CBSE Class 12 Political Science Question Paper 2026 Solved Code 59-1-2

SECTION A

1. 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 official marking scheme gives option (D) as the answer.
b) Link the NPT with arms control: it aims to limit nuclear weapons in the world.
c) Do not confuse the NPT with treaties on the peaceful use of nuclear energy.

2. 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
Codes :
(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) The 9/11 attack was on the World Trade Centre in America, and Mad-Cow disease is linked to Britain.
b) Once two pairs are fixed, only option (A) fits, so use elimination to save time.

3. 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 in globalisation: goods, capital, people and ideas.
b) Options (B), (C) and (D) describe effects, not the concept itself.

4. 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 from 2009 to 2014 to 2019.
b) Study the election result tables in the chapter on recent developments in Indian politics.

5. Given below are two statements : [1 Mark]
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 :
(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.
b) Its growth also had costs, such as environmental degradation and corruption.

6. 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) The key word is "step by step": China opened its economy gradually.
b) China did not follow shock therapy like Russia, so option (A) is wrong.

7. 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's death during his fast led to the immediate creation of Andhra state in 1952.
b) The demand came from Telugu speaking people, not Tamil speaking people, so option (D) is wrong.

8. 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 special allowance given to former rulers of princely states.
b) Its abolition is studied with the rise of Indira Gandhi in the chapter on the Congress system.

9. 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) Mandal Commission recommendations came in 1980, Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated in 1991 and the Sixteenth Lok Sabha elections were held in 2014.
b) Fix the first and last events first; only option (C) starts with (iv) and ends with (iii).

10. 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 joined at once; a few like Hyderabad and Junagadh created problems.
b) Read "NOT correct" carefully and pick the false statement.

11. 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 came from Gaya Lal, an MLA in Haryana who changed his party thrice in a fortnight in 1967.
b) The phrase is used to describe defection.

12. 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.
Options :
(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 giving way to a more minimalist state, so the Assertion is false.
b) The Reason correctly says that the market has become the prime determinant of priorities.

SECTION B

13. Show with the help of example that the set-up of Planning Commission was not a sudden invention. [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. On the eve of Independence, India had two models of planned development to choose from - the socialist model and the capitalist model.
2. Different groups supported different models with their own arguments. Even industrialists were working in favour of a planned economy. So the idea of planning was already present before the Planning Commission was set up.

Teacher's Note:
a) Give any two examples; each example carries 1 mark.
b) Other accepted example: India had good relations with the USSR and chose the model of mixed economy.

14. 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. Political: the old welfare state is giving way to a more minimalist state, which shows an erosion of state capacity.
2. Economic: institutions like the IMF and the WTO are determining economic policies across the world, and economic flows among countries are increasing.

Teacher's Note:
a) Explain any two dimensions with an example each.
b) Cultural example: new choices of food, clothes and festivals, or the risk of a uniform culture (cultural homogenisation).

15. "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 solved, which strengthened national integration.
1. The regional movement of Punjab was resolved through an agreement between the Indian government and Punjab leaders.
2. The issue of outsiders in Assam was resolved diplomatically.

Teacher's Note:
a) Use the keywords "democratic approach" and "national integration".
b) Support the argument with real examples such as Punjab and Assam.

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

Answer:
1. Cutting of trees: it reduces forest cover and harms the environment.
2. Burning of fossil fuels: it causes pollution of the air.

Teacher's Note:
a) Other accepted activities: overuse of natural resources, use of chemicals in agriculture, increasing population, and increasing industrialisation and urbanisation.
b) Write only two activities, as the question asks for any two.

17. Explain the meaning of defection with the help of one example. [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. Meaning: Defection means that an elected representative leaves the party on whose symbol he or she was elected and joins another party.
2. Example: In Haryana in 1967, Gaya Lal changed his party thrice in a fortnight - from Congress to United Front, back to Congress, and within nine hours to United Front again.

Teacher's Note:
a) 1 mark is for the meaning and 1 mark is for the example.
b) Defection played a role in making and unmaking governments after the 1967 elections.

