ISC Class 12 Political Science Board Exam Question Paper 2019 with Solutions

ISC Class 12 Political Science Board Exam Question Paper with Solutions 2019

Part-I (20 Marks)

Answer all questions

Question 1.
Answer briefly each of the questions (i) to (x): [10 x 2]

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

Answer:
1. An all powerful Single Central Government: A unitary state vests all powers in a single government at the center which has supreme authority over the state and legislates for the whole state by itself.
2. Local government exists due to the Central government: Local governments are directed by the center in all their functions, and their powers can be altered or withdrawn by the central government.

Teacher's Note:
a) Ensure you clearly mention the supremacy of the central government and the subordinate status of local bodies.
b) Students often confuse unitary features with federal features; remember that there is no division of powers in a unitary state.

(ii) Explain one way in which the Constitution of the United States can be amended. [2 Marks]

Answer:
An amendment can be initiated by a two-thirds majority in both Houses of Congress, or by a constitutional convention called for by two-thirds of the state legislatures. Following this, the proposed amendment must be ratified either by the legislatures of three-fourths of the states or by conventions in three-fourths of the states.

Teacher's Note:
a) This highlights the rigidity of the US Constitution involving a two-stage amendment process.
b) Mentioning both the proposal stage and the ratification stage is essential to secure full credit.

(iii) State one reason why minorities should be properly represented in legislatures. [2 Marks]

Answer:
Minorities need proper representation in the legislature to help make laws that are conducive to their empowerment, enabling them to put forward their specific issues and find solutions accordingly.

Teacher's Note:
a) Focus on political empowerment and the protection of minority rights in a democracy.
b) Avoid vague statements; connect representation directly to law-making and grievance redressal.

(iv) Explain what is meant by the constituent function of the Legislature. [2 Marks]

Answer:
The constituent function refers to the power of the legislature to amend the constitution through laws enacted in accordance with the rules laid down in the constitution itself.

Teacher's Note:
a) Constituent powers specifically deal with constitution-making and constitutional amendments.
b) Do not confuse this with ordinary legislative functions or executive oversight.

(v) State any two executive powers of the President of India. [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. All executive actions of the Government of India are formally taken in his name, and he appoints the Prime Minister and other ministers on the advice of the Prime Minister.
2. He appoints high constitutional dignitaries, including the Chief Justice of India, other judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts, Governors, and the Attorney General of India.

Teacher's Note:
a) State the formal constitutional head status and the appointment powers clearly.
b) Mentioning Article 53 or specifying key appointees adds precision to the answer.

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

Answer:
The Constitution of India provides for a Supreme Court consisting of a Chief Justice and other judges (the original text specifies not more than 30 other judges, subject to parliamentary revision), who are appointed by the President of India in consultation with the Chief Justice of India.

Teacher's Note:
a) Note that Parliament has the authority to increase the number of judges as required.
b) Always mention the consultative role of the Chief Justice of India in judicial appointments.

(vii) What is meant by single citizenship as a salient feature of the Constitution of India? [2 Marks]

Answer:
Despite adopting a federal system with dual polities, the Constitution of India provides for a single citizenship system. This means all citizens, regardless of the state they reside in, are citizens of India alone and enjoy equal rights throughout the country, unlike federal nations like the US which have dual citizenship.

Teacher's Note:
a) Emphasize national unity as the primary objective behind single citizenship.
b) Contrast it briefly with countries like the US or Australia to make the explanation complete.

(viii) Cite one example of implementation of a Directive Principle. [2 Marks]

Answer:
The establishment of the Planning Commission in 1950 (and subsequent implementation of Five Year Plans) aimed at securing a social order promoting socio-economic welfare, which is an implementation of the Directive Principles of State Policy.

Teacher's Note:
a) Directive Principles are non-justiciable guidelines directed towards achieving a welfare state.
b) Other valid examples include the enactment of Panchayati Raj acts or various labor welfare legislations.

(ix) Which fundamental right is a remedy for the violation of other fundamental rights? [2 Marks]

Answer:
The Right to Constitutional Remedies, guaranteed under Article 32 of the Constitution, serves as a remedy for the violation of other fundamental rights by empowering citizens to move the Supreme Court for their enforcement.

Teacher's Note:
a) Quote Article 32 correctly as Dr. B.R. Ambedkar called it the heart and soul of the Constitution.
b) Clearly state that it empowers the judiciary to issue writs for the protection of rights.

(x) Explain the meaning of communalism, in the Indian context. [2 Marks]

Answer:
Communalism implies a strong sense of belonging to a particular religious community to the exclusion of others, holding that religious distinction is the most fundamental and overriding division in society, which has historically been manipulated for political mobilization in India.

Teacher's Note:
a) Define communalism as an ideology based on narrow religious loyalties detrimental to national integration.
b) Mention how it has impacted Indian politics, referencing historical developments like separate electorates if necessary.

