ISC Class 12 Political Science Board Exam Question Paper 2020 with Solutions

ISC Class 12 Political Science Board Exam Question Paper with Solutions

PART I (20 Marks)

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

(i) Identify two key points of difference between a parliamentary and a presidential system. [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. In a parliamentary system, the executive is a part of the legislature and is responsible to it, whereas in a presidential system, the executive is separate from and independent of the legislature.
2. In a parliamentary system, the head of state is usually a nominal figure (President or Monarch), while the real power is vested in the Prime Minister. In a presidential system, the President is both the head of state and the head of government.

Teacher's Note:
a) Clearly state the executive-legislature relationship for both systems.
b) Avoid confusing the separation of powers principle with mere distribution of portfolios.

(ii) Distinguish between a written constitution and an unwritten constitution. [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. A written constitution is one in which the fundamental principles of the state are systematically embodied and codified in a single official document enacted by a constituent assembly. An unwritten constitution is not compiled in a single official document; rather, it is found in a variety of sources such as statutes, judicial precedents, and constitutional conventions.
2. A written constitution is generally rigid in nature, whereas an unwritten constitution is typically flexible and easily amended through ordinary legislative processes.

Teacher's Note:
a) Emphasize that an unwritten constitution does not mean nothing is written down, but rather that it lacks a single codified document.
b) Mention the amendment procedure difference as a secondary distinction.

(iii) State two reasons for the widespread acceptance of Universal Adult Franchise. [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. It is based on the democratic principle of political equality, ensuring that every citizen has an equal voice in choosing their government regardless of wealth, race, gender, or social status.
2. It fosters a sense of self-respect, dignity, and civic responsibility among all citizens, integrating them fully into the national political life.

Teacher's Note:
a) Highlight the core democratic value of political equality.
b) Connect franchise to individual dignity and civic participation.

(iv) State one electoral function of the Parliament of India. [2 Marks]

Answer:
The elected members of both Houses of Parliament participate in the election of the President of India.

Teacher's Note:
a) Specify that the electoral college for the President includes both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha elected members.
b) Do not confuse electoral functions with legislative or financial powers.

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

Answer:
1. The political executive consists of elected representatives (such as ministers and the Prime Minister) who hold office temporarily for a fixed term and are responsible to the electorate. The permanent executive consists of professional civil servants and bureaucrats who are appointed on merit and hold office until retirement.
2. The political executive is responsible for formulating broad policies and taking major political decisions, whereas the permanent executive is responsible for implementing these policies and running day to day administration.

Teacher's Note:
a) Tenure and manner of selection are the fundamental dividing lines.
b) Clearly delineate policy formulation versus policy implementation.

(vi) State one area where the Supreme Court of the United States exercises original jurisdiction. [2 Marks]

Answer:
The Supreme Court of the United States exercises original jurisdiction in cases affecting ambassadors, other public ministers, and consuls, and those in which a State is a party.

Teacher's Note:
a) Reference Article III, Section 2 of the US Constitution for exact constitutional backing.
b) Distinguish original jurisdiction from appellate jurisdiction clearly.

(vii) State why the Indian constitution is characterised as partly rigid and partly flexible. [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. It is flexible because certain provisions can be amended by a simple majority of members present and voting in Parliament, much like ordinary legislation.
2. It is rigid because important federal provisions require a special majority in Parliament along with ratification by at least half of the state legislatures under Article 368.

Teacher's Note:
a) Mention the dual mechanism under Article 368 and ordinary legislative routes.
b) Provide the precise amendment thresholds for clarity.

(viii) State two Gandhian Directive Principles that find a place in Part IV of the Constitution of India. [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. Organization of village panchayats (Article 40) to endow them with necessary powers to function as units of local self-government.
2. Promotion of cottage industries on an individual or co-operative basis in rural areas (Article 43).

Teacher's Note:
a) Cite the specific articles where possible for additional precision.
b) Ensure the examples directly reflect Gandhian economic and social philosophy.

(ix) Which authority is charged with the conduct of local self-government elections under the 73rd Amendment to the Constitution of India? [2 Marks]

Answer:
The State Election Commission.

Teacher's Note:
a) Note that the State Election Commission is an independent constitutional body created under Article 243K.
b) Do not confuse it with the Election Commission of India, which conducts parliamentary and state assembly elections.

