Question:
Secularism is separating religion from the power of the state. Discuss why it is vital to separate the power of the state from religious practices.
Answer:
Secularism is very essential for the smooth functioning of a democratic country. In today"s world people go to other countries to work or do business. So you will find that people of different religions live in the same locality.In the event of people of different religions living together in the same locality there is a possibility that people belonging to one particular religion being in the majority. If this majority has access to State power, there is likelihood that it will use it to discriminate and dominate the minority group which practices another religion. In a secular democratic country any form of domination or tyranny, based on religion is in violation of the rights that a democratic society guarantees to each and every citizen irrespective of their religion. Therefore it is important not to allow any one religion, even though it may be the majority, to violate the fundamental rights of all citizens. If this right has to be maintained it is vital to separate the power of the state from religious practices.
The Indian Constitution
Q 1.
Name the major religions practiced all over the world.
Q 2.
Secularism is separating religion from the power of the state. Discuss why it is vital to separate the power of the state from religious practices.
Q 4.
In politics, what is a constitution?
Q 5.
Will the government intervene if some religious group says that their religion allows them to practise infanticide? Give reasons for your answer.
Q 6.
Look lip the annual calendar of holidays of your school. How many of them pertain to different religions? What does this indicate?
Q 7.
What do you mean by the legislature, the executive and the judiciary?
Q 10.
Complete the following table Objective Why is it important? Example of a violation of this objective
Q 11.
How does the Indian Constitution safe guard the minorities of the country?
Q 12.
What is the difference in who exercises Executive Power in the 1990 and Interim Constitutions of Nepal? Keeping this in mind, why do you think Nepal needs a new Constitution today?
Q 13.
Mention the key features of the Indian Constitution.
Q 14.
In Nepal, when did the Interim Constitution come into effect?
Q 15.
Listed below are the key features of the Indian Constitution. Write two sentences, in your own words, on why you think this feature is important:
Key Feature
1.Federalism
2.Separation of Powers
3.Fundamental Rights
4.Parliamentary Form of Government
Q 16.
What is universal adult franchise?
Q 17.
Find out some examples of different views within the same religion.
Q 18.
State Article: 17 in the Right to Equality, in the Indian constitution.
Q 19.
What are the key components of fundamental rights?
Q 20.
Mention a few points in the US constitution related to secularism.
Q 21.
In each of the following situations, identify the minority. Write one reason why you think it is important to respect the views of the minority in each of these situations.
(a)In a school with 30 teachers, 20 of them are male.
(b)In a city, 5 per cent of the population are Buddhists.
(c)In a factory mess for all employees, 80 per cent are vegetarians.
(d)In a class of 50 students, 40 belong to more well-off families.
Q 22.
What were the highlights of the text prepared by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, who was the Chairman of the constitution drafting committee?
Q 23.
List the different types of religious practice that you find in your neighbourhood. This could be different forms of prayer, worship of different gods, sacred sites, different kinds of religious music and singing etc. Does this indicate freedom of religious practice?
Q 24.
State the 4th point of the Fundamental Rights of the Indian constitution.
Q 25.
The Indian State both keeps away from religion as well as intervenes it) religion. This idea can be quite confusing. Discuss this once again in class using examples from the chapter as well as those that you might have come up with.
Q 26.
What do you understand from the statement "freedom to interpret religious teachings differently in context with the practice of untouchability?
Q 27.
What are the objectives of the Indian constitution that advocates secularism?
Q 28.
Write a brief note on the making of the Indian Constitution.
Q 29.
What are the negative points of a democratic society?
Q 30.
Why does a democratic country need a Constitution?
Q 31.
What are the strategies followed by the Indian government to establish secularism?
Q 32.
What are the factors the drafting committee had to take into consideration while drafting the constitution?
Q 33.
This poster alongside highlights the need for Peace’. It says, "Peace is a never-ending process....It cannot ignore our differences or overlook our common interests.” Write in your own words what you think the above sentences are trying to convey? How does it relate to the need for religious tolerance?
Q 34.
Write a brief note on the struggle for freedom in Nepal.
Q 35.
What would happen if there were no restrictions on the power of elected representatives?
Q 36.
How can a leader misuse power in a democratic country?
