ISC Class 12 Political Science Board Exam Question Paper 2012 with Solutions

ISC Class 12 Political Science Board Exam Question Paper with Solutions

Part-I

Question 1.
Answer briefly each of the questions (i) to (xv): [30 Marks]

(i) What was the basis of Plato’s classification of States ? [2 Marks]

Answer:
Plato based his classification of states on moral and ethical criteria, specifically the presence or absence of justice, virtue, and the rule of law. He classified governments based on how closely they approximated the ideal state governed by philosopher-kings.

Teacher's Note:
a) Plato categorized states into ideal and degenerate forms (timocracy, oligarchy, democracy, and tyranny) depending on the moral degradation of the rulers.
b) Students should note that Plato's classification is qualitative and philosophical rather than empirical.

(ii) What is the meaning of social and economic checks and balances in a liberal democracy? [2 Marks]

Answer:
In a liberal democracy, social and economic checks and balances refer to the active existence of a large number of autonomous social and economic associations and interest groups that prevent the concentration of economic and political power in the hands of the government alone, ensuring coordination and harmony without excessive coercion.

Teacher's Note:
a) These groups play a vital role in the political process and economic decision-making.
b) Remember that the government acts as a coordinator rather than an absolute controller of social and economic relations.

(iii) Give one example each of a unitary state which is democratic, and one which is a totalitarian communist state. [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. Unitary democratic state: United Kingdom.
2. Totalitarian communist state: China.

Teacher's Note:
a) A unitary state concentrates all ultimate governing power in a single central authority.
b) The UK combines this with parliamentary democracy, whereas China operates under a single-party communist framework.

(iv) What is Unitary Federalism ? [2 Marks]

Answer:
Unitary federalism refers to a federal system of government where the union or central government possesses overwhelmingly greater powers vis-a-vis the constituent states, tilting the constitutional balance heavily in favor of the center.

Teacher's Note:
a) India is often cited as an example of quasi-federalism or unitary federalism due to a strong center.
b) Focus on how provincial autonomy is subordinated to national supremacy in such systems.

(v) Mention two demerits of a written constitution. [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. It does not keep pace easily with changing social and political conditions due to rigid amendment procedures.
2. It is often not flexible enough to face sudden national emergencies effectively.

Teacher's Note:
a) Written constitutions tend to foster legalism and frequent judicial disputes over interpretation.
b) Ensure you mention clear structural demerits rather than general criticisms.

(vi) What is the role of civil servants in policy formation ? [2 Marks]

Answer:
Civil servants provide necessary information, technical expertise, and objective advice to the political executive, assisting them significantly in formulating effective public policies.

Teacher's Note:
a) While the political executive takes the final policy decisions, the permanent executive provides the backbone of data and implementation plans.
b) Keep in mind that civil servants remain behind the scenes and maintain political neutrality.

(vii) What is meant by single member constituency ? [2 Marks]

Answer:
A single member constituency is an electoral district that elects only one representative to the legislature, where the candidate securing a plurality or majority of votes wins the seat.

Teacher's Note:
a) This system is commonly associated with the First-Past-The-Post (FPTP) voting system.
b) Contrast it briefly with multi-member constituencies to show conceptual clarity.

(viii) Explain the second ballot system. [2 Marks]

Answer:
The second ballot system is an electoral mechanism where a run-off election is held between the top candidates if no candidate secures an absolute majority in the first round of voting.

Teacher's Note:
a) This ensures that the winning representative ultimately enjoys the support of the majority of voters.
b) It is widely used in presidential elections in countries like France.

(ix) What is a reserved constituency in the Indian electoral system ? [2 Marks]

Answer:
A reserved constituency is an electoral constituency where seats are earmarked exclusively for candidates belonging to specific disadvantaged groups, such as Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs).

Teacher's Note:
a) In India, only voters belonging to these specific categories may contest from reserved constituencies, though all electors in the constituency vote.
b) This mechanism ensures adequate political representation for marginalized sections.

