ISC Class 12 Political Science Board Exam Question Paper 2017 with Solutions

ISC Class 12 Political Science Board Exam Question Paper with Solutions 2017

Part - I (Compulsory)

Question 1. Answer briefly each of the questions (i) to (x): [20 Marks]

(i) State two features of a liberal democratic state. [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. Majority Rule: It operates under the principle of majority rule where major national decisions are determined through free and fair elections, referendums, or polls.
2. Protection of Minority Interests: Despite the practice of majority rule, the rights and interests of minority groups are respected and actively protected.

Teacher's Note:
a) Ensure you mention both the procedural aspect (majority rule) and the substantive protection of rights (minority protection).
b) Students often confuse liberal democracy with pure direct democracy; remember that liberal democracy emphasizes constitutional limits on power.

(ii) Distinguish between a flexible constitution and a rigid constitution. [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. Flexible Constitution: It can be amended through an ordinary legislative process by the ordinary legislature, treating constitutional law and ordinary law alike.
2. Rigid Constitution: It cannot be amended in the manner of ordinary laws; it requires a special procedure, special majority, or a special constituent body for its amendment.

Teacher's Note:
a) The key distinction lies in the amendment procedure, not necessarily the actual ease or difficulty of functioning.
b) Give examples like the British constitution (flexible) and the US constitution (rigid) to secure full marks.

(iii) Distinguish between bi-party system and multi-party system. [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. Bi-party System: Power usually alternates between two main political parties, which have a serious chance of winning a majority of seats to form the government.
2. Multi-party System: Several parties compete for power, and more than two parties have a reasonable chance of coming to power on their own strength or through coalitions.

Teacher's Note:
a) Clarify that the existence of minor parties does not disqualify a system from being bi-party if only two parties dominate government formation.
b) Mention examples such as the USA for a bi-party system and India for a multi-party system.

(iv) Give one reason why it is important for a federal state to have a bicameral legislature. [2 Marks]

Answer:
It is important because a bicameral legislature enforces an effective system of checks and balances, preventing the enactment of laws that might unfairly impact or favor certain factions of the government or federating units in a federal system.

Teacher's Note:
a) A bicameral legislature allows the upper house to represent the federating units as equal partners or based on population, ensuring dual representation.
b) Keep the answer concise and focused on the federal check-and-balance mechanism.

(v) Distinguish between political executive and permanent executive. [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. Political Executive: Comprises political leaders who are elected by the people for a specific period and hold short-term tenure.
2. Permanent Executive: Comprises civil servants selected through competitive examinations (like UPSC) who are appointed on a long-term basis and have permanent tenure.

Teacher's Note:
a) Emphasize the difference in terms of tenure and selection method (election versus civil service examination).
b) Ministers form the political executive, whereas bureaucrats form the permanent executive.

(vi) In which landmark case was judicial review first exercised by the Supreme Court of the United States? [2 Marks]

Answer:
Judicial review was first exercised by the Supreme Court of the United States in the landmark case of Marbury v. Madison, 5 U.S. 137 (1803).

Teacher's Note:
a) Mention the citation and year (1803) for completeness and academic precision.
b) State clearly that this case established the Supreme Court's authority under Article III to declare legislative acts unconstitutional.

(vii) Why is November 26 celebrated as Constitution Day in India? [2 Marks]

Answer:
November 26 is celebrated as Constitution Day because the Constituent Assembly of India officially adopted the Constitution of India on November 26, 1949.

Teacher's Note:
a) Do not confuse adoption date (November 26, 1949) with the date it came into force (January 26, 1950, commemorated as Republic Day).
b) This distinction is a common pitfall in objective questions.

(viii) Which fundamental right was removed by the 44th Constitutional Amendment? [2 Marks]

Answer:
The Right to Property was removed as a fundamental right by the 44th Constitutional Amendment and was converted into a legal right under Article 300-A.

Teacher's Note:
a) Always mention both the amendment number (44th) and the current constitutional provision (Article 300-A) to secure full credit.
b) Note that it was moved from Part III to Chapter IV of Part XII.

(ix) Briefly explain the composition of the Zilla Parishad. [2 Marks]

Answer:
The Zilla Parishad comprises directly elected members from territorial constituencies, all Chairpersons of Panchayat Samitis within the district, local MPs and MLAs, and reserved representation for women, SCs, STs, and OBCs.

