Students can access the CBSE Sample Papers for Class 12 Political Science with Solutions and marking scheme Set 8 will help students in understanding the difficulty level of the exam.
CBSE Sample Papers for Class 12 Political Science Set 8 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.
The US, Japan, Germany, France, the UK, Italy, Canada and Russia are the: [1]
(a) G8 members
(b) D8 members
(c) Cold War countries
(d) Dominating members
Answer:
(a) G8 members
Question 2.
Bharatiya Janata Party was formed in: [1]
(a) 1960
(b) 1970
(c) 1980
(d) 1990
Answer:
(c) 1980
Question 3.
How many princely states existed at the time of independence of India? [1]
(a) 500
(b) 565
(c) 465
(d) 450
Answer:
(b) 565
Explanation:
At the time of independence of India approximately 565 princely states existed in India which had to be included in India.
Question 4.
Which of the following states was NOT created as a result of linguistic agitations in India? [1]
(a) Punjab
(b) Maharashtra
(c) Gujarat
(d) Mizoram
Answer:
(d) Mizoram
Explanation:
Mizoram was carved out of Assam due to their long standing demand to have their own culture as they were suppressed by the Assam people.
Assertion Reason Questions: Directions for Q.No. 5 and 6
In the question given below, there are two statements marked as Assertion (A) and Reason (R). Read these statements and choose one correct answer from the given options.
(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
(b) Both A and R are true and R is not the correct explanation of A
(c) A is true, but R is false
(d) A is false, but R is true
Question 5.
Assertion (A): Congress was the accumulation of leaders from different backgrounds like radical, conservative, liberal and revolutionary.
Reason (R): Congress represented the interests of people belonging to the different castes, religions and backgrounds. [1]
Answer:
(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
Explanation:
The leaders of Congress belonged to diverse backgrounds of the society and represented the interests of a wide section of people in the country belonging to different castes, religions and backgrounds.
Question 6.
Assertion (A): The protest in Gujarat in 1974 was against the issues of corruption and rising prices.
Reason (R): The government was dissolved in Gujarat and fresh elections were held. [1]
Answer:
(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
Explanation:
In the year 1974, there were students protest in Gujarat on the issues of corruption and rise in the prices which ultimately led to the dissolving of the government.
Question 7.
European Union was formed by the signing of this treaty: [1]
(a) Paris Agreement
(b) Maastricht Treaty
(c) Lisbon Treaty
(d) Tashkent Agreement
Answer:
(b) Maastricht Treaty
Explanation:
The signing of Maastricht Treaty led to the formation of the European Union in 1993 at Maastricht in Netherlands.
Question 8.
This South Asian country was a Sultanate till 1968. [1]
(a) Bhutan
(b) Nepal
(c) Maldives
(d) Thailand
Answer:
(c) Maldives
Explanation:
The Maldives was a Sultanate till the year 1968, after which it was transformed into a Republic.
Question 9.
The first country to liberalise its economy in the South Asian region is: [1]
(a) Sri Lanka
(b) India
(c) Pakistan
(d) Bhutan
Answer:
(a) Sri Lanka
Explanation:
Sri Lanka was the first nation to liberalise its economy and open its markets for the foreign companies.
Question 10.
Who removed the Bhutto government in Pakistan? [1]
(a) General Ayub Khan
(b) General Yahya Khan
(c) General Zia-ul-Haq
(d) Lt. Gen. H. M. Ershad
Answer:
(c) General Zia-ul-Haq
Explanation:
The Bhutto government in Pakistan was overthrown by General Zia-ul-Haq.
Question 11.
Who was a popular leader of the Swatantra Party and the first Governor General of free India? [1]
(a) C. Rajagopalachari
(b) C.R. Das
(c) Vinobha Bhave
(d) Dr. S. Radhakrishnan
Answer:
(a) C. Rajagopalachari
Explanation:
C. Rajagopalachari was one of the founders of the Swatantra Party which showed its resistance towards the dominance of Congress.
Question 12.
What is the significance of the “Growing Consensus” in Indian politics? [1]
(a) It led to the formation of a coalition government at the center.
(b) It resulted in a stable and consistent policy framework.
(c) It reduced political polarization and conflicts between parties.
(d) It promoted inclusive governance and consensus-building.
Answer:
(b) It resulted in a stable and consistent policy framework.
Section-B (12 Marks)
Question 13.