Part-II (60 Marks)

Section-A

Answer any three questions

Question 2.
(a) Discuss any three features of a liberal democratic state. [6]
(b) Explain any three features of a parliamentary form of government. [6]

Answer:
(a) A liberal democratic state is based on representative democracy with a focus on individual liberties, rule of law, and minority protection. Three key features are:
1. Free and Fair Elections: Characterized by competitive, regular elections between multiple distinct political parties.
2. Limited Executive Power: The role of the government is defined and constrained by constitutional provisions, dividing policy formulation between political executives and policy implementation between permanent bureaucrats.
3. Protection of Rights: Guarantee of equal protection of human rights, civil liberties, and political freedoms for all citizens.

(b) A parliamentary form of government is one where the executive derives its democratic legitimacy from its ability to command the confidence of the legislature. Three key features are:
1. Dual Executive: There exists a nominal head of state (titular head) and a real executive head (Prime Minister and Council of Ministers) who wields actual power.
2. Collective Responsibility: The cabinet is collectively responsible to the legislature, and ministers are accountable for their departmental actions, with mechanisms like no-confidence motions holding them check.
3. Dominant Position of the Prime Minister: The Prime Minister acts as the head of government, leader of the cabinet, and central figure in policy formulation and execution.

Teacher's Note:
a) Ensure distinct subheadings or bullet points are used for each of the three features in both parts (a) and (b).
b) Avoid mixing presidential features into the parliamentary explanation.

Question 3.
(a) What is meant by the First Past the Post system ? Explain one advantage and one drawback of this system. [6]
(b) Explain two advantages of a bi-party system. [6]

Answer:
(a) The First Past the Post (FPTP) system is an electoral system where a country is divided into single-member constituencies, and the candidate who secures a plurality (highest number of votes, even if not an absolute majority) is declared elected.
Advantage: Simplicity and accountability, as it provides a clear link between representatives and defined geographical areas, making it easy for voters to choose between main parties.
Drawback: It excludes smaller parties from fair representation and results in a large number of wasted votes that do not contribute to electing any candidate.

(b) Two advantages of a bi-party system are:
1. Stable Government: It ensures political stability because the party with a legislative majority forms a strong, single-party government without the uncertainty and constant threat of coalition pressures.
2. Clear Responsibility and Continuity of Policy: Voters can easily hold the ruling party accountable for successes or failures, and policy continuity is maintained as the governing party pursues its stable philosophy throughout its term.

Teacher's Note:
a) Clearly define FPTP before moving to its merits and demerits.
b) For part (b), emphasize government stability and voter clarity as core benefits of a two-party system.

Question 4.
(a) Explain three important functions of the United State Senate. [6]
(b) What are the relative positions of the Lok Sabha and the United States House of Representatives in their respective systems ? Discuss. [6]

Answer:
(a) Three important functions of the United States Senate are:
1. Legislative Powers: The Senate enjoys coequal legislative powers with the House of Representatives for non-money bills, and conflicts are resolved through joint conference committees.
2. Executive Powers (Appointments and Treaties): The Senate holds the exclusive power to confirm presidential appointments and ratify treaties by a two-thirds majority.
3. Judicial Power (Court of Impeachment): The Senate acts as a court of impeachment to try officials impeached by the House of Representatives, holding the power to convict and remove them from office.

(b) Comparison of Lok Sabha and US House of Representatives:
Both are democratically elected lower houses representing the people. However, the Indian Lok Sabha is significantly more powerful in its political system than the US House of Representatives.
- The Lok Sabha shares robust coequal or superior status in various matters within India's parliamentary framework, and its government is directly responsible to it.
- Conversely, the US House of Representatives is relatively weaker compared to the US Senate, which enjoys superior powers regarding financial control, treaties, and executive appointments.

Teacher's Note:
a) Highlight the unique constitutional authority of the US Senate compared to other upper houses.
b) Emphasize that while both are lower houses, the Lok Sabha occupies a more dominant position in India than the House of Representatives does in the US.

Question 5.
(a) Discuss three important functions of the Executive. [6]
(b) Compare the positions of the President of India and the President of the United States.[6]

Answer:
(a) Three important functions of the Executive are:
1. Enforcement of Law and Maintenance of Order: The executive is responsible for executing laws passed by the legislature, maintaining internal peace, and bringing lawbreakers to justice.
2. Appointment and Dismissal Powers: The executive exercises authority to appoint high-ranking civil servants, judges, ambassadors, and other constitutional functionaries.
3. Formulation and Direction of Foreign Policy: The executive manages international relations, negotiates treaties, and represents the nation in global affairs.

(b) Comparison between the President of India and the US President:
1. Nature of Executive Authority: The US President is both the head of state and the real head of government (executive), whereas the Indian President is primarily a titular/constitutional head of state with real powers exercised by the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers.
2. Election Method: The US President is elected directly by citizens through electors, whereas the Indian President is elected indirectly by an electoral college.
3. Tenure and Removal: The US President serves a fixed 4-year term with a term limit, while the Indian President serves a 5-year term with no limit on re-election. Both are subject to impeachment, but under different legislative procedures.

Teacher's Note:
a) Structure part (a) clearly around general administrative, appointment, and foreign policy functions.
b) For part (b), draw clear contrasts between parliamentary executive (India) and presidential executive (US).