(x) Briefly explain the meaning of regionalism in the Indian context. [2 Marks]

Answer:
Regionalism in the Indian context refers to a strong sense of pride, loyalty, and attachment to a particular region or state, based on language, culture, geography, or historical background, sometimes manifesting as a demand for separate statehood or political autonomy at the expense of national integration.

Teacher's Note:
a) Acknowledge both positive aspects (cultural preservation) and negative aspects (threat to national unity).
b) Keep definitions concise and focused on socio-political dynamics.

PART II (60 Marks)

SECTION A

Answer any three questions.

Question 2

(a) Distinguish between totalitarian states and liberal democratic states. [6 Marks]

Answer:
1. Nature of Government: A liberal democratic state is based on popular sovereignty, regular free and fair elections, multi-party systems, and the rule of law. A totalitarian state is authoritarian, governed by a single party or dictator, and rejects democratic pluralism.
2. Individual Rights and Liberties: Liberal democracies guarantee fundamental civil liberties such as freedom of speech, press, assembly, and religion. Totalitarian states suppress individual freedoms and subordinate personal rights to the absolute will of the state.
3. Scope of State Control: In a liberal democracy, the state has limited functions, maintaining law and order while allowing a vast private sphere in economic and social life. In a totalitarian state, state control is all-pervasive, extending over the economy, media, education, culture, and private life.
4. Opposition and Dissent: Political opposition is protected and encouraged in liberal democracies. In totalitarian states, all opposition, dissent, or criticism of the regime is criminalized and ruthlessly suppressed.
5. Judiciary: Liberal democracies maintain an independent judiciary to protect constitutional rights and check executive overreach. Totalitarian states subordinate the judiciary to the ruling party or dictator.
6. Ideological Foundation: Liberal democracies champion individualism, pluralism, and tolerance. Totalitarian states rely on an official state ideology that demands total conformity from all citizens.

Teacher's Note:
a) Structure the answer around comparative points covering governance, rights, and state control.
b) Use clear headings or distinct points to ensure full credit.

(b) India is described as a federal state with subsidiary unitary features. Explain. [6 Marks]

Answer:
1. Federal Features (Distribution of Power): The Constitution of India provides for a dual polity between the Union and the States, with powers divided through three legislative lists (Union, State, and Concurrent Lists) enshrined in the Seventh Schedule.
2. Written and Rigid Constitution: India has a written constitution that clearly defines the powers of both central and state governments, and its core federal provisions cannot be unilaterally amended.
3. Independent Judiciary: An independent Supreme Court acts as the guardian of the Constitution and resolves disputes between the center and the states.
4. Unitary Feature - Single Constitution: Unlike traditional federations where states have their own constitutions, India has a single constitution for both the Union and the States.
5. Unitary Feature - Single Citizenship: The Indian Constitution provides for single citizenship across the country to foster a sense of national unity, denying dual citizenship to states.
6. Unitary Feature - Emergency Provisions: During emergencies (National, State, or Financial), the federal structure practically converts into a unitary system, with absolute parliamentary control over state subjects.
7. Unitary Feature - Appointment of Governors: Governors of states are appointed by the President and act as agents of the central government, exercising significant oversight.

Teacher's Note:
a) Balance the answer by explaining both federal and unitary characteristics.
b) Conclude with an analytical statement summarizing India as a quasi-federal state or federal with strong centralizing tendencies.

Question 3

(a) Explain three functions of political parties. [6 Marks]

Answer:
1. Contesting Elections: Political parties contest elections by putting up candidates. In most democracies, candidates are selected by top party leaders or members of the party, providing a structured choice to voters.
2. Formulating Policies and Programmes: Parties put forward different policies and programmes so that voters can choose from them. They aggregate various interests and package them into coherent manifestos.
3. Shaping Public Opinion: Parties raise and highlight issues, launch mass movements, and run media campaigns to shape public opinion on critical social and economic matters.
4. Forming and Running the Government: Winning parties form the government, appoint ministers, and implement policies and laws, while losing parties act as an opposition, keeping a critical check on the ruling administration.
5. Connecting Citizens with Government Machinery: Parties act as a vital link between the common public and government decision makers, enabling citizens to voice their grievances and access welfare schemes.

Teacher's Note:
a) Select any three prominent functions and explain them thoroughly with examples.
b) Emphasize the role of political parties as essential pillars of representative democracy.

