CBSE Class 12 Political Science Question Paper 2026 Solved Code 59-1-1

SECTION A

1. Given below are two statements :
Statement-I : The economic policies implemented by China helped to break the stagnation of its economy.
Statement-II : Economic development of China also increased environmental degradation and corruption.
In the light of above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below : [1 Mark]
(A) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are true.
(B) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are false.
(C) Statement-I is true, but Statement-II is false.
(D) Statement-I is false, but Statement-II is true.

Answer: (A) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are true.

Teacher's Note:
a) China's new economic policies ended the stagnation of its economy and brought rapid growth.
b) The same growth also brought problems like environmental degradation and corruption, so both statements are true.

2. Which one of the following is the reason that led to the formation of Andhra state in 1952 ? [1 Mark]
(A) Realising the need to reorganise the internal boundaries of Indian states at the end of colonial rule.
(B) Reorganisation of the Indian National Congress on the basis of linguistic principle after Nagpur session in 1920.
(C) Death of the Congress leader, Potti Sriramulu which caused great unrest and led to resignation of several legislators of Madras in protest.
(D) The Tamil speaking people of old Madras province demanding the reorganisation of state on the basis of language.

Answer: (C) Death of the Congress leader, Potti Sriramulu which caused great unrest and led to resignation of several legislators of Madras in protest.

Teacher's Note:
a) Potti Sriramulu died during his fast for a separate Andhra state, and this caused widespread unrest.
b) The demand came from Telugu speaking people, not Tamil speaking people, so option (D) is wrong.

3. Which measure was adopted by China to solve its economic crisis ? [1 Mark]
(A) Like USSR, China also followed 'Shock Therapy'.
(B) China ended its economic isolation with the establishment of relations with most of the developing countries of the World.
(C) China opened its economy for privatisation step by step for the development of its economy.
(D) Chine focused more on export as compared to import.

Answer: (C) China opened its economy for privatisation step by step for the development of its economy.

Teacher's Note:
a) Key point: China opened its economy step by step, while Russia used sudden 'shock therapy'.
b) Do not confuse China's gradual path with the shock therapy of the former Soviet states.

4. Identify the State with which the phrase 'Aaya Ram, Gaya Ram' is related to. [1 Mark]
(A) Uttar Pradesh
(B) Madhya Pradesh
(C) Haryana
(D) Rajasthan

Answer: (C) Haryana

Teacher's Note:
a) The phrase 'Aaya Ram, Gaya Ram' describes frequent defections of legislators from one party to another.
b) Link the phrase with Haryana politics after the 1967 elections.

5. Given below are two statements marked as Assertion (A) and Reason (R). Read these statements carefully and choose the correct answer from the options (A), (B), (C) and (D) given below : [1 Mark]
Assertion (A) : All over the world, the old 'welfare state' is getting more importance.
Reason (R) : Due to globalisation, the state withdraws from many of its earlier welfare functions and the market has become the prime determinant of economic and social priorities.
(A) Both the Assertion (A) and the Reason (R) are true and Reason (R) is the correct explanation of the Assertion (A).
(B) Both the Assertion (A) and the Reason (R) are true, but the Reason (R) is not the correct explanation of the Assertion (A).
(C) Assertion (A) is false, but Reason (R) is true.
(D) Assertion (A) is true, but Reason (R) is false.

Answer: (C) Assertion (A) is false, but Reason (R) is true.

Teacher's Note:
a) The old welfare state is now giving way to a more minimalist state, so the Assertion is false.
b) The Reason is true: under globalisation the market becomes the prime determinant of priorities.

6. Which one of the following statements is NOT correct about the princely states ? [1 Mark]
(A) Princely states were ruled by the princes.
(B) All the princely states had accepted to be an integral part of India after the end of British rule.
(C) The princes of princely states accepted British supremacy and enjoyed some form of control over their internal affairs.
(D) After the end of British paramountcy, the provinces were free to join either India or Pakistan or remain independent.