(x) With whom are the residuary powers vested in :
(a) U.S.A.
(b) India? [2 Marks]

Answer:
(a) In the U.S.A., residuary powers are vested in the states (or the people).
(b) In India, residuary powers are vested in the union government.

Teacher's Note:
a) This highlights the contrasting nature of federalism: American federalism is centrifugal, whereas Indian federalism is centripetal.
b) Make sure to clearly separate parts (a) and (b) in your answer.

(xi) List two ways in which the Lok Sabha is more powerful than the Rajya Sabha. [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. A no-confidence motion against the Council of Ministers can be introduced and passed only in the Lok Sabha.
2. Money Bills can be introduced exclusively in the Lok Sabha.

Teacher's Note:
a) The Lok Sabha represents the direct will of the people, giving it primacy in financial and executive control matters.
b) Do not confuse legislative powers with financial powers when answering this.

(xii) Define senatorial courtesy. [2 Marks]

Answer:
Senatorial courtesy is an unwritten political custom in the United States Senate whereby the President consults the senior senator of his own political party from a particular state before appointing federal officials (such as federal judges or district attorneys) to positions within that state.

Teacher's Note:
a) If the senator objects to the nominee, other senators usually vote against confirmation out of professional courtesy.
b) This convention significantly strengthens the influence of senators over executive appointments.

(xiii) Mention the basic difference between the position of the British Speaker and his American counterpart. [2 Marks]

Answer:
The British Speaker is required to resign from active party politics upon election and maintain strict political neutrality, whereas the American Speaker remains an active partisan leader representing their political party in the House of Representatives.

Teacher's Note:
a) The British convention follows the principle of "Once a Speaker, always a Speaker".
b) The American Speaker actively uses their position to advance party legislative agendas.

(xiv) What is the mode of appointment of judges in the apex courts of:
(a) India
(b) U.K.? [2 Marks]

Answer:
(a) India: Judges of the Supreme Court are appointed by the President of India on the recommendation of the Collegium (comprising the Chief Justice of India and senior-most judges).
(b) U.K.: Justices of the UK Supreme Court are formally appointed by the monarch on the advice of the Prime Minister, following a selection process managed by an independent Selection Commission.

Teacher's Note:
a) Highlight the judicial primacy in the Indian appointment process.
b) Mention the independent commission model for the UK to show contemporary knowledge.

(xv) Suggest any two measures to eradicate economic inequality. [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. Implementation of progressive taxation policies, heavily taxing higher income brackets to fund welfare programs for the poor.
2. Expansion of employment generation schemes and vocational education to provide equitable economic opportunities.

Teacher's Note:
a) Measures should focus on both redistribution of wealth and creation of equal opportunities.
b) Avoid vague statements; mention concrete socio-economic policy tools.

Part-II

Section - A

Answer two questions

Question 2.
(a) Explain Aristotle’s classification of States and critically evaluate it. [8]
(b) No rule is better than self-rule. In the light of the statement, discuss any six merits of Liberal Democracy. [6]

Answer:
(a) Aristotle classified states based on two fundamental principles: the number of persons holding supreme power (one, few, or many) and the objective/purposes of government (pure/normal form serving common interest vs. perverted/corrupt form serving selfish interests).
1. Rule of One: Monarchy (Pure) and Tyranny (Perverted).
2. Rule of Few: Aristocracy (Pure) and Oligarchy (Perverted).
3. Rule of Many: Polity (Pure) and Democracy (Perverted).
Critical evaluation: Aristotle is credited with pioneering the empirical and comparative method in political science by studying 158 constitutions. However, his classification is criticized for being cyclical and deterministic (the wheel of constitutions), failing to account for modern representative forms of government, and placing democracy in the perverted category.

Teacher's Note:
a) Draw or clearly tabulate Aristotle's sixfold classification in your answer for maximum impact.
b) Ensure you cover both the merits (empirical approach) and demerits (obsolete categorization) in the critical evaluation part.