(b) Discuss three merits of a multi-party system. [6 Marks]

Answer:
1. Representation of Diverse Interests: A multi-party system accommodates a wide variety of social, religious, linguistic, and economic groups, ensuring that minority and regional interests find representation in parliament.
2. Prevents Dictatorship: By offering multiple viable alternatives to voters, it prevents power from concentrating in the hands of a single party, reducing the risk of authoritarianism.
3. Reflects Public Opinion Accurately: It provides a more authentic and nuanced reflection of diverse public opinions compared to two-party systems, where choices are strictly binary.
4. Encourages Coalition Building and Consensus: Since no single party often wins a clear majority, parties are forced to negotiate, compromise, and build consensus, leading to inclusive governance.
5. Active Political Participation: It boosts citizen engagement as voters feel their specific ideological or regional leanings are directly represented by distinct political parties.

Teacher's Note:
a) Focus on pluralism, representation, and avoidance of dictatorship.
b) Keep explanations structured into three clear evaluative dimensions.

Question 4

(a) Explain three powers of the House of Representatives. [6 Marks]

Answer:
1. Legislative Power: The House of Representatives shares law-making power with the Senate. All ordinary bills must be passed by both houses before being presented to the President.
2. Financial Power: Under the US Constitution, all revenue and appropriation bills must originate exclusively in the House of Representatives, giving it significant control over national finances.
3. Impeachment Power: The House has the sole power to impeach federal officials, including the President, Vice President, and federal judges, by a majority vote, acting like a grand jury.
4. Electoral Power: In the event of an electoral college tie in a presidential election, the House of Representatives elects the President, with each state delegation casting a single vote.

Teacher's Note:
a) Specify powers exclusive to the House alongside shared legislative authority.
b) Keep references to the US Congress accurate.

(b) Discuss three ways in which the Lok Sabha exercises control over the executive. [6 Marks]

Answer:
1. Vote of No Confidence: The Lok Sabha can remove the executive from power by passing a vote of no-confidence, as the Council of Ministers is collectively responsible solely to the Lok Sabha under Article 75.
2. Financial Control: The Lok Sabha exercises ultimate control over government finances. Rejection of the Union Budget or an appropriation bill by the Lok Sabha amounts to the fall of the government.
3. Question Hour and Zero Hour: Members of the Lok Sabha question ministers during Question Hour and Zero Hour regarding administrative policies, compelling the executive to remain accountable.
4. Motions and Resolutions: The House can move adjournment motions, censure motions, and cut motions to criticize government policies, highlight administrative failures, or reduce budgetary allocations.

Teacher's Note:
a) Highlight collective responsibility to the Lok Sabha.
b) Mention parliamentary devices like Question Hour and No Confidence Motions explicitly.

Question 5

(a) Critically examine the role of the President in the Constitution of India. [6 Marks]

Answer:
1. Head of State and Nominal Executive: The President is the constitutional head of the Indian Union, but under Article 74, must act in accordance with the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers headed by the Prime Minister.
2. Executive Powers: All executive actions of the Government of India are formally taken in the President's name. The President appoints the Prime Minister, Union Ministers, Governors, and constitutional authorities.
3. Legislative Powers: The President summons and prorogues Parliament, dissolves the Lok Sabha, gives assent to bills, and promulgates ordinances under Article 123 when Parliament is not in session.
4. Financial and Judicial Powers: No money bill can be introduced without the President's prior recommendation. The President also possesses pardoning powers under Article 72.
5. Emergency Powers: The President has sweeping emergency powers to declare National Emergency (Article 352), President's Rule in States (Article 356), and Financial Emergency (Article 360).
6. Critical Evaluation: While portrayed as a nominal head, the President plays a crucial moderating and stabilizing role, especially during hung parliaments, coalition uncertainties, and constitutional crises where discretionary powers can be exercised.

Teacher's Note:
a) Balance the formal nominal status with actual constitutional significance.
b) Address both routine executive actions and emergency discretionary powers.

(b) Briefly explain three functions of the permanent executive (civil service). [6 Marks]

Answer:
1. Policy Implementation: The primary function of civil servants is to execute and implement laws, policies, and programmes framed by the political executive.
2. Policy Formulation Assistance: Civil servants provide expert knowledge, statistical data, and technical advice to ministers, helping them draft sound and viable public policies.
3. Delegated Legislation: Bureaucrats frame rules, regulations, and bye-laws under authority delegated by the legislature to ensure the smooth operation of laws.
4. Financial Administration: Civil servants assist in preparing the budget, maintaining accounts, and ensuring prudent expenditure of public funds.
5. Maintaining Continuity of Governance: Unlike the political executive which changes after elections, civil servants provide professional stability and continuity in administration regardless of shifts in political power.

