ISC Class 12 Political Science Board Exam Question Paper 2013 with Solutions

ISC Class 12 Political Science Board Exam Question Paper with Solutions

Part - I (Compulsory)

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

(i) Explain in brief the classification of states as suggested by Pindar and Thucydides. [2 Marks]

Answer:
Pindar and Thucydides classified states based on the form of government and the distribution of political power in ancient Greek city-states, distinguishing primarily between monarchies, oligarchies, and democracies, reflecting the philosophical observation of political power structures in antiquity.

Teacher's Note:
a) Classical thinkers like Pindar and Thucydides laid the early foundations of political typology.
b) Ensure you mention that this classification originated from the study of ancient Greek political systems.

(ii) Mention the difference between a totalitarian state and an authoritarian state. [2 Marks]

Answer:
Totalitarianism is a type of government or state that seeks to hold all power and authority to control each and every aspect of life, such as economic, political, and social spheres, through a single dictator or ruling party (e.g., Nazi Germany under Adolf Hitler). An authoritarian state, on the other hand, maintains strict political control and imposes rule through fear, but often leaves certain social and economic institutions outside direct government control (e.g., Iraq under Saddam Hussein).

Teacher's Note:
a) Totalitarian states demand total ideological conformity and control over private life, whereas authoritarian states focus primarily on political obedience and maintaining the status quo.
b) Give clear historical examples for both to score full marks.

(iii) How is liberal democracy a representative government ? [2 Marks]

Answer:
In a liberal democracy, the government is the representative of the people because it is elected by the citizens through free and fair elections without discrimination, subject only to a minimum age qualification. People have the power to change their government through periodic elections, making the government continuously accountable to the electorate.

Teacher's Note:
a) Emphasize periodic elections and universal adult suffrage as the core mechanisms of representation.
b) Do not confuse direct democracy with liberal representative democracy.

(iv) Mention four essential features of a federation. [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. There are two or more levels or tiers of government.
2. Each tier of government has its own distinct jurisdiction in relation to legislation, taxation, and administration.
3. The jurisdiction of each tier of government is clearly specified in a written constitution.
4. The fundamental provisions of the constitution cannot be unilaterally changed by one tier of government without the consent of the other tiers.

Teacher's Note:
a) Dual government and supremacy of the constitution are foundational pillars of any federal system.
b) List all four points clearly as bullet points or numbered statements.

(v) Why is it necessary to have a written constitution in modern times ? [2 Marks]

Answer:
A written constitution is necessary because it provides a definite design to government institutions, their organizations, powers, functions, and inter-relationships in the form of an enacted document. It embodies the fundamental constitutional law of the state, ensuring clarity, stability, and limitation on governmental arbitrariness.

Teacher's Note:
a) Highlight that a written constitution prevents ambiguity regarding the distribution of powers.
b) Mention that it acts as the supreme law of the land.

(vi) Define the theory of Separation of Powers. [2 Marks]

Answer:
The theory of Separation of Powers states that the three principal organs of government - legislature, executive, and judiciary - should be distinct and independent bodies exercising separate functions, so that the powers of one organ do not overlap with or encroach upon the powers of another, thereby preventing tyranny.

Teacher's Note:
a) Mention Montesquieu as the chief proponent of this doctrine.
b) Emphasize the institutional independence of the three organs.

(vii) Why is bi-party system considered best for parliamentary form of government ? [2 Marks]

Answer:
Bi-party system is considered best for a parliamentary form of government because it is the essence of successful parliamentary democracy that ensures a strong and stable government. Furthermore, it offers a clear-cut programme of two distinct parties before the voters, who know with certainty what policies they are voting for.

Teacher's Note:
a) Stability and clear mandate are the key arguments in favor of a two-party system.
b) Contrast it briefly with multi-party instability to strengthen the answer.

(viii) State two duties of an elected representative. [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. They act as a communication link between the people of their constituency and the government.
2. They work to ensure the fulfillment of promises made by their party in the election manifesto during elections.

Teacher's Note:
a) Representatives must balance constituency grievances with national legislative duties.
b) Keep the duties concise and specific as indicated in the marking key.