Teacher's Note:
a) Highlight that it forms the apex tier of the Panchayati Raj system at the district level.
b) Mentioning the inclusion of ex-officio members like legislators adds value to the answer.

(x) What is meant by communalism in the Indian context? [2 Marks]

Answer:
Communalism in the Indian context implies a strong sense of belonging to a particular religious community to the exclusion of others, treating religious identity as the most fundamental distinction that separates groups and influences political behavior.

Teacher's Note:
a) Define communalism ideologically as political mobilization based on religious identity.
b) Mention its historical institutionalization (e.g., separate electorates) to demonstrate deeper understanding.

PART - II

SECTION - A

Answer any three questions

Question 2.
(a) What are the characteristics of a federal state? [6 Marks]

Answer:
1. Division of Powers: Powers of administration are constitutionally distributed between the center and the federating units, either through an enumeration of federal powers with residuary powers going to the units, or vice versa.
2. Written Constitution: A federation requires a written constitution because it serves as a fundamental political compact and legal partnership between the constituent states.
3. Rigid Constitution: The constitution of a federation must be rigid so that its core spirit and federal provisions cannot be easily violated or altered unilaterally by the central government.
4. Special Judiciary: An independent and powerful judiciary is established to act as the custodian of the constitution and to adjudicate disputes between the center and states or among the states.
5. Supremacy of the Constitution: The constitution is the supreme law of the land, and neither the central government nor state governments can act against its letter and spirit.

Teacher's Note:
a) Students should list at least four to five distinct features clearly with proper sub-headings.
b) Emphasize why rigidity and a written constitution are indispensable for a true federation.

(b) Explain why India is characterized as a quasi federal state. [6 Marks]

Answer:
1. Unitary Bias: Indian federalism features a strong center, where the Constitution grants overwhelming authority to the central government, making it quasi-federal (described by K.C. Wheare as federal in form but unitary in spirit).
2. Single Citizenship: Unlike classic federations like the USA where citizens hold dual citizenship (federal and state), India provides for single unified citizenship to promote national integration.
3. Single Integrated Judiciary: India has a single hierarchy of courts headed by the Supreme Court, with High Courts acting under its supervision, unlike dual judicial systems in federations.
4. Appointment of State Governors: Governors of states are appointed by the President and act as agents of the central government, providing center oversight over state administration.
5. Emergency Provisions: During emergencies (Articles 352, 356, and 360), the federal structure practically transforms into a unitary system where Parliament can legislate on state subjects.

Teacher's Note:
a) Reference to K.C. Wheare's description of India as "quasi-federal" adds academic weight.
b) Clearly distinguish between Indian federal features and its strong unitary exceptions.

Question 3.
(a) Discuss three merits and three demerits of the First-Past-the-Post system. [6 Marks]

Answer:
Merits of FPTP System:
1. Simplicity: It is easy to understand and operate for voters, even in countries with low literacy rates.
2. Clear-cut Choice: It provides voters with a clear choice between two main parties and tends to produce single-party majority governments rather than unstable coalitions.
3. Geographic Accountability: It creates a strong link between constituents and their elected representatives who represent defined geographic areas.
Demerits of FPTP System:
1. Disproportionate Representation: It excludes smaller and minority parties from fair representation, where vote percentages do not translate proportionately into legislative seats.
2. Wasted Votes: It results in a large number of wasted votes cast for losing candidates, leading to voter alienation.
3. Vote-Splitting: It can cause vote-splitting among similar candidates or parties, allowing a less popular candidate to win the seat.

Teacher's Note:
a) Divide the answer clearly into merits and demerits with proper bullet points.
b) Use standard electoral examples such as seat bonuses for majority parties to explain disproportionality.

(b) Explain the rationale for minority representation in the legislature. [6 Marks]

Answer:
1. Social Inclusion: Minorities and marginalized communities often lack the numerical strength to win elections under standard plurality systems, making special representation essential for their inclusion.
2. Fostering Democracy: True democracy requires the participation of all sections of society, and minority representation ensures that the legislature reflects the pluralistic character of the nation.
3. Prevention of Marginalization: It prevents dominant cultural or religious majorities from ignoring the legitimate interests, language, and culture of minority groups.
4. Use of Reserved Seats and Quotas: Mechanisms like reserved seats (as practiced in India for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes) ensure guaranteed representation in law-making bodies.
5. Promoting Social Harmony: Adequate representation mitigates feelings of alienation and mistrust, thereby strengthening national unity and preventing communal conflict.

