Understanding Laws NCERT Class 8 Social and Political life Extra Questions

Question 1

Mention the different categories under which Law can be classified.

Solution:

Some of the categories under which law can be classifies are…

Criminal law

Contract Law

Property Law

International law

Equity and Trust Laws

Question 2

Write a short note on Lady Justice.

Solution:

Lady Justice or Justitia is the Roman Goddess of Justice. It is a personification of the moral force that underlies the legal system. Her blindfolded eyes symbolize equality under the law and impartiality towards all the people who are governed by it. The weighing scales represent the balancing of people’s interests under the law, and her sword denotes the law’s force of reason.

Question 3

Mention some of the common laws that govern us.

Solution:

Some of the common laws that govern us are…

The age at which a person can vote

Specific age for marriage

Laws governing the selling and buying of property

Question 4

What is a constitution?

Solution:

A Constitution is a document outlining the basic laws or principals by which a country is governed.

Question 5

State Article 14 of the Indian constitution

Solution:

Article 14 – Equality before law. – The State shall not deny to any person equality before the law or the equal protection of the laws within the territory of India.

Question 6

How was the system of law during ancient times in India?

Solution:

In ancient India, there were countless and overlapping local laws. Different communities were given the liberty to enforce the laws according to their need. In some cases, the punishment that two persons received for the same crime varied depending on their caste. The lower castes were punished more harshly.

Question 7

When was the Hindu Succession Amendment Act revised?

Solution:

The Hindu Succession Amendment Act was revised in 2005.

Question 8

What was the Sedition Act?

Solution:

According to the Sedition Act of 1870 any person protesting or criticising the British government could be arrested without due trial.

Question 9

Write a brief note on the Rowlatt Act.

Solution:

The Rowlatt Committee was a Sedition Committee appointed in 1918 by the British Indian Government with Mr. Justice Rowlatt, an English judge, as its president.

The Rowlatt Act, also known as the Black Act, was instituted on the Rowlatt Committee’s recommendations. It had a significant impact on the political situation of India, placing her on a path of political movement headed by Gandhi that ultimately dominated the Indian Independence movement for the next 20 years. The Act gave the Viceroy’s government powers to quell sedition by silencing the press, detaining the political activists without trial, and arresting without warrant any individuals suspected of sedition or treason. In protest, a nationwide cessation of work was called, marking the beginning of widespread, although not nationwide, popular discontent.

The agitation unleashed by the Act culminated on 13 April 1919, in the Jallianwala Bagh massacre in Amritsar, Punjab.

Question 10

How is a new law introduced in Parliament?

Solution:

Parliament of India consists of the President and two Houses—the Council of States or the Rajya Sabha and the House of the People or the Lok Sabha.

A Bill can be introduced in either House of Parliament. A Bill introduced by the Minister is known as Government Bill and a Bill introduced by a private member is known as Private Member’s Bill.

The procedure for the passage of the Bills is similar in both the cases. A Bill has to pass through three stages in each House of Parliament and receive Presidential assent before it becomes an Act of Parliament. In the event of a deadlock between the two Houses on a Bill, the issue is resolved at a joint sitting of the two Houses.