CBSE Sample Papers for Class 12 Political Science Set 2 with Solutions

Students can access the CBSE Sample Papers for Class 12 Political Science with Solutions and marking scheme Set 2 will help students in understanding the difficulty level of the exam.

CBSE Sample Papers for Class 12 Political Science Set 2 with Solutions

Time Allowed: 3 hours
Maximum Marks: 80

General Instructions:

• The question paper consists of five sections (A, B, C, D and E) with 30 questions in total.
• All questions are compulsory.
• Question numbers 1-12 are multiple choice questions of one mark each.
• Question numbers 13-18 are of 2 marks each. Answers to these questions should not exceed 50-60 words each.
• Question numbers 19-23 are of 4 marks each. Answers to these questions should not exceed 100-120 words each. There is an internal choice in two of the 4 marks questions
• Question numbers 24-26 are passage, cartoon and map-based questions. Answer accordingly.
• Question numbers 27-30 are of 6 marks each. Answers to these questions should not exceed 170-180 words.
• There is an internal choice in 6 marks questions.

Section-A (12 Marks)

Question 1.
Which among the following statements about the nature of the Soviet economy is incorrect? [1]
(a) Socialism was the dominant ideology.
(b) State ownership/control existed over the factors of production.
(c) People enjoyed economic freedom.
(d) Every aspect of the economy was planned and contained by the state.
Answer:
(c) People enjoyed economic freedom.

Explanation:
The Soviet economy was centrally planned, state-controlled, and focused on heavy industry, with limited market mechanisms and inefficiencies.

Question 2.
Arrange the following in chronological order: [1]
(I) Soviet Invasion of Afghanistan
(II) Fall of the Berlin Wall
(III) Disintegration of the Soviet Union
(IV) Russian Revolution
(a) I, II, III, IV
(b) IV, I, II, III
(c) IV, II, I, III
(d) I, III, IV, II
Answer:
(b) IV, I, II, III

Explanation:
(IV) Russian Revolution (1917)
(I) Soviet invasion of Afghanistan (1979)
(II) Fall of the Berlin Wall (Nov 1989)
(III) Disintegration of the Soviet Union (1991)

Question 3.
Arrange the following in chronological order: [1]
(I) China’s accession to WTO
(II) Establishment of the EEC
(III) Establishment of the EU
(IV) Birth of ARF
(a) II, III, IV, I
(b) II, IV, III, I
(c) I, II, III, IV
(d) I, IV, II, III
Answer:
(a) II, III, IV, I

Explanation:
(II ) Establishment of the EEC- 1957
(III ) Establishment of the EU- 1992
(IV ) Birth of ARF- 1994
(I ) China’s accession to WTO- (2001)

Question 4.
The ASEAN WAY: [1]
(a) Reflects the lifestyle of ASEAN members.
(b) A form of interaction among ASEAN members that is informal and cooperative.
(c) The defence policy followed by the ASEAN members.
(d) The road that connects all the ASEAN members.
Answer:
(b) A form of interaction among ASEAN members that is informal and cooperative.

Explanation:
ASEAN members engage in informal and cooperative interaction through mechanisms like consultations, dialogues, and consensus building to promote regional cooperation.

Question 5.
Which among the following statements about South Asia is wrong? [1]
(a) All the countries in South Asia are democratic.
(b) Bangladesh and India have signed an agreement on river-water sharing.
(c) SAFTA was signed at the 12th SAARC Summit in South Asian politics.
(d) The US and China play an influential role in South Asian politics.
Answer:
(a) All the countries in South Asia are democratic.

Explanation:
While several countries in South Asia have democratic systems, not all of them are fully democratic, with varying degrees of political freedom and governance.

Question 6.
There are two statements marked as Assertion (A) and Reason (R). Mark your answer as per the codes provided below: [1]
Assertion [A]: The Southeast Asian countries formed the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
Reason [R]: This organisation was formed to promote economic growth, regional peace, and support for each other.
Read the above given statements carefully and select the option that is true.
(a) Both A and R are true. R is the correct explanation of A.
(b) Both A and R are true. R is not the correct explanation of A.
(c) A is false but R is true.
(d) A is true but R is false.
Answer:
(a) Both A and R are true. R is the correct explanation of A.