OR (b)

Answer:
Self-rule means rule by persons selected through the consent of the governed, which is the cornerstone of liberal democracy. Six main merits of liberal democracy are:
1. Representative and responsible government: It provides for the rule of the people through elected representatives who are accountable to the electorate.
2. Promotion of common welfare: It ensures various social, economic, and political benefits for all citizens.
3. Political stability and peace: It provides a secure government where changes in power happen through ballots rather than violent revolutions.
4. Protection of equality: It treats all citizens as equal partners and participants, with civil liberties constitutionally protected.
5. Popular participation and education: It serves as a channel for political education and active involvement of citizens in public affairs.
6. Prevention of despotism: Regular periodic elections prevent rulers from becoming arbitrary and absolute.

Teacher's Note:
a) Maintain a clear heading for each of the six points.
b) Link the concept of self-rule directly to democratic principles in your opening sentences.

Question 3.
(a) Define Federation and explain its four merits and four demerits. [8]
(b) Give any six salient features of a parliamentary system of government. [6]

Answer:
(a) According to Garner, a federal government is a system of central and local governments combined under common sovereignty, both being supreme within definite spheres marked out by the constitution. Four merits of federation:
1. Suitable for big states: Facilitates effective administration over vast territories.
2. Division of work: Relieves central authorities by distributing administrative duties to provinces.
3. Truly democratic: Decentralizes political authority and checks central arbitrariness.
4. Natural for federal society: Reflects the pluralistic and diverse nature of society, as noted by Laski.
Four demerits of federation:
1. Source of weakness: Division of powers can create a weak central authority unable to act decisively.
2. Division of responsibility: Blurs accountability between center and states, causing administrative friction.
3. Center-state conflicts: Legal demarcations often lead to jurisdictional disputes and political tension.
4. Unsuitable for emergencies: Lack of centralized coordination can cause fatal delays during crises.

Teacher's Note:
a) Give a standard textbook definition with an author's name like Garner or Wheare.
b) Balance your answer equally between merits and demerits as requested.

OR (b)

Answer:
Six salient features of a parliamentary form of government:
1. Responsibility of executive to legislature: The council of ministers is collectively responsible to the popular house of the legislature and can be removed by a no-confidence motion.
2. Close relation between executive and legislature: Ministers are required to be members of the legislature and participate actively in its proceedings.
3. Indeterminate term of executive: The tenure is not fixed and depends on retaining majority support in parliament.
4. Collective responsibility: Ministers swim and sink together; a vote of confidence lost against one minister brings down the entire cabinet.
5. Distinction between real and nominal executive: The Head of State is titular (e.g., President/Monarch), while the Prime Minister and cabinet exercise real power.
6. Leadership of the Prime Minister: The Prime Minister heads the cabinet, guides policy, and plays the pivotal role in government administration.

Teacher's Note:
a) Clearly define the parliamentary model before listing its features.
b) Highlight collective responsibility as it is a core keyword examiners look for.

Question 4.
(a) What is a Constitution? Explain the role of conventions with two examples each from the written Constitutions of U.S. and India and two examples from the unwritten Constitution of U.K. [8]
(b) What are rigid and flexible Constitutions ? Discuss any two merits and any two demerits of a flexible Constitution. [6]

Answer:
(a) A constitution is a foundational body of fundamental laws, rules, and principles according to which the government of a state is organized, powers are distributed, and citizens' rights are protected. Conventions are unwritten political customs and traditions that supplement the formal constitution.
1. U.S. Constitution conventions: (i) The President's Cabinet is chosen as an advisory body though not mentioned in the original text. (ii) Electors in the Electoral College vote according to the popular mandate of their party rather than independently.
2. Indian Constitution conventions: (i) The convention that the Speaker of the Lok Sabha resigns from active party affiliation upon election. (ii) The practice of appointing the senior-most eligible judge as the Chief Justice of India.
3. U.K. Constitution conventions: (i) The monarch must give royal assent to all bills passed by Parliament. (ii) The Prime Minister must belong to the House of Commons.

