ISC Class 12 Political Science Sample Paper 2024 with Solutions

SECTION A - 16 MARKS

Question 1

(i) Which of the following forms of government upholds the complete dominance of a single party and single leadership? [1 Mark]
(a) Liberal Democratic State
(b) Constitutional Monarchy
(c) Federal State
(d) Totalitarian State

Answer: (d) Totalitarian State

A totalitarian state permits only one ruling party, bans opposition, and exercises total control over public and private life under a single leadership.

Teacher's Note:
a) Remember that totalitarianism is characterized by a single mass party led by a dictator.
b) Do not confuse this with liberal democracies which feature multi-party systems.

(ii) Assertion: In a Parliamentary form of government, the real executive is a sub-set of the legislature. [1 Mark]
Reason: The Prime Minister/Chancellor and members of their cabinet are members of parliament.
(a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion.
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but Reason is not the correct explanation of Assertion.
(c) Assertion is true and Reason is false.
(d) Assertion is false and Reason is true.

Answer: (a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion.

Ministers must be members of the legislature, making the executive a part of it.

Teacher's Note:
a) The executive and legislature are closely linked in a parliamentary system.
b) The reason directly justifies why the executive is a sub-set of the legislature.

(iii) In the 73rd Amendment Act of the Indian constitution, the focus is on ___________.[1 Mark]
(a) centralisation of powers
(b) division of powers
(c) separation of powers
(d) decentralisation of powers

Answer: (d) decentralisation of powers

The 73rd Amendment institutionalized Panchayati Raj institutions to devolve power to the grassroots level.

Teacher's Note:
a) 73rd Amendment relates to rural local self-government (Panchayats).
b) Local self-government is the bedrock of democratic decentralisation.

(iv) Which of the following is a key aspect of federalism that does not exist in the Indian Constitution? [1 Mark]
(a) Independent judiciary
(b) Written constitution
(c) Dual citizenship
(d) Bicameralism

Answer: (c) Dual citizenship

India provides single citizenship to all its citizens, unlike the USA which has dual citizenship.

Teacher's Note:
a) Single citizenship promotes national integration in a diverse country like India.
b) Independent judiciary, written constitution, and bicameralism are all present in India.

(v) A __________ constitution is immune to statutory encroachments and requires a rigorous process to make amendments to any law or provision. [1 Mark]

Answer: Rigid

A rigid constitution requires a special, difficult procedure for amendment distinct from ordinary law-making.

Teacher's Note:
a) Rigidity protects the fundamental law of the land from hasty changes.
b) The US Constitution is a classic example of a rigid constitution.

(vi) As per the Constitution of the United States, the __________ has the ultimate power to act as a court of impeachment against the President. [1 Mark]

Answer: Senate

Under the US Constitution, the Senate tries all impeachments.

Teacher's Note:
a) The House of Representatives impeaches, but the Senate acts as the court/jury to try the President.
b) A two-thirds vote in the Senate is required to convict and remove the President.

(vii) __________ are instructions given to the State by the Indian Constitution that are non-justiciable in nature. [1 Mark]

Answer: Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP)

Contained in Part IV of the Constitution, DPSP are guidelines for framing laws and policies.

Teacher's Note:
a) Non-justiciable means they cannot be enforced in a court of law.
b) They aim to establish social and economic democracy in the country.

(viii) _____________ means the love for one's area of living or a particular region to which one belongs. [1 Mark]

Answer: Regionalism

Regionalism reflects strong attachment to one's own region over the nation as a whole.

Teacher's Note:
a) Regionalism can foster local development, but extreme regionalism threatens national unity.
b) Ensure students distinguish between healthy regional pride and divisive regionalism.

(ix) State whether the following are True or False:

(a) In the K.S. Puttuswamy judgement, the Supreme Court of India held that the Right to Privacy was integral to freedoms guaranteed across various Fundamental Rights. Thus, this case can be taken as an example of the Court exercising its power of judicial review. [1 Mark]

Answer: True

The Supreme Court protected individual liberty through judicial review of state actions.

Teacher's Note:
a) Puttaswamy judgement (2017) landmark ruling established privacy as a fundamental right under Article 21.
b) Judicial review empowers the judiciary to invalidate unconstitutional executive or legislative actions.