Question 7.

A. Nature of regional aspirations	B. States
(a) Socio-religious identity leading to statehood	(i) Nagaland/Mizoram
(b) Linguistic identity and tensions with Centre	(ii) Jharkhand/Chattisgarh
(c) Regional imbalance leading to demand for Statehood.	(iii) Punjab
(d) Secessionist demands on account of tribal identity	(iv) Tamil Nadu

(A) (a)-(iii), (b)-(iv), (c)-(ii), (d)-(i).
(B) (a)-(iii), (b)-(iv), (c)-(i), (d)-(ii).
(C) (a)-(iv), (b)-(iii), (c)-(ii), (d)-(i).
(D) (a)-(iv), (b)-(iii), (c)-(i), (d)-(ii). [1]
Answer:
(A) (a)-(iii), (b)-(iv), (c)-(ii), (d)-(i).

Explanation:
(a)-(iii), (b)-(iv), (c)-(ii), (d)-(I).

Question 8.
With which of the following slogans is Indira Gandhi associated? [1]
(a) Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan
(b) Indira Hatao!
(c) Garibi Hatao!
Answer:
(c) Garibi Hatao!

Explanation :
‘Garibi Hatao, Desh Bachao’ was the theme and slogan of Indira Gandhi’s 1971 election campaign.

Question 9.

(a) Syndicate	(i) An elected representative leaving the party on whose ticket she/he has been elected.
(b) Defection	(ii) A catchy phrase that attracts public attention.
(c) Slogan	(iii) Parties with different ideological positions coming together to oppose Congress and its policies.
(d) Anti-Congressism	(iv) A group of powerful and influential leaders within the Congress

(A) (a)-(ii), (b)-(i), (c)-(iii), (d)-(iv).
(B) (a)-(ii), (b)-(i), (c)-(iv), (d)-(iii).
(C) (a)-(iv), (b)-(i), (c)-(ii), (d)-(iii).
(D) (a)-(iv), (b)-(iii), (c)-(i), (d)-(ii). [1]
Answer:
(C) (a)-(iv), (b)-(i), (c)-(ii), (d)-(iii).

Question 10.
In the following question, a statement of Assertion (A) is followed by a statement of Reason (R). Choose the appropriate option:
Assertion (A): The Sixth Schedule of the Constitution allows different tribes complete autonomy of preserving their practices and customary laws.
Reason (R): These provisions proved crucial in resolving complex political problems in the Northeast.
Read the above given statements carefully and select the option that is true. [1]
(a) Both A and R are true. R is the correct explanation of A.
(b) Both A and R are true. R is not the correct explanation of A.
(c) A is false but R is true.
(d) A is true but R is false.
Answer:
(a) Both A and R are true. R is the correct explanation of A.

Question 11.
The idea of planning in India was drawn from
(A) The Bombay plan
(B) Experiences of the Soviet Bloc countries
(C) Gandhian vision of society
(D) Demand by peasant organisations [1]
(a) (b) and (d) only
(b) (d) and (c) only
(c) (a) and (b) only
(d) All the above
Answer:
(c) (a) and (b) only

Question 12.
Which of the following ideas did not form part of the early phase of India’s development policy? [1]
(a) Planning
(b) Liberalisation
(c) Cooperative farming
(d) Self-sufficiency
Answer:
(b) Liberalisation

Explanation:
The early phase of India’s development policy focused on industrialisation, self-sufficiency, state-led planning, and import substitution to stimulate economic growth.

Section-B (12 Marks)

Question 13.
Mention any two steps taken by China to improve its economy. [2]
Answer:

1. Special Economic Zones (SEZs) were created to invite foreign investors to set up their own enterprises.
2. The privatisation of agriculture in 1982 was followed by the privatisation of industry in 1998.
3. The new economic policies helped the Chinese economy to break from stagnation.

Question 14.
What is the significance of the right to political participation in a democratic society? [2]
Answer:

1. The first type is political rights such as freedom of speech and assembly.
2. The second type is economic and social rights.
3. The third type is the rights of colonised people or ethnic and indigenous minorities.