Teacher's Note:
a) Focus on why majoritarian electoral systems fail minority groups without corrective mechanisms.
b) Mention practical methods such as reserved seats and separate/communal rolls where applicable.

Question 4.
(a) Explain the important functions of the Lok Sabha. [6 Marks]

Answer:
1. Legislative Functions: The Lok Sabha can introduce and pass bills concerning subjects in the Union List and Concurrent List, holding supremacy over ordinary bills in case of a joint sitting due to its numerical strength.
2. Financial Functions: Money bills can only be introduced in the Lok Sabha, giving it absolute control over national finances and the Union Budget.
3. Control over the Executive: Under Article 75(3), the Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha; the government falls if a no-confidence motion is passed.
4. Electoral Functions: Elected members of the Lok Sabha participate in the election of the President and Vice-President, and the House elects its own Speaker.
5. Redressal of Grievances and Public Forum: It serves as a vital public forum for discussing matters of public importance, ventilating grievances, and holding the administration accountable through questions, adjournment motions, and budget cuts.

Teacher's Note:
a) Categorize the functions clearly under headings like Legislative, Financial, Executive Control, etc.
b) Highlight the financial supremacy of the Lok Sabha over the Rajya Sabha.

(b) Compare the relative positions of the Rajya Sabha and the United States Senate in their respective systems. [6 Marks]

Answer:
1. Power Disparity: The US Senate is considered the most powerful upper house in the world, wielding equal or superior power to the House of Representatives, whereas the Rajya Sabha is relatively weaker and subordinate to the Lok Sabha.
2. Representation of States: The US Senate grants equal representation (two senators) to all states irrespective of size, whereas Rajya Sabha seats are allocated based on state population.
3. Financial Powers: The US Senate has complete control over financial matters and budgetary approvals, while the Rajya Sabha has only a limited 14-day delaying power over money bills.
4. Executive Control: The US Senate must ratify all presidential appointments and international treaties by a two-thirds majority, giving it extraordinary executive oversight, which the Rajya Sabha lacks.
5. Election Method: US Senators are directly elected by citizens of the respective states, whereas members of the Rajya Sabha are indirectly elected by state legislative assemblies.

Teacher's Note:
a) Emphasize that while both are upper houses representing federal units, their actual constitutional powers diverge drastically.
b) Use comparative points such as financial control and treaty ratification for scoring well.

Question 5.
(a) Explain how the President of the United States is elected. [6 Marks]

Answer:
1. Eligibility: The candidate must be a natural-born citizen of the United States, at least 35 years old, and a resident within the US for 14 years.
2. Primaries and Caucuses: Political parties conduct internal primaries and caucuses to select delegates and choose their respective presidential nominees.
3. National Conventions: Parties hold national conventions to formally announce their presidential nominees based on delegate support.
4. General Elections and Electoral College: Citizens cast votes in general elections not for the President directly, but for a slate of electors belonging to an Electoral College consisting of 538 total votes.
5. Final Victory: An elector casts electoral votes, and a candidate must secure a minimum of 270 electoral votes to win the presidency.

Teacher's Note:
a) Clearly explain the indirect nature of the US presidential election through the Electoral College.
b) Mention the magic number of 270 electoral votes required to win.

(b) Discuss briefly, the limitations that the Constitution of the United States places on the powers of the President. [6 Marks]

Answer:
1. Term Limits: Under the 22nd Amendment, a person can only be elected to the office of the President for a maximum of two four-year terms.
2. Congressional Approval of Appointments: All presidential appointments to high federal offices and federal judgeships require confirmation by the Senate.
3. Treaty Ratification: All international treaties entered into by the President require ratification by a two-thirds majority in the Senate.
4. Veto Override: Although the President possesses veto power over legislation, Congress can override a presidential veto by a two-thirds majority in both Houses.
5. War Powers and Oversight: While the President is Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, the constitutional power to officially declare war rests solely with Congress, and executive actions are subject to judicial review and congressional oversight.

