ICSE Class 10 History and Civics Board Exam Question Paper 2017 with Solutions

ICSE Class 10 History And Civics Board Exam Question Paper with Solutions

PART - I [30 MARKS]

Question 1.

(a) State any one federal feature of the Indian Constitution. [1]

Answer:
In a federal government, there is a dual set of governments - Union Government and the State Government. The Union government runs the administration of the entire country and the state governments run the administration of the respective states.

Teacher's Note:
a) Mention the division of power or dual government as a core feature.
b) Students must clearly state that India has both a central government and state governments.

(b) How are the Rajya Sabha members elected? [1]

Answer:
The members of the Rajya Sabha from each State are elected by the elected members of the Legislative Assembly of the State by means of proportional representation called the Single Transferable Voting System.

Teacher's Note:
a) Emphasize that members are elected by MLAs, not directly by citizens.
b) Mention the electoral method correctly as the Single Transferable Vote system.

(c) Who presides over the Joint Session of the two Houses of Parliament? [1]

Answer:
The Speaker of the Lok Sabha presides over the joint sessions of the Parliament.

Teacher's Note:
a) Recall that Article 108 provides for a joint sitting of both Houses.
b) Do not confuse the presiding officer with the Vice-President who presides only over the Rajya Sabha.

(d) Under what condition can a non-member of Parliament be made a Minister? [1]

Answer:
He must be elected or nominated to the Parliament within six months.

Teacher's Note:
a) Article 75(5) allows a non-member to be a minister for a maximum period of six consecutive months.
b) Ensure the time limit of six months is specifically mentioned to secure the mark.

(e) When can the Speaker of the Lok Sabha cast his vote? [1]

Answer:
Generally, the Speaker does not participate in the discussions of the House and does not take part in the voting, but in case of a tie, he exercises his casting vote.

Teacher's Note:
a) State clearly that the Speaker votes only to break a tie (casting vote).
b) Note that the Speaker does not vote in the first instance to maintain neutrality.

(f) When can the President use his Discretionary power to appoint the Prime Minister? [1]

Answer:
In the case of no single party getting a clear majority, a coalition of parties makes its claim to form the government, and the President has to use his discretionary judgement and invite such a leader to head a government as Prime Minister who can provide a stable government to the country.

Teacher's Note:
a) Mention the hung Parliament or absence of a clear majority as the primary condition.
b) Emphasize the President's role in ensuring a stable government.

(g) What is meant by 'Collective Responsibility' of the Cabinet? [1]

Answer:
The Council of Ministers is jointly or collectively responsible to the Parliament. Once they have reached a decision after full discussion in the meeting under the Prime Minister's Chairmanship, all the Ministers must defend it inside the Parliament and in the public.

Teacher's Note:
a) Explain that they swim together and sink together.
b) Highlight that a vote of no-confidence against one minister means the resignation of the entire council.

(h) How long can the Rajya Sabha retain the money bill sent by the Lok Sabha? [1]

Answer:
14 Days.

Teacher's Note:
a) Money bills can only originate in the Lok Sabha.
b) Rajya Sabha has limited powers regarding money bills and must return them within 14 days.

(i) State one other qualification required to become a Judge of the High Court, apart from Indian citizenship. [1]

Answer:
Must have held a judicial office for not less than ten years in India or should have been an advocate of a High Court for ten years.

Teacher's Note:
a) Either judicial office or High Court advocacy for 10 years is required.
b) Ensure students do not confuse High Court qualifications with Supreme Court qualifications.

(j) Mention one reason to state that the Lok Adalat has its own advantage. [1]

Answer:
A Lok Adalat delivers speedy and inexpensive justice.

Teacher's Note:
a) Lok Adalats help in reducing the backlog of cases in courts.
b) Mention no court fee and quick settlement as key advantages.

Question 2.

