to keep everyone at the same level.
4. Practicing untouchability is a crime and is strictly punished by law.
In simple words: The Right to Equality ensures that everyone is treated the same by the law and gets the same opportunities.

Exam Tip: Mention the abolition of royal titles and untouchability as key proofs of how the Constitution ensures equality.

Question 3. What do you understand by the right to freedom of religion?
Answer: Freedom is a major part of a democracy. The Right to Freedom of Religion means the government treats all religions as equal. No single religion is better or worse than another. Under this right, citizens are free to:
1. Choose and follow any religion they like.
2. Worship and practice their religion in their own way.
3. Share and teach their religious beliefs to others.
In simple words: This right allows every citizen to follow, practice, and share any religion they choose without interference.

Exam Tip: Emphasize that in a secular nation like India, the state does not favor any single religion.

Question 4. What are Cultural and Educational Rights? Explain with the help of an example.
Answer: India has many different languages, cultures, and religions. To keep the country united, these rights help different groups:
1. Every community has the right to protect its own language, script, and culture.
2. Government schools and colleges cannot deny admission to anyone based on religion.
3. Minority groups have the freedom to set up their own schools to keep their culture alive.
In simple words: These rights help smaller communities protect their unique language, school systems, and cultural traditions.

Exam Tip: Remember to mention that minorities are allowed to set up their own educational institutions to preserve their heritage.

Question 5. How does the Right to Constitutional Remedies help to safeguard our Fundamental Rights?
Answer: The Right to Constitutional Remedies is a very special right. It allows citizens to go to the High Court or the Supreme Court if their rights are violated by anyone, including the government. Without this right, all other rights would have no real value because there would be no way to protect them.
In simple words: This right lets you go to court if someone violates your rights, making sure they are actually protected.

Exam Tip: Dr. B.R. Ambedkar called this right the "heart and soul" of the Constitution because it protects all other rights.

Question 6. List any five Fundamental Duties. How are Fundamental Duties important for us?
Answer: The Constitution provides eleven Fundamental Duties for citizens. These include:
1. To respect the Constitution, the National Flag, and the National Anthem.
2. To value and follow the noble ideas of our freedom struggle.
3. To protect the unity and safety of India.
4. To defend our nation and serve it when needed.
5. To live in peace and brotherhood with all citizens.
6. To value and protect our rich and diverse culture.
7. To care for the environment, including forests, lakes, rivers, and animals.
8. To develop a scientific mind, kindness, and a habit of learning.
9. To protect public property and say no to violence.
10. To work hard and do our best in everything we do.
11. To make sure children between 6 and 14 years of age get to go to school.
These duties are important because they help our country grow and stay united. They remind us to be responsible and honest citizens. Even though courts do not enforce them, they guide us to act in ways that help everyone.
In simple words: Fundamental duties are responsibilities that help our country stay safe, clean, and united.

Exam Tip: Make sure you can write at least five of these duties from memory, such as respecting the flag or protecting public property.

Question 7. Why do we say that every right has a corresponding duty? Explain with the help of an example.
Answer: Rights and duties go hand in hand. If we want to enjoy our rights, we must also perform our duties. They are like two sides of the same coin. For example, if you have the right to practice your religion, it is your duty to let others practice their religion too. These duties help us live in peace and make our country stronger.
In simple words: You cannot have rights without duties. To enjoy your own freedom, you must respect the freedom of others.

Exam Tip: Use the example of religious freedom or clean roads to explain how my right depends on your duty, and vice versa.

Question 8. Do you think Fundamental Duties should be made enforceable? Give reasons for your answer.
Answer: No, these duties should not be forced by law. They are meant to be moral duties that citizens should follow on their own. Just like we cannot force someone to be polite, we cannot force moral duties. However, the parliament can still make specific laws to enforce some of these duties if needed.
In simple words: Duties are moral rules. It is better to teach citizens to follow them out of love for the country, rather than forcing them with punishments.

Exam Tip: Mention that while the duties themselves are not enforceable, Parliament can pass specific laws (like environmental protection laws) to enforce them.

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: People have the right to meet peacefully.

Exam Tip: Peaceful assembly is protected under the Right to Freedom.

Question 2. A citizen goes to worship to a place of his choice.
Answer: Right to Freedom of Religion
In simple words: Everyone is free to worship in any place they choose.

Exam Tip: Worshipping as per one's choice is part of religious freedom.

Question 3. A citizen moves a court of law to seek justice.
Answer: Right to Constitutional Remedies
In simple words: Citizens can go to court if their rights are violated.

Exam Tip: Going to court to protect your rights is a Fundamental Right itself.

Question 4. A citizen can join any institution run by the state.
Answer: Right to Equality
In simple words: State-run institutions must be open to everyone equally.