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

Answer: The mighty Himalayas in the north and the Indian Ocean, the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal in the south, west and east give South Asia a natural insularity. This natural separation is largely responsible for the linguistic, social and cultural distinctiveness of the sub-continent. Because of this, numerous languages, festivals and social rituals are followed in South Asia, which make it distinct.

Teacher's Note:
a) Name the natural boundaries (Himalayas and the seas) and then link them to cultural distinctiveness.
b) The answer is assessed as a whole, so write it as one connected explanation.

SECTION C

19. Explain the origins of Socialist Party in Indian Politics. [4 Marks]

Answer:
1. The origins of the Socialist Party go back to the mass movement stage of the Indian National Congress before independence.
2. The Congress Socialist Party (CSP) was formed within the Congress in 1934 by a group of young leaders who wanted a more radical and egalitarian Congress.
3. In 1948, the Congress amended its constitution to stop its members from having dual party membership. This forced the socialists to form a separate Socialist Party in 1948.
4. Later, the Socialist Party went through many splits and reunions. This led to many socialist parties, such as the Kisan Mazdoor Praja Party, the Praja Socialist Party and the Samyukta Socialist Party.

Teacher's Note:
a) Keep the two key years in mind: 1934 (CSP formed) and 1948 (separate Socialist Party).
b) The answer is assessed as a whole, so present the origin as a clear sequence of events.

20. Highlight any two cases of violation of human rights in the world.
Suggest any two measures to overcome such issues. [4 Marks]

Answer:
Cases of violation of human rights:
1. Iraq's invasion of Kuwait.
2. Genocide in Rwanda.
Measures to overcome such issues:
1. Intervention by the United Nations to protect the people.
2. Intervention by human rights NGOs, which report abuses and create pressure on governments.

Teacher's Note:
a) 2 marks are for the two cases and 2 marks are for the two measures.
b) Other accepted case: the Indonesian military's killing of people in East Timor.
c) Other accepted measures: bilateral and multilateral talks among countries, and use of international laws.

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

Answer:
1. The 'ASEAN Way' is a form of interaction that is informal, non-confrontationist and cooperative. Through it, member countries resolve their conflicts through negotiations rather than force.
2. The ASEAN Way has helped to end conflicts in the region. ASEAN mediated the end of the Cambodian conflict and the East Timor crisis. In this way, it has helped to maintain peace in South-east Asia.

Teacher's Note:
a) Give two points, each with its meaning and an example, for 2 marks each.
b) Another accepted point: ASEAN nations use the ASEAN Way to foster peace, co-operation and economic growth, and set up the ASEAN Regional Forum in 1994 for security and foreign policy coordination.

OR

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

Answer:
1. The ASEAN security community was based on the belief that territorial disputes should not turn into armed conflict. 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 peaceful environment supported economic progress.
2. With peace in the region, the ASEAN economy grew much faster than the US, the EU and Japan. ASEAN also focused on creating a Free Trade Area (FTA) for investment, labour and services, and the US and China moved fast to negotiate FTAs with ASEAN.

Teacher's Note:
a) Any two points are needed, each explained for 2 marks.
b) Another accepted point: the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), set up in 1994, coordinates security and foreign policy.
c) Always link security (peace) with economic progress, as the question asks.

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

Answer:
1. The Club of Rome published a book in 1972 entitled 'Limits to Growth' to create awareness about the environment.
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 carries 1 mark; write four separate initiatives.
b) Mention the name of the book or report with each initiative to get full marks.

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

Answer:
1. India adopted a democratic approach to the expression of regional aspirations. For example, the states of Haryana, Chhattisgarh, Uttarakhand and Jharkhand were created from their parent states. Meeting such demands strengthened national integrity.
2. India allows parties and groups to address 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 through the democratic process.

Teacher's Note:
a) Each example with its explanation carries 2 marks.
b) Another accepted example: people's movements in Assam, Meghalaya and Nagaland were not treated as anti-national, but were settled through negotiation and deliberation.

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 government signed the accord after negotiations with the AASU leaders. Under the accord, foreigners who migrated into Assam during and after the Bangladesh war were to be identified and deported.
2. After the movement ended, the AASU and the Asom Gana Sangram Parishad formed a regional party, the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP). It came to power in 1985 with the promise of solving 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) As per the marking scheme, students may answer 'Yes' or 'No'; marks are given for suitable supporting arguments.
b) 'No' arguments: the accord did not solve the problem of immigration, and the issue of 'outsiders' is still a live issue in Assam's politics.