(a) Mention any two Repressive Colonial policies of Lord Lytton. [2]

Answer:
1. In 1877, he lowered the maximum age limit for the I.C.S. examination from 21 to 19 years, thus making it impossible for the Indians to compete for it.
2. He introduced the Vernacular Press Act and Indian Arms Act, both of which were passed to pursue the policy of racial discrimination.

Teacher's Note:
a) Highlight the impact of lowering the civil services age limit.
b) Mention both the Vernacular Press Act and the Arms Act as instruments of suppression.

(b) Name the two main Associations that were the precursors of the Indian National Congress. [2]

Answer:
1. The Indian National Association.
2. The East India Association.

Teacher's Note:
a) These bodies paved the way for an all-India political platform.
b) Ensure exact names of the associations are written.

(c) Give the names of two leaders who led the Home Rule Movement in India. [2]

Answer:
Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Annie Besant.

Teacher's Note:
a) Tilak launched the movement in April 1916 and Annie Besant in September 1916.
b) Both leaders popularized the demand for self-government.

(d) What was the Khilafat Movement? [2]

Answer:
The movement was launched after the First World War by two brothers, Muhammed Ali and Shaukat Ali, to protest against the injustice done to the Muslims of Turkey and to protest against the threat to the position and the dignity of the Turkish Sultan.

Teacher's Note:
a) Mention the role of the Ali brothers.
b) Explain the objective to protect the Caliph (Sultan of Turkey) and the holy places of Islam.

(e) State any two provisions of the Rowlatt Act passed by the Government in 1919. [2]

Answer:
1. The Act gave enormous powers to the government to repress political activities, and allowed detention of political prisoners without trial for two years.
2. The police could search a place and arrest any person they disapproved of without a warrant.

Teacher's Note:
a) Highlight the suspension of habeas corpus and detention without trial.
b) Mention the arbitrary search and arrest powers given to the police.

(f) Mention any two objectives of the Indian National Army. [2]

Answer:
1. The aim of the army was to overthrow the British Raj in colonial India with Japanese assistance.
2. To establish an Interim Government.

Teacher's Note:
a) INA aimed at armed struggle for complete independence.
b) Mention Subhash Chandra Bose's vision of liberating India and setting up a provisional government.

(g) Why did Mahatma Gandhi start his historic march to Dandi? [2]

Answer:
1. Lahore Session and the Demand for Complete Independence: The failure of the British Government to give Dominion Status to India and several other developments in 1929 hardened the Congress attitude. So, at its Lahore Session, presided over by Jawaharlal Nehru in December 1929, the Congress passed a resolution of 'Purna Swaraj', and also took steps to launch a programme of Civil Disobedience.
2. Gandhi's Eleven Demands: On 30th January 1930, Mahatma Gandhi in a statement put forward Eleven Demands to correct injustices done to the Indians, but Gandhiji's demands were declared to be unrealistic by the Viceroy.

Teacher's Note:
a) Connect the march to the violation of the salt law as the inauguration of the Civil Disobedience Movement.
b) Mention the rejection of the Eleven Demands by the Viceroy.

(h) State the significance of the Policy of Appeasement as a cause for the Second World War. [2]

Answer:
England and France followed a policy of appeasement towards Germany. They did not care to enforce the terms of the Treaty of Versailles, so Hitler started to flout it. When Hitler attacked and annexed Austria, Britain and France did not try to stop him. The heads of four nations - Germany, Italy, Britain and France - met at Munich on September 28, 1938, and decided to hand over Sudetenland to Germany, which emboldened Hitler to trigger the war.

Teacher's Note:
a) Explain appeasement as the policy of giving concessions to an aggressor to maintain peace.
b) Note how the Munich Pact encouraged Hitler's expansionist aggression.

(i) Give the reason as to why Japan invaded China. [2]

Answer:
In Asia, Japan harboured expansionist desires. It attacked China in 1931 and annexed Manchuria. Japan was determined to dominate the Far East, secure raw materials, and expand its imperialist sphere of influence.

