Teachers guide students to use Exploring Society India and Beyond Class 8 Solutions and Class 8 Social Science SST Part 2 Chapter 5 Citizenship Rights and Duties Question Answer NCERT Solutions for quick learning.
Citizenship Rights and Duties Class 8 Questions and Answers
Citizenship Rights and Duties Class 8 Question Answer
NCERT Page No. 143
Question 1.
What does it mean to be a citizen, not just legally, but in everyday life?
Answer:
Being a citizen means more than legally belonging to a country. It means actively participating in society by respecting others, obeying laws, protecting the environment, helping those in need, and performing one’s duties while enjoying one’s rights. A responsible citizen contributes to the welfare and progress of the nation.
Question 2.
Why are both rights and duties essential?
Answer:
Rights and duties are two sides of the same coin. Rights protect people’s freedom, dignity, and equality, while duties remind citizens to act responsibly and respect the rights of others. Together, they help maintain peace, justice, and democracy and create a fair and harmonious society.
Question 3.
How can we help build a society where everyone is treated fairly, respected, and included?
Answer:
We can build an inclusive society by treating everyone with respect, avoiding discrimination, accepting diversity, helping those in need, following our duties, and ensuring equal opportunities for all. Speaking against unfair practices and promoting inclusion strengthens democracy and helps everyone feel valued and safe.
The Big Questions (NCERT Page No. 148)
Question 1.
What do you observe in the illustrations below?
Answer:
The observations from the illustrations are as follows
- Three people want to watch a game over a fence. They each get a box to stand on.
- The tall person can already see the game without using a box.
- The medium-height person can see the game only after standing on a box.
- The short person (child) cannot see the game properly even after standing on a box.
The difference between the two pictures is as follows
- Concept: What It Looks Like: Result
- Equality: Everyone receives the same number and size of boxes. Equal treatment is given, but not everyone can see the game.
- Equity: Each person receives support according to their need (the shorter person gets more boxes). Everyone is able to see the game clearly.
Conclusions:
- Inclusion: Giving different help so everyone can join in.
- Barriers: The fence shows something that stops people from participating.
- Justice: If the fence is removed, everyone can see without extra boxes.
Class 8 Citizenship Rights and Duties Question Answer
Let’s Explore (NCERT Page No. 153)
Question 1.
“If I was asked to name any particular article in this Constitution as the most important- an article without which this Constitution would be a nullity- I could not refer to any other article except this one (right to constitutional remedies). It is the very soul of the Constitution and the very heart of it…”, said Dr. B.R. Ambedkar during the Constituent Assembly Debates. Why is It Important to have a way to protect rights?
Answer:
It is important to have a way to protect rights due to the following reasons
- Rights have no meaning if people cannot enforce them.
- When rights are violated, citizens need a legal method to seek justice.
- Courts help protect people from injustice, discrimination, and abuse of power.
- The Right to Constitutional Remedies allows people to approach the courts if their Fundamental Rights are violated.
- This ensures that the Constitution is not just a book of promises but a system that actually protects people.
- As explained by Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, this right is the heart of the Constitution because it safeguards all other rights.
Let’s Explore (NCERT Page No. 159-160)
Question 2.
Here are some everyday situations for reflection. Which right or duty is involved?
(i) Ravi decides not to join a protest march at school because he disagrees with it. Some classmates say they will exclude him from their group unless he joins.
(ii) On School Culture Day, Rukmini wants to wear her family’s traditional dress from her village. Some students laugh at her and say she should wear ‘modern’ clothes instead.
(iii) During the recess, some children were throwing chocolate wrappers on the playground instead of the dustbin. The teacher then reminds them to keep their surroundings clean.
(iv) In a mock youth parliament activity, students use a voting app to share their ideas for improving school facilities. Even those who live in remote areas are able to join in the discussion online. Can we demand rights without doing our duties?
Answer:
| Situation | Right Involved | Duty Involved |
| Ravi chooses not to join a protest march because he disagrees with it. | Right to Freedom of Speech and Expression and Freedom of Choice | Duty to respect the opinions and choices of others. |
| Rukmini wears her family’s traditional dress on School Culture Day. | Cultural and Educational Rights (Right to preserve one’s culture and traditions) | Duty to respect cultural diversity and treat everyone with dignity. |
| Children throw chocolate wrappers on the playground instead of using the dustbin. | Everyone has the Right to a clean and healthy environment. | Duty to protect the environment and keep public places clean. |
| Students use a voting app to share ideas in a mock youth parliament, including those from remote areas. | Right to Freedom of Speech and Expression and the right to participate in democratic processes. | Duty to participate responsibly and respect the views of others. |
No, we cannot demand rights without performing our duties. Rights and duties are closely connected. While
rights allow us to enjoy freedom and equality, duties ensure that we respect the rights of others and contribute to the well-being of society. A responsible citizen fulfils both rights and duties, helping to build a fair, peaceful, and democratic nation.
