CBSE SYLLABUS : NCERT Social Science Social and Political Life Part 3 for Class 8th
UNIT 1: The Constitution
This unit focuses on the Constitution through first highlighting why there is a need for laws and then showing how the Constitution is the framework that determines the making of laws in this country. Aspects
of secularism as well as economic justice are highlighted with respect to the Constitution.
Section 1
The Role of the Constitution and the Need for Laws
• On the need for laws discussed through an example like dowry,
• Role of Constitution in determining the authority legitimacy of the law,
• Laws and Dissent: Salt Satyagraha and a post-1947 example, such as anti-liquor agitation.
Section 2
• Vision set forth in the Indian Constitution with a focus on secularism.
• On how an ideal of the Constitution translates into a law
• On how ideals of secularism got translated into fundamental rights.
• On fundamental rights as human rights.
• On Fundamental Duties.
• On whether the fact that a law exists to secure certain rights mean that, in effect, these rights have
been realized for all. This will be discussed with examples from current efforts of various marginalized communities to realize their rights.
UNIT 2: Parliamentary Government
In this unit, the functioning of parliamentary government and the roles and responsibilities of the Various individuals are involved in the explanation in context. In addition, the workings of the central government are
explained through the steps involved in passing a new law that arose out of people’s struggles.
Section 1
• Reasons why the parliamentary form was chosen in India.
• Main features of the composition of parliament and its role in debating a bill.
• Accountability of the government to the parliament.
• Role of President, PM, and the Council of Ministers. Case Study: Debate between Nehru and Rajendra Prasad on the real powers of the president.
Section 2
Understand central government through the issue of minimum wages or other struggles keeping following
in mind:
- Translation of felt need into law and the critical features of the legislation.
- Implication of law
UNIT 3: The Judiciary
This unit focuses on understanding the judiciary through tracing a case from the lower to the higher courts. It also examines the difference between civil and criminal cases and the difference between the police and the courts as well as provides information on an FIR.
Section 1
• The structure and process followed by the judiciary: Trace a case from lower to higher courts.
• Distinguish between civil and criminal cases.
• Indicate the rationale of the process.
Section 2
Difference between the roles of the police and that of the courts.
• Role of the Public Prosecutor.
• On an FIR: filing one on the illegality of the police not accepting an FIR and the Supreme Court’s directive on this.
UNIT 4: Social Justice and the Marginalized This unit focuses on issues of social justice and the marginalized. It first provides an understanding of what is meant by ‘marginalized’ groups. It then discusses in depth the issue of untouchability and reservations.
Section 1
A brief explanation of what is meant by marginalized. Include how various communities (SC, ST, OBC,
minorities) fit in.
• Forms of social inequality—Constitutional provisions relating to social justice.
• Effect of social inequalities on economic inequalities.
• On Reservations.
Section 2
Different forms of untouchability that continue to exist
• The law on manual scavenging with reference to existing realities in rural and urban areas.
UNIT 5: Economic Presence of the Government Introduction of various ways by which government is engaged in developmental activities, especially in infrastructure and social sectors. Explain with an example from this area why we need the government; how is the provision done, how
Does it impact people?