Teacher's Note:
a) Focus on the principle of checks and balances embedded in the US Constitution.
b) Ensure constitutional limits like term limits and treaty ratification are highlighted.

Question 6.
(a) Explain the various jurisdictions of the Supreme Court of India. [6 Marks]

Answer:
1. Original Jurisdiction: Covers legal disputes involving the Government of India and one or more states, or disputes between two or more states, ensuring federal equilibrium.
2. Writ Jurisdiction: Under Article 32, the Supreme Court is empowered to issue writs (Habeas Corpus, Mandamus, Prohibition, Certiorari, Quo-Warranto) for the enforcement of Fundamental Rights.
3. Appellate Jurisdiction: Hears appeals against judgments of High Courts in constitutional, civil, and criminal matters involving substantial questions of law.
4. Advisory Jurisdiction: Under Article 143, the President can refer questions of law or public importance to the Supreme Court for its advisory opinion.
5. Court of Record and Special Powers: It functions as a Court of Record whose decisions are binding precedents, possesses powers of judicial review, and can entertain Special Leave Petitions (SLP) under Article 136.

Teacher's Note:
a) List all primary jurisdictions clearly with their respective constitutional articles where applicable.
b) Distinguish clearly between original and appellate jurisdictions.

(b) Do you agree with the view that the Supreme Court of India is the most powerful apex court in the world? Explain the reasons for your answer. [6 Marks]

Answer:
1. Broad Jurisdiction: Unlike the US Supreme Court whose jurisdiction is largely confined to federal disputes, the Indian Supreme Court is both a federal court and the highest court of appeal for civil and criminal cases.
2. Special Leave Petition (SLP): Under Article 136, it can grant special leave to appeal from any judgment or tribunal order in the country, giving it expansive supervisory reach.
3. Public Interest Litigation (PIL): The Supreme Court innovated PIL, relaxing locus standi rules to allow socially conscious individuals or groups to seek judicial remedies for marginalized sections.
4. Basic Structure Doctrine: Established in the Kesavananda Bharati case (1973), it claimed the power to review and strike down constitutional amendments that violate the basic structure of the Constitution.
5. Advisory and Enforcement Powers: Its writ jurisdiction and mandatory advisory role to the President make it an exceptionally influential institution in governance and social policy.

Teacher's Note:
a) Support the argument using comparative points with the US Supreme Court and British judiciary.
b) Mention landmark innovations like PIL and the Basic Structure Doctrine to substantiate the claim.

SECTION - B

Answer any two questions

Question 7.
(a) Explain the rights conferred under Right to Freedom (Article 19). [6 Marks]

Answer:
Article 19 of the Indian Constitution guarantees six democratic freedoms to citizens, subject to reasonable restrictions in the interests of public order, sovereignty, and integrity:
1. Freedom of Speech and Expression: Allows citizens to express their beliefs, opinions, and convictions freely through speech, writing, printing, or pictures.
2. Freedom of Assembly: Grants the right to assemble peacefully and without arms to hold meetings, demonstrations, or processions.
3. Freedom of Association: Empowers citizens to form associations, unions, or cooperative societies for lawful purposes.
4. Freedom of Movement: Permits citizens to move freely throughout the territory of India.
5. Freedom of Residence: Allows citizens to reside and settle in any part of the country.
6. Freedom of Profession: Grants the right to practice any profession or to carry on any occupation, trade, or business.

Teacher's Note:
a) List all six freedoms explicitly as enumerated under Article 19(1).
b) Remind students that these freedoms are not absolute and are subject to reasonable restrictions under clause (2) to (6).

(b) Explore the relationship between Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles. [6 Marks]

Answer:
1. Complementary Nature: Fundamental Rights are justiciable and protect individual liberties by restraining government action, whereas Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) are non-justiciable guidelines that exhort the state to promote social and economic welfare.
2. Individual vs. Collective Good: Fundamental Rights primarily secure political democracy for individuals, while DPSPs aim to establish social and economic democracy for the entire community.
3. Harmonious Construction: Courts have consistently held that Fundamental Rights and DPSPs should be interpreted harmoniously, with DPSPs providing the socio-economic goals while Fundamental Rights provide the means.
4. Legislative Implementation: Many DPSPs have been translated into enforceable rights and laws through constitutional amendments, such as agrarian reforms and welfare schemes.
5. Precedence in Judicial Interpretation: While Fundamental Rights generally take precedence over DPSPs in case of direct conflict, harmonious judicial rulings have elevated certain DPSPs to parity with Fundamental Rights.