SECTION D

24. 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 the letters A, B, C and D. C is in north India near Delhi, A is in north-central India, D is in eastern India to the east of A, and B is on the western coast near the Gulf of Kutch.]

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

Teacher's Note:
a) Each correct row (serial number, alphabet and state name) carries 1 mark.
b) Chaudhary Charan Singh was a farmer leader from Uttar Pradesh, and Jag Jeevan Ram was from Bihar.
c) Write the answer in the table format given in the question.

For Visually Impaired Candidates (in lieu of Q. 24)

(i) Write the name of first Prime Minister of Janta Party Government.
(ii) In which year, was the National Emergency imposed in India by Indira Gandhi government ?
(iii) Name the leader who announced a nationwide Satyagraha at Ram Lila Maidan before the declaration of National Emergency.
(iv) Name the political party that won the Lok Sabha Election in 1977. [4 Marks]

Answer:
(i) Morarji Desai
(ii) 1975 (25 June 1975)
(iii) Jai Prakash Narayan
(iv) Janata Party

Teacher's Note:
a) Each part carries 1 mark; one-word or short answers are enough.
b) For part (ii), both "1975" and "25 June 1975" are accepted.

25. 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) Afghanistan joined SAARC later; it was not one of the founding members in 1985.
b) Note the word "not" in the question.

(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 a strong influence in South Asia through its relations with India and Pakistan.
b) Read the chapter on South Asia for the role of outside powers.

(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 gives the clue: 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 is about a free trade zone and lower trade barriers, not a common currency.
b) Look for the option that does not match "free trade zone" in the passage.

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

[Figure: Cartoon of a prince in a turban and jewels sitting on the back of a thin, poor man who is on his hands and knees. The poor man is labelled "STATES PEOPLE". The prince holds a box labelled "EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, DEFENCE, COMMUNICATION". A man in a dhoti and shawl, labelled "PATEL", walks towards the prince and points at the box. His speech bubble says: "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 label "PATEL" on the leader's clothes gives the answer.
b) Always read the labels in a cartoon before answering.

(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. The rulers used to suppress the ordinary people.

Teacher's Note:
a) The poor man is labelled "STATES PEOPLE", so link your answer to the people of the princely states.
b) Use keywords like exploited and suppressed.

(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) Mention the 'Instrument of Accession' by name; it is the key value point.
b) End with the result: the unification of India.

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

(i) Name the speech given by Jawaharlal Nehru at the hour of midnight on 14-15 August 1947. [1 Mark]
(ii) Name the first Deputy Prime Minister of India. [1 Mark]
(iii) Explain the two nation theory. [2 Marks]

Answer:
(i) 'Tryst with Destiny'.
(ii) Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
(iii) The two nation theory was put forward by the Muslim League. According to this theory, India consisted of two 'people', Hindus and Muslims. So, after independence, the country should be divided into two nations.

Teacher's Note:
a) For part (iii), name the Muslim League and state the demand for two nations.
b) Parts (i) and (ii) need only the name.

SECTION E

27. (a) United Nations has completed 80 years of its existence since its inception. Which steps may be taken to make the United Nations more relevant in the present world ? [6 Marks]

Answer: The following steps may be taken to make the UN more relevant:
1. A Peace Building Commission may be created to help countries recover from conflict.
2. The international community should accept responsibility when national governments fail to protect their own citizens from atrocities.
3. A Human Rights Council may be established to protect human rights across the world.
4. Agreements should be made to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
5. Terrorism in all its forms and manifestations should be condemned.
6. A Democracy Fund may be created. Along with this, there should be equitable representation in the Security Council, so that the UN reflects the present world.

Teacher's Note:
a) Any six steps are needed, each carrying 1 mark.
b) Equitable representation in the Security Council is a strong point; it links to the debate on UN reform.