Teacher's Note:
a) Highlight Japan's imperialist ambitions in East Asia.
b) Mention the Mukden Incident and the seizure of Manchuria.

(j) Mention any two functions of UNESCO in the field of Education. [2]

Answer:
1. It has set up educational planning centres which prepare specialists in the theories and methods of education, for example, the International Institute of Educational Planning in Paris.
2. It focuses on four main areas: to provide basic education for all, to expand access to basic education, improve the quality of basic education, and promote education for the 21st century.

Teacher's Note:
a) UNESCO promotes universal elementary education and eradicates illiteracy.
b) Mention its role in teacher training and educational research institutes.

PART - II [50 MARKS]

SECTION - A

Question 3.

The Powers and Functions of the Indian Parliament are wide ranging. In this context answer the following :
(a) Explain three ways by which the Legislature exercises control over the Executive. [3]

Answer:
1. Various Motions: The Question Hour, Call Attention Motion, and Half an Hour Discussion are devices through which the House seeks information from the Government.
2. Adjournment Motion: With the passing of the Adjournment Motion, the routine business of the House is postponed to discuss a matter of urgent national importance.
3. Censure Motion and No-Confidence Motion: Censure Motion expresses disapproval of government policies, while a No-Confidence Motion results in the resignation of the entire Council of Ministers if passed.

Teacher's Note:
a) Clearly distinguish between Question Hour, Adjournment Motion, and No-Confidence Motion.
b) Emphasize that parliamentary control ensures accountability of the executive to the legislature.

(b) Mention any three special powers of the Rajya Sabha that is usually not enjoyed by the other House. [3]

Answer:
1. According to Article 249, if the Rajya Sabha passes a resolution by a two-thirds majority on a topic of national interest, it empowers Parliament to make laws on any matter enumerated in the State List.
2. It can create any new All-India Service by passing a resolution supported by a two-thirds majority.
3. In case of proclamation of emergency, if the Lok Sabha is dissolved, the Rajya Sabha alone can approve the proclamation.

Teacher's Note:
a) Mention Article 249 regarding State List legislation.
b) Highlight the creation of All-India Services under Article 312 as an exclusive privilege.

(c) Mention any two Judicial powers and any two Electoral powers of the Indian Parliament. [4]

Answer:
Judicial Powers:
1. The Parliament can impeach the President on the charge of violating the Constitution.
2. It can pass an address for the removal of judges of the Supreme Court or High Courts.
Electoral Powers:
1. The elected members of Parliament take part in the election of the President.
2. Members of both Houses of Parliament elect the Vice-President.

Teacher's Note:
a) Clearly separate judicial functions (impeachment/removal) from electoral functions.
b) Note that Parliament elects both the President and the Vice-President.

Question 4.

The Union Executive which consists of the President, Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers is a powerful body in a Parliamentary Democracy. In this context answer the following questions :
(a) State the position of the Prime Minister and state any two of his powers in relation to the President. [3]

Answer:
Position: The Prime Minister is the head of the government, the leader of the Lok Sabha, and the chief advisor to the President.
Powers in relation to the President:
1. The Prime Minister is the channel of communication between the Cabinet and the President, keeping him informed of all administrative and legislative matters.
2. The Prime Minister advises the President on the summoning, proroguing of Parliament sessions, and dissolving the Lok Sabha.

Teacher's Note:
a) State the Prime Minister's central role as the link between the executive head and the cabinet.
b) Mention his advisory role regarding parliamentary sessions.

(b) Mention the three categories of Ministers in order of their rank and status. [3]

Answer:
1. Cabinet Ministers: They are senior ministers who hold important portfolios like Home, Defence, and Finance, and attend cabinet meetings.
2. Ministers of State: They do not have independent charge of a ministry normally, and do not attend cabinet meetings unless invited.
3. Deputy Ministers: They assist senior ministers in administrative and parliamentary duties and do not attend cabinet meetings.

