ISC Class 12 Political Science Board Exam Question Paper 2016 with Solutions

ISC Class 12 Political Science Board Exam Question Paper 2016 with Solutions

Part - I

Question 1. Answer briefly each of the questions (i) to (x): [20 Marks]
(i) On what basis are the states classified as unitary and federal ? [2 Marks]

Answer:
The classification of states is done on the basis of relations between the Center and State government. In case of Unitary government all powers are vested with the Central government. Whereas in case of the federal government, the power is divided between the Center and the State by a Constitution.

Teacher's Note:
a) Remember that the core distinction lies in the distribution and centralization of governmental powers between the central authority and regional units.
b) Students often confuse federal systems with confederations; ensure you explicitly mention constitutional division of power.

(ii) Differentiate between an enacted constitution and an evolved constitution. [2 Marks]

Answer:
An Enacted Constitution is a man-made constitution. It is made, enacted and adopted by an assembly or council called a Constituent Assembly or Constitutional Council after thorough discussion, and is written in a systematic, formal manner (e.g., India, USA). An evolved constitution is not made at any point by an assembly; rather, it is the product of historical evolution, political needs, and the practical wisdom of the people over time (e.g., Great Britain).

Teacher's Note:
a) Emphasize that enacted constitutions are deliberate creations while evolved constitutions grow organically.
b) Giving correct national examples for both categories is essential for securing full credit.

(iii) Explain briefly, the First-Past-the-Post system of election. [2 Marks]

Answer:
The First-Past-The-Post system is the simplest form of majority system, using single-member districts and candidate-centered voting. The voter is presented with the names of nominated candidates and votes by choosing only one of them. The winning candidate is simply the person who wins the most votes, even if they do not secure an absolute majority (e.g., India and the United States).

Teacher's Note:
a) Clarify that a candidate does not need 50% plus one vote, but merely more votes than any other individual opponent.
b) Do not confuse this system with Proportional Representation.

(iv) What are the powers enjoyed exclusively by the Rajya Sabha ? [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. Under Article 67, a resolution seeking the removal of the Vice-President can originate only in the Rajya Sabha.
2. Under Article 249, it can pass a resolution by a two-thirds majority empowering Parliament to make laws on a subject enumerated in the State List in the national interest, and under Article 312, it can initiate the creation of new All-India Services.

Teacher's Note:
a) These exclusive powers highlight the federal character and special legislative authority of the upper house in India.
b) Mentioning the specific constitutional articles adds precision to the answer.

(v) Why are the civil servants called politically neutral members of the executive ? [2 Marks]

Answer:
Civil servants are called politically neutral because they cannot join political parties or participate in political movements. They are permanent executive officials unaffected by changes in the political government; whichever party comes to power, civil servants remain neutral and carry out their assigned departmental roles impartially and faithfully.

Teacher's Note:
a) Distinguish clearly between the political executive (ministers who change with elections) and the permanent executive (civil servants).
b) Impartiality and adherence to the rule of law regardless of regime change are the key concepts here.

(vi) What is the composition of the Supreme Court of India and the Supreme Court of the United States of America ? [2 Marks]

Answer:
The Supreme Court of India consists of a Chief Justice and other judges appointed by the President of India. The Supreme Court of the United States consists of the Chief Justice of the United States and a fixed number of Associate Justices (currently fixed at eight by Congress), nominated by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate.

Teacher's Note:
a) Highlight the contrasting appointment mechanisms and fixed versus flexible strength models.
b) Ensure both judicial systems are addressed clearly within the brief answer space.

(vii) Which fundamental right enables a person to petition the courts for issuance of writs ? [2 Marks]

Answer:
The Right to Constitutional Remedies (Article 32 in the Indian Constitution) enables a person to petition the Supreme Court for the issuance of writs.

Teacher's Note:
a) Dr. B.R. Ambedkar termed Article 32 as the heart and soul of the Constitution.
b) Students should remember that High Courts also issue writs under Article 226.

(viii) Give any two differences between the cabinet systems of India and the United States of America. [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. India has a parliamentary system where the Cabinet is collectively responsible to the legislature, whereas the USA has a presidential system where the Cabinet acts primarily as an advisory council to the President who is not a member of Congress.
2. In India, the Prime Minister and ministers are necessarily members of the legislature, whereas in the US, members of the Cabinet cannot be members of Congress while holding office.

