CBSE Sample Papers for Class 12 Political Science Set 4 with Solutions

Students can access the CBSE Sample Papers for Class 12 Political Science with Solutions and marking scheme Set 4 will help students in understanding the difficulty level of the exam.

CBSE Sample Papers for Class 12 Political Science Set 4 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 one of the following was NOT given primacy by the makers of the Soviet System? [1]
(a) Abolition of private property
(b) Society based on the principle of equality
(c) No opposition party to be allowed
(d) No state control over the economy
Answer:
(d) No state control over the economy

Explanation:
The Soviet system refers to the political, economic, and social structure that existed in the former Soviet Union.

Question 2.
The governments of India and Bangladesh have had differences over several issues including the sharing of the ………… and Brahmaputra River waters. [1]
(a) Ravi
(b) Godavari
(c) Kaveri
(d) Ganga
Answer:
(d) Ganga

Question 3.
Who introduced the ‘four modernisations’ in China? [1]
(a) Mao Zedong
(b) Zhou Enlai
(c) Deng Xiaoping
(d) None of the above
Answer:
(c) Deng Xiaoping

Explanation:
In December 1978 at the 3rd Plenum of the 11th Central Committee, Deng Xiaoping announced the official launch of the Four Modernizations, formally marking the beginning of the reform.

Question 4.
Consider the following statement about ASEAN and choose the incorrect one/s:
(i) ASEAN Community comprises of three pillars, namely, the ASEAN Military Community, the ASEAN Economic Community and the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community.
(ii) The ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), which was established in 1994, is the organisation that carries out coordination of security and foreign policy. [1]
Code:
(a) (i) only
(b) (ii) only
(c) Both (i) and (ii)
(d) Neither (i) nor (ii)
Answer:
(a) (i) only

Question 5.
When was LTTE vanquished? [1]
(a) 2006
(b) 2008
(c) 2009
(d) 2010
Answer:
(c) 2009

Explanation:
The LTTE (Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam) was defeated in May 2009, marking the end of the Sri Lankan Civil War.

Question 6.
In Nepal, there was a violent conflict between the armed forces of the King and …………. [1]
(a) Maoist guerrillas.
(b) Political activists.
(c) People’s representatives.
(d) Armed military forces.
Answer:
(a) Maoist guerrillas.

Explanation:
The Nepalese Civil War was an armed conflict that took place in the former Kingdom of Nepal from 1996 to 2006. It saw countrywide fighting between the Nepalese royal government and the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist).

Question 7.
Tribals of Odisha fear their displacement due to the extraction of which mineral? [1]
(a) Copper
(b) Zinc
(c) Uranium
(d) Iron ore
Answer:
(d) Iron ore

Explanation:
Tribals in Odisha fear displacement due to the extraction of iron ore, a valuable mineral used in steel production.

Question 8.
Socialist model of development was related to? [1]
(a) U.S.A.
(b) Europe.
(c) USSR.
(d) Pakistan.
Answer:
(c) USSR.

Question 9.
When did the era of coalition government started in india? [1]
(a) 1971.
(b) 2004.
(c) 1989.
(d) 1967.
Answer:
(c) 1989.

Explanation:
The era of coalition government began in India in 1989, marking a shift from single-party dominance to multi-party alliances.

Question 10.
When did Prime Minister Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru passed away? [1]
(a) January 1964
(b) May 1965
(c) March 1964
(d) May 1964
Answer:
(d) May 1964

Question 11.
After which of the following year, did Rajiv Gandhi join active politics? [1]
(a) 1950.
(b) 1960.
(c) 1970.
(d) 1980.
Answer:
(d) 1980.

Explanation:
Rajiv Gandhi, son of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, joined active politics after the year 1980.

Question 12.
In which year was Nagaland was created as a separate state? [1]
(a) 1980.
(b) 1963.
(c) 1950.
(d) 1970.
Answer:
(b) 1963.