Answer: (B) All the princely states had accepted to be an integral part of India after the end of British rule.

Teacher's Note:
a) Not all princely states agreed to join India at once; some rulers wanted to remain independent.
b) Read "NOT correct" carefully and pick the false statement.

7. Match List-I with List-II correctly and choose the correct answer from the codes given below : [1 Mark]
List-I | List-II
(a) Violation of Human Rights | (i) Britain
(b) 'Mad-Cow' disease | (ii) Chemical weapons convention
(c) Disarmament Treaty | (iii) World Trade Centre in America
(d) 9/11 terrorist attack | (iv) Iraq's invasion of Kuwait
(A) (a) - (iv), (b) - (i), (c) - (ii), (d) - (iii)
(B) (a) - (iv), (b) - (iii), (c) - (ii), (d) - (i)
(C) (a) - (ii), (b) - (i), (c) - (iv), (d) - (iii)
(D) (a) - (i), (b) - (ii), (c) - (iii), (d) - (iv)

Answer: (A) (a) - (iv), (b) - (i), (c) - (ii), (d) - (iii)

Teacher's Note:
a) 'Mad-Cow' disease is linked with Britain and the 9/11 attack with the World Trade Centre in America.
b) The Chemical Weapons Convention is a disarmament treaty; match the sure pairs first to find the code.

8. Arrange the following events in chronological order : [1 Mark]
(i) Assassination of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.
(ii) Formation of the First Non-Congress coalition government at the centre.
(iii) Sixteenth Lok Sabha elections.
(iv) The Mandal Commission gave its recommendations.
Choose the correct option :
(A) (ii), (iii), (i), (iv)
(B) (i), (iv), (iii), (ii)
(C) (iv), (ii), (i), (iii)
(D) (iii), (i), (ii), (iv)

Answer: (C) (iv), (ii), (i), (iii)

Teacher's Note:
a) Order: Mandal Commission report (1980), coalition government at the centre (1989), assassination of Rajiv Gandhi (1991), Sixteenth Lok Sabha elections (2014).
b) In such questions, fix the earliest and the latest event first and then place the others.

9. Choose the name of the Prime Minister who abolished 'Privy Purse'. [1 Mark]
(A) Morarji Desai
(B) Lal Bahadur Shastri
(C) Rajiv Gandhi
(D) Indira Gandhi

Answer: (D) Indira Gandhi

Teacher's Note:
a) The Privy Purse was the grant given to former rulers of princely states.
b) It was abolished when Indira Gandhi was the Prime Minister, not in the other leaders' terms.

10. Choose the statement that best describes the concept of globalisation. [1 Mark]
(A) The process of rapid integration or inter-connection among countries of the world through the flow of goods, capital, people and ideas.
(B) Globalisation has increased states capabilities in the political field.
(C) Globalisation has given freedom to consumers to choose from limited alternatives.
(D) Globalisation has reduced the various opportunities of employment to the people.

Answer: (A) The process of rapid integration or inter-connection among countries of the world through the flow of goods, capital, people and ideas.

Teacher's Note:
a) Remember the four flows of globalisation: goods, capital, people and ideas.
b) Options (B), (C) and (D) are claims about effects, not a description of the concept.

11. Identify the political party which has had a continuous growth in its Lok Sabha seats in the General Elections from 2009 to 2019. [1 Mark]
(A) Indian National Congress (INC)
(B) Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
(C) Shiv Sena (SS)
(D) Communist Party of India (CPI)

Answer: (B) Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)

Teacher's Note:
a) The BJP's Lok Sabha seats rose in each election of 2009, 2014 and 2019.
b) The Congress lost heavily in 2014, so it cannot show continuous growth.

12. Nuclear non-proliferation Treaty refers to : [1 Mark]
(A) Peaceful use of nuclear energy
(B) Spread of nuclear weapons
(C) Development of nuclear fusion
(D) Reduction of nuclear weapons stockpiles

Answer: (D) Reduction of nuclear weapons stockpiles

Teacher's Note:
a) The marking scheme gives option (D) as the answer.
b) The NPT is an arms control treaty that aims to stop the spread (proliferation) of nuclear weapons.

