Odisha BSE Madhyama Social Science key terms

A system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and constituent units such as states, each having its own defined sphere protected by a written constitution.

The principle that the state does not favour any religion, treats all faiths equally, and allows citizens freedom to follow, practise, and propagate the religion of their choice.

The supreme written document that lays down the structure of government, distributes powers among organs of the state, and guarantees rights and duties of citizens.

Basic freedoms guaranteed to every citizen by Part III of the Indian Constitution, enforceable in courts, covering equality, freedom, protection from exploitation, religion, culture, and constitutional remedies.

Guidelines in Part IV of the Constitution directing governments to promote social and economic welfare, such as reducing inequality and securing livelihood, though not directly enforceable in courts.

The right of every adult citizen who has reached the prescribed age to vote in elections, regardless of caste, religion, gender, income, or education.

An independent constitutional body responsible for conducting free and fair elections, preparing electoral rolls, recognising parties, and enforcing the model code of conduct.

A defined geographical area whose voters elect one representative to a legislative body such as the Lok Sabha or a state assembly.

The process by which elected members speak and act on behalf of the people who chose them, making government responsive to public opinion.

A three-tier system of local self-government in rural India, comprising gram panchayat, panchayat samiti, and zilla parishad, created to bring democracy to the village level.

The assembly of all registered adult voters of a village, which reviews the work of the gram panchayat and approves its plans and budget.

The transfer of authority and responsibility from central or state government to lower-level bodies so that decisions are taken closer to the people affected.

A formal written order issued by a court directing a public authority to act, refrain from acting, or produce a person or record, used to protect fundamental rights.

The branch of government consisting of courts that interpret laws, settle disputes, and protect citizens against violations by individuals or the state.

The principle that everyone, including government officials, is subject to the same law and that no one may be punished except according to established legal procedure.

Fair treatment of all groups in society, especially those historically disadvantaged by caste, gender, or poverty, achieved through protective laws and equal opportunities.

A policy that sets aside a share of seats in legislatures, educational institutions, or government jobs for members of historically disadvantaged communities.

A hereditary social order in India that ranks groups by birth and traditionally restricts occupation, marriage, and social contact between them.

The growing share of a country's population living in towns and cities, driven by rural-to-urban migration and the expansion of urban economic activity.

The movement of people from one place to another for work, education, marriage, or better living conditions, changing the population of both source and destination areas.

The average number of persons living per unit area, usually per square kilometre, used to compare how crowded different regions are.

A periodic official count of all people in a country, recording details such as age, sex, literacy, occupation, and residence for planning purposes.

The percentage of a population aged seven years and above who can read and write with understanding, used as an indicator of educational development.

A composite measure combining life expectancy, education, and per capita income to compare the overall well-being of people across countries.

Economic progress that meets present needs without destroying the resources and environmental conditions on which future generations depend.

Anything in nature or produced by people that is useful and can be used to satisfy human needs, such as soil, water, minerals, forests, and skilled labour.

A natural resource that can be replenished or regenerated within a reasonable time, such as sunlight, wind, water, and forests, if used carefully.

The wearing away and removal of the top layer of soil by wind, running water, or human activities such as deforestation and overgrazing.

The large-scale clearing of forest cover for farming, settlements, or industry, which destroys habitats, reduces rainfall, and increases soil erosion.

The variety of plants, animals, and micro-organisms living in a region, together with the ecosystems they form and the genetic differences among them.

A seasonal reversal of wind direction that brings heavy rainfall to India, with the south-west monsoon in summer and the north-east monsoon in winter.

The uneven spread of rainfall across a region in space and time, producing wet coastal belts, dry interior plateaus, and drought-prone areas.

A prolonged period of unusually low rainfall that dries up soil, reduces crop yields, and causes shortage of drinking water and fodder.

The cultivation of crops and rearing of livestock to produce food, fibre, and raw materials, employing the largest share of India's workforce.

The artificial supply of water to farmland through canals, tanks, wells, or sprinklers to supplement rainfall and support crops in dry seasons.

The growth of factories, machinery, and manufacturing that shifts a country's economy from farming toward producing goods in large quantities.

A feeling of unity and loyalty shared by people who identify with a common nation, often arising from a common history, culture, or struggle against foreign rule.

A mass movement launched in 1920 under Mahatma Gandhi, urging Indians to withdraw support from British institutions by boycotting schools, courts, and foreign goods.

The deliberate, peaceful breaking of unjust laws to protest against authority, used by Gandhi and his followers during the Indian freedom struggle.

The long series of movements, protests, and negotiations through which Indians sought independence from British colonial rule, achieved in 1947.