(ix) Explain the meaning of Positive Dimension of Sovereignty of British Parliament. [2 Marks]

Answer:
The positive dimension of the sovereignty of the British Parliament implies that the Parliament has supreme legal authority to make, amend, or repeal any law whatsoever, and no other body or authority in the United Kingdom possesses the legal right to override or set aside legislation enacted by Parliament.

Teacher's Note:
a) Emphasize Dicey's principle of parliamentary sovereignty.
b) Note that British Parliament can make or unmake any law legally.

(x) Mention any two privileges of the members of House of Lords. [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. Freedom of speech in debate inside the House, ensuring members cannot be prosecuted in any court outside Parliament for statements made during parliamentary proceedings.
2. The right of individual access to the Sovereign through the House as a collective body.

Teacher's Note:
a) Parliamentary privileges protect members in the discharge of their legislative functions.
b) Mention institutional and personal privileges accurately.

(xi) What is the role of civil servants in law-making [2 Marks]

Answer:
Civil servants play an important indirect role in law-making by drafting the bills which ministers subsequently submit to the legislature. They also provide ministers with all necessary technical information, data, and expert assistance required by the legislature and legislative committees.

Teacher's Note:
a) Distinguish between the direct policy-making role of politicians and the expert drafting role of civil servants.
b) Point out that civil servants provide administrative continuity.

(xii) State the judicial powers of the President of India. [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. The President has the power to grant pardons, reprieves, respites, or remissions of punishment, or to suspend, remit, or commute the sentence of any person convicted of any offense, particularly in all cases involving capital punishment under Article 72(1).
2. The President appoints the Judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts.

Teacher's Note:
a) Quote Article 72 for pardoning powers to show precision.
b) Clarify that the President exercises these executive-judicial powers on the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers.

(xiii) What is Equity Legislation ? [2 Marks]

Answer:
Equity legislation refers to laws enacted or judicial decisions delivered on the basis of general principles of fairness, justice, and conscience, particularly when existing statutory laws or common law provisions are inadequate or rigid, thereby bridging gaps in the legal system.

Teacher's Note:
a) Connect equity with natural justice and moral principles.
b) Explain its role in supplementing strict statutory laws.

(xiv) Explain the meaning of Rule of Law. [2 Marks]

Answer:
Rule of Law means that law is supreme, and no individual is above the law. It ensures equality before the law and equal protection of the laws for all citizens, protecting individuals from arbitrary exercise of power by the government or authorities.

Teacher's Note:
a) Mention A.V. Dicey as the classic exponent of the concept.
b) Emphasize absence of arbitrary power and supremacy of ordinary law.

(xv) Mention the different steps taken by the constitution of India to combat untouchability. [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. The Constitution of India constitutionally abolished untouchability under Article 17, making its practice in any form a punishable offense.
2. The government enacted specific penal laws (such as the Untouchability Offences Act, later renamed the Protection of Civil Rights Act) and instituted a system of reservation of seats in legislatures, educational institutions, and public employment to uplift Scheduled Castes.

Teacher's Note:
a) Cite Article 17 explicitly as it is a core constitutional provision.
b) Mention both penal deterrence and affirmative action measures.

Part - II

Section - A

Question 2.
(a) Explain the classification of states and governments as given by Stephen Leacock. [8 Marks]

Answer:
Stephen Leacock, in his political science treatise, classified governments based on the nature of the constitution, the relationship between the executive and the legislature, and the distribution of powers between central and regional authorities. His classification is structured as follows:
1. Unitary and Federal Governments: Based on the distribution of power. In a unitary government, all powers are concentrated in a single central authority, whereas in a federal government, powers are divided constitutionally between the central government and regional or state governments.
2. Parliamentary and Presidential Governments: Based on the relationship between the executive and legislative branches. In a parliamentary system, the executive is politically responsible to the legislature and dual executives exist (nominal and real). In a presidential system, the executive is independent of the legislature with a fixed term and unitary executive power.
3. Despotism and Democracy: Based on the extent of popular participation. Despotic governments concentrate absolute power in the hands of a single ruler or oligarchy without public accountability, while democratic governments derive their legitimacy from the consent of the governed through free elections.
4. Hereditary and Elective Monarchies / Republics: Based on the mode of succession to the head of state. Leacock distinguished between systems where the supreme executive office is inherited versus those where it is filled through public election.