(b) The Directive Principle of promoting justice and providing free legal aid to the poor comes under the Gandhian classification. [1 Mark]

Answer: False

Free legal aid falls under the Liberal-Intellectual classification (Article 39A), not Gandhian.

Teacher's Note:
a) Gandhian principles include organizing village panchayats and prohibiting intoxicating drinks.
b) Read classifications carefully: Gandhian, Socialist, and Liberal-Intellectual.

(c) Permanent executive consists of civil servants who are responsible and accountable to the people of the country. [1 Mark]

Answer: False

Permanent executives (civil servants) are politically neutral and accountable to the political executive, not directly to the people.

Teacher's Note:
a) Political executives (ministers) are directly accountable to the people/legislature.
b) Civil servants are permanent and professional administrators.

(d) 10-25 directly elected members from all the constituencies falling within the area covered by the Zila Parishad form one category of its members. [1 Mark]

Answer: True

Zila Parishad composition includes directly elected members from territorial constituencies.

Teacher's Note:
a) Panchayati Raj institutions have a multi-tier structure with specific criteria for membership.
b) Direct elections ensure democratic representation at the district level.

(x) Answer the following questions in one word / phrase:

(a) The feature of the Indian State whereby the position of the head of the State is not hereditary. [1 Mark]

Answer: Republic

A republic is a state in which the supreme power is held by the people and their elected representatives, and which has an elected or nominated president rather than a monarch.

Teacher's Note:
a) The Indian President is elected for a fixed term.
b) Contrast this with a constitutional monarchy where the head of state inherits the position.

(b) A feeling of spiritual and psychological unity specified in the Preamble to the Constitution of India. [1 Mark]

Answer: Fraternity

Fraternity assures the dignity of the individual and the unity and integrity of the Nation.

Teacher's Note:
a) B.R. Ambedkar emphasized that fraternity is a sense of common brotherhood of all Indians.
b) It is essential for a diverse nation to maintain harmony.

(c) The power of the Supreme Court to determine constitutional validity of all laws of the legislature and orders of the executive. [1 Mark]

Answer: Judicial Review

Judicial review is the power of courts to review actions of the legislative and executive branches and declare them null and void if they violate the Constitution.

Teacher's Note:
a) Derived from the basic structure doctrine in India.
b) Acts as a crucial check on the other organs of government.

(d) A system where a candidate with the highest number of votes is declared the winner of a constituency. [1 Mark]

Answer: First-Past-The-Post system (FPTP) / Plurality system

In FPTP, the candidate who secures more votes than any other individual candidate wins, even if they do not achieve an absolute majority.

Teacher's Note:
a) India follows FPTP for Lok Sabha and state legislative assembly elections.
b) It is simple to understand and ensures stable governments.

SECTION B - 32 MARKS

Question 2. Compare the amendment procedures of the Constitutions of Great Britain and the USA. [4 Marks]

Answer:
1. Flexibility vs. Rigidity: The British Constitution is extremely flexible and can be amended through ordinary legislative processes by a simple majority in Parliament. In contrast, the US Constitution is rigid, requiring a complex and difficult process outlined in Article V.
2. Constitutional Status: Great Britain has an unwritten constitution, meaning there is no legal distinction between constitutional law and ordinary statutory law. The US Constitution is a written, supreme document.
3. Role of Sub-units: In Great Britain, local or regional bodies have no say in constitutional amendments. In the USA, amendments require ratification by three-fourths of the state legislatures or state conventions.
4. Ease of Adaptation: British constitutional changes can happen swiftly in response to changing political needs via parliamentary acts. US amendments require overwhelming national consensus and take significant time to pass.

Teacher's Note:
a) Highlight the fundamental contrast between unwritten/flexible (UK) and written/rigid (USA) constitutions.
b) Ensure students explicitly mention ratification procedures for full credit.

Question 3. Give any four arguments that reflect the reasons for which the Universal Adult Franchise is appreciated universally. [4 Marks]

Answer:
1. Principle of Equality: It is based on the democratic principle of political equality, giving every adult citizen one vote and every vote equal value (one person, one vote, one value).
2. Prevention of Discrimination: It prevents discrimination on grounds of caste, religion, race, sex, wealth, or education, ensuring all sections of society have a voice.
3. Self-Respect and Dignity: It fosters self-respect, dignity, and political consciousness among marginalized and weaker sections of society.
4. Government Accountability: By expanding the electorate, it forces governments to address the welfare of all citizens rather than just an elite few.