What is the significance of the right to political participation in a democratic society? [2]
Answer:
(a)It allows people to make a substantial change to their community by making their voices heard to the government.
(b)The people understand the political problems and will be better equipped to handle them.
(c)It strengthens the democratic participation of people and makes them aware and vigilant citizens.
Question 14.
Which organisation in the international system could possibly moderate the American Power? [2]
Answer:
There is only one organisation in the international system that could possibly moderate the exercise of American power today. It is the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO). NATO was formed in 1949 by the U.S, Canada and several of the Western European nations in order to provide a collective security against the Soviet Union.
It is because of the US interest in the market economy and it will try its best to keep the alliance working.
Question 15.
Explain the difference between refugees and migrants. [2]
Answer:
Migrants are people who make a conscious choice to leave their country to seek a better life elsewhere. Before they decide to leave their country, migrants can seek information about their new home, study the language and explore employment opportunities.
On the other hand refugees are forced to leave their country because they are at risk of or have experienced persecution. The concerns of refugees are human rights and safety, not economic advantage. They leave behind their homes and are forced to flee with no warning.
Question 16.
What is ILO? What are some of its functions? [2]
Answer:
(i) The International Labour Organisation (ILO) was founded in October 1919 with its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.
(ii) It is a body of the United Nations which aims to promote efficient conditions of social justice and work for workers through international labour standards at the global level.
Question 17.
What were some of the problems that were caused due to the partition of India? [2]
Answer:
Partition of India into two nation states was not easy. It faced many difficulties:
(i) All the Indian Muslims did not want to shift to Pakistan.
(ii) Muslim population was concentrated in both Eastern and Western parts of erstwhile British India. There was no possible way to unite these areas.
(iii) The Muslim as well as Non-Muslim population was concentrated in various provinces of Punjab and Bengal. A partition of country meant a partition of these provinces also.
Question 18.
Why is Japan considered as a rich country? [2]
Answer:
(i) Japan was considered rich because it imported luxury goods like silk from China and textiles from India. In 2017, it became the third largest economy in the world.
(ii) Japanese have a reputation of making high technology products.
(iii) Japan is doing extremely well in Robotics and Automobile sectors and has a reputation of making high-technology products, e.g., ASIMO, world’s most advanced humanoid robot is developed in Japan. Other examples of Japanese brands are Maruti Suzuki, Sony, etc.
Section-C (20 Marks)
Question 19.
Why does ASEAN still remain principally an economic association? [4]
OR
As a citizen of India, do you believe that India should become a permanent member of the UN Security Council” Given reasons.
Answer:
ASEAN still remains principally an economic association because:
(i) ASEAN region as a whole is a much smaller economy compared to the EU, the US and Japan.
(ii) ASEAN economy is growing much faster than the EU, the US and Japan.
(iii) Its objective is to create a common market and production base within ASEAN states.
(iv) It also wants to aid social and economic development in the region.
(v) It also likes to improve the existing ASEAN Dispute Settlement Mechanism to resolve economic disputes.
OR
Yes, India fully deserves to be a member of the UN Security Council as its an emerging global power. Also it fulfills the following criterion:
(a) A growing economic power.
(b) A growing military power.
(c) A major contributor to the UN Fund.
(d) An increasing working population.
(e) Respect human rights and democracy.
Question 20.
Highlight any four consequence of ‘Shock Therapy.’ [4]
Answer:
‘Shock Therapy’ refers to the process of transition from an authoritarian socialist system to a democratic capitalist one in Russia, that was influenced by IMF and World Bank. Some of its major consequences were:
(i) In Russia, the large state-controlled industrial complex almost collapsed, as about 90 percent of its industries were put up for sale to private individuals and companies at throw away prices called as –“the largest garage sale in history.”
(ii)The value of ruble declined dramatically and the inflation rate was so high that people lost their savings.
(iii) The Russian old system of social welfare was systematically destroyed and the withdrawal of government subsidies pushed large sections of the people into poverty.
(iv) Post-Soviet states, especially Russia were divided between rich and poor regions resulting in great economic inequality.
Question 21.
What were the major differences in the approach towards development at the time of independence? Has the debate been resolved? [4]
OR
Describe any four steps taken by Indra Gandhi to implement the Garibi Hatao Programe.
Answer:
After independence, India had a choice to adopt a capitalist model and become an industrial country like UK and USA either adopt a or a socialist model and become a welfare country like USSR.