SECTION B

13. Highlight any two objectives of establishing Planning Commission. [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. Planned development: to plan the use of the country's resources for the balanced development of the nation.
2. Poverty alleviation: to reduce poverty and to reduce the concentration of wealth in a few hands, so that material resources are distributed for the common good.

Teacher's Note:
a) Other accepted objectives are modernisation and industrialisation.
b) Write only two objectives, each with a short explanation, for 1 mark each.

14. How does the natural insularity of South Asian region determine its cultural distinctiveness ? Explain. [2 Marks]

Answer: South Asia is naturally cut off from other regions. The mighty Himalayas lie in the north, and the vast Indian Ocean, the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal lie in the south, west and east. This natural insularity is largely responsible for the linguistic, social and cultural distinctiveness of the sub-continent. Because of it, numerous languages, festivals and social rituals are followed in South Asia, which make the region distinct.

Teacher's Note:
a) Name the natural barriers on all sides: Himalayas, Indian Ocean, Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal.
b) Link insularity to distinct languages, festivals and social rituals; the answer is assessed as a whole.

15. Explain any two human activities responsible for degradation of environment. [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. Cutting of trees: large-scale felling of trees destroys forests and harms the natural balance.
2. Burning of fossil fuels: burning coal and oil by industries and vehicles pollutes the air and damages the environment.

Teacher's Note:
a) Other accepted activities: overuse of natural resources, chemicals in agriculture, increasing population, industrialisation and urbanisation.
b) Name the activity and add one line on how it harms the environment.

16. On what grounds can globalisation be considered a multi-dimensional concepts ? Explain with example. [2 Marks]

Answer: Globalisation is multi-dimensional because it has political, economic and cultural manifestations.
1. Economic: institutions like the IMF and the WTO are determining economic policies across the world, and economic flows among countries are increasing.
2. Cultural: globalisation leads to the rise of a uniform culture (cultural homogenisation); for example, choices of new types of food, clothes and festivals have increased.

Teacher's Note:
a) The political dimension is also accepted: erosion of state capacity, as the old welfare state gives way to a minimalist state.
b) Give each dimension with an example; a dimension without an example may lose marks.

17. Describe any two challenges faced by India during the term of Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri. [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. Economic and food crisis: the country was still facing the economic effects of the war with China, and failed monsoons and drought led to a serious food crisis.
2. War with Pakistan: India had to face a war with Pakistan in 1965.

Teacher's Note:
a) Failed monsoon, drought and food crisis are linked; the 1965 war is a separate challenge.
b) Do not mix up Shastri's period with the 1962 war, which was under Nehru.

18. "The demands of various regional aspirations during 1980s was a step towards nation building." Support the statement with argument. [2 Marks]

Answer: India adopted a democratic approach to regional demands and did not treat them as anti-national. The demands were heard and settled by the government, which helped national integration.
1. The regional movement in Punjab was resolved through an agreement between the Indian government and the leaders of Punjab.
2. The issue of outsiders in Assam was also resolved through negotiation and an agreement.

Teacher's Note:
a) Keyword: democratic approach - regional aspirations are not treated as anti-national.
b) Support the argument with examples such as the Punjab and Assam accords.

SECTION C

19. Highlight any two differences between the ideologies of Socialist party and Communist party of India. [4 Marks]

Answer:
1. Method: The Socialist Party believed in the ideology of democratic socialism and worked through democratic means. The Communist Party of India encouraged violence for political matters. Later, when it failed to generate proper support, it abandoned the path of violence and decided to take part in the first general elections.
2. Outlook and interests: The Socialist Party opposed the interests of capitalists and landlords and supported the interests of workers and peasants. The Communist Party of India believed that the transfer of power after independence was not true freedom.