Teacher's Note:
a) Ensure you provide exactly two examples for each category as specified.
b) Define constitutional conventions clearly to show their binding political nature.

OR (b)

Answer:
A rigid constitution requires a special, difficult amendment procedure distinct from ordinary law-making (e.g., USA), whereas a flexible constitution can be amended through the ordinary legislative process (e.g., UK).
Two merits of a flexible constitution:
1. Suitable for emergencies: It can be easily and swiftly altered to address sudden national crises.
2. Keeps pace with changing conditions: It adapts effortlessly to evolving social and political requirements.
Two demerits of a flexible constitution:
1. Source of inconsistency: It can lead to unstable governance as shifting political majorities can alter fundamental laws at will.
2. Unsuitable for federations: Federations require a rigid fundamental law to protect division of powers between center and states, which a flexible constitution fails to guarantee.

Teacher's Note:
a) Clearly state the distinction based on amendment procedures.
b) Link the demerits directly to the requirements of federalism.

Section - B

Answer three questions

Question 5.
(a) Explain the limitations of the theory of Separation of Powers. [8]
(b) Discuss three advantages and three dis-advantages of functional representation. [6]

Answer:
(a) The theory of Separation of Powers, propounded systematically by Montesquieu, advocates that the three organs of government (legislature, executive, judiciary) should be distinct and independent. However, it faces major limitations:
1. Absolute separation is practically impossible: Modern governance requires cooperation, and complete isolation would cause administrative deadlocks.
2. Executive legislation: In practice, the executive drafts most major bills and exercises delegated legislation.
3. Judicial role in law-making: Courts interpret laws and through judicial activism create binding precedents, overlapping with legislative functions.
4. Parliamentary overlap: In parliamentary systems like India and UK, the executive is drawn directly from the legislature.
5. Checks and balances required: Total separation without overlapping powers could lead to unchecked tyranny by any one branch.

Teacher's Note:
a) Mention Montesquieu's famous dictum regarding political liberty and concentration of powers.
b) Explain how modern states use checks and balances to overcome the rigidities of this theory.

OR (b)

Answer:
Functional representation is a system where voters are grouped according to their economic or professional occupations (such as agriculture, trade, industry) rather than geographical location.
Three advantages:
1. Expert representation: Ensures that legislatures consist of genuine professionals and experts in specific fields rather than general politicians.
2. Focus on real economic issues: Promotes direct deliberation on industrial, labor, and agricultural policies.
3. Elimination of geographical gerrymandering: Avoids arbitrary territorial boundary disputes during elections.
Three disadvantages:
1. Destruction of national unity: Encourages narrow sectional and occupational selfishness over national interest.
2. Difficulty in voter classification: It is administratively complex to categorize individuals neatly into single functional groups.
3. Undermines territorial democracy: Fails to represent people as citizens with general community interests.

Teacher's Note:
a) Define functional representation clearly before listing merits and demerits.
b) Keep the count exact (three advantages and three disadvantages).

Question 6.
(a) Discuss the powers of the British House of Commons. [8]
(b) Give six factors responsible for the legislatures becoming mere talking shops in the developing countries. [6]

Answer:
(a) The British House of Commons is the popular, elected lower house of Parliament and wields supreme legislative power in the UK. Its major powers include:
1. Legislative powers: It is the primary law-making body. Although the House of Lords can delay bills, the Commons possesses ultimate supremacy under the Parliament Acts of 1911 and 1949.
2. Financial powers: Complete control over national taxation and public expenditure. Money bills originate here and can become law even without the consent of the House of Lords.
3. Control over the Executive: The Prime Minister and cabinet are responsible to the Commons. A vote of no-confidence forces the government to resign or call elections.
4. Public grievance ventilation: It serves as a national forum for debating public issues, criticizing government policies, and raising local grievances.
5. Constituent powers: It possesses the ultimate parliamentary authority to amend the unwritten British constitution.