Question 15.
“The European Union is a nation state more than an Economic Union”. Justify the statement. [2]
Answer:
The European Union has now started to act more as a nation-state because:

1. The European Union has its own flag, anthem, founding date and common currency.
2. The European Union bears common foreign and security policy.
3. The EU has made efforts to expand areas of cooperation while acquiring new members especially from the Soviet bloc.

Question 16.
What were the key issues discussed at the Bandung Conference? [2]
Answer:

1. Bandung conference was held in 1955 in Indonesia as an Afro-Asian conference, to lead the establishment of NAM. The Conference discussed the engagement of India with African and Asian nations.
2. The First Summit of the NAM was held in Belgrade in September 1961. Nehru was a co-founder of the NAM

Question 17.
What are the key factors contributing to global poverty and what measures can be taken to alleviate it? [2]
Answer:
The key factors contributing to global poverty include:
(i) lack of access to education,
(ii) healthcare, basic infrastructure,
(iii) limited economic opportunities,
(iv) political instability, and social inequalities.

Measure that can be taken to alleviate poverty are:
(i) measures such as promoting inclusive economic growth,
(ii) investing in education and healthcare,
(iii) implementing social welfare programs, improving infrastructure,
(iv) reducing income disparities, and fostering good governance are essential.
(v) Additionally, international cooperation, sustainable development goals, and targeted poverty reduction initiatives can also play a crucial role in addressing global poverty.

Question 18.
What happened to the state government after demolition of Babri Masjid? [2]
Answer:
(i) The State government, with the BJP as the ruling party, was dismissed by the Centre. Along with that, other States where the BJP was in power, were also put under the President’s rule.
(ii) A case against the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh was registered in the Supreme Court for contempt of court since he had given an undertaking that the disputed structure will be protected.
(iii) The BJP officially expressed regret over the happenings at Ayodhya.

Section-C (20 Marks)

Question 19.
In what manner Gorbachev’s reform policy was protested? Who took command during these events? [4]
Answer:

1. The East European countries which were part of the Soviet Bloc, started to protest against their own government and Soviet control.
2. Boris Yeltsin took command during these events as he got the popular support of people in the elections and began to shake off centralised control.
3. Power began to shift from the centre to the republics which declared themselves independent.
4. In December 1991, under the leadership of Boris Yeltsin, Russia, Ukraine and the Baltics declared themselves as sovereign states.

Question 20.
What are the main contentious issues and conflicts that have historically strained India-Pakistan relations? [4]
Answer:
India has the following problems with Pakistan:

1. The problem of Kashmir on the issues of Pak occupied Kashmir (Pok) and Line of Control (LOC). India claims Kashmir to be its integral part and Pakistan refuses to accept it. Hence, wars took place in 1965 and 1971, but the issue remained unsettled.
2. Problems over starting issues like control of Siachen glacier and over acquisition of arms involved both the states acquiring nuclear weapons and missiles to deliver such arms against each other in the 1990s.
3. The Pakistan government has been blamed for using a strategy of low-key violence by helping Kashmiri militants with arms, training, money and protection to carry out terrorist strikes against India.
4. Pak’s spy agency Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) is alleged to be involved in various anti-India campaigns.

Question 21.
How has globalisation affected India’s economy, particularly in terms of trade, foreign direct investment, and integration into the global market?
OR
In what ways does globalisation contribute to cultural heterogeneity, and what are some examples of cultural elements that have become more diverse as a result? [4]
Answer:
Impact of Globalisation on India:

1. More new jobs have been created in the MNCs like manufacturing of cell phones, fast food joints etc.
2. India is playing a crucial role among developing countries in trade and commerce by making some companies multinational themselves such as, Tata Motors, Ranbaxy etc.
3. Foreign Direct Investments have also increased.
4. It has invited an inflow of private foreign capital and export oriented activities.

India in turn impacts:

1. Through responding to the 1991 financial crisis, the Indian economy was liberalised to attract foreign direct investment.
2. India introduced new trade policy reforms to remove tariffs and restrictions imposed on imports.
3. Under industries, it abolished the licensing system exempting a few specified industries only.
4. Banking operations by private sectors were permitted to expand in the country.
5. To promote globalisation, India has adopted an open economy.