Teacher's Note:
a) Keywords examiners look for: democratic socialism (Socialists) and "not true freedom" / violence (CPI).
b) Present each difference as a clear contrast between the two parties, for 2 marks each.

20. Highlight any two traditional measures which may be used by different countries to maintain their national security. [4 Marks]

Answer:
1. Balance of power and alliance building: A country tries to maintain a balance of power with its rivals, mainly by strengthening its own military power. It also builds alliances with other countries so that their combined strength can deter or defeat an attack.
2. Disarmament and arms control: Disarmament requires states to give up certain kinds of weapons. Arms control regulates the acquisition or development of weapons. Both reduce the danger of war and so protect national security. Confidence building measures, in which nations share information with each other, also help to avoid war.

Teacher's Note:
a) Other accepted traditional measures: military force (war) to protect the nation and strengthening military power.
b) Do not write non-traditional threats like terrorism or epidemics here; the question asks for traditional measures.

21. Describe any four initiatives taken across the world to create awareness about the protection of the environment. [4 Marks]

Answer:
1. In 1972, the Club of Rome published a book entitled 'Limits to Growth', which created awareness about the danger to the earth's resources.
2. International agencies, including the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), began holding international conferences and promoting detailed studies to get a more coordinated and effective response to environmental problems.
3. The Brundtland Report, 'Our Common Future', warned that the traditional patterns of economic development were not sustainable.
4. The Earth Summit was held to prepare an agenda and programme for the protection of the environment.

Teacher's Note:
a) Each initiative earns 1 mark, so write four separate points.
b) Mention the names correctly: Club of Rome, UNEP, Brundtland Report and Earth Summit.

22. (a) "India has accepted expressions of regional aspirations to strengthen the national integrity." Support the statement with two examples. [4 Marks]

Answer:
1. Creation of new states: India adopted a democratic approach to regional aspirations and did not look upon them as anti-national. For example, the states of Haryana, Chhattisgarh, Uttarakhand and Jharkhand were created from their parent states. This expression of regional aspirations strengthened national integrity.
2. Space for regional parties and movements: India allows parties and groups to address the people on the basis of their regional aspirations. For example, the All Assam Students Union (AASU) in Assam and the Mizo National Front (MNF) in Mizoram worked to solve their regional issues. These movements were heard and settled through negotiation and the democratic process.

Teacher's Note:
a) Each example must be linked back to how it strengthened national integrity.
b) Keyword: democratic approach, negotiation and deliberation instead of force.

OR

(b) Do you agree that the Assam accord was successful in establishing peace and stability in the State ? Support your answer with any two arguments. [4 Marks]

Answer: Yes, the Assam accord was successful in establishing peace and stability.
1. In 1985, the Rajiv Gandhi led government entered into negotiations with the AASU leaders and signed the accord. Under it, foreigners who had migrated into Assam during and after the Bangladesh war were to be identified and deported.
2. After the successful completion of the movement, the AASU and the Asom Gana Sangram Parishad organised themselves as a regional political party, the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP). It came to power in 1985 with the promise of resolving the foreign national problem and building a 'Golden Assam'. The accord brought peace and changed the face of politics in Assam.

Teacher's Note:
a) A "No" answer is also accepted: the immigration problem was not solved, the issue of 'outsiders' is still live, and original inhabitants have become a minority in their own land.
b) Marks are for the arguments, so state your stand clearly and support it with two points.

23. (a) Analyse the 'ASEAN way' as a unique initiative of promoting peace in South-east Asian Countries. [4 Marks]

Answer: The 'ASEAN way' is a form of interaction that is informal, non-confrontationist and cooperative.
1. Settling conflicts by negotiation: Through the ASEAN way, member countries resolve their conflicts through negotiations. ASEAN has mediated the end of the Cambodian conflict and the East Timor crisis.
2. Peace and security cooperation: ASEAN nations use the ASEAN way to foster peace, co-operation and economic growth. The ASEAN Regional Forum was established in 1994 to increase coordination of security and foreign policy.