Teacher's Note:
a) Emphasize the distinction between justiciable (Fundamental Rights) and non-justiciable (DPSPs) provisions.
b) Explain how courts have balanced individual rights with social welfare goals over time.

Question 8.
(a) Explain the main features of the 74th Amendment to the Indian Constitution, relating to urban local self-government institutions. [6 Marks]

Answer:
1. Constitutional Recognition: The 74th Amendment Act of 1992 added Part IX-A to the Constitution, giving formal constitutional status to urban local bodies (Municipalities or Nagarpalikas) and introducing the 12th Schedule.
2. Three-Tier Structure: It established a uniform three-tier municipal structure across states, comprising Nagar Panchayats for transitional areas, Municipal Councils for smaller urban areas, and Municipal Corporations for larger urban areas.
3. Regular Elections: It mandated that elections to all urban local bodies must be held every five years under the supervision of a State Election Commission.
4. Reservations: It provided for mandatory reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and not less than one-third of total seats for women.
5. Devolution of Powers and Finances: It listed 18 functional items in the 12th Schedule to be transferred to municipalities and mandated the establishment of a State Finance Commission every five years to review financial positions.

Teacher's Note:
a) Clearly state the constitutional amendment number (74th), year (1992/1993), and the part added (IX-A).
b) Highlight structural changes such as reservations and State Finance Commissions.

(b) Discuss three challenges faced by Panchayati Raj institutions in India. [6 Marks]

Answer:
1. Insufficient Funds: Panchayati Raj institutions suffer from severe financial scarcity due to limited taxation powers and inadequate financial devolution from state governments, making them financially dependent.
2. Bureaucratic Dominance and Control: Local bodies often function under heavy interference from bureaucrats and state politicians, restricting genuine local autonomy and grassroots decision-making.
3. Undemocratic Practices and Social Inequalities: Local power structures are frequently dominated by influential local elites, leading to caste-based biases, corruption, and the proxy representation of women (sarpanch-patis).
4. Lack of Transferred Subjects: Many state governments have failed to effectively transfer administrative subjects, funds, and functionaries listed in the 11th Schedule to local panchayats.

Teacher's Note:
a) Focus on practical systemic hurdles like financial autonomy and bureaucratic interference.
b) Mention social challenges such as elite domination and lack of administrative capacity.

Question 9.
(a) Explain three forms of political violence in India and comment briefly on the causes of each. [6 Marks]

Answer:
1. Inter-State Political Violence: Arises due to disputes between states over boundaries, linguistic divisions, or the sharing of river water resources, often fueled by political mobilization.
2. Intra-State and Agitational Violence: Manifests during political demonstrations, strikes, or ideological agitations within a state where opposing political groups or citizens clash with state machinery.
3. Communal and Ethnic Violence: Occurs due to deep-seated religious, ethnic, or communal polarization, where competing groups clash over identity, religious rights, or cultural preservation.

Teacher's Note:
a) Categorize political violence clearly into inter-state, intra-state/agitational, and communal forms.
b) Provide causes associated with each form, such as resource sharing or identity politics.

(b) Identify three challenges facing Indian democracy and explore how these can be overcome. [6 Marks]

Answer:
1. Challenge of Expansion: Involves applying democratic principles across all regions and social groups, ensuring greater empowerment for local governments and inclusion of marginalized communities.
2. Challenge of Deepening Democracy: Requires strengthening democratic institutions and practices so that citizens' expectations from democracy are genuinely met while reducing the influence of wealthy elites.
3. Challenge of Wrong Political Practices: Involves combating corruption, criminalization of politics, and money power in elections.
Remedial Measures: Overcoming these challenges requires comprehensive electoral reforms, strengthening the rule of law, active civil society engagement, rigorous enforcement of anti-corruption legislation like the Right to Information (RTI), and fostering political consciousness among citizens.

Teacher's Note:
a) Frame the challenges using standard political science concepts (expansion, deepening, wrong political practices).
b) Conclude with practical remedial measures like institutional reforms and citizen vigilance.