Grade 9 Political Science
Democratic Rights
General instructions:
1. Read the given material carefully before attempting the activity given at the end.
2. The activity should not exceed two pages (four sides) of your notebook.
3. This activity will be assessed as an AFL (Assessment for Learning) for Term II.
➢ Rights in a Democracy:
- Rights are claims of a person over other fellow beings, over the society and over the
government but every claim is not a right.
- Rights are necessary to ensure the dignity, security and fair play to all the citizens.
- Democracy is a system in which maximum rights are guaranteed to its citizens.
➢ Why do we need rights in a democracy:
- Rights sustain a democracy.
- They give every citizen a right to vote and the right to be elected to government.
- They allow citizens to express their views freely, form parties and take part in
political activities.
- Rights are guarantees when things go wrong. They do not allow the majority to
dominate the minority.
- Some rights are placed higher than the government so that the government does
not violate them.
➢ Rights in the Indian Constitutions:
The Indian Constitution has given us six fundamental rights. They are the basic
features of India’s Constitution.
➢ Fundamental Rights:-
1) Right to Equality
2) Right to Freedom
3) Right to Exploitation
4) Right to freedom of Religion
5) Cultural and Educational Rights
6) Right to Constitutional Remedies
1. Right to Equality:
‐ It grants equality to all its citizens in the eyes of law. Rule of law is the
foundation of any democracy.
‐ No discrimination can be made against any citizen on grounds of birth,
caste, religion and gender.
‐ Untouchability is made a cognizable offense. Equal opportunity is
guaranteed to all the citizens.
2. Right to Freedom:
It grants
‐ Freedom of speech and expression – This right gives freedom of expression
but one can’t use this freedom to instigate violence against others.
‐ Freedom to assemble in a peaceful manner – People can meet to discuss or
for exchange of ideas. They should take care not to lead to any public
disorder.
‐ Freedom to form associations
‐ Freedom to move freely in any part of the country
‐ Freedom to reside in any part of the country
‐ Freedom to practice any profession, carry out any occupation or trade.
3. Right against Exploitation:
The constitution prohibits
‐ “traffic in human beings”
‐ Prohibits forced labor or begar
‐ Prohibits child labor
4. Right to Freedom of Religion:
‐ There is no state religion in India. All religions are given equal respect.
‐ Every person has a right to profess, practice and propagate his own religion.
‐ Freedom to practice religion does not mean doing anything in the name of
religion.
5. Cultural and Educational rights:
‐ Minorities have the right to conserve their language and culture.
‐ They have the right to establish their own educational institutions.
6. Right to Constitutional Remedies:
This right makes all rights effective.
‐ If a citizen’s fundamental rights are violated or taken away, he/she can seek
remedy through courts. Dr. Ambedkar called this right as the ‘heart and
soul’ of our constitution.
‐ National Human Rights Commission is an independent organization
established in 1993. Its main work is to focus on human rights and help the
victims whose rights are violated.
Question And Answers
1. What do you mean by “traffic in human beings”?
Ans) Traffic means buying and selling of human beings for immoral purposes.
2. What is bonded labor?
Ans) When the practice of begar takes place on a lifelong basis, it is called the
practice of bonded labour.
3. What does the constitution specify about the cultural and educational rights of
the minorities?
Ans) The constitution specifies the cultural and educational rights of the minorities
in the following ways:
• Any section of the citizens with a distinct language or culture have a right to
conserve it.
• Admission to any educational institution maintained by government or receiving
government aid cannot be denied to any citizen on the ground of religion or
language.
• All minorities have the right to establish and administer educational institutions
of their choice.
Activity - “Rights in Action – Democracy Through a Citizen’s Lens”
Objective - This activity will help you apply, analyse, and evaluate the role of
Fundamental Rights in a democracy by connecting constitutional ideas to real-life
situations. You will think like a citizen, problem-solver, and creative designer.
Part A: Think & Respond (Critical Thinking + Problem Solving) (About 1 page)
Read each situation carefully and answer the questions in short paragraphs.
Situation 1
A group of citizens is stopped from holding a peaceful protest, even though they are not
causing any violence.
1. Name the Fundamental Right involved.
2. Do you think stopping the protest is correct? Give one reason.
3. Suggest one solution that allows people to express their views peacefully.
Situation 2
Children below 14 years are working in a factory for long hours.
1. Which Fundamental Right is being violated?
2. Why is this harmful to children and democracy?
3. What can a responsible citizen do in such a situation?
Situation 3
A minority community wants to open a school to protect its language and culture.
1. Identify the right that protects them.
2. Why should minorities be protected in a democracy?
3. How does this right stop unfair domination by the majority?
Part B: Create & Express (Creativity + Art Integration) (About 1 page)
• Task: “My Rights, My Democracy” Page
• Create one creative page using drawings, symbols, colour, charts, or a comic
strip.
• Your page must include the following:
1. Choose ANY TWO Fundamental Rights
• Draw or visually represent them.
• Clearly label the rights.
2. Explain Simply
Write 2–3 lines under each drawing explaining:
• What the right means
• Why it is important in a democracy
3. Innovation Corner
Think of one modern situation (social media, online trolling, fake news, AI, etc.)
where a right may be misused or violated.
• Name the right involved
• Suggest one fair solution
Reflection Question (Short Answer) (4–5 lines)
Why is the Right to Constitutional Remedies called the “heart and soul” of the
Constitution?
Give one example to support your answer.
Assessment for Learning (AFL) Rubric
Criteria Excellent (4) Good (3) Satisfactory (2)
Understanding of Clear and accurate Mostly correct Basic understanding
Rights understanding
Critical Thinking Strong reasoning and Logical responses Limited reasoning
solutions
Creativity & Very creative, neat, well- Creative and clear Simple presentation
Presentation organised
Application to Strong real-life Some real-life link Limited connection
Real Life connections