Teacher's Note:
a) List the categories in descending order of rank.
b) Mention Cabinet Ministers at the top, followed by Ministers of State and Deputy Ministers.

(c) Mention any four Legislative powers of the Cabinet. [4]

Answer:
1. Summoning of Parliament: The Cabinet decides the dates for holding sessions of Parliament and for proroguing them.
2. Presidential Address: The special address delivered by the President to Parliament is prepared by the Cabinet.
3. Introduction of Bills: The Cabinet drafts bills and ministers introduce, explain, and defend them in Parliament.
4. Ordinances: The President issues ordinances on the advice and at the instance of the Cabinet when Parliament is not in session.

Teacher's Note:
a) Highlight the Cabinet's dominance over the legislative agenda.
b) Mention bill drafting and ordinance issuance as core legislative functions.

Question 5.

Explain with reference to the powers and functions of the High Court, briefly the meaning and scope of the following:
(a) Its Appellate Jurisdiction. [3]

Answer:
Appellate Jurisdiction means that the High Court has the power to hear appeals against the decisions of District Courts in civil as well as criminal matters. It hears appeals against judgments of Sessions Judges where the sentence exceeds specified terms, confirms death sentences passed by Sessions Courts, and hears appeals against state acquittals.

Teacher's Note:
a) Define appellate jurisdiction as the power to review lower court judgments.
b) Mention both civil and criminal appeals.

(b) The High Court as a Court of Record. [3]

Answer:
1. Its judgments are kept as a permanent record, used as precedents, and are binding on all subordinate courts in the State.
2. It has the authority to punish for contempt of court, a power which cannot be curtailed by the Supreme Court or Parliament.

Teacher's Note:
a) Explain that records are evidentiary and legally binding on lower courts.
b) Emphasize the power to punish for contempt.

(c) Judicial Review. [4]

Answer:
Judicial Review is the special power vested in the judiciary by which it examines the constitutionality of laws passed by the legislature and executive orders. If any law or executive order violates any provision of the Constitution, the High Court declares it unconstitutional and null and void.

Teacher's Note:
a) Define judicial review as checking laws against the Constitution.
b) Note that both High Courts and the Supreme Court possess this power under Articles 226 and 32 respectively.

SECTION - B

Question 6.

With reference to the rise of 'National Consciousness' in India, explain the following :
(a) The influence of Western Education. [3]

Answer:
1. It brought advanced knowledge of the world and liberal ideas of freedom, democracy, and nationalism to India.
2. English served as a common link language for educated Indians across different regions, promoting unification.
3. Educated Indians played a leading role in starting socio-religious reform movements and articulating political rights.

Teacher's Note:
a) Highlight how English education introduced Western political thought (Mazzini, Rousseau).
b) Mention the role of English as a lingua franca uniting diverse regions.

(b) Any three contributions of Raja Ram Mohan Roy. [3]

Answer:
1. He condemned evil social customs like Sati, purdah, child marriage, polygamy, and discrimination against women.
2. He led a relentless struggle against caste distinctions and the evil of untouchability.
3. He laid the foundation of English education and modern subjects so that western scientific knowledge could reach Indian students.

Teacher's Note:
a) Call him the 'Father of the Indian Renaissance'.
b) Emphasize his crusade against Sati (abolished in 1829).

(c) The development of Modern means of Transport and Communication. [4]

Answer:
1. The introduction of railways revolutionized socio-economic life, making travel quicker, cheaper, and more comfortable.
2. Telegraph and postal systems enabled leaders to organize all-India movements rapidly.
3. Railway networks helped transport surplus produce to famine-stricken areas, raising economic resilience.
4. Improved transport brought people from different parts of the country closer, fostering national unity.

Teacher's Note:
a) Explain how infrastructure built for colonial administrative convenience inadvertently helped nationalist mobilization.
b) Mention railways and telegraph as key unifiers.