OR

Cultural consequences do not assume to lead to cultural heterogeneity only. All cultures accept outside influences all the time. Some external influences may be negative even to reduce our choices. Sometimes external influences enlarge the choices or modify our culture without overwhelming the traditions for example, the burger is not a substitute for masala, dosa, blue jeans can go well with a homespun Khadi-Kurta (a unique new combination by external influences). Hence, it can be said that globalisation does not lead to cultural heterogeneity every time but it is supportive to promote cultural outlook and cultural homogenisation.

Question 22.
What are the key principles and objectives of India’s nuclear policy? [4]
Answer:
(a) India’s Nuclear Policy:

1. India advocates no first use and reiterates India’s commitment to global verifiable on nondiscriminatory nuclear disarmament leading to a nuclear weapon-free world.
2. Pt. Nehru always promoted science and technology to build a modern India, i.e., initiated a nuclear programme in the late 1940s under the guidance of Homi J. Bhabha.
3. India was against nuclear weapons, hence pleaded many nuclear disarmament with superpowers.
4. India always considered NPT as discriminatory and refused to sign on it.
5. Even India’s first Nuclear Test in May 1974 was terrned as a peaceful explosion and India argued to use nuclear power for peaceful purposes only.

Question 23.
How was the referendum conducted for Goa’s integration with India, and what were the major outcomes of the referendum?
OR
Which communities in the Northeast region have historically demanded separate states and what were the reasons behind their demands? [4]
Answer:
In 1967 in the case of Goa’s liberation:

1. In January 1967, the central government held a special ‘Opinion Poll’ in Goa asking people to decide if they wanted to be a part of Maharashtra or remain separate.
2. A referendum-like procedure was used to ascertain people’s wishes on this issue.
3. The majority were in favour of remaining outside of Maharashtra, thus Goa became a Union-territory.
4. Goa was granted statehood in 1987.

OR

Despite the reorganisation of North-East in 1972, autonomy demand arose:

1. Assam communities like Bodos, Karbis and Dimasas demanded separate states.
2. They mobilised public opinion and popular movement and same area was claimed by more than one community.
3. It was not possible to go on making smaller and yet smaller States.
4. federal setup was used to satisfy their autonomy demands while remaining in Assam.
5. Karbis and Dimasas have been granted autonomy under District Councils while Bodos were recently granted Autonomous Council.

Section-D (12 Marks)

Question 24.
Read the passage given below carefully and answer the questions:
The socialists believed in the ideology of democratic socialism which distinguished them both from the Congress as well as from the Communists. They criticised the Congress for favouring capitalists and landlords and for ignoring the workers and the peasants. But the socialists faced a dilemma when in 1955 the Congress declared its goal to be the socialist pattern of society. Thus it became difficult for the socialists to present themselves as an effective alternative to the Congress. Some of them, led by Rammanohar Lohia, increased their distance from and criticism of the Congress party. Some others like Asoka Mehta advocated limited cooperation with the Congress.

1. What differentiated the socialists from both the Congress and the Communists? [1]
(a) Emphasis on capitalism
(b) Embrace of feudalism
(c) Promotion of communism
(d) Adherence to democratic socialism
Answer:
(d) Adherence to democratic socialism

2. What change did the Congress party undergo in 1955 that posed a challenge to the socialists? [1]
(a) It declared its goal to be a capitalist society
(b) It aligned itself with the Communists
(c) It declared its goal to be a socialist pattern of society
(d) It dissolved its political operations
Answer:
(a) It declared its goal to be a capitalist society

3. Who led the faction of socialists that distanced themselves from the Congress party? [1]
(a) Jawaharlal Nehru
(b) Rammanohar Lohia
(c) Mahatma Gandhi
(d) Subhas Chandra Bose
Answer:
(b) Rammanohar Lohia

4. How did Asoka Mehta propose to engage with the Congress party? [1]
(a) By advocating complete opposition to the Congress
(b) By forming a separate socialist party
(c) By advocating limited cooperation with the Congress
(d) By encouraging a merger with the Communists
Answer:
(c) By advocating limited cooperation with the Congress