Teacher's Note:
a) Emphasize the principle of parliamentary sovereignty when describing the House of Commons.
b) Clearly distinguish its financial supremacy over the House of Lords.

OR (b)

Answer:
Six factors responsible for legislatures becoming mere talking shops in developing countries:
1. Dominance of the Executive: The executive branch, backed by a strong bureaucracy, dominates policy formulation, leaving legislatures to merely rubber-stamp decisions.
2. Strict Party Discipline: Whips force legislators to vote strictly along party lines, curbing independent debate and conscience voting.
3. Lack of Technical Expertise: Legislators often lack specialized knowledge and research staff to critically evaluate complex socio-economic bills.
4. Frequent Ordinances: Executive abuse of ordinance-making powers bypasses legislative deliberation during policy formulation.
5. Domination of Single-Party Systems: The presence of a dominant ruling party reduces the legislature to a passive forum where opposition dissent is easily overridden.
6. Short Parliamentary Sessions: Legislatures often meet for inadequate durations, preventing thorough scrutiny of budgets and legislation.

Teacher's Note:
a) Use clear headings for each of the six analytical points.
b) Focus on systemic political realities prevalent in developing democracies.

Question 7.
(a) Compare the powers and functions of the President of U.S.A. and the Prime Minister of India. [8]
(b) Distinguish between the permanent and the political executive. [6]

Answer:
(a) Comparison between the U.S. President and the Indian Prime Minister:
1. Position in Executive: The US President is both Head of State and Head of Government, holding real executive power under a presidential system. The Indian Prime Minister is the Head of Government in a parliamentary system, with the President acting as nominal head.
2. Relationship with Legislature: The US President is not a member of Congress and is not responsible to it. The Indian Prime Minister must be a member of Parliament and is directly accountable to it.
3. Tenure and Removal: The US President has a fixed four-year term and can only be removed through cumbersome impeachment. The Indian Prime Minister's tenure is indeterminate and depends on retaining majority support in the Lok Sabha.
4. Veto and Legislative Influence: The US President wields strong veto powers (including pocket veto) over congressional bills. The Indian Prime Minister steers legislation directly through parliament via a guaranteed party majority.
5. Cabinet Control: The US President appoints cabinet members independently without congressional approval for their political alignment, whereas the Indian Prime Minister heads a collective cabinet drawn exclusively from parliament.

Teacher's Note:
a) Ensure you compare contrasting systems (Presidential vs. Parliamentary executive heads).
b) Structure the answer around comparative parameters like tenure, accountability, and legislative powers.

OR (b)

Answer:
Distinction between the political executive and the permanent executive:
1. Political and non-political character: The political executive consists of ministers belonging to political parties and committed to party ideologies, whereas the permanent executive consists of career civil servants who are politically neutral.
2. Policy formulation vs. execution: Final policy formulation is the domain of the political executive, while civil servants provide technical advice and execute those policies.
3. Accountability: Political executives are directly responsible to the people through periodic elections and legislative oversight; civil servants are responsible to the political executive.
4. Amateurs vs. Experts: Ministers are political amateurs without specialized administrative training, whereas civil servants are trained professional experts.
5. Tenure: Ministers have a short, temporary tenure (typically 4-5 years), while civil servants enjoy long, secure tenure until retirement.

Teacher's Note:
a) Use a clear comparative framework or point-wise distinction.
b) Emphasize political neutrality as the core tenet of the permanent executive.

