Imagine you are part of your school's student council. The council works like a mini-parliament — it has members elected by students, debates issues and makes decisions. In this context, do you think it would be better if only the council president makes all the decisions or if power is to be shared among all members?
Should the student council have the power to make rules about the food you eat, or the language you speak?
No, the student council should not have unlimited power to make rules about personal choices like food or language. These are individual rights and freedoms that should be protected. Just as the Constitution limits government power to protect citizens' fundamental rights, school rules should also respect students' personal choices in matters that do not affect the school community's functioning.
What can go wrong if the student council is the most powerful body in your school and no one questions its decisions?
If the student council becomes the most powerful body without any checks, it could make unfair rules that benefit only certain groups while ignoring others. Decisions might be made without proper discussion or consideration of different viewpoints. Minority voices could be suppressed, and rules could become arbitrary or unjust. Without accountability, council members might misuse their power, similar to how the chapter warns that unchecked power can threaten citizens' rights.
Explanation
(a) The chapter discusses on Page 8 how the Constitution limits government power to protect citizens' rights. It states: 'The Constitution ensures that no part of the government becomes too powerful. The elected leaders cannot pass laws that go against people's basic rights — like freedom of speech, religion, or equality before the law.' (b) The chapter emphasizes on Page 8 that 'the government can use force to maintain law and order but the Constitution limits its powers; otherwise, elected members and government officers might use their power unchecked, which would threaten citizens' rights.' The same principle applies to any governing body.