Question 25.
In the given outline political map of India, four states have been marked as (A), (B), (C) and (D). Identify these states on the basis of the information given below and write their correct names in your answer book along with the respective serial numbers of the information used and the concerned alphabets as per the format that follows: [1+1+1+1]
(i) The State to which C. Rajagopalachari, the first Indian Governor-General of India, belonged.
(ii) The State where the first non-Congress Government was formed by E.M.S. Namboodiripad.
(iii) The State to which Rafi Ahmed Kidwai, the Union Minister for Food and Agriculture (1952-54) belonged.
(iv) The State which faced the most acute food crisis in 1965-1967.

Sr. Number for the information used	Alphabet concerned	Name of the state
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)

Answer:
(a)
(i) D-Tamilnadu
(ii) C- Kerala
(iii) B – Uttar Pradesh
(iv) A -Bihar

Question 26.
Study the given cartoon and answer the questions that follow: [1+1+2]

1. What does the cartoon represent?
2. What does the pigeon and man with goods symbolise?
3. What message does the cartoon convey?
Answer:

1. The movement of Peace Keeping Force i.e. pigeon (White) a symbol of peace and an army personnel is flying it.
2. Pigeon symbolises peace and a man with goods to maintain peace at a place where a threat has occurred.
3. Peace Keeping Forces are also supposed to bear arms to initiate peace.

Section-E (24 Marks)

Question 27.
What are the new criteria suggested for membership of the United Nations Security Council from 1997 onwards?
OR
What are some of the specific examples of India’s involvement in UN initiatives and its role in shaping global policies, resolutions, and agendas? [6]
Answer:
After 1997, various criteria have been suggested for new membership of the United Nations Security Council. Here are six commonly discussed criteria:

1. Geographic Representation: The inclusion of members from underrepresented regions, such as Africa, Latin America, and Eastern Europe, to ensure a more balanced and representative composition.
2. Contribution to Peacekeeping: Evaluating a country’s active participation in UN peacekeeping missions and its contributions to maintaining international peace and security.
3. Economic Strength: Considering a nation’s economic power and its contribution to the global economy, including factors such as GDP, trade volume, and foreign direct investment.
4. Population Size: Taking into account the size of a country’s population to ensure a fair representation of the global population.
5. Regional Support: Assessing the level of support and endorsement from a country’s respective region or regional groups.
6. Commitment to International Law and Human Rights: Considering a country’s adherence to international law, human rights standards, and its respect for democratic principles.

OR

1. India believes that a strengthened and revitalised UN is desirable in the changing world.
2. India also supports an enhanced role for the UN in promoting development and cooperation among states.
3. India believes that the development should be ceptral to the UN’s agenda as it is a vital precondition for the maintenance of international peace and security.
4. India debates more representation in the Security Council and may enjoy greater support in the world community.
5. India has major concerns about the restructuring of the UN Security Council.
6. India supports the role of developing countries should be represented in Security Council in decision-making.
7. India has been one of the largest contributors to UN peacekeeping missions.
8. India has actively advocated for nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation at the United Nations. It has supported initiatives such as the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) and the Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty (FMCT).
9. India has been actively engaged in global discussions on climate change and sustainable development. It played a significant role in the negotiation and adoption of the Paris Agreement in 2015.
10. India has been a key player in global health initiatives, particularly in the area of pharmaceutical access.

Question 28.
How does India contribute to international discussions on environmental issues, and what proposals or recommendations has it put forward to address global environmental challenges such as biodiversity conservation and pollution control?
OR
What are the main objectives and goals of environmental movements, and how do they seek to bring about positive change in environmental policies and practices? [6]
Answer:
India plays a dominating role among the Asian countries on environmental issues:

1. India signed and ratified the 1997 Kyoto Protocol in August 2002 which emphasised to follow the principle of common but differentiated responsibility.
2. India feels this contravenes the very spirit of UNFCCC. Neither does it seem fair to impose restrictions on India when the country’s rise in per capita carbon emissions by 2030 is likely to still represent less than half the world average.
3. The Indian government is also keen to launch a National Mission on Biodiesel which makes India to have one of the largest renewable energy programmes in the world.
4. The Indian government is also participating in global efforts through a number of programmes i.e., National Auto fuel Policy, Electricity Act 2003, Energy Conservation Act, 2001 etc., on the basis of a contribution to peacekeeping initiatives.