Question 8.
(a) Discuss the conditions essential to ensure the independence of judiciary. [8]
(b) Explain the original, appellate and advisory functions of the Supreme Court of India. [6]

Answer:
(a) Essential conditions to ensure the independence of the judiciary include:
1. Secure Tenure: Judges must enjoy fixed terms and security of tenure so they can deliver impartial judgments without fear of removal by the executive.
2. High Qualifications: Appointment criteria must be rigorous, selecting individuals of high legal integrity, avoiding purely political patronage.
3. Adequate Salaries: Judges should be paid handsome, non-variable salaries charged upon the consolidated fund to prevent financial corruption or coercion.
4. Separation from Executive: Complete structural separation of powers must be maintained between judicial officers and executive administrative authorities.
5. Prohibition of Post-Retirement Jobs: Restricting judges from accepting lucrative government appointments post-retirement prevents political bias in rulings.
6. Power of Contempt: The court must possess the power to punish for its own contempt to protect its authority against public intimidation.

Teacher's Note:
a) Explain why an independent judiciary is vital for safeguarding democracy and fundamental rights.
b) Highlight security of tenure and financial independence as the two most critical safeguards.

OR (b)

Answer:
The Supreme Court of India functions under an integrated judicial structure with three main jurisdictions:
1. Original Jurisdiction: Extends to federal disputes directly brought before it, such as legal disputes between the Centre and one or more States, or between two or more States, as well as cases involving the enforcement of Fundamental Rights.
2. Appellate Jurisdiction: Involves hearing appeals against High Court judgments across three domains: (i) Constitutional matters involving substantial questions of law; (ii) Civil matters of public importance; and (iii) Criminal matters where a High Court reverses an acquittal and awards a death sentence.
3. Advisory Jurisdiction: Under Article 143, the President of India may seek the Supreme Court's legal advice on any question of public importance. The court may tender or refuse such advice, and the President is not bound to follow it.

Teacher's Note:
a) Clearly separate the three types of jurisdictions with sub-headings.
b) Emphasize that advisory opinions are not binding on the executive.

Question 9.
(a) Discuss measures that should be taken to meet the challenge of political violence in India. [8]
(b) Give any six factors responsible for regional imbalances in India. [6]

Answer:
(a) Measures to meet the challenge of political violence in India include:
1. Political Socialization: Promoting a culture of peace, tolerance, and non-violence through formal and informal educational institutions.
2. Eradication of Socio-Economic Evils: Eliminating poverty, unemployment, illiteracy, and communalism, which serve as breeding grounds for extremist violence.
3. Code of Conduct for Political Parties: Enforcing strict ethical codes preventing parties from exploiting caste, religion, or regional identities for electoral gains.
4. Civil Society Mobilization: Encouraging civil society groups and NGOs to actively counter extremist ideologies and build peace.
5. Curbing Political Corruption: Taking stringent action against political corruption, which undermines institutional legitimacy and fuels public anger.
6. Efficient Conflict Resolution: Establishing robust, prompt, and credible mechanisms for peaceful grievance redressal.
7. Police and Administrative Reforms: Making law enforcement machinery transparent, accountable, and responsive to human rights.

Teacher's Note:
a) Address both structural socio-economic causes and administrative law enforcement measures.
b) Keep the points distinct and well-structured.

OR (b)

Answer:
Six factors responsible for regional imbalances in India:
1. Historical Factors: British colonial policies concentrated infrastructure, port facilities, and industrial investments in specific presidencies (Bengal, Bombay, Madras), leaving hinterlands backward.
2. Geographical Disparities: Uneven distribution of natural resources, difficult terrain (Hills, deserts, flood-prone river basins), and poor connectivity hinder development in remote regions.
3. Inadequate Infrastructure: Lack of basic physical infrastructure like power grids, transport networks, irrigation canals, and communication lines in backward states.
4. Disparities in Capital Investment: Uneven allocation of central public sector undertakings, private investments, and institutional credit across states.
5. Failure of Land Reforms: Ineffective implementation of agrarian reforms in certain states led to unequal wealth distribution and stagnant agricultural productivity.
6. Governance and Administrative Deficits: Poor political leadership, rampant corruption, weak administrative machinery, and failure to utilize allocated development funds in lagging states.

Teacher's Note:
a) Cover a mix of historical, geographical, and economic factors.
b) Maintain exactly six points as requested by the question.