Let’s Explore (NCERT Page No. 162)
Question 3.
The following are two caselets. Read them individually and discuss the questions at the end in small groups.
(i) A group of students makes fun of Rohan’s weight; they nickname him Drummy. They make it difficult for him to join their football game, joking that he would be competing with the football. Everyone around notices this behaviour of the group.
(ii) Mina’s school announced an overnight educational trip to a historical site. Many of her classmates were excited and enrolled immediately. Mina, however, did not; she knew that her family would not be able to afford paying for it. When her friends found out, some started ignoring her, whispering to each other that she wasn’t fun, ‘never joined anything, or “was not of their status”. Mina felt hurt and left out.
What are the types of discrimination you can identify in the examples given above? What would you do If you were part of the groups? Have you faced discrimination yourself? What did you do about it?
Answer:
| Situation | Type of Discrimination | What Would I Do? |
| Rohan is mocked for his weight and is excluded from the football game. | Discrimination based on physical appearance (body shaming). | I would stop others from teasing Rohan, encourage everyone to include him in the game, and inform a teacher if the bullying continued. |
| Mina is ignored because her family cannot afford the educational trip. | Discrimination based on economic status. | I would include Mina in all activities, make her feel welcome, and remind others that friendship should not depend on a person’s financial background. |
Yes, I have faced discrimination. Such behaviour can hurt a person’s feelings and reduce their self-confidence. I shared my concern with a trusted adult and responded calmly and respectfully. I also stood up against unfair
behaviour without disrespecting anyone.
Think About It (NCERT Page No. 149)
Question 1.
It’s Sports Day at school. The weather is very hot. Some students are told to wear full school uniforms with shoes, even though they will be running, playing games, and spending time outdoors. A few students feel uncomfortable and wonder why they can’t wear lighter clothes like T-shirts and sports shoes for such activities. One student starts a discussion at break time. Shouldn’t we be allowed to wear comfortable sports clothes on Sports Day?” Some classmates agree, saying that comfort and safety are important while playing sports.
Others feel that wearing the school uniform shows discipline and equality among all students. A couple of teachers overhear the conversation and remind everyone that school rules about uniforms must be followed. Was the student exercising freedom of speech? Could they have raised their concern differently? How should schools handle student opinions?
Answer:
Yes, the student was exercising freedom of speech by expressing an opinion about wearing comfortable clothes on Sports Day. The student raised a genuine concern related to comfort and safety during sports activities. The concern could have been raised more formally by speaking to a class teacher, sports teacher, or the school council instead of only discussing it among friends.
Schools should listen to students’ opinions respectfully and provide a platform such as student councils or suggestion boxes to express views. At the same time, students should follow school rules until changes are officially made. This shows that rights should be used responsibly and respectfully.
Think About It (NCERT Page No. 152)
Question 2.
What would you do if you saw a child working instead of being in school? Discuss in class, then write one step you could take.
Could you talk to your teacher or principal?
Could you write to a child helpline?
Answer:
- If I saw a child working instead of studying, I would take the following steps
- I would inform my teacher or school principal about the child so that proper action can be taken.
- I could also contact a child helpline to report the situation so that the child gets help and protection.
Think About It (NCERT Page No. 159)
Question 3.
Can you name a duty that matches your right to education?
Answer:
- The duty of students is to attend school regularly and study sincerely.
- Parents have the duty to send their children to school.
- Citizens have the duty to respect teachers and protect school property.
Think About It (NCERT Page No. 163)
Question 4.
Imagine there is a student ¡n your class who takes a little longer to read or write because they have a different way of learning. Sometimes during group work, others do not wait for them or forget to include them. What would you do in this situation?
Answer:
If there is a student in my cLass who takes longer to read or write, I would treat them with kindness, patience, and respect. I would make sure they are included in group activities and give them enough time to complete their work.
I would encourage my classmates to support the student instead of leaving them out. If needed, I would also inform the teacher so that the student receives the help and encouragement they need.
Question 5.
Could you support them by being patient, explaining something clearly, or making sure they get a chance to speak?
Answer:
I would make sure they get a chance to speak during group work.
Question 6.
What steps can you take to make your classroom more inclusive?
Answer:
- Steps to make my classroom more inclusive are as follows
- I would encourage others to be supportive and respectful.
- I would help create a classroom environment where everyone feels included.
Don’t miss out (NCERT Page No. 150)
Question 1.
Some countries have given rivers the same rights as people. Imagine if a tree could say, “Don’t cut me down! In New Zealand, the Whanganui River is legally treated as a living being. Costa Rica, too, protects Nature’s rights in its Constitution. In 2017, the Uttarakhand High Court declared the rivers Ganga and Yamuna as legal entities, giving them the rights of a living person. The Court also appointed legal guardians responsible for protecting and conserving the rivers. However, this decision was suspended and ultimately overturned by the Supreme Court of India, which called it ‘legally unsustainable’. Why do you think some people want to give nature (like rivers and forests) legal rights, just like humans? How could this help protect the environment?