Question 6.
(a) Explain the original jurisdiction and appellate jurisdiction of the Supreme Court of India. [6]
(b) How is judicial independence ensured in the Constitution of the United States ? [6]

Answer:
(a) Original Jurisdiction: It refers to the power of the Supreme Court to hear certain disputes directly at the first instance, including federal disputes between the Centre and one or more States, or between two or more States, as well as enforcement of Fundamental Rights under Article 32.
Appellate Jurisdiction: It refers to the power of the Supreme Court to hear appeals against judgments of lower courts and High Courts. This is broadly classified into civil, criminal, and constitutional matters, alongside the discretionary power of Special Leave to Appeal under Article 136.

(b) Judicial independence in the US is ensured through:
1. Security of Tenure: Federal judges hold office during good behavior (effectively for life) and can only be removed through a rigorous impeachment process by Congress.
2. Protection of Compensation: Article III ensures that judges' salaries shall not be diminished during their continuance in office, preventing financial pressure from the legislature.
3. Appointment Process: Federal judges are appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate, ensuring a careful vetting process based on professional and judicial merit.

Teacher's Note:
a) Distinguish clearly between original jurisdiction (federal/rights disputes) and appellate jurisdiction (appeals from lower courts).
b) For part (b), emphasize life tenure and financial security as vital pillars of judicial independence.

Section - B

Answer any two questions.

Question 7.
(a) With reference to the Constitution of India, discuss the importance of the Preamble. [6]
(b) Explain the rights conferred under the Right to Freedom in Article 19 of the Constitution of India. [6]

Answer:
(a) The Preamble embodies the fundamental values, basic philosophy, and objectives upon which the Constitution of India is based. It outlines India as a Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic, Republic, and secures to all citizens Justice, Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity. It reflects the dreams and aspirations of the framers of the Constitution and serves as a key to interpret the intent of constitutional provisions.

(b) Article 19 of the Constitution guarantees six basic freedoms to Indian citizens, subject to reasonable restrictions in the interest of public order, sovereignty, and integrity of India:
1. Freedom of speech and expression.
2. Freedom to assemble peacefully and without arms.
3. Freedom to form associations or unions.
4. Freedom to move freely throughout the territory of India.
5. Freedom to reside and settle in any part of India.
6. Freedom to practice any profession or to carry on any occupation, trade, or business.

Teacher's Note:
a) Mention key ideals like Justice, Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity when discussing the Preamble.
b) List all six freedoms under Article 19 clearly for full credit.

Question 8.
(a) Explain the main features of the 73rd Amendment to the Constitution of India relating to rural local self-government institutions. [6]
(b) Suggest three ways to address the challenges faced by Panchayati Raj institutions in India. [6]

Answer:
(a) The main features of the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act are:
1. Three-Tier System: Establishes a uniform three-tier Panchayati Raj structure at the village, intermediate (block), and district levels.
2. Gram Sabha: Provides for a Gram Sabha consisting of all registered voters in a village as the foundation of local self-government.
3. Reservations and Tenure: Mandates a fixed 5-year term for panchayats, along with reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and not less than one-third of total seats for women.

(b) Three ways to address challenges faced by Panchayati Raj institutions are:
1. Adequate Devolution of Powers: States must genuinely decentralize funds, functions, and functionaries (the 3 Fs) to empower local bodies financially and administratively.
2. Upgrading Infrastructure and Manpower: Providing necessary administrative staff, computer facilities, and training to local representatives to handle planning and execution efficiently.
3. Streamlining Bureaucratic Control: Reducing excessive bureaucratic interference and procedural delays in fund approvals, thereby empowering elected local leaders to take grassroots decisions.

Teacher's Note:
a) Ensure the institutional features like the three-tier system and Gram Sabha are highlighted.
b) Practical solutions regarding financial autonomy and administrative support are expected in part (b).

Question 9.
(a) Explain three important causes of regionalism in Indian politics. [6]
(b) Critically examine three ways in which the prevalence of political violence affects the functioning of the Indian democracy. [6]

Answer:
(a) Three important causes of regionalism in Indian politics are:
1. Geographical and Regional Disparities: Uneven economic development across different states and regions leads to feelings of neglect, backwardness, and relative deprivation among populations.
2. Cultural and Linguistic Factors: Strong attachment to distinct regional languages, cultures, and traditions can sometimes foster exclusive regional identities over national integration.
3. Political and Administrative Factors: Perceived centralization of power, unfulfilled regional aspirations, and political exploitation of local grievances by leaders contribute to regionalism.

(b) Three ways in which political violence affects Indian democracy are:
1. Undermining Democratic Participation: Violence and intimidation during elections prevent citizens from freely exercising their right to vote, subverting the electoral mandate.
2. Criminalization of Politics: The use of force and muscle power encourages the entry of criminal elements into political spheres, degrading governance standards.
3. Social Fragmentation and Lawlessness: Communal, caste, and political riots threaten public safety, social harmony, and the everyday functioning of democratic institutions.

Teacher's Note:
a) Balance economic, cultural, and political causes when explaining regionalism.
b) Critical examination of political violence should focus on its direct impact on democratic values, elections, and social harmony.