Question 7.

The conflict between the two sections of the Congress came to surface in its Session in 1906 at Calcutta. In this context explain the following:
(a) The Split in the Congress in 1907. [3]

Answer:
1. The Extremist leaders wanted to propose Lala Lajpat Rai for the presidency of the Congress against the official candidate Dr. Rash Behari Bose, leading to friction.
2. Although the Calcutta session in 1906 adopted Swaraj, Swadeshi, and Boycott as compromises, ideological differences over extending these movements beyond Bengal widened the chasm, ultimately leading to the Surat split in 1907.

Teacher's Note:
a) Explain the division between Moderates and Assertive Nationalists (Extremists).
b) Mention the Surat session where the actual split occurred.

(b) With reference to the picture given below, answer the following: [3]
(i) What were the three personalities popularly known as?
(ii) Which section of the Congress did they represent?
(iii) Mention two of their popular beliefs.

[Figure: Photograph showing three nationalist leaders seated together - Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Bipin Chandra Pal, and Lala Lajpat Rai]

Answer:
(i) Lal, Bal, Pal.
(ii) They represented Aggressive / Assertive nationalists (Extremists).
(iii) (a) Freedom is the birthright of every Indian.
(b) Support for Swadeshi goods and absolute boycott of imported foreign goods.

Teacher's Note:
a) Identify the triad of leaders correctly.
b) Highlight their belief in self-reliance and direct political action.

(c) State any four methods that they advocated for the achievement of their aims. [4]

Answer:
1. Swadeshi: Promoting indigenous goods and burning foreign cloth, salt, and sugar.
2. Boycott: Boycotting foreign goods, government titles, and institutions.
3. National Education: Establishing independent educational institutions imparting secular, moral, and vocational training.
4. Passive Resistance: Non-cooperating with the British government by refusing to serve in government jobs, courts, and schools.

Teacher's Note:
a) Detail the four-pronged programme of the Assertive Nationalists.
b) Contrast these methods with the Moderate '3Ps' (Prayer, Petition, Protest).

Question 8.

The period between 1920 to 1947 was marked with major events and reforms that finally led us to our Independence. In this context, answer the following questions:
(a) State three provisions of the Gandhi-Irwin Pact as a result of the Civil Disobedience Movement. [3]

Answer:
1. Withdrawal of all ordinances issued by the British Government imposing curbs on the activities of the Indian National Congress.
2. Release of all political prisoners arrested for participating in the Civil Disobedience Movement (except those guilty of violence).
3. Permission for Indians living near the seashore to manufacture and collect salt without tax.

Teacher's Note:
a) Note that the pact was signed in March 1931 prior to the Second Round Table Conference.
b) Highlight the concession regarding salt manufacture.

(b) How did the Congress and the Muslim League respond to the Cabinet Mission Plan? [3]

Answer:
1. The Congress accepted the proposals with reservations, arguing that the grouping of provinces should be optional, not compulsory. It rejected the interim government scheme due to limited status and parity objections with the Muslim League.
2. The Muslim League initially accepted the plan as it provided a basis for Pakistan through grouping, but later withdrew acceptance.

Teacher's Note:
a) Explain the differing interpretations of the grouping clause.
b) Note the initial acceptance followed by subsequent friction.

(c) Mention any four clauses of the Cabinet Mission Plan. [4]

Answer:
1. Federal Government: It recommended a federal type of government for the whole of India, handling foreign affairs, defense, and communications.
2. Constituent Assembly: A Constituent Assembly of 389 members (292 from provinces, 4 from Chief Commissioner's territories, and 93 from Princely States) would draft the Constitution.
3. Division of Provinces: Provinces would be grouped into three sections (A, B, and C).
4. Interim Government: An Interim Government at the Centre consisting of representatives of all communities would be installed.

Teacher's Note:
a) Detail the federal structure proposed by the Cabinet Mission.
b) Mention the composition of the Constituent Assembly.