Teacher's Note:
a) Universal adult franchise is a cornerstone of modern representative democracy.
b) Focus on how it empowers ordinary citizens and upholds human dignity.

Question 4

(i) The Supreme Court is the apex court both in India and the USA. Keeping in view the given statement, state any four differences between the Original Jurisdiction of both the countries. [4 Marks]

Answer:
1. Scope regarding parties: In India, original jurisdiction covers federal disputes between the Centre and one or more States, or between states. In the USA, it also extends to disputes involving ambassadors, public ministers, and consuls.
2. Suits by private citizens: The US Supreme Court can hear cases where a state is a party against citizens of another state or foreign states (though modified by the 11th Amendment). In India, original jurisdiction does not cover suits brought by private citizens against governments.
3. Fundamental Rights Enforcement: Under Article 32, the Indian Supreme Court has wide original jurisdiction to issue writs for the enforcement of Fundamental Rights. The US Supreme Court does not have such a direct writ jurisdiction for enforcing fundamental rights in the same explicit constitutional framework.
4. Exclusive Nature: In India, original jurisdiction in federal disputes is exclusively vested in the Supreme Court. In the USA, original jurisdiction is concurrent with lower federal courts in certain matters.

Teacher's Note:
a) Original jurisdiction refers to the power to hear a case for the first time.
b) Emphasize India's Article 32 writ jurisdiction as a unique feature distinguishing it from the US model.

OR

(ii) "An independent judiciary is necessary for a free society and a constitutional democracy." - Professor M.P. Singh
With reference to this statement, outline two ways in which judicial independence can be maintained. [4 Marks]

Answer:
1. Security of Tenure: Judges must enjoy secure tenure and cannot be removed easily at the whims of the executive or legislature. In India, judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts can only be removed through a rigorous impeachment process for proved misbehavior or incapacity.
2. Financial Independence: The salaries, allowances, and pensions of judges must be charged upon the Consolidated Fund of India and cannot be voted upon or reduced by Parliament during their term of office, protecting them from financial pressure.

Teacher's Note:
a) Judicial independence prevents arbitrariness and safeguards citizens' rights.
b) Mention both security of tenure and financial security as vital institutional safeguards.

Question 5

(i) The Presidential system is based on an unambiguous Separation of Powers. Explain two features of this system. [4 Marks]

Answer:
1. Single Executive: The President is both the head of the State and the head of the Government. Executive power is vested entirely in the President, who is independent of the legislature.
2. Separation of Powers and Checks and Balances: The executive and legislative branches are elected separately and operate independently of each other. The President is not a member of the legislature, cannot dissolve it, and ministers are responsible only to the President.

Teacher's Note:
a) The US Presidential system is the prime example of this model.
b) Clearly state that ministers do not sit in the legislature, unlike the parliamentary system.

OR

(ii) Briefly explain the following features of the Indian Constitution:

(a) Single Integrated Judiciary [2 Marks]

Answer:
India has a unified judicial system with the Supreme Court at the apex, followed by High Courts at the state level, and subordinate courts below them. This single system administers both central and state laws, ensuring uniform interpretation of laws across the country.

Teacher's Note:
a) Contrast this with federal systems like the USA which have dual systems of courts.
b) Appeals flow from lower courts up to the Supreme Court.

(b) A written and comprehensive constitution [2 Marks]

Answer:
The Indian Constitution is a meticulously drafted, comprehensive, and written document. It was framed by a Constituent Assembly over nearly three years to address the complex diversity and needs of a vast nation, detailing the structure, powers, and procedures of government organs.

Teacher's Note:
a) It is the longest written constitution in the world.
b) Includes fundamental rights, directive principles, and administrative details.

Question 6. Elaborate on the two words that were added to the Preamble to the Constitution of India by the 42nd Amendment Act of 1976. [4 Marks]

Answer:
1. Socialist: Added to reflect India's commitment to democratic socialism, aiming to eliminate poverty, inequality, and exploitation by ensuring equitable distribution of wealth and resources while permitting a mixed economy.
2. Secular: Added to explicitly enshrine the principle that the Indian State has no official religion of its own, treats all religions with equal respect, and guarantees freedom of conscience and worship to all individuals.

Teacher's Note:
a) Mention the 42nd Amendment Act of 1976 which amended the Preamble for the first and only time.
b) Note that 'Integrity' was also added alongside these two words.

