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NCERT Notes: Grade 8 Political Science - Chapter 4: Understanding Laws

Introduction

Laws form the backbone of any civilized society. They are crucial in ensuring justice, equality, and order. But how are laws made, and why are they essential? Let’s embark on this journey to understand laws more profoundly.

1. The Evolution of Laws

Historical Context: Historically, laws were often based on the whims and fancies of monarchs or the ruling class.

Modern Democracy: In modern democracies, laws are made with the objective of furthering justice and equality and are created keeping in mind the interests of the people.

2. Why do we need Laws?

Order and Safety: Laws ensure there is order in society and protect the well-being of its citizens.

Justice and Equality: Laws ensure that every individual, irrespective of their background, is treated fairly and equitably.

3. The Process of Making a Law

Laws don’t emerge overnight. They undergo a rigorous process:

  1. Proposal: A law begins as a proposal that can be introduced in the Parliament either by an individual MP or by the government.

  2. Discussion: This proposal, or ‘bill’, is discussed, debated, and its pros and cons weighed.

  3. Committee Scrutiny: Detailed scrutiny happens in committees which can recommend changes.

  4. Voting: Post discussion, the bill is voted upon. If it garners majority support, it’s passed to the other house (Rajya Sabha or Lok Sabha) for review.

  5. Presidential Assent: After both houses pass the bill, it is sent to the President for assent, post which it becomes a law.

4. The Idea of Universal Adult Franchise

The essence of democracy is the participation of the people in decision-making, and the concept of Universal Adult Franchise ensures this.

One Person, One Vote: Every adult citizen of the country, irrespective of their socio-economic or religious background, has the right to vote.

5. Laws and the Idea of Social Justice

While laws are meant to provide justice, they can sometimes be used to endorse discrimination.

Historical Prejudices: Laws in the past, in many societies, reflected prevalent prejudices. For instance, there were laws that supported untouchability, gender discrimination, and racial biases.

Modern Law-making: Contemporary laws aim at eliminating these prejudices and ensuring social justice.

6. Changing Unjust Laws

Democracies provide avenues to challenge and change laws that may be outdated or unjust.

Public Opinion and Protests: Public movements, opinions, and protests can pressurize the government into reconsidering certain laws.

Judicial Intervention: Courts can also play a pivotal role in assessing the constitutionality of laws and recommending changes.

7. Conclusion

Laws are dynamic. They evolve as societies progress. The essence of a democratic society lies in its ability to introspect, reform, and change laws that no longer serve their purpose or are inherently unjust. For any nation, laws should be a reflection of its ideals of justice, equality, and liberty.

Reference: NCERT Grade 8 Political Science - Chapter 4: Understanding Laws

Note: This article provides an SEO-optimized summary of the importance, evolution, and intricacies of laws in a democratic setup. For an exhaustive study and detailed insights, students should refer to the original NCERT textbook.