Teacher's Note:
a) Begin with the meaning: informal, non-confrontationist and cooperative interaction.
b) Each point needs an example, such as the Cambodian conflict, East Timor or the ARF.

OR

(b) Determine the contribution of 'ASEAN security community' in its promotion of economic progress. [4 Marks]

Answer:
1. Peaceful settlement of disputes: The ASEAN security community was based on the conviction that outstanding territorial disputes should not escalate into armed confrontation. By 2003, ASEAN had several agreements under which member states promised to uphold peace, neutrality, co-operation, non-interference and respect for national differences and sovereign rights. This peace created conditions for economic progress.
2. Faster economic growth and free trade: As a result, the ASEAN economy has been growing much faster than the US, the EU and Japan. ASEAN has focused on creating a Free Trade Area (FTA) for investment, labour and services, and the US and China have moved fast to negotiate FTAs with ASEAN.

Teacher's Note:
a) Link security (no armed conflict) to economic progress (growth and FTAs); this link carries the marks.
b) The ASEAN Regional Forum (1994), which coordinates security and foreign policy, is also accepted as a point.

SECTION D

24. Read the passage given below carefully and answer the questions that follow : [4 Marks]

The South Asian Association for Regional Co-operation (SAARC) is a major regional initiative by the South Asian states to evolve co-operation through multilateral means. It began in 1985. Unfortunately due to persisting political differences, SAARC has not had much success. SAARC members signed the South Asian Free Trade Agreement (SAFTA) in 2002 which promised the formation of a free trade zone for the whole of South Asia.

(i) Which one of the following South Asian countries is not a founder member of South Asian Association for Regional Co-operation (SAARC) ? [1 Mark]
(A) Nepal
(B) Bhutan
(C) Afghanistan
(D) Bangladesh

Answer: (C) Afghanistan

Teacher's Note:
a) SAARC began in 1985; Afghanistan was not among its founder members and joined later.
b) Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh were among the original members.

(ii) The external power that affects the South Asian Countries the most is : [1 Mark]
(A) United States of America
(B) Russia
(C) France
(D) Britain

Answer: (A) United States of America

Teacher's Note:
a) The USA has close relations with both India and Pakistan and often acts as a moderator between them.
b) Remember the phrase "external powers" from the chapter on South Asia.

(iii) The major objective of South Asian Association for Regional Co-operation is - [1 Mark]
(A) to become a contemporary centre of power in the World.
(B) to establish a common currency for the regional organisation for its economic development.
(C) to solve all regional conflicts without interference of external powers.
(D) to co-operate member states for economic growth, social progress and cultural development through multilateral means.

Answer: (D) to co-operate member states for economic growth, social progress and cultural development through multilateral means.

Teacher's Note:
a) The passage itself says SAARC evolves co-operation "through multilateral means".
b) SAARC has no common currency, so option (B) is wrong.

(iv) Which one of the following is NOT a core objective of South Asian Free Trade Agreement (SAFTA) ? [1 Mark]
(A) To establish a common currency for SAARC nations.
(B) To promote and enhance mutual trade and economic co-operation.
(C) To reduce custom duties and non-tariff barriers.
(D) To create a free trade area among member states.

Answer: (A) To establish a common currency for SAARC nations.

Teacher's Note:
a) SAFTA aims at a free trade zone with lower trade barriers, not a common currency.
b) Watch for "NOT" in the question and choose the odd option.

25. Study the given cartoon carefully and answer the questions that follow : [4 Marks]

[Figure: Cartoon. A prince in a turban and royal dress sits on the back of a thin man crawling on all fours, labelled "STATES PEOPLE". The prince holds a box labelled "EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, DEFENCE, COMMUNICATION". A smiling man in a dhoti and shawl, labelled "PATEL", walks up and reaches for the box. His speech bubble reads: "NO NO. DON'T GET UP, YOUR NIGHNESS. JUST GIVE ME THIS. THAY WILL DO".]