Teacher's Note:
a) Focus on the advisory, implementation, and continuity roles of bureaucrats.
b) Use clear distinctions between political and permanent executives.

Question 6

(a) Critically examine judicial review with reference to India. [6 Marks]

Answer:
1. Meaning and Constitutional Basis: Judicial review is the power of the judiciary to examine the constitutionality of legislative enactments and executive orders of both the central and state governments. Articles 13, 32, and 226 provide the constitutional foundation for judicial review in India.
2. Guardian of Fundamental Rights: It enables the Supreme Court and High Courts to strike down any law that violates Part III of the Constitution, safeguarding citizens' basic liberties.
3. Maintaining Federal Balance: Judicial review helps resolve legislative competence disputes between the Union and the States, protecting the federal character of the Constitution.
4. Judicial Activism and PIL: Over time, the scope of judicial review has expanded through Public Interest Litigation (PIL) and judicial activism, allowing courts to address environmental degradation, human rights violations, and governance lapses.
5. Critical Concerns (Judicial Overreach): Critics argue that excessive judicial review encroaches upon the domain of the legislature and executive, violating the doctrine of separation of powers and creating an unelected judiciary.

Teacher's Note:
a) Provide both positive contributions and critical debates surrounding judicial review.
b) Cite relevant constitutional articles and concepts like PIL and judicial activism.

(b) With reference to the Supreme Court of the United States, explain three principles (maxims) of Judicial Review. [6 Marks]

Answer:
1. Presumption of Constitutionality: Courts start with the strong presumption that a legislative act passed by Congress is constitutional, and the burden of proof lies on the challenger to prove otherwise.
2. Avoidance of Constitutional Questions: The Supreme Court will not pass upon a constitutional question if there is any other ground upon which the case can be disposed of, avoiding unnecessary confrontation with the legislature.
3. Doctrine of Stare Decisis (Precedent): The court generally adheres to past judicial precedents and settled decisions to maintain stability and predictability in constitutional interpretation, though it can overrule past errors when necessary.
4. Political Questions Doctrine: The Court refuses to review cases that involve political questions properly belonging to the executive or legislative branches, confining itself strictly to legal and constitutional issues.
5. Requirement of an Actual Case or Controversy: The Supreme Court does not issue advisory opinions; there must be a genuine, active legal dispute between adverse parties before judicial review can be exercised.

Teacher's Note:
a) List and explain maxims governing how the US Supreme Court exercises judicial review.
b) Emphasize self-imposed limitations like the avoidance of advisory opinions and political questions.

SECTION B

Answer any two questions.

Question 7

(a) Explain any three Salient Features of the Constitution of India. [6 Marks]

Answer:
1. Lengthiest Written Constitution: The Indian Constitution is the longest and most detailed written constitution in the world, incorporating provisions for diverse administrative, federal, and socio-political matters.
2. Blend of Rigidity and Flexibility: It strikes a balance between being rigid (requiring special majorities for certain amendments) and flexible (allowing simple majority amendments for routine administrative provisions).
3. Parliamentary Form of Government: It establishes a parliamentary system at both the Centre and the States, characterized by a nominal head, collective responsibility of the executive to the legislature, and leadership of the Prime Minister.
4. Fundamental Rights: Part III of the Constitution guarantees six core fundamental rights to every citizen, ensuring civil liberties and protection against state tyranny.
5. Directive Principles of State Policy: Part IV outlines non-justiciable socio-economic guidelines aimed at establishing a welfare state and achieving social and economic democracy.
6. Independent Judiciary: It provides an integrated, independent judicial system with the Supreme Court at the apex to protect the Constitution and rule of law.

Teacher's Note:
a) Select three distinct salient features and explain them in depth.
b) Emphasize unique structural aspects of the Indian Constitution.

(b) What rights are conferred under the Right to Freedom of Religion in Articles 25 to 28 of the Constitution of India? [6 Marks]

Answer:
1. Freedom of Conscience and Free Profession, Practice, and Propagation of Religion (Article 25): All persons are equally entitled to freedom of conscience and the right to freely profess, practice, and propagate religion, subject to public order, morality, and health.
2. Freedom to Manage Religious Affairs (Article 26): Every religious denomination or section has the right to establish and maintain institutions for religious and charitable purposes, manage its own matters in matters of religion, and own property.
3. Freedom from Taxation for Promotion of Any Particular Religion (Article 27): No person shall be compelled to pay any taxes for the promotion or maintenance of any particular religion or religious denomination.
4. Freedom as to Attendance at Religious Instruction or Religious Worship in Certain Educational Institutions (Article 28): No religious instruction shall be provided in any educational institution wholly maintained out of state funds, protecting individuals from compulsory religious indoctrination.