Teacher's Note:
a) Structure the answer around Leacock's three primary axes: distribution of power, executive-legislative relations, and popular representation.
b) Ensure all sub-classifications are clearly defined with brief examples.

(b) Discuss any six essential features of a Presidential form of government. [6 Marks]

Answer:
1. Head of State as Real Executive: In the presidential system, there is only one chief of the executive, who is the real executive and actually exercises all executive powers conferred by the constitution and law.
2. Executive Elected by People: The executive is not hereditary or nominated; the President (such as in the USA) is elected directly or indirectly by the people through an electoral college.
3. Fixed Tenure: The executive holds office for a fixed term (e.g., four years for the US President) and cannot normally be removed before expiration of the term except through impeachment.
4. Executive Not Member of Legislature: The executive is neither a member of either chamber of the legislature nor present in the legislature to introduce and pilot legislative measures, adhering strictly to the separation of powers.
5. Executive Not Responsible to Legislature: The executive's tenure does not depend on the confidence of the legislature, meaning the legislature cannot dismiss the executive through a vote of no confidence.
6. Legislature Cannot Be Dissolved: The executive does not possess the power to dissolve the legislature or any chamber of Congress before the expiration of its normal term.

Teacher's Note:
a) Contrast these features with the parliamentary system for better clarity.
b) Mention the United States as the classic operational model of presidential government.

Question 3.
(a) Discuss the various conditions which are essential for the success of a federation. [8 Marks]

Answer:
The successful working of a federal system depends upon several vital geographical, social, and political conditions:
1. Desire for Union: There must be a strong, foundational desire among the people of the federating units to unite as a single nation while maintaining local autonomy.
2. Preservation of Individuality: Federating units while desiring union must also be conscious of their distinct individualities and be committed to preserving them.
3. Political Maturity and Education: Citizens and leaders require a high degree of political maturity and understanding of the respective roles of central and state governments.
4. Geographical Contiguity: Geographic proximity helps foster unity; historical examples like the separation of Pakistan and Bangladesh illustrate how geographical distance can strain federal ties.
5. Community of Race, Language, Culture, and Religion: Shared social elements help create sentiments of unity and bind people into a single nation.
6. Approximate Equality of Units: Wide disparities in size, population, and resources among federating units can prevent feelings of equal partnership, making approximate equality ideal.
7. Similarity of Social Institutions: Federating units sharing similar social structures and democratic traditions work in greater harmony.
8. Economic Development: The expectation of economic prosperity through resource pooling and coordination acts as a strong cementing force for federal union.

Teacher's Note:
a) List at least six to eight detailed points with brief explanations.
b) Highlight geographical contiguity and political maturity as critical prerequisites.

(b) Give any six problems faced by federal governments. [6 Marks]

Answer:
1. Division of Power Disputes: Ensuring a clear-cut and settled division of power between the union and federating units remains an ongoing challenge.
2. Centre-State and Inter-State Conflicts: Dual administration frequently gives rise to legal and political disputes between the centre and states, as well as among states inter se.
3. Coordination Difficulties: Operating a dual system of administration creates administrative friction and coordination problems, particularly in law and order.
4. Regional Imbalances: Disparities in economic development across different federating units generate regional inequalities that are difficult to correct.
5. Threats to National Unity and Integrity: The federal structure can occasionally foster regionalism, parochialism, and tendencies toward secession.
6. Delay in Decision-Making: Due to distributed powers and complex constitutional checks, federal governments often face delays in urgent decision-making and resource mobilization during emergencies.

Teacher's Note:
a) Focus on structural and operational challenges inherent in federal setups.
b) Use India or USA as references for center-state tensions.