Answer:
Some people believe that nature, including rivers, forests, and other natural resources, should be given legal rights because they are essential for the survival of all living beings. Like humans, nature also needs protection from pollution, deforestation, and overexploitation.
Granting legal rights to nature can help protect the environment in several ways
- It gives legal protection to rivers, forests, and other natural resources against activities that may harm them.
- It allows legal action to be taken against individuals or organisations that damage the environment.
- It encourages governments, communities, and citizens to take greater responsibility for conserving natural resources.
- It helps ensure the sustainable use of natural resources, so that they remain available for future generations.
- It supports the conservation of biodiversity and helps maintain ecological balance.
Conclusion: Granting legal rights to nature can strengthen çnvironmental protection by promoting conservation, preventing environmental damage, and encouraging people to use natural resources responsibly.
Class 8 SST Part 2 Chapter 5 Question Answer
Questions and Activities (NCERT Page No. 165-166)
Question 1.
Why Is It important to respect others’ religions?
Answer:
- It is important to respect others’ religions due to the following reasons
- Respecting others’ religions promotes peace and harmony in society.
- It prevents conflict and discrimination.
- It helps people live together with mutual respect.
Question 2.
How would you feel if you were left out of something?
Answer:
I would feel sad, hurt, and lonely. Being excluded can damage self-contìdence and a sense of belonging.
Question 3.
If rights are guaranteed, why do we still see discrimination in society’
Answer:
We still see discrimination in society because of a lack of awareness, prejudice, and social inequalities. Some people do not follow laws or respect others’ rights. Changing attitudes takes time and education.
Question 4.
Can there ever be a conflict between rights and duties? Give an example.
Answer:
- Yes, conflicts can happen between rights and duties. For Example.
- Freedom of speech should not be used to insult or hurt others.
- Duties require us to use rights responsibly.
Question 5.
How does respecting diversity strengthen democracy?
Answer:
- Respecting diversity strengthens democracy in the following ways
- Respecting diversity ensures that all voices are heard.
- It promotes equality and inclusion.
- Democracy becomes stronger when different cultures, opinions, and beliefs are respected.
Question 6.
Do you think technology (social media, online platforms) makes it easier or harder to practice citizenship? Why?
Answer:
Yes, technology makes it easier to practice citizenship due to the following reasons
- It helps people share ideas, opinions, and information easily.
- People can participate in discussions and express their views on social issues.
- It spreads awareness about rights, duties, and public issues quickly.
- It connects people and encourages collective action for social causes.
- However, misuse of social media can spread false information and hatred.
- Therefore, technology should be used responsibly to practice good citizenship.
Question 7.
Imagine everyone in society enjoyed rights but ignored their duties. What would life look like?
Answer:
- If everyone in society enjoyed rights but ignored their duties, then Society would become disorderly and unfair.
- People would misuse freedoms and harm others.
- There would be no respect for laws or public property.
Question 8.
How can students of your age practice inclusion in everyday school life?
Answer:
Students can practice inclusion in everyday school life in the following ways
- They can include everyone in games, activities, and group work.
- They can respect classmates from different backgrounds, languages, and abilities.
- They can help and support students who have difficulties in learning or communication.
- They can speak up against bullying, teasing, or discrimination.
- They can treat all classmates equally and make everyone feel welcome.
Question 9.
What can be done in the following situations?
(a) A school does not allow girls to join a mathematics or science club.
(b) A fellow student has dropped out of school because they are forced to work in a welding shop.
Answer:
(a) The following steps should be taken according to the given situation
- The school should give equal opportunities to both boys and girls.
- Teachers should stop gender discrimination.
- Girls should be encouraged and allowed to join all clubs and activities.
- Awareness should be created about equality in education.
(b) The following steps should be taken according to the given situation
- Teachers and school authorities should talk to the child’s parents and explain the importance of education.
- The child should be encouraged and supported to return to school.
- Authorities should ensure that child labour is stopped.
- The student may be helped through scholarships or support schemes so they can continue education.
Question 10.
Make a classroom charter that outlines rights and duties, and ensures inclusion and prevents discrimination.
Answer:
Our Classroom Charter
- Every student has the right to be respected and heard.
- Every student has the duty to respect others’ opinions and differences.
- No student should be discriminated against on the basis of gender, caste, religion, language, ability, or money.
- Everyone has the right to learn in a safe and friendly environment.
- Everyone has the duty to keep the classroom clean and peaceful.
- Bullying and teasing are not allowed.
- We will include everyone in activities and support each other.