Teacher's Note:
a) Link the cabinet system structure directly to the underlying form of government (Parliamentary vs. Presidential).
b) Clearly state the principle of collective responsibility unique to the parliamentary model.

(ix) Briefly explain the composition of the Gram Panchayat. [2 Marks]

Answer:
Gram Panchayat is an organization of elected panchas by the members of the Gram Sabha in a village. The number of members (ranging usually between seven and seventeen) depends on the village population. There are provisions for reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and women, and the head of the Panchayat is known as the Sarpanch.

Teacher's Note:
a) Differentiate between the Gram Sabha (all registered voters) and the Gram Panchayat (the elected executive body).
b) Mentioning mandatory reservations and the role of the Sarpanch completes the structural description.

(x) Mention any two forms of political violence in India. [2 Marks]

Answer:
Two forms of political violence in India are communal riots and terrorism (or insurgency/genocide as noted in standard contexts).

Teacher's Note:
a) Political violence involves violent acts perpetrated to achieve political goals or arising from political/social polarization.
b) Keep the examples direct and well-recognized in the study of Indian politics.

Part - II

Section - A

Answer any three questions

Question 2.
(a) What is meant by a liberal democratic state ? Discuss any four features of such a state. [6]

Answer:
A Liberal democratic state is based on the ideology of representative democracy with a liberal outlook that focuses special attention on civil liberties, minority rights, and weaker sections.
Features:
1. It is characterized by fair, free, and competitive elections between multiple distinct political parties.
2. Powers are separated into different branches of government to prevent authoritarian concentration.
3. There is equal protection of human rights, civil rights, civil liberties, and political freedom for all citizens.
4. Liberal democracies draw upon a constitution, either written or unwritten, to limit and delineate the powers of government.

Teacher's Note:
a) Highlight the dual foundation: 'democracy' (rule by people/majority) and 'liberalism' (protection of individual rights/minorities).
b) Ensure all four distinct features are properly listed and explained.

(b) Compare the federal systems of the United States of America and India. [6]

Answer:
Similarities:
1. Written Constitution: Both US and India have a written constitution establishing their federal structure and amendment procedures.
2. Fundamental Rights: Both systems guarantee fundamental rights to their citizens (Bill of Rights in the US, Part III in India).
3. Supremacy of Federal/Union Government: In both countries, federal or union laws take precedence over state laws in concurrent or overlapping jurisdictions.
Differences:
1. Rigidity of Constitution: The US Constitution is extremely brief and rigid, whereas the Indian Constitution is voluminous with multiple flexible and rigid amendment procedures.
2. Form of Government: The US has a Presidential form of government with strict separation of powers, whereas India has a Parliamentary form with a close link between the executive and legislature.

Teacher's Note:
a) A comparative answer must clearly categorize points into similarities and differences.
b) Emphasize how India's federation leans towards a unitary bias ('quasi-federal'), unlike the strict dual federalism of the US.

Question 3.
(a) Discuss briefly three kinds of Minority Representation. [6]

Answer:
1. Cumulative Vote System: Involves multi-member constituencies where a voter has as many votes as seats and can distribute them or concentrate all votes on a single candidate, enabling organized minorities to secure representation.
2. Limited Vote System: In multi-member constituencies, voters are given fewer votes than the total number of seats to be filled, preventing a single majority group from monopolizing all seats and helping minorities win at least some representation.
3. Communal Representation: Entails separate electorates for different communities or reservation of seats in joint electorates where specific voting and counting mechanisms ensure community representation.

Teacher's Note:
a) Explain the mathematical or procedural logic behind each voting mechanism clearly.
b) Mention how these systems protect pluralism and prevent majoritarian domination in diverse societies.

(b) Explain what is meant by a bi-party system. Examine any four merits of this system. [6]

Answer:
A bi-party (or two-party) system is one in which two major political parties dominate the electoral and legislative landscape, while minor parties hold negligible power.
Merits:
1. Stable Government: The party with a legislative majority forms a stable government without relying on unstable coalition partners.
2. Direct Election of Government: Voters clearly know which party they are voting into power, establishing direct democratic accountability.
3. Strong Government and Continuity of Policy: Stability allows the government to pursue coherent, long-term policies.
4. Clear Responsibility: Accountability for failures and shortcomings can be easily fixed on the ruling party.

Teacher's Note:
a) Contrast this system briefly with multi-party systems to highlight its structural stability.
b) Ensure all four merits are clearly distinguished and explained.