(i) Name the leader talking to the Prince in this cartoon. [1 Mark]

Answer: Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

Teacher's Note:
a) The leader is labelled "PATEL" in the cartoon.
b) Write the full name, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, in the answer.

(ii) What does the Prince sitting on the back of a poor man indicate ? [1 Mark]

Answer: It shows that the people of the princely states were exploited and kept in suppressed conditions, as the rulers used to suppress the ordinary people.

Teacher's Note:
a) The man is labelled "STATES PEOPLE", which means the people of the princely states.
b) Keywords: exploitation and suppression of ordinary people by rulers.

(iii) What message is being conveyed by the cartoon ? [2 Marks]

Answer: The cartoon shows that Sardar Patel preferred to get the 'Instrument of Accession' signed by the rulers of the princely states. Under it, the rulers handed over subjects like external affairs, defence and communication to India. This helped to unify the country as one unit.

Teacher's Note:
a) The box in the prince's hand shows the subjects the rulers had to give up.
b) Mention the 'Instrument of Accession' and the unification of India for full marks.

For Visually Impaired Candidates (in lieu of Q. 25)

(i) Name the speech given by Jawaharlal Nehru at the hour of midnight on 14-15 August 1947. [1 Mark]

Answer: 'Tryst with Destiny'.

Teacher's Note:
a) This famous speech was delivered by Nehru at midnight of 14-15 August 1947.
b) Write the title within quotation marks.

(ii) Name the first Deputy Prime Minister of India. [1 Mark]

Answer: Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

Teacher's Note:
a) Sardar Patel was also the Home Minister who led the integration of princely states.
b) Do not confuse the first Deputy Prime Minister with the first President.

(iii) Explain the two nation theory. [2 Marks]

Answer: The two nation theory was advanced by the Muslim League. According to this theory, India consisted of not one but two 'people', Hindus and Muslims. So, after independence it should be divided into two nations.

Teacher's Note:
a) Name the Muslim League as the party that gave the theory.
b) State both parts: two people (Hindus and Muslims) and the demand for two nations.

26. In the given political outline map of India, four states have been marked as A, B, C and D. Identify these on the basis of the information given below and write their correct names in your answer book along with their respective serial number of the information used and the concerned alphabet as per format that follows : [4 Marks]
(i) The state related to student movement against inflation and corruption in 1974.
(ii) The state related to the farmer's leader Chaudhary Charan Singh.
(iii) The state related to Congress leader Jag Jeevan Ram.
(iv) The state where Congress could not win even a single Lok Sabha seat in 1977 elections.
Sr. No. of the information used | Concerned alphabet in the map | Name of the state
(i) | |
(ii) | |
(iii) | |
(iv) | |

[Figure: Political outline map of India with four states marked by letters: A in the north, south-east of C; B on the west coast near the Tropic of Cancer; C in the north-west, north of A; D in the east, east of A.]

Answer:
(i) - (B) - Gujarat
(ii) - (A) - Uttar Pradesh
(iii) - (D) - Bihar
(iv) - (C) - Haryana

Teacher's Note:
a) Write the answer in the given three-column format: serial number, alphabet and name of the state.
b) Student movements in 1974 took place in both Gujarat and Bihar; here Bihar (D) is used for Jag Jeevan Ram, so (i) is Gujarat (B).
c) Each correct row earns 1 mark.

For Visually Impaired Candidates (in lieu of Q. 26)

(i) Write the name of first Prime Minister of Janta Party Government. [1 Mark]

Answer: Morarji Desai.

Teacher's Note:
a) The Janata Party formed the government after the 1977 elections.
b) Morarji Desai became its first Prime Minister.

(ii) In which year, was the National Emergency imposed in India by Indira Gandhi government ? [1 Mark]

Answer: 1975 (25 June 1975).

Teacher's Note:
a) Writing only the year 1975 is enough for the mark.
b) The Emergency was declared on 25 June 1975.

(iii) Name the leader who announced a nationwide Satyagraha at Ram Lila Maidan before the declaration of National Emergency. [1 Mark]

Answer: Jai Prakash Narayan.