Exam Tip: Non-discrimination in state institutions is a core part of the Right to Equality.

Question 5. A citizen cannot be forced to work without payment.
Answer: Right against Exploitation
In simple words: Nobody can force you to work for free.

Exam Tip: Forcing someone to work without wages (begar) violates the Right against Exploitation.

(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 rights to all citizens.

Exam Tip: Remember that there are exactly six Fundamental Rights in the Indian Constitution.

Question 2. Children below the age of ________ cannot be employed for any ________ work or in ________ and ________.
Answer: fourteen, dangerous, factories, mines
In simple words: Children under fourteen years of age must not do risky work or work in factories.

Exam Tip: This child labor ban is a key part of the Right against Exploitation.

Question 3. Fundamental Rights are universal, which means that they are granted to all the ________ of India.
Answer: citizens
In simple words: These rights belong to every single person living in India.

Exam Tip: Universal means these rights apply to everyone without discrimination.

Question 4. Some Fundamental Rights can be suspended during an ________.
Answer: Emergency
In simple words: During a national crisis, some rights can be paused temporarily by the government.

Exam Tip: An Emergency is the only time when certain Fundamental Rights can be suspended.

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: Every citizen must respect our national rules, ideas, and national symbols.

Exam Tip: Respecting the flag, anthem, and constitution is the very first Fundamental Duty listed.

Question B. Match the following:
A
1. Fundamental Rights
2. Right to Freedom
3. Fundamental Duties

B
(a) cannot be enforced
(b) are universal
(c) Freedom of speech and expression
Answer:

In simple words: This matching shows that rights are universal and give us freedom, while duties are guidelines that cannot be forced by courts.

Exam Tip: Be clear on the difference: rights can be enforced in court, but duties cannot.

C. Choose the correct answer:

Question 1. All democratic nations guarantee certain basic rights/ special privileges/powers.
Answer: basic rights
In simple words: Every democratic country promises basic rights to its citizens.

Exam Tip: Democratic countries are built on the foundation of protecting basic human rights.

Question 2. Under the Right to Equality, the practice of conferring titles such as Raja or Rai Bahadur has been approved/ abolished/legalized.
Answer: abolished
In simple words: The Constitution stopped giving noble titles like Raja to ensure everyone is treated as equal.

Exam Tip: Article 18 abolished royal and noble titles to keep all citizens equal.

Question 3. There are five/six/seven fundamental freedoms guaranteed to all Indian citizens.
Answer: six
In simple words: There are six specific freedoms given to every citizen of India.

Exam Tip: Do not confuse the six fundamental freedoms (under the Right to Freedom) with the six major Fundamental Rights.

Question 4. The Right to Education/Right against Exploitation/ Right to Equality makes education a Fundamental Right of every Indian child between the ages of 6 and 14 years.
Answer: Right to Education
In simple words: The law says every child from age 6 to 14 has the right to go to school.

Exam Tip: The Right to Education is guaranteed under Article 21A of the Indian Constitution.

Question 5. The Fundamental Rights can be enforced by the police/ army/courts.
Answer: courts
In simple words: Only courts have the power to protect and enforce our Fundamental Rights if they are broken.

Exam Tip: The Supreme Court and High Courts protect and enforce our 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: Rights help people live with respect and dignity in their daily lives.

Exam Tip: Dignified living is the main goal of providing Fundamental Rights to citizens.

Question 2. We can use our freedoms to do anything we want, even if it harms other people.
Answer: False
In simple words: Our freedom has limits. We must not hurt other people with our choices.

Exam Tip: Individual freedom comes with a duty to respect the safety and rights of others.

Question 3. The Fundamental Rights are absolute.
Answer: False
In simple words: These rights have reasonable limits to make sure society stays safe.

Exam Tip: Remember that Fundamental Rights are not absolute and can be restricted for public safety.

Question 4. The Fundamental Rights cannot be suspended during an emergency.
Answer: False
In simple words: During a national emergency, some of our rights can be paused by the government.

Exam Tip: During a crisis, public safety becomes more important than individual freedoms, so rights can be paused.

Question 5. The Indian Constitution does not provide safeguards against the violation of Fundamental Duties.
Answer: True
In simple words: The Constitution does not punish citizens directly for not following their Fundamental Duties.

Exam Tip: Since Fundamental Duties are non-justiciable, there is no direct legal penalty for violating them unless a specific law exists.

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: They are essential for the healthy development of every citizen and help the democracy function smoothly.
In simple words: These rights help everyone grow happily and keep the country running fairly.

Exam Tip: Mention citizen development as a primary reason for these rights.