OR

(b) Describe the role of any two non-government organisations in the protection of human rights. [6 Marks]

Answer:
1. Amnesty International: It is an NGO that campaigns for the protection of human rights all over the world. It promotes respect for all the human rights in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It believes that human rights are interdependent and indivisible. It prepares and publishes reports on human rights, and these reports play an important role in research and advocacy.
2. Human Rights Watch: It is another international NGO involved in research and advocacy on human rights. It is the largest international human rights organisation in the US. It draws the global media's attention to human rights abuses. It helped in building international coalitions, such as the campaigns to ban landmines, to stop the use of child soldiers and to establish the International Criminal Court.

Teacher's Note:
a) The marking scheme gives 3 marks for each NGO, so explain each one in detail.
b) Name the NGO first, then describe what it does and one achievement.

28. (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: The growth of regional parties stopped national parties from getting a clear majority.
2. Regional movements: Since the 1980s, regional movements helped in the formation of coalition governments.
3. No clear majority: No party could win a clear majority in the Lok Sabha, and the Congress lost its base.
4. Political instability: Regional parties emerged and won seats, which caused political instability. Coalition governments were formed to end this instability.

Teacher's Note:
a) Each factor carries 1½ marks, so explain every factor in two sentences.
b) Use the keywords "regional parties", "no clear majority" and "decline of Congress".

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 parties support the new economic policies.
2. Acceptance of claims of backward classes: Parties accept the political and social claims of the backward classes.
3. Role of state level parties: Parties accept the role of state level parties in the governance of the country.
4. Pragmatism over ideology: Parties give more importance to pragmatic considerations than to ideological positions, and form political alliances without ideological agreement.

Teacher's Note:
a) Each issue carries 1½ marks; give a heading and a short explanation for each.
b) This topic is from the chapter on recent developments in Indian politics.

29. (a) "The policy of Non-alignment was followed by India to maintain its independent foreign policy." Justify the statement with three suitable arguments. [6 Marks]

Answer: Through non-alignment, India wanted to:
1. Keep away from military alliances: India kept away from the military alliances led by the USA and the USSR against each other. This allowed it to take decisions on its own.
2. Give an alternative to the third world: India wanted to give third world countries an alternative in the bipolar world, so that they were not forced to join either bloc.
3. Stay away from discriminatory treaties: India kept away from signing nuclear disarmament treaties which it found discriminatory, and developed its nuclear programme for its own safety and security.

Teacher's Note:
a) Each argument carries 2 marks, so explain it, do not just list it.
b) Other accepted arguments: staying away from neo-colonial invasions, and co-operating with third world countries in facing new challenges.

OR

(b) "Political stability resulted in the evolvement of foreign policy of India." Justify the statement with three arguments. [6 Marks]

Answer:
1. After independence, there was political stability in the first three general elections. This helped the government to form and keep its own foreign policy without internal or external pressure.
2. Jawaharlal Nehru was the first foreign minister and the architect of India's foreign policy. He was able to shape it freely, without any pressure.
3. Most opposition parties did not challenge the foreign policy and gave their consent. The ruling Congress also considered valid suggestions of the opposition from time to time.

Teacher's Note:
a) Each argument carries 2 marks; explain how stability helped foreign policy in each point.
b) Another accepted point: national interest and the policy of non-alignment gave shape to India's foreign policy.

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

Answer:
1. Failure to meet people's aspirations: The political system became very bureaucratic and there was no freedom of speech. The rule of one party was no longer democratic.
2. Economic stagnation: The USSR spent much of its money on weapons, which caused a huge economic burden. Economic stagnation for many years led to severe consumer shortages.
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.

Teacher's Note:
a) Each reason must be analysed, not just named, for 2 marks.
b) Another accepted reason: Gorbachev's reforms (Perestroika and Glasnost) disillusioned the people, and party members felt they had lost their powers and privileges.

OR

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

Answer:
1. Largest garage sale in history: Industries were transferred from the public to the private sector. This led to the virtual disappearance of entire industries, and it was called the largest garage sale in history.
2. Fall in the value of the rouble: The value of the rouble declined dramatically and inflation was so high that people lost their savings.
3. Rise in poverty: The withdrawal of government subsidies pushed large sections of the people into poverty.

Teacher's Note:
a) Each consequence needs an explanation for 2 marks.
b) Other accepted points: the collective farm system disintegrated, and post-Soviet states such as Russia were divided into rich and poor regions.

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