Teacher's Note:
a) Jai Prakash Narayan (JP) led the opposition movement before the Emergency.
b) The Emergency was declared soon after this call for Satyagraha.

(iv) Name the political party that won the Lok Sabha Election in 1977. [1 Mark]

Answer: Janta Party.

Teacher's Note:
a) In 1977 the Congress lost power at the centre for the first time.
b) Link this answer with part (i): Morarji Desai led the Janta Party government.

SECTION E

27. (a) Explain the composition and one function of any three organs of the United Nations. [6 Marks]

Answer:
1. General Assembly: Composition - it represents all 193 member states, and each member has one vote. Major decisions require a two-thirds majority; its other decisions are not binding on UN members. Function - it adopts the UN budget. It also appoints the Secretary-General and elects the non-permanent members of the Security Council.
2. Security Council: Composition - it has 15 members, 5 permanent and 10 temporary. The permanent members are the US, UK, France, Russia and China, and all of them have veto power. Temporary members are elected for two years. Function - it investigates disputes and can authorise military action to resolve threats to peace. Its decisions are binding on all UN members.
3. International Court of Justice: Composition - it has 15 judges elected for 9 years by an absolute majority in both the General Assembly and the Security Council. It is situated at The Hague in the Netherlands. Function - it settles legal disputes between states and gives advisory opinions on legal questions. It interprets international law.

Teacher's Note:
a) For each organ give both parts - composition (1 mark) and one function (1 mark).
b) The Secretariat (headed by the Secretary-General, appointed for 5 years) and the Economic and Social Council (54 members elected for three years) are also accepted.
c) Do not confuse organs (like the Security Council) with agencies (like WHO), which are asked in part (b).

OR

(b) Name any three agencies of the United Nations and explain one function of each. [6 Marks]

Answer:
1. World Health Organisation (WHO): It works for good health across the world and against the spread of epidemics. It also supports vaccination programmes, so that diseases can be controlled in all countries.
2. United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF): It works for the welfare of children. It protects child rights, focusing on their health, education, nutrition and safety.
3. International Labour Organisation (ILO): It sets international labour standards. It also works for decent employment opportunities and better social protection for workers.

Teacher's Note:
a) Each agency earns 2 marks: its correct name and one function explained.
b) UNHRC (protection of human rights), UNESCO (education, cultural heritage and scientific research) and IAEA are also accepted.
c) If you choose the IAEA, write that it promotes the peaceful use of atomic energy and scientific and technical cooperation in the nuclear field.

28. (a) Analyse any three reasons for the disintegration of the Soviet Union. [6 Marks]

Answer:
1. Undemocratic and bureaucratic system: The Soviet system failed to meet the aspirations of the people. The political system became very bureaucratic, and freedom of speech was not given. The rule of one party was no longer democratic, so people lost faith in the system.
2. Economic stagnation: The USSR spent much of its money on weapons, which created a huge economic burden. Economic stagnation for many years led to severe consumer shortages. The people slowly came to see the gap between their own system and the system of the West.
3. Rise of nationalism: The rise of nationalism and the desire for sovereignty within the various republics became the most immediate cause of the collapse. Along with this, Gorbachev's reforms of 'Perestroika' and 'Glasnost' disillusioned the people when they learnt the realities, while party members felt that they had been deprived of their powers and privileges.

Teacher's Note:
a) The question says "analyse", so explain each reason in two or three sentences, not just a heading.
b) Keywords examiners look for: bureaucratic one-party rule, economic stagnation, arms spending, Gorbachev's reforms and nationalism.

OR

(b) Examine any three consequences of the Shock therapy. [6 Marks]

Answer: Shock therapy brought ruin to the economies and disaster upon the people of the entire region.
1. Largest garage sale in history: Industries were transferred from the public sector to the private sector at very low prices. This led to the virtual disappearance of entire industries, and the process was called the largest garage sale in history.
2. Fall in the value of the rouble: The value of the rouble, the Russian currency, declined dramatically. The rate of inflation was so high that people lost all their savings.
3. Poverty and inequality: The withdrawal of government subsidies pushed large sections of the people into poverty. The collective farm system also disintegrated. The post-Soviet states, especially Russia, were divided between rich and poor regions, which resulted in great economic inequality.