Question 2. State one provisions of the Constitution which proves that all citizens are equal in the eyes of law.
Answer: All public places like parks and markets are open to every citizen, and everyone gets equal job opportunities.
In simple words: Anyone can go to any public park or road, and everyone gets a fair chance at jobs.

Exam Tip: Use the equal access to public places as a simple example of equality before the law.

Question 3. What right is guaranteed by the abolition of untouchability?
Answer: The Right to Equality.
In simple words: Ending untouchability guarantees that everyone is treated as equal.

Exam Tip: The ban on untouchability is one of the most important parts of the Right to Equality.

Question 4. Mention any one Fundamental Right which shows that India is a secular country.
Answer: The Right to Freedom of Religion.
In simple words: This right shows that India does not favor any religion and treats them all equally.

Exam Tip: Freedom of religion is the clearest proof that India is a secular nation.

Question 5. Which Fundamental Right helps to protect our cultural diversity?
Answer: Cultural and Educational Rights.
In simple words: This right allows minority groups to protect their unique language and traditions.

Exam Tip: These rights protect minority groups and preserve our country's diversity.

Question 6. Mention one Fundamental Duty that Indian citizens have towards women.
Answer: We must always respect the dignity of women.
In simple words: It is our duty to treat all women with respect and honor.

Exam Tip: Respecting the dignity of women is a key duty to maintain social harmony.

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 that let people live a safe and dignified life. They are guaranteed in a democracy to protect people from any abuse of power by the government or other individuals, and to help the nation grow peacefully.
In simple words: Rights are rules that keep us safe and respected. They stop powerful people from treating others badly.

Exam Tip: Define rights first, then explain that they protect citizens from the misuse of power.

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: Every citizen can follow, practice, and spread any religion they choose without facing discrimination.
(b) Cultural and Educational Rights: Every community can protect its own language and culture, and run its own schools.
In simple words: These rights allow everyone to follow their faith and protect their culture freely, showing that India is a secular country.

Exam Tip: Explain both parts (a) and (b) clearly to show how they keep our nation secular and fair to all faiths.

Question 3. How do the Fundamental Rights protect Indian citizens from exploitation?
Answer: The Right against Exploitation stops people from being forced to work against their will. It also protects weak groups, like women and children, by banning child labor in factories and mines for anyone under fourteen.
In simple words: This right stops people from being forced to work for free and protects children from working in dangerous jobs.

Exam Tip: Mention the ban on forced labor and the age limit of 14 for hazardous work when explaining this right.

Question 4. Explain the significance and scope of the right to Constitutional Remedies.
Answer: This right is very important because it protects all other rights. If anyone's rights are violated, they can appeal to the High Court or Supreme Court.
Scope of these rights:
1. They apply to all Indian citizens.
2. They cannot be easily changed or removed.
3. They have some reasonable limits.
4. They can be suspended during emergencies like war.
In simple words: This right lets you go to court if someone violates your rights, making sure they are actually protected.

Exam Tip: Emphasize that without the Right to Constitutional Remedies, other rights would be meaningless.

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) Struggle for freedom: We must follow the noble ideas that inspired our freedom movement.
(b) The Indian Nation: Every citizen must protect the unity of the nation and serve the country when called.
(c) Public property: We must protect public property and avoid violence.
In simple words: We must follow freedom values, protect our country, and keep public places safe and clean.

Exam Tip: Address each of the three sub-parts separately to ensure a clear and complete answer.

G. Picture Study

This picture is a symbolic representation of a Fundamental Right.

Question 1. Name the Fundamental Right.
Answer: The six Fundamental Rights shown 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.
In simple words: These are the six basic rights that protect all citizens in India.

Exam Tip: List all six Fundamental Rights clearly to show your complete understanding.

Question 2. How many Fundamental Rights are guaranteed to the people of India? Name them.
Answer: There are six Fundamental Rights guaranteed to the people of India:
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 Indian Constitution guarantees six main rights to protect every citizen.

Exam Tip: Ensure you memorize all six rights in their correct names for full marks.

Question 3. Identify the Fundamental Right enjoyed by an Indian citizen under the following circumstances or conditions:
(i) We can reside and settle in any part of India.
(ii) Indians can follow any religion of their choice.
(iii) Indian children have a right to go to school.
Answer:
(i) Right to Freedom: This right allows citizens to live and settle anywhere in the country.
(ii) Right to Freedom of Religion: This right ensures every citizen can follow and practice their chosen faith.
(iii) Right to Education: This right ensures that children aged 6 to 14 years get free and compulsory education.
In simple words: These examples show how our rights give us the freedom to travel, worship, and study.

Exam Tip: For case-based questions, identify the correct category of right (like Freedom or Education) for each situation.