Section - B

Question 4.
(a) What is the theory of checks and balances ? Explain how it has been implemented in the US Constitution. [8 Marks]

Answer:
The theory of checks and balances is an extension of the separation of powers doctrine, wherein each of the three organs of government (legislature, executive, and judiciary) is granted constitutional means to check and restrain the powers of the other organs, preventing any single branch from becoming supreme.
Implementation in the US Constitution:
1. Executive Checks on Legislature: The President possesses the power of veto over bills passed by Congress. Furthermore, the President can summon special sessions of Congress.
2. Legislative Checks on Executive: The Senate must confirm presidential appointments and ratify treaties negotiated by the executive. Congress also holds the power of the purse and can impeach and remove the President.
3. Legislative Checks on Judiciary: Congress has the power to create lower federal courts, impeach federal judges, and propose constitutional amendments to override judicial interpretations.
4. Judicial Check on Legislature and Executive: Through the power of judicial review, the Supreme Court can declare legislative acts and executive orders unconstitutional and void.
5. Executive Check on Judiciary: The President appoints federal judges to vacancies in the judiciary.

Teacher's Note:
a) Clearly distinguish between separation of powers and checks and balances.
b) Provide specific US constitutional examples for each branch interaction.

(b) Explain any six merits of a multi-party system. [6 Marks]

Answer:
1. Representation of Diverse Opinions: The multi-party system ensures the representation of all shades of public opinion in the legislature.
2. Check on Authoritarianism: It fosters active political competition, which checks authoritarian tendencies within individual political parties.
3. Prevention of Cabinet Dictatorship: The legislature enjoys independent authority, making cabinet dictatorship impossible.
4. Avoidance of Despotism: Coalition governments, common in multi-party setups, are cautious and dependent on legislative support, reducing the risk of despotic rule.
5. Wider Voter Choice: Voters are provided a broad spectrum of political platforms and parties to choose from during elections.
6. Encouragement of Individual Freedom: It accommodates diverse ideological factions, allowing various social groups to express their viewpoints through distinct parties.

Teacher's Note:
a) Enumerate all six points clearly with descriptive headings or bullet points.
b) Balance this discussion by acknowledging instability as its counterpart drawback.

Question 5.
(a) What are the different functions performed by the Executive in modern times? [8 Marks]

Answer:
In modern welfare states, the executive performs diverse and extensive functions:
1. Enforcement of Laws: The primary function is to enforce laws enacted by the legislature and maintain law and order.
2. Appointment-making Functions: The chief executive makes key appointments, including judges, ambassadors, high-ranking military officials, and governors.
3. Treaty-making Functions: Deciding on international treaties and securing legislative ratification for agreements negotiated with foreign nations.
4. Defense, War, and Peace Functions: Serving as commander-in-chief of the armed forces and maintaining civil supremacy over military operations.
5. Foreign Policy and Diplomatic Relations: Formulating national foreign policy, appointing diplomats, and conducting bilateral and multilateral relations.
6. Policy-making and Planning: Formulating socio-economic development plans and welfare policies to steer national progress.
7. Legislative Functions: Participating actively in law-making, especially in parliamentary systems where the executive initiates major bills.
8. Financial Functions: Preparing the national budget, proposing tax structures, and managing public revenue and expenditure as sanctioned by the legislature.

Teacher's Note:
a) Group the functions logically into administrative, legislative, financial, and diplomatic categories.
b) Stress the expanding scope of the executive in modern welfare states.

(b) Explain the three important rights exclusively exercised by the British Monarch. [6 Marks]

Answer:
1. The Right to be Consulted: The Monarch has the constitutional right to receive all cabinet papers and state documents, and is entitled to offer advice, counsel, and warnings to the Prime Minister.
2. The Right to Encourage: The Monarch acts as a non-partisan counselor who can encourage government policies that serve the national interest irrespective of party politics.
3. The Right to Warn: The Monarch possesses the prerogative to express reservations or caution the Prime Minister regarding hasty or controversial legislative or administrative measures.

Teacher's Note:
a) Reference Walter Bagehot's classic formulation of the Sovereign's three rights.
b) Emphasize that these rights are exercised within a constitutional monarchy where political power rests with the Prime Minister and Cabinet.