Question 4.
(a) Discuss three disadvantages of a unicameral legislature. [6]

Answer:
1. Risk of Autocracy and Arrogance: Without a second chamber to check its power, a single legislative house may become arrogant, arbitrary, and autocratic over time.
2. Lack of Thorough Scrutiny: In modern complex societies, a single house is overburdened with voluminous legislation and lacks adequate time for thorough discussion.
3. Absence of Revision Mechanism: Unicameralism provides no opportunity to revise or review hasty, emotional, or ill-considered bills passed by a single house.

Teacher's Note:
a) Focus on the checks and balances lost when a bicameral structure is absent.
b) Keep the points structured around legislative efficiency and democratic safeguards.

(b) Explain why the United States Senate is considered to be the most powerful second chamber in the world. [6]

Answer:
1. Executive Powers and Appointments: The US Senate enjoys executive powers through its constitutional authority to confirm top-ranking presidential appointments and ratify treaties.
2. Equal Legislative and Financial Authority: Unlike most upper houses that are weak in financial matters, the US Senate enjoys equal powers with the House of Representatives in ordinary and financial legislation.
3. Long Tenure and Prestige: Senators have a secure six-year term, making the chamber a continuous, experienced, and highly prestigious body of lawmakers.

Teacher's Note:
a) Emphasize why the US Senate is an exception compared to weaker upper houses like the British House of Lords or Indian Rajya Sabha.
b) Highlight its treaty-ratification and appointment-confirmation roles as key pillars of its power.

Question 5.
(a) Explain three legislative powers of the President of the United States of America. [6]

Answer:
1. Veto Power: The President can veto any bill passed by Congress, which can only be overridden by a two-thirds vote in both houses.
2. Signing Statements: When signing a bill, the President can issue a signing statement expressing views on its constitutionality or declaring provisions that infringe on executive power unenforceable.
3. Proposing Legislation and Special Sessions: The President proposes necessary legislation to Congress and has the power to call Congress into special session if it adjourns without acting on crucial proposals.

Teacher's Note:
a) Clearly separate executive veto and legislative initiation roles.
b) Note that the presidential veto is a potent check on congressional lawmaking.

(b) "We have made his position one of authority and dignity. The constitution wants to create neither a real executive nor a mere figurehead." (Jawaharlal Nehru)
Discuss the constitutional position of the Indian President in the light of this statement. [6]

Answer:
1. Constitutional Head: Following the 42nd and 44th Constitutional Amendment Acts, the President is bound to act on the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers headed by the Prime Minister.
2. Authority and Dignity: The President is not a powerless monarch but an elected constitutional head holding immense dignity, serving as a symbol of national unity and a crucial guardian of the Constitution.
3. Situational Discretion: In situations like hung parliaments or coalition politics, the President exercises vital discretionary powers, such as appointing the Prime Minister or dissolving the Lok Sabha.

Teacher's Note:
a) Address both aspects of Nehru's quote: neither a monarch/dictator nor a rubber stamp.
b) Mention constitutional amendments (42nd and 44th) that codified ministerial advice bindingness.

Question 6.
(a) Critically evaluate the principles of Judicial Review, with reference to India. [6]

Answer:
1. Definition and Basis: Judicial Review is the power of the judiciary to examine and declare legislative or executive acts null and void if they violate the Constitution of India.
2. Criticisms of Undemocratic Nature: Critics argue it is undemocratic because unelected judges can overturn laws passed by the elected representatives embodying the sovereign will of the people.
3. Administrative and Delay Issues: Critics also note that striking down laws long after enactment creates administrative instability, and that a conservative judicial approach can sometimes stall progressive legislation.

Teacher's Note:
a) Ensure the answer covers both supportive aspects (upholding constitutionalism) and critical viewpoints (judicial overreach/undemocratic nature).
b) Clarify that Indian judicial review is based on specific constitutional articles rather than an explicit single clause.

(b) How is judicial independence ensured in the Constitution of the United States of America ? [6]

Answer:
1. Difficult Impeachment Process: Federal judges hold office during good behavior and can be removed only through a rigorous impeachment process by the House of Representatives and conviction by the Senate.
2. Protected Compensation: Article III ensures that judicial compensation shall not be diminished during their continuance in office, protecting judges from financial coercion.
3. Presidential Appointment and Senate Confirmation: Federal judges are nominated by the President and confirmed by the Senate, ensuring a careful, merit-based, and deliberative selection process.