Explanation:
Nagaland state was created on December 1, 1963, as the 16th state of India. The State of Nagaland was formed by taking the Naga Hills and Tuensang area out of the state of Assam.

Section-B (12 Marks)

Question 13.
What are the objectives of establishing regional organisations? [2]
Answer:
The regional organisations are established with the following objectives:

1. To make regional development at par with the fast-growing global economy.
2. To accelerate economic growth through social progress and cultural development.
3. To make the economy of the region at par with the global economy.
4. To promote a regional balance of power.

Question 14.
What are the components of the ASEAN Vision 2020? [2]
Answer:
The components of ASEAN Vision 2020 can be summed up as follows:

1.  An outward-looking role in the international community.
2. To encourage negotiations over conflicts in the region.
3. Thus ASEAN has mediated the end of the Cambodian conflict, the East Timor crisis and meets annually to discuss East Asian cooperation.

Question 15.
Explain the concept of ‘Human Security. [2]
Answer:
Human Security means the protection of the people more than the protection of states. The proponents of human security argue that the primary aim of the state is the protection of individuals. According to them, the concept of human security should include hunger, diseases and natural disasters as they kill even more people than war. Thus, human security should protect people from these threats, as well as, from violence and war. It is the broadest formulation, the human security agenda also encompasses economic security and ‘threats to human dignity’.

Question 16.
In which context, India started participating in world affairs as an independent nation-state? [2]
Answer:

1. India developed an aim to respect the sovereignty of other countries and try to work out a situation to maintain security in a peaceful manner.
2. Partition created its own pressures, and the task of poverty alleviation was already waiting for fulfillment.
3. The British government left behind a footprint of many world issues.

Question 17.
Which major factor was responsible for the dramatic victory of Indira Gandhi in the 1971 elections? [2]
Answer:

1. Indira gave the slogan of “Garibi Hatao” to attract the voters belonging to the poor classes, peasants, labourers, landless farmers and other weaker sections of the society.
2. The 1971 elections were followed by the crisis in East Pakistan and the Indo-Pak war leading to the establishment of Bangladesh. These events added to the popularity of Indira Gandhi. Even the opposition leaders admired her statesmanship

Question 18.
What historical, cultural, and political factors contributed to the emergence of a serious and ongoing debate over the concept and implementation of secularism in various societies? [2]
Answer:
The demolition of the disputed mosque at Ayodhya on December 6, 1992, by Karseva, led to a serious debate over secularism:

1. Most political parties condemned the demolition and declared it to be against secularism.
2. A debate took place about using religious sentiments for electoral purposes.

Section-C (20 Marks)

Question 19.
“The Soviet system became very weak and the Soviet economy became stagnant”. Explain the reasons that led to this. [4]
Answer:
The Soviet System became very weak and Soviet economy stagnant because:

1. The Soviet economy used much of its resources in maintaining nuclear and military arsenals.
2. It concentrated on the development of its satellite states in Eastern Europe.
3. This led to a huge economic burden on people to cope up with.
4. Ordinary people became more aware of the economic development of the West and the backwardness of the Soviet System.
5. Food imports increased every year.
6. The Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979 weakened the system even further.

Question 20.
“European Union is a highly influential regional organization.” Justify the statement with any four suitable arguments. [4]
Answer:

1. European Union is the world’s biggest economy.
2. Its currency Euro, can pose threat to US dollar.
3. Its share in world trade is three times larger than that of US.
4. Two of its members are the permanent members of Security Council of UN.
5. It acts as an important blocking international economic institutions like the World Trade Organisation.
6. EU uses diplomacy, economic investments and negotiations as in the case of dialogue with China on human rights and environmental degradation.
7. Militarily, combined forces of the EU are the second largest in the world.
8.  Two EU members -Britain and France are also nuclear power states
9. The EU is world’s second most important source of Space and Communication Technology.