Question 8.
(a) Discuss the powers of the Supreme Court in the USA. [8 Marks]

Answer:
The Supreme Court of the United States exercises immense power within the American constitutional framework:
1. Interpreter of the Constitution: It acts as the final and supreme arbiter of constitutional provisions, determining whether any law or executive action conforms to the constitution.
2. Guardian of the Constitution: It has the power of judicial review to declare any legislative act or executive order ultra vires if it conflicts with the constitution.
3. Agency for Constitutional Development: Through progressive interpretation, the Court adapts constitutional provisions to modern needs, acting as an engine of institutional growth.
4. Guardian of Fundamental Rights: It protects civil liberties and fundamental freedoms, enforcing doctrines such as 'clear and present danger' regarding free speech and striking down segregation.
5. Power in Law-making: By striking down unconstitutional laws and setting judicial precedents, the Supreme Court functions almost as a super-legislature shaping public policy.

Teacher's Note:
a) Emphasize judicial review as the cornerstone of the US Supreme Court's authority.
b) Use appropriate terminology like 'Judicial Supremacy' and 'guardian of rights'.

(b) What are the features of Judicial Review in India ? [6 Marks]

Answer:
1. Dual Authority with Final Power: Both the Supreme Court and High Courts exercise judicial review, but the final power to determine constitutional validity rests with the Supreme Court.
2. Scope of Review: It extends to all central and state laws, executive orders, ordinances, and constitutional amendments.
3. Exclusion of Ninth Schedule: Laws incorporated under the Ninth Schedule of the Constitution are generally immune from judicial review.
4. Restricted to Questions of Law: Judicial review applies strictly to questions of law and constitutionality; it cannot be exercised over purely political issues.
5. Not Automatic: Judicial review is not initiated suo motu on all laws; it becomes operative only when a law is specifically challenged during the course of litigation.
6. Duty to Cite Constitutional Infringement: While declaring a law void, the court must demonstrate its invalidity by citing specific constitutional provisions or articles violated.

Teacher's Note:
a) Clearly list the specific constitutional boundaries of Indian judicial review.
b) Note that Article 13 and Article 32 are the primary constitutional anchors for this power.

Question 9.
(a) Give any eight remedial steps for meeting the evils of communalism. [8 Marks]

Answer:
1. Educational Reform: Revamping the educational curriculum to inculcate values of brotherhood, secularism, and social harmony among youth.
2. Role of Media: Utilizing modern media and communication channels to generate public awareness against communal hatred and promote inter-faith harmony.
3. Economic Welfare: Undertaking vigorous socio-economic welfare programs to eradicate poverty and backwardness, which breed communal tensions.
4. Strict Legal Provisions: Strengthening legal measures against communal organizations, banning hate speech, and penalizing political leaders mobilizing support on religious lines.
5. Anti-Riot Police Force: Organizing a special anti-riot police force comprising personnel from diverse communities on a national basis.
6. Upliftment of Minorities: Strengthening educational and economic progress among minority communities to foster a viable middle class.
7. Protection of Religious Places: Enforcing concrete legal steps to prevent the misuse of religious places for preaching communalism.
8. Monitoring Foreign Intervention: Keeping strict surveillance on external elements attempting to foment communal discord within the country.

Teacher's Note:
a) Provide structured, comprehensive administrative and social remedies.
b) Highlight education and legal deterrence as principal pillars against communalism.

(b) Suggest any six measures to eradicate economic inequality. [6 Marks]

Answer:
1. Progressive Taxation: Implementing a progressive tax structure where higher-income groups are taxed proportionately higher to redistribute wealth.
2. Land Reforms: Enacting and effectively implementing land redistribution laws to break large agrarian monopolies and empower landless farmers.
3. Employment Generation: Launching targeted employment generation schemes and promoting cottage and small-scale industries to absorb surplus labor.
4. Social Security Measures: Providing comprehensive social security benefits, including pensions, unemployment allowances, and subsidized healthcare for marginalized sections.
5. Access to Quality Education: Ensuring free and equitable access to quality education and skill development programs for economically weaker sections.
6. Regulation of Monopolies: Preventing concentration of economic power in a few hands through stringent anti-monopoly and anti-trust legislations.

Teacher's Note:
a) Focus on fiscal policies and institutional reforms as instruments of economic justice.
b) Ensure all six points are distinct and policy-oriented.