Teacher's Note:
a) Focus on tenure safety, salary protection, and appointment security as the tripod of judicial independence.
b) Keep the references to Article III and institutional checks accurate.

Section - B

Answer any two questions

Question 7.
(a) Discuss the importance of the Preamble to the Indian Constitution. [6]

Answer:
1. Embodiment of Philosophy: The Preamble embodies the fundamental values, basic philosophy, and ideals on which the Indian Constitution is based.
2. Key National Objectives: It declares India to be a Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic, Republic and secures justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity for all citizens.
3. Reflects Aspirations: It serves as a key to unlock the minds of the framers, reflecting the dreams and aspirations of the founding fathers of the nation.

Teacher's Note:
a) Explain key terms like Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic, and Republic.
b) Emphasize its role as the ideological guide for interpreting constitutional provisions.

(b) Briefly discuss the Directive Principles of the Indian Constitution. How are these principles implemented ? [6]

Answer:
1. Nature and Scope: Contained in Part IV (Articles 36-51), Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) are broad guidelines given to the state to establish a social and economic democracy (Welfare State).
2. Classification of Principles: They include socialist-economic principles, Gandhian principles, and international peace principles.
3. Implementation: They are implemented through legislation and welfare schemes such as land reform acts, Minimum Wages Act 1948, free elementary education programs, and poverty alleviation schemes like Sampoorna Grameen Rozgar Yojana.

Teacher's Note:
a) Mention that DPSPs are non-justiciable (cannot be enforced in courts) yet fundamental in governance.
b) Provide concrete legislative examples of how governments have put them into practice.

Question 8.
(a) Explain the main features of the 73rd Amendment to the Indian Constitution, relating to Panchayati Raj institutions. [6]

Answer:
1. Constitutional Status: It implements Article 40 by giving constitutional status and mandatory status to Panchayati Raj institutions across all states.
2. Three-Tier System: It establishes a uniform three-tier system of Panchayats at the village, intermediate, and district levels, alongside a Gram Sabha as the foundation.
3. Reservations and Tenure: It provides a fixed five-year term, mandatory reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, and not less than one-third reservation of total seats for women.

Teacher's Note:
a) Highlight the revolutionary impact of local self-governance decentralization brought by the 73rd Amendment.
b) Emphasize the mandatory provisions like State Election Commission setup and women reservations.

(b) Briefly explain the composition and tenure of a Municipal Corporation. [6]

Answer:
1. Composition: Comprises directly elected councilors from municipal wards, members of the State Legislative Assembly representing the area, and specialized representation for Scheduled Castes, Backward Classes, and women.
2. Leadership: Headed by a Mayor who holds ceremonial and political prominence, while administrative executive authority vests in a Municipal Commissioner.
3. Tenure and Dissolution: Has a fixed term of 5 years; if dissolved prematurely due to incompetence or default, elections to constitute a new corporation must be held within six months.

Teacher's Note:
a) Distinguish between the political head (Mayor) and the administrative head (Commissioner).
b) Mention the metropolitan scope and democratic election basis clearly.

Question 9.
(a) Briefly examine the effects of communalism in India. [6]

Answer:
1. Social Division: Communalism divides society on religious lines, fostering mutual distrust, hostility, and animosity between different communities.
2. Riots and Violence: It frequently triggers communal riots, curfew situations, loss of innocent lives, and severe destruction of public and private property.
3. Threat to National Integration: It weakens national unity, encourages divisive politics, and undermines the secular fabric of the democratic state.

Teacher's Note:
a) Define communalism as excessive loyalty to one's own religious group at the expense of national unity.
b) Focus on its destructive impact on social harmony and secularism.

(b) Discuss briefly four causes of regionalism in India. [6]

Answer:
1. Geographical Factors: India's vast and diverse physical relief creates isolated regions with distinct resource distributions and physical barriers.
2. Economic Disparities: Uneven economic development, industrialization, and infrastructure growth across different states foster feelings of neglect and relative deprivation.
3. Linguistic and Cultural Identity: Strong attachment to regional languages, distinct cultural traditions, and ethnic identities can sometimes manifest as regionalism.
4. Political Factors: Perceived political discrimination, central government apathy towards regional demands, or exploitation of regional sentiments by political parties contribute to regionalism.

Teacher's Note:
a) Differentiate between healthy regional pride (regionalism as sub-national affection) and disruptive regionalism.
b) Ensure all four socio-political and economic causes are clearly presented.