Teacher's Note:
a) Structure the answer article by article (Articles 25, 26, 27, and 28).
b) Note that these rights are subject to public order, morality, and health.

Question 8

(a) Explain the composition of the Zila Parishads. [6 Marks]

Answer:
1. Elected Members: Zila Parishads consist of directly elected members from territorial constituencies in the district.
2. Ex-Officio Members: All Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) and Members of Parliament (MPs) representing constituencies within the district are members of the Zila Parishad.
3. Chairperson of Panchayat Samitis: The Chairpersons of all Panchayat Samitis (block level) within the district are ex-officio members.
4. Representation of Weaker Sections: Seats are reserved for Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and women in proportion to their population, ensuring inclusive representation.
5. Office Bearers: The Zila Parishad elects a President and a Vice-President from among its elected members to head the body and conduct meetings.

Teacher's Note:
a) Cover both direct elected members and ex-officio components.
b) Highlight statutory reservations for women and marginalized communities.

(b) Discuss three challenges faced by urban local self-government institutions in India. [6 Marks]

Answer:
1. Acute Financial Crunch: Urban local bodies (municipalities and corporations) lack adequate financial resources, relying heavily on state government grants and facing poor tax collection efficiency.
2. Bureaucratic Interference and Control: State governments and state-appointed bureaucrats often exert excessive control, undermining the autonomy and decision-making powers of elected municipal councils.
3. Lack of Administrative Capacity and Staff: Municipalities suffer from a shortage of qualified technical personnel, urban planners, and administrative staff, leading to poor civic management.
4. Rampant Corruption and Inefficiency: Lack of transparency, systemic corruption, and bureaucratic red tape severely hamper the delivery of basic civic amenities like water, sanitation, and waste management.
5. Rapid Urbanization and Overcrowding: Unplanned urban growth, burgeoning slum populations, and massive demographic migration place unprecedented pressure on existing urban infrastructure.

Teacher's Note:
a) Identify core systemic challenges such as finance, autonomy, and capacity.
b) Keep explanations clear and analytical.

Question 9

(a) Explain three ways in which communalism affects the functioning of Indian democracy. [6 Marks]

Answer:
1. Threat to National Integration and Secularism: Communalism polarizes society along religious lines, directly challenging the core constitutional values of secularism, fraternity, and national unity.
2. Electoral Polarization: Political parties often exploit communal sentiments, vote bank politics, and religious polarization to win elections rather than focusing on developmental governance.
3. Social Strife and Violence: Communal tensions frequently erupt into riots and violence, causing loss of life, destruction of public property, and deep-seated social distrust among communities.
4. Erosion of Trust in State Machinery: Frequent communal clashes undermine minority confidence in the impartiality of law enforcement and administrative machinery.
5. Diversion from Real Developmental Issues: Communalism shifts public debate away from critical socio-economic challenges like poverty, unemployment, health, and education.

Teacher's Note:
a) Focus on societal, electoral, and governance impacts of communalism.
b) Highlight the threat it poses to secular democratic principles.

(b) Critically discuss the role of caste in Indian politics. [6 Marks]

Answer:
1. Candidate Selection and Voting Behavior: Caste remains a major factor in how political parties select candidates (matching local caste demographics) and how voters cast their ballots.
2. Mobilization and Empowerment: Caste has served as a vehicle for political mobilization and social empowerment, enabling marginalized and backward communities to assert their political rights.
3. Rise of Caste-Based Parties: Indian politics has witnessed the proliferation of caste-based political parties and pressure groups representing specific social coalitions.
4. Coalition Building: Political parties build complex electoral coalitions by bringing together diverse caste groups to secure majority victories.
5. Negative Impacts: Casteism promotes factionalism, hinders national unity, compromises administrative merit, and perpetuates social divisions instead of fostering inclusive civic nationalism.

Teacher's Note:
a) Balance both the positive aspect (empowerment and mobilization) and the negative aspect (factionalism and polarization).
b) Conclude with a critical evaluation of caste in modern Indian democracy.