Question 9.

The 1914 and 1939 Wars that engulfed almost the entire world, were known as World Wars due to its unprecedented impact and damage. In this context, answer the following:
(a) Explain the immediate cause of the First World War. [3]

Answer:
The Sarajevo Incident: On June 28, 1914, Archduke Franz Ferdinand, heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, and his wife were assassinated in Sarajevo by Gavrilo Princip, a member of the Serbian terrorist group 'Black Hand'. Austria blamed Serbia, issued a stiff ultimatum with eleven demands, and declared war when Serbia failed to meet all of them, triggering the alliance system.

Teacher's Note:
a) Mention the date, location, and key figures (Archduke Franz Ferdinand and Gavrilo Princip).
b) Explain how the assassination activated secret alliances across Europe.

(b) Explain the consequences of the Second World War with reference to the Cold War. [3]

Answer:
1. Arms Race and Militarization: The Cold War set in motion a mad arms race, ending American nuclear monopoly when the Soviet Union tested its atom bomb in 1949, giving rise to two superpowers.
2. Formation of Military Alliances: It led to rival military blocs and alliances like NATO, SEATO, CENTO, and the Warsaw Pact.
3. Setback to the United Nations: Ideological rivalry between the two blocs barred the admission of several nations, hindering the universal character of the UN.

Teacher's Note:
a) Connect the end of WWII to the bipolar division of the world.
b) Mention major military pacts formed during this period.

(c) Mention any four terms of the Treaty of Versailles which affected Germany after World War I. [4]

Answer:
1. War Guilt and Reparations: Germany was held guilty of aggression and burdened with a war indemnity of 33 billion dollars.
2. Territorial Losses: Germany returned Alsace-Lorraine to France, Eupen-Malmedy to Belgium, and parts to Denmark and Poland, making Danzig a free port.
3. Demilitarization: The Rhine Valley was demilitarized, and German military strength was severely restricted.
4. Occupation: The German territory west of the Rhine was occupied by Allied troops for 15 years.

Teacher's Note:
a) Emphasize the harsh punitive nature of the treaty.
b) Mention territorial dismemberment and heavy financial reparations.

Question 10.

The horrors of the two World Wars, led to the formation of the United Nations Organisation, while the formation of the Non-Aligned Movement followed later. In this context, answer the following:
(a) Mention any three aims and objectives of the United Nations Organisation. [3]

Answer:
1. To maintain international peace and security.
2. To develop friendly relations among nations based on respect for the principle of equal rights and self-determination.
3. To achieve international cooperation in solving international economic, social, cultural, or humanitarian problems and promoting human rights.

Teacher's Note:
a) State core objectives from the UN Charter.
b) Emphasize peace-keeping, human rights, and global cooperation.

(b) Explain any three functions of the Security Council. [3]

Answer:
1. To maintain international peace and security in accordance with the principles of the UN.
2. To investigate any dispute or situation which might lead to international friction.
3. To recommend methods of peaceful settlement of disputes and formulate plans for the regulation of armaments.

Teacher's Note:
a) Highlight the Security Council as the primary organ responsible for maintaining peace.
b) Mention its enforcement powers including economic sanctions and military action.

(c) Explain any four factors that led to the formation of the Non Aligned Movement. [4]

Answer:
1. Global Tension Caused by Cold War: Newly independent nations realized that joining power blocs would endanger world peace and compromise their sovereignty.
2. Struggle against Imperialism: Having emerged from colonial rule, these nations wanted to safeguard their hard-earned freedom.
3. Right of Independent Judgement: They wished to maintain an independent foreign policy and resolve problems without external interference.
4. Economic Development: Facing poverty and underdevelopment, they needed economic and technical assistance from both power blocs rather than aligning with one.

Teacher's Note:
a) Explain non-alignment as active neutrality, not isolationism.
b) Highlight the desire for independent decision-making and economic growth among newly decolonized nations.