Question 21.
How do critics view Globalization in India? [4]
Answer:
Globalization has invited some strong criticisms also despite its positive impacts. Its critical arguments can be categorized as:
1. Economic:
(a) Reduction in subsidies on mass consumption goods to make foreign creditors powerful.
(b) It has grown disparity between the rich and the poor nations by making the rich richer and the poor poorer.
(c) Even states have also created the same disparities between developed and developing nations.
2. Political:
(a) Welfare functions of the state have been reduced.
(b) Sovereignty of states has been affected.
(c) States have become weak to take their own decisions.
3. Cultural:
(a) People lose their age-old values and traditions.
(b) The world begins to look more like the dominant power over less powerful society.
(c) It leads to the shrinking of rich cultural heritage of the entire globe.

Question 22.
Does India’s foreign policy reflect her desire to be an important regional power? Argue your case with the Bangladesh war of 1971 as an example.
OR
The political leadership of a nation affects its foreign policy. Explain it with the help of examples from Indian Foreign Policy. [4]
Answer:
Bangladesh War 1971:
(a) In 1970, Pakistan faced its biggest crisis in the way of a split verdict i.e., Zulficar Ali Bhutto’s Party emerged’ as a winner in West Pakistan while Awami League led by ‘Sheikh MujiburRehman’ swept through East Pakistan.
(b) The Bengali population of East Pakistan had voted to protest against the discriminatory attitude of West Pakistan which was not acceptable to West Pakistan rulers.
(c) In 1971, the Pakistani army arrested Sheikh Mujib and unleashed a reign of terror on East Pakistan. This started people’s struggle to liberate Bangladesh from Pakistan.
(d) India had to bear 80 lakh refugees who fled from East Pakistan to take shelter. Hence, India had to extend moral and material support to the freedom struggle in Bangladesh.
(e) A full-scale war between India and Pakistan in December 1971 broke out, when Pakistan attacked Punjab and Rajasthan to retaliate against an attack from India. Within ten days the Indian army surrounded Dhaka and Pakistan had to surrender with Bangladesh as a free country. India declared a unilateral ceasefire and Shimla Agreement was signed between India and Pakistan in 1972.
(f) Most people in India saw this moment as a glory of India and a clear sign of India’s growing military powers.
On the above-mentioned reference, we may -conclude “Yes’. India’s foreign policy reflects her desire to be an important regional power which was revealed during the Bangladesh war of 1971.

OR

Foreign policy of any country is the mirror of national interests. Such as in India:

1. In 1977 during the non-congress government Janata Party announced to follow non-alignment honestly. This implied that the pro-Soviet tilt in foreign policy will be corrected.
2. Since then, all governments took lead to restore better relations with China and entered into close relation with the US.
3. In the Post 1990 time period the ruling parties were criticised for their pro-US foreign policy. During this period Russia had lost its global pre-’eminence despite it having good realtions with India. Hence, India’s foreign policy shifted to a more pro-US strategy.
4. Besides, the international situation today is also more influenced by economic interests than military interests has an impact on India’s foreign policy. For example, Indo-Pakistan relations have seen new developments.

Question 23.
What reasons led to the mid-term elections of 1980 in India?
OR
What were the key justifications provided by the Government for the declaration of a National Emergency in 1975 in India, highlighting the factors and events that led to this decision? [4]
Answer:

1. The Janata party lacked direction, leadership and a common programme.
2. The Janata party government could not bring a fundamental change in policies pursued by Congress.
3. There was a split between Janata Party and the government led by Morarji Desai which lost its majority in less than 18 months.
4. The Charan Singh government was formed due to the support of the Congress party which later decided to withdraw its support resulting in the resignation of the Charan Singh government within four months.
5. All the above-mentioned reasons led to the midterm elections of 1980, which defeated the Janata Party and again Congress led by Indira Gandhi came back to power by winning 353 seats.

OR

Emergency was proclaimed in response to a petition filed by Raj Narain to declare Indira Gandhi’s election invalid.