Question 7. Describe the different types of Justice that the Preamble to the Indian Constitution seeks to secure to all its citizens. [4 Marks]

Answer:
1. Social Justice: It implies that all citizens are treated equally irrespective of their caste, religion, race, gender, or place of birth, eliminating social inequalities and discrimination.
2. Economic Justice: It denotes non-discrimination between people on the basis of economic wealth, ensuring reduction of income inequalities and adequate means of livelihood for all.
3. Political Justice: It guarantees that all citizens have equal political rights, equal access to political offices, and an equal voice in governance through universal adult suffrage.

Teacher's Note:
a) The Preamble secures three dimensions of justice: social, economic, and political.
b) Social and economic justice together form the basis of distributive justice.

Question 8. Elaborate on any four functions of the Municipal Corporation. [4 Marks]

Answer:
1. Public Health and Sanitation: Maintenance of cleanliness, garbage disposal, sewage management, and taking preventive measures against infectious diseases.
2. Water Supply: Provision and maintenance of safe drinking water supply for domestic and commercial use within the urban area.
3. Town Planning and Regulation: Construction and maintenance of roads, bridges, street lighting, public parks, and regulating building construction as per town planning norms.
4. Education and Culture: Establishment and maintenance of primary schools, libraries, museums, and promotion of cultural activities.

Teacher's Note:
a) Municipal corporations operate in large urban areas.
b) Functions are categorized into obligatory (mandatory) and discretionary functions.

Question 9. State any four measures that can be taken to strengthen the Indian democracy. [4 Marks]

Answer:
1. Eradication of Corruption: Implementing stringent anti-corruption laws, ensuring transparent governance, and reducing the influence of black money in elections.
2. Electoral Reforms: Curbing criminalization of politics, strict regulation of political funding, and encouraging inner-party democracy.
3. Spread of Education and Political Awareness: Empowering citizens through universal education and awareness programs so they can exercise their franchise rationally and fearlessly.
4. Strengthening Local Self-Government: Empowering Panchayats and Municipalities with adequate financial resources and administrative autonomy.

Teacher's Note:
a) Democracy requires continuous vigilance and citizen participation.
b) Focus on practical reforms that address contemporary challenges in India.

SECTION C - 32 MARKS

Question 10. Indian Constitution is characterised as having both federal and unitary features. Elaborate on any two features of each type. [8 Marks]

Answer:
Federal Features:
1. Written and Rigid Constitution: The Constitution is written and details the division of powers between the Centre and States. Provisions affecting federal balance can only be amended through a special majority and state ratification.
2. Independent Judiciary: An independent Supreme Court acts as the guardian of the Constitution and arbiter of disputes between the Centre and States.
Unitary Features:
1. Single Constitution: Unlike traditional federations where states have their own constitutions, India has a single constitution for both the Union and the States.
2. Emergency Provisions: During a national emergency, the federal structure practically converts into a unitary system as the Union Parliament gains power to legislate on subjects in the State List.

Teacher's Note:
a) K.C. Wheare described the Indian Constitution as 'quasi-federal'.
b) Students must clearly distinguish two federal features and two unitary features with explanations.

Question 11

Study the image given below and answer the questions that follow:

[Figure: Semi-circular seating arrangement diagram representing the Lok Sabha chamber with the total strength figure of 543 indicated prominently in the center]

(i) Which house of the Indian Parliament does it reflect? How do the citizens of India choose their representatives to this House? [2 Marks]

Answer:
The image reflects the Lok Sabha (House of the People), the lower house of the Indian Parliament. Citizens choose their representatives through direct elections based on universal adult suffrage using the First-Past-The-Post (FPTP) voting system.

Teacher's Note:
a) 543 represents the total number of elected constituencies in the Lok Sabha.
b) Direct election is a hallmark of representative democracy.

(ii) Describe any three powers of this house. [6 Marks]

Answer:
1. Legislative Powers: The Lok Sabha plays a primary role in law-making. Ordinary bills must be passed by both houses, but in case of a deadlock, a joint sitting is convened where the Lok Sabha's numerical strength gives it an advantage.
2. Financial Powers: Money Bills can originate only in the Lok Sabha. Once passed, the Rajya Sabha can only delay it for a maximum of 14 days, making the Lok Sabha supreme in financial matters.
3. Control over the Executive: The Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha. The government can remain in office only as long as it enjoys a majority in the Lok Sabha, which can remove it by passing a vote of no-confidence.