Teacher's Note:
a) Remember the phrase "largest garage sale in history"; examiners look for it.
b) Give three consequences, each with an explanation, for 2 marks each.

29. (a) "India's Foreign Policy has been successful in saving its 'National Interests'." Support the statement with three arguments. [6 Marks]

Answer:
1. Independent foreign policy through NAM: India's foreign policy was based on non-alignment (NAM), Panchsheel, respect for the UN, disarmament and world peace. By adopting non-alignment, India was able to protect its sovereignty and follow an independent foreign policy without joining any military bloc.
2. Support from both blocs: Because India did not join either bloc, it could muster support from both the military blocks. This helped India to gain help for its needs and to protect its interests in world affairs.
3. Peaceful relations with neighbours: India could pursue peaceful and cordial relations with its neighbouring countries. Its good relations with Nepal, Bhutan and Sri Lanka are examples of this. Such relations help to keep the region stable and secure India's interests.

Teacher's Note:
a) Keywords: NAM, Panchsheel, independent foreign policy and sovereignty.
b) Each argument should show how the policy protected national interest; a bare list of principles will not get full marks.

OR

(b) "India's Foreign Policy is as per the principles of International Peace and Security as laid down in Article 51 of the Indian Constitution." Justify the statement with three examples. [6 Marks]

Answer: Article 51 of the Constitution lays down Directive Principles of State Policy on the promotion of international peace and security. India's foreign policy follows these principles.
1. Promotion of international peace and security: India says that its nuclear programme is for peaceful purposes. India is also ready to extend co-operation to other countries to combat challenges like terrorism and global warming.
2. Just and honourable relations among nations: India has tried its best to maintain just and honourable relations by signing various treaties with its neighbouring countries, such as Pakistan and China.
3. Settlement of international disputes: India supports the peaceful settlement of international disputes. It has sent its troops through the UN to establish peace, and it also sent its army to Sri Lanka to help settle the ethnic conflict there.

Teacher's Note:
a) Begin by stating what Article 51 says, then give one example for each principle.
b) Each principle with a matching example earns 2 marks.

30. (a) Describe any four factors responsible for the rise of coalition governments at the centre after the year 1989. [6 Marks]

Answer:
1. Rise of regional parties: Regional parties grew stronger and won many seats. This stopped the national parties from getting a clear majority on their own.
2. Regional movements: Since the 1980s, regional movements had become strong in many states. These movements helped in the formation of coalition governments at the centre.
3. Decline of the Congress: No party could win a clear majority in the Lok Sabha, and the Congress lost its base among the voters. So parties had to come together to form the government.
4. Political instability: The emergence of many regional parties that won seats caused political instability at the centre. Coalition governments were formed to end this instability and to provide a working government.

Teacher's Note:
a) Each factor carries 1½ marks, so write four clear points with a line of explanation each.
b) Keywords: regional parties, no clear majority, decline of the Congress and political instability.

OR

(b) Describe any four issues on which a broad agreement has emerged among most political parties. [6 Marks]

Answer:
1. Agreement on new economic policies: Most political parties now support the new economic policies, even though some of them have differences on details.
2. Acceptance of the claims of backward classes: All major parties accept that the political and social claims of the backward classes must be recognised.
3. Role of state level parties: The role of state level parties in the governance of the country is now accepted. The difference between state and national parties has become less important.
4. Pragmatic considerations: Parties give more emphasis to pragmatic considerations rather than ideological positions. They form political alliances even without ideological agreement.

Teacher's Note:
a) Each issue carries 1½ marks; name the issue and add one line of explanation.
b) Easy way to remember the four issues: economy, backward classes, state parties and pragmatism.

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