1. On June 25, 1975, the government declared the threat of internal disturbances to invoke Article 352 of the constitution.
2. Article 352 can declare an emergency on the ground of either internal or external disturbances.
3. The government decided to proclaim an emergency to bring law and order, restore efficiency and implement pro-poor welfare programmes.
4. The President Fakhruddin Ali Ahmad proclaimed an emergency which became the most controversial episode in Indian Politics.

Section-D (12 Marks)

Question 24.
Read the passage given below carefully and answer the questions:
This coalition-like character of the Congress gave it an unusual strength. Firstly,a coalition accommodates all those who join it. Therefore, it has to avoid any extreme position and strike a balance on almost all issues. Compromise and inclusiveness are the hallmarks of a coalition. This strategy put the opposition in a difficulty. Anything that the opposition wanted to say, would also find a place in the programme and ideology of the Congress. Secondly, in a party that has the nature of a coalition, there is a greater tolerance of internal differences and ambitions of various groups and leaders are accommodated. The Congress did both these things during the freedom struggle and continued doing this even after Independence. That is why, even if a group was not happy with the position of the party or with its share of power, it would remain inside the party and fight the other groups rather than leaving the party and becoming an ‘opposition’.

1. What unique strength did the coalition-like character give to the Congress party? [1]
(a) Dominance in international diplomacy
(b) Ability to control extreme positions
(c) Capacity for rapid policy changes
(d) Strong military support
Answer:
(b) Ability to control extreme positions

2. What is the effect of a coalition’s tolerance for internal differences? [1]
(a) Division and fragmentation
(b) Increased internal conflicts
(c) Strengthened central leadership
(d) Suppression of dissent
Answer:
(a) Division and fragmentation

3. How did the Congress’s strategy affect its ideological flexibility? [1]
(a) It forced the party to adhere to a rigid ideology
(b) It allowed the party to change its ideology frequently
(c) It required the party to balance its ideology
(d) It promoted radical and extreme ideological shifts
Answer:
(c) It required the party to balance its ideology

4. What term is used in the passage to describe the Congress’s approach to managing internal conflicts? [1]
(a) Authoritarianism
(b) Compromise and inclusiveness
(c) Exclusion
(d) Polarization
Answer:
(b) Compromise and inclusiveness

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]

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

Questions

1. The 22nd State of India due to its merger.
2. The state out of which the states of Meghalaya, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh were created.
3. Article 370 a special significance for this state of India.
4. The state whose leader signed an agreement with Rajiv Gandhi.

Answer:

Sr. Number for the information used	Alphabet Concerned	Name of the state
(i)	D	Sikkim
(ii)	B	Assam
(iii)	A	Jammu & Kashmir
(iv)	C	Punjab

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

1. What does the cartoon represent?
2. Is it any different from our country?
3. What message does this cartoon convey?

Answer:

1. The US’s massive expenditure on defence and lack of money for peace-related issues.
2. Our country spends a lot on peaceful initiatives first as well as on making efforts to find a peaceful solution first.
3. This cartoon conveys the message that the countries are ready to spend on military rather than on peaceful initiation.

Section-E (24 Marks)

Question 27.
As a citizen of India, how would you support India’s candidature for the permanent membership of the Security Council? Justify your proposal. [6]
OR
Write a Short note on the following NGOs:
i. Amnesty International
ii. Human Rights Watch
Answer:
The justification for supporting India’s proposal includes:

1. Global Significance: India is the world’s largest democracy and the most populous country, representing approximately one-sixth of humanity. With its growing economy, significant military capabilities, and cultural influence, India has emerged as a global player with a substantial impact on regional and international affairs.
2. Regional Leadership: India has consistently demonstrated regional leadership, contributing to peacekeeping missions and promoting stability in South Asia. India has also been actively engaged in addressing global challenges such as climate change, terrorism, and maritime security. Its constructive role in multilateral forums showcases its commitment to maintaining global peace and security.
3. Commitment to UN Principles: India has a long standing commitment to the principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter, including promoting peaceful coexistence, respect for sovereignty, and the peaceful settlement of disputes. India’s consistent adherence to these principles reflects its reliability as a responsible member of the international community.
4. Contributions to Peacekeeping: India is one of the largest contributors to UN peacekeeping missions, deploying troops and resources to conflict zones worldwide. India’s extensive experience in peacekeeping operations demonstrates its dedication to maintaining international peace and security and makes it well-equipped to contribute effectively to the work of the Security Council.
5. Representation of Global South: India’s inclusion as a permanent member of the Security Council would enhance the representation of the Global South, giving a voice to developing countries and emerging economies. It would ensure a more balanced and inclusive decision-making process, reflecting the evolving dynamics of the international order.
6. Capacity for Effective Governance: India’s democratic governance, rule of law, and institutional framework provide a solid foundation for effective participation in the Security Council. India’s diverse society and robust democratic institutions contribute to its ability to navigate complex geopolitical challenges and engage in constructive dialogue with other member states.

OR
(i) Amnesty International:

• Campaigns for the protection of human rights all over the world.
• promotes respect for all the human rights in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
• It believes that human rights are interdependent and indivisible.
• Prepares and publishes reports on human rights.
• These reports play an important role in research and advocacy on human rights.

(ii) Human Rights Watch:

• Human Rights Watch is another international NGO involved in research and advocacy on human rights.
• It draws the global media’s attention to human rights abuses.
• It helped in building international coalitions like the campaigns to ban landmines, to stop the use of child soldiers and to establish the International Criminal Court.

Question 28.
What is Global Commons? Why is it said that international co-operation over the global commons is not easy? [6]
OR
The most serious challenge before the states is pursuing economic development without causing further damage to the global environment. How could we achieve this? Explain with a few examples.
Answer:
(a) Global Commons are the resources which are not owned by any one country but rather owned by international community such as the earth’s atmosphere, Antarctica, the ocean floor and the outer space.
(b) It is difficult to achieve consensus on common environmental agenda.
(c) History of outer space, as a global common, shows that the management of these areas is influenced by North-East inequalities.
(d) The benefits of exploitative activities in outer space are far from being equal either for the present or the future.
(e) Powerful countries may exert greater influence and prioritize their interests over collective well-being.
(f) Managing the global commons also involves addressing environmental challenges and technological complexities.

OR

The economic development can be achieved even without damaging global environment by following practices:

1. In June 1992, Earth Summit provided some conservative measures for sustainable growth without damaging the environment anymore.
2. The Antarctic Treaty of 1959 covered Global Commons for mutual economic development.
3. Kyoto protocol cuts greenhouse gas emissions from industrialised countries to protect the environment and to develop industries also.
4. Resource Geopolitics allocates and distribute natural resources among the nation states of the global arena for sustainable development of nations. Hence, the above mentioned practices protect the global environment and even though the states are developing we could achieve this challenge only if we follow the provisions and practices mentioned in all these conferences and summits.

Question 29.
What are the reasons being used by Nehru for keeping India secular? Do you think these reasons were only ethical and sentimental? Or were there some prudential reasons as well? [6]
OR
It is said that the nation is to a large extent an “imagined community” held together by common beliefs, history, political aspirations and imaginations. Identify the features that make India a nation.
Answer:
Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India, advocated for secularism in the country and presented several reasons for its importance. While Nehru’s arguments encompassed both ethical and sentimental considerations, there were also prudential reasons for his commitment to secularism.