Teacher's Note:
a) Emphasize that Lok Sabha is more powerful than Rajya Sabha in financial and executive control matters.
b) Each point should be well-elaborated to score full marks in long-answer format.

Question 12

(i) Enumerate any four Legislative powers of the Indian President. [8 Marks]

Answer:
1. Summoning and Proroguing Parliament: The President summons both Houses of Parliament and can prorogue them or dissolve the Lok Sabha.
2. Assent to Bills: No bill passed by Parliament becomes an act without the President's assent. The President can give assent, withhold assent, or return an ordinary bill for reconsideration.
3. Promulgating Ordinances: Under Article 123, when Parliament is not in session, the President can promulgate ordinances having the same force as an act of Parliament.
4. Nominating Members: The President nominates 12 members to the Rajya Sabha from persons having special knowledge or practical experience in literature, science, art, and social service.

Teacher's Note:
a) The President is an integral part of the Parliament.
b) Ordinances must be approved by Parliament within six weeks of reassembly.

OR

(ii) Examine any four differences between the powers and functions of President of the United States and the Prime Minister of India. [8 Marks]

Answer:
1. Executive Authority: The US President is the real head of the executive, wielding supreme executive power. In contrast, the Indian Prime Minister is the real head of government, while the President is the nominal/constitutional head.
2. Relationship with Legislature: The US President is not a member of Congress and cannot initiate legislation directly, relying on lawmakers to introduce bills. The Prime Minister of India is the leader of the majority party in Parliament and pilots major legislative policies.
3. Tenure and Stability: The US President has a fixed four-year term and cannot be removed by Congress except through impeachment. The Indian Prime Minister holds office during the pleasure of the Lok Sabha and can be removed anytime by a vote of no-confidence.
4. Cabinet Selection: The US President appoints cabinet secretaries who are independent experts and not necessarily legislators, requiring Senate confirmation. The Prime Minister selects ministers from members of Parliament, binding the executive and legislature closely.

Teacher's Note:
a) Compare presidential (USA) and parliamentary (India) executive models.
b) Contrast the real executive status of the US President with the Prime Minister of India.

Question 13

Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow.

An incident involving an undergraduate student belonging to the Dalit community was reported by a newspaper. This student had gone to a local restaurant for lunch in a village and was denied entry by the restaurant's staff. The incident brought to light similar other restrictions followed by some restaurants in the village. Few restaurants also have a separate seating arrangement for the Dalit members of the community.

(i) Identify the Fundamental Right violated in the above case. Which Part of the Constitution contains this Fundamental Right? [2 Marks]

Answer:
The Fundamental Right violated is the Right to Equality. This right is contained in Part III of the Constitution of India (Articles 14 to 18).

Teacher's Note:
a) Part III of the Constitution guarantees Fundamental Rights.
b) Denial of entry based on caste is a direct violation of the Right to Equality.

(ii) Briefly discuss the provision of the Fundamental Right that has been violated in the case given above. [2 Marks]

Answer:
Article 15 of the Constitution prohibits discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth. It specifically states that no citizen shall be subjected to any disability, liability, restriction, or condition with regard to access to shops, public restaurants, hotels, and places of public entertainment maintained wholly or partly out of State funds or dedicated to the use of the general public.

Teacher's Note:
a) Article 15(2) protects citizens against discrimination in public places.
b) Untouchability is also abolished under Article 17.

(iii) Briefly explain the Fundamental Right and any two writs of the Constitution that enable the student to restore the Fundamental Right that has been violated. [4 Marks]

Answer:
The Fundamental Right that enables citizens to move the Supreme Court for the enforcement of rights is the Right to Constitutional Remedies (Article 32), termed by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar as the 'heart and soul' of the Constitution.
Two relevant writs are:
1. Mandamus: A command issued by a higher court to a lower court, government, or public authority to perform a public duty which they have failed or refused to perform.
2. Prohibition: Issued by a higher court to a lower court or tribunal to prevent them from exceeding their jurisdiction or usurping a jurisdiction they do not possess.

Teacher's Note:
a) Article 32 gives the Supreme Court power to issue writs for the enforcement of Fundamental Rights.
b) Explain both the constitutional remedy and the specific writs clearly.