OR

Environmental movements are the movements of a group which are environmentally conscious to challenge environmental degradation to work at both the national and international levels or local levels:

1. These movements raise new ideas and long term vision of what we should not do in our individual and collective lines.
2. These environmental movements may be diverse in nature i.e., the forest movements of the south, in Mexico, Chile, Brazil, Malaysia, Indonesia, continental Africa and India are faced with enormous pressures.

Categories of Environmental Movements:

1. Forest Movements
2. Movement against mining corporation and mineral industry (water pollution)
3. Anti Dam Movements against the construction of mega dams riot to disturb channels of rivers.

The environmental movements sometimes act as pressure groups and drive the Government’s attention towards the ongoing environmental concerns. The issues raised during these movements influence policy making in ways that addresses these issues.
Some of the famous environmental movements in India are Chipko Movement, Narmada Bachao Andolan, Bishnoi Movement which aim to resolve the environment related concerns.

Question 29.
How did the partition of India in 1947 contribute to the challenges faced by the newly independent nation?
OR
How did the reorganisation of states contribute to fostering regional identities, governance efficiency, and overall socio-cultural development in post-independence India? [6]
Answer:
India had to face many challenges immediately after it got independence, which can be summed up as follows:

1. Challenge to Shape a Nation: India was divided among various states at the time of independence. Hence a great challenge arose to unify and integrate the country into one bond. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel took upon himself to integrate these states either wishfully or diplomatically which was completed in different stages.
2. To Establish Democratic Set up: India constituted representative democracy based on parliamentary form of government and it was a great challenge to develop these democratic practices in the nation.
3. To Ensure Development and Well-Being of the Society: Indian polity made itself achieve welfare goals with the evolvement of effective economic policies and eradication of poverty and unemployment.

OR

1. In the initial years, it was felt that linguistic states may foster separatism and create pressures on newly founded nations, but India considered democracy and federalism and worked in a favour of linguistic states.
2. The State Reorganisation Commission was appointed in 1953 by the Central Government to rearrange the boundaries of states.
3. Its main recommendations were to organise states on a language basis as well as the boundaries of states could reflect the linguistic aspects also.
4. The State Reorganisation Act was passed in 1956 which created 14 states and 6 union territories.
5. Linguistic states enhanced democratic practices.
6. Linguistic states reduced separatist attitude by accepting the regional and linguistic claims of all regions

Question 30.
In spite of the decline of Congress dominance the Congress party continues to influence politics in the country. Do you agree? Give reasons.
OR
What were the factors that contributed to the rise of the BJP as a prominent political party in the post-emergency era? [6]
Answer:
The defeat of Congress Party in 1989 marked an end of Congress dominance over the Indian Party System. But Congress continued to influence politics in the country:

1. Congress improved its performance and came back to power after midterm elections in 1991.
2. It also supported the United Front government.
3. In 1996, the Left continued to support the nonCongress government but this time Congress supported it as both Congress and Left wanted to keep BJP out of power.
4. Thus, Congress remained an important party and ruled the country more than any other party even during the period since 1989. But it lost the kind of centrality it earlier enjoyed in the party system.

OR

The major trends in the electoral performance of BJP since 1989 can be traced as follows:

1. In the elections of 1989, the National front under V.P. Singh came to power supported by the Left front and BJP from outside because they wanted to keep the Congress out of power. The Mandal Commission Report and implementation of its recommendations forced BJP to reconsider its support and finally withdraw it. Thus, in November 1990, the rule of the National Front came to an end.
2. In 19% the BJP minority government was formed for a short period. In June 1996 BJP failed to get majority support in the vote of confidence and thus collapsed.
3. From March 1998 to October 1999, BJP and others formed alliances. NDA (National Democratic Alliance) was formed under the leadership of Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The regional Parties demanded more share in the government to extend their support.
4. The political competition during the nineties was divided between the coalition led by BJP and coalition led by Congress.