1. Ethical and Sentimental Reasons: Nehru believed that India’s secular character was vital to uphold the principles of equality, religious freedom, and social harmony. He envisioned India as a nation where people of different religions could coexist peacefully and have equal rights and opportunities. Nehru’s commitment to secularism stemmed from his belief in social justice, human rights, and the democratic ideals of a pluralistic society.
2. Prudential Reasons: Nehru also recognized the pragmatic advantages of a secular approach. India is a diverse country with a complex religious and cultural landscape. Nehru understood that by adopting a secular framework, the government could prevent religious conflicts, maintain social stability, and prevent the dominance of any particular religious group. Secularism helped mitigate potential tensions among different religious communities and foster a sense of national unity.
3. Unity and Nation-Building: Nehru saw secularism as a means to promote national integration and forge a collective Indian identity. By treating all religions equally and avoiding favouritism, Nehru aimed to create a sense of belonging and loyalty to the nation among its diverse population. According to Nehru, secularism would help build a cohesive and inclusive nation, transcending religious and communal divides.
4. Safeguarding Democracy: Nehru recognized that secularism was essential for the preservation of India’s democratic values and institutions. By ensuring the separation of religion and state, Nehru aimed to protect the democratic principles of individual freedoms, equality, and the rule of law. Secularism helped prevent the dominance of any single religious group and safeguarded the rights of religious minorities.

OR

India possesses several features that contribute to its identity as a nation, despite its diversity and vastness. Some of the key features that make India a nation are:

1. Shared History: India has a rich and diverse history that spans thousands of years. From ancient civilizations to medieval kingdoms and colonial rule, Indians share a collective historical narrative that forms the foundation of their national identity.
2. Cultural Diversity: India is known for its incredible cultural diversity, with numerous languages, religions, traditions, and customs coexisting within its borders. Despite this diversity, there is a sense of unity and pride in India’s cultural heritage, which helps foster a shared national identity.
3. Constitutional Democracy: India’s democratic system of governance, established through its Constitution, plays a crucial role in defining its nationhood. The principles of equality, justice, and liberty, enshrined in the Constitution, provide a common framework for the functioning of the state and contribute to a sense of belonging and shared values.
4. National Symbols and Icons: India has several national symbols and icons that represent its identity and evoke a sense of unity among its people. These include the national flag, national anthem, national emblem, and various historical figures like Mahatma Gandhi, who symbolise the ideals of the nation.
5. Political Aspirations: India’s struggle for independence and its subsequent journey as a sovereign nation have instilled a collective aspiration for progress, development, and self-determination. The shared desire for a better future and the pursuit of national goals contribute to a sense of nationhood.
6. Territorial Integrity: Despite regional differences, India’s territorial integrity and the concept of a unified nation-state are crucial in forging a national identity. The idea of India as a geographically defined entity helps foster a sense of belonging among its citizens.

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. [6]
OR
What was the change in electoral performance of Congress party and BJP from 1984-2004?
Answer:
In the late 1960s, the dominance of the Congress party was challenged, but the Congress under the leadership of Indira Gandhi, managed to re-establish its predominant position in politics. The defeat of Congress party in 1989, marked an end of Congress dominance over Indian party system. But the Congress continued to influence politics in the country.

1. The 1990s saw yet another challenge to the predominant position of the Congress.
2. It improved performance and came back to power after general elections in 1991.
3. It also supported the United Front Government.
4. In 1996, the Left Front continued to support the Non-Congress government but this time Congress supported it as both Congress and Left wanted to keep BJP out of power.
5. Thus, Congress remained an important party and ruled the country more than any other party even during the period since 1989.
6. But, it lost the kind of centrality it earlier enjoyed in the party system.

OR

1. In the elections of 1989, Congress secured 197 seats but did not get a majority. Therefore, it decided to sit in opposition.
2. The National Front under V.P. Singh came to power supported by the left front and BJP from outside.
3. The assassination of Rajiv Gandhi in May 1991 led to the emergence of Congress as the single largest party and formed the government supported by AIADMK.
4. In 1996, the BJP minority government was formed for a short period. Later in June 1996, United Front with the support of Congress formed the Government and H.D. Deve Gowda became Prime Minister and after 11 months I.K. Gujral came to power to rule till March 1998.
5. From March 1998 to October 1999, BJP and other parties formed alliances. NDA (National Democratic Alliance) under the leadership of Atal Behari Vajpayee and regional parties demanded more share in government to extend its support.
6. In the elections of May 2004, Congress and its allies formed UPA (United Progressive Alliance) and came to power and Manmohan Singh became Prime Minister.