The debate was organised with views being in favour and against of, both these economic models. Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru supported the socialist model in the wider interest of the country at large. The mandate of the government was clear to work on the model of social upliftment of the poor, welfare state, redistribution of wealth, etc.
However, there was strong support in favour of rapid industrialisation along with growth of agriculture and upliftment of the poor.
The debate ended with the devising and adoption of the model which combined the best of these two models and developed the Mixed Economy Model for the country.
Question 22.
Explain any two lessons learnt from the Emergency imposed in 1975. [4]
Answer:
Some important lessons taught by the 1975 Emergency are:
(i) India cannot be restrained from democracy.
(ii) Internal Emergency in the country can be imposed if there is armed rebellion against the government, and that too can be imposed by written advice of the Council of Ministers to the President of India.
(iii) The citizens got aware of their public liberties as well as civil liberties.
OR
Following were some of the steps taken by Indira Gandhi to implement the Garibi Hatao Programme:-
(i) Job opportunities were provided to the public in very easy steps, so as to increase the financial power of unemployed people. This reduced unemployment in the nation.
(ii) Garibi Hatao was also added into the 4th five years plan of government. In this way, this policy became the supreme motive of the government.
(iii) This programme was designed to reach out directly to the poor and the marginalised. The mediators in the system were removed.
(iv) This policy promoted the educational, employment and economic interest of the weaker sections of the people particularly the SC’s, ST’s and the OBC’s.
Question 23.
Will it be correct to say that the First General Elections were landmark in the history of politics in India? [4]
Answer:
In order to establish democracy, Indian government set up the Election Commission in 1950 so that elections could take pace smoothly. The First General elections were landmark because:
(a) It was for the first time elections were being held in a country that was poor and illiterate.
(b) It took 6 months for campaigning, polling and counting of the election results.
(c) More than 4 candidates were standing from a consistency for getting elected.
(d) The results of the election was accepted even by the opposition parties who got defeated.
Section-D (12 Marks)
Question 24.
Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow:
Terrorist attacks are carried out by a number of terrorist and insurgent groups including Lashkar-e-Tayyiba, Jaishe-Mohammed and the Indian Mujahideen. There have been recent media reports suggesting Daesh (formerly referred to as ISIL) interest in attacking targets in India. There may be an increased threat to places visited by British nationals such as religious sites, markets, festival venues and beachesÿ While the main focus of terrorist attacks has been against Indian government interests, terrorists have also targeted places visited by westerners including public places like restaurants, hotels, railway stations, markets, places of worship, festivals and sporting venues. In some areas terrorist incidents are frequent, especially Jammu and Kashmir and less frequently in parts of the NorthEast. A terrorist attack took place in Pulwama (Jammu and Kashmir) on 14 February, 2019. There is a heightened threat of terrorist attack globally against UK interests and British nationals from groups or individuals motivated by the conflict in Iraq and Syria. [1+1+1+1]
(i) Which of the following terrorist groups is not mentioned in the paragraph?
(a) Indian Mujahideen
(b) Lashkar-e-Tayyiba
(c) Al Qaeda
(d) Jaish-e-Mohammed
Answer:
(c) Al Qaeda
(ii) Apart from the attack against the interests of the Indian government, which places are often targeted?
(a) Places visited by Westerners
(b) Homes of the civilians
(c) Government offices
(d) None of these
Answer:
(a) Places visited by Westerners
(iii) Which of the following attacks is considered to be the biggest attack on army by terrorists?
(a) Mumbai Attack (26/11)
(b) Ajmer Bomb Blast
(c) Mumbai local train blasts
(d) Pulwama Attack
Answer:
(d) Pulwama Attack
(iv) Which people are considered to be a threat for the security of UK and British nationals?
(a) Individuals motivated by the conflict in Iraq and Syria
(b) Individuals motivated by A1 Qaeda
(c) Local individuals of UK
(d) All of the above
Answer:
(a) Individuals motivated by the conflict in Iraq and Syria
Question 25.
In the given outline political map of India, five states have been marked as (A), (B), (C) and (D). All these states were created after 1956. Identify them with the help of the information given below and write their correct names in your answer book along with the serial number of the information used and the concerned alphabet shown in the map as per the following format: [1+1+1+1]
(i) A-state that came into existence in the year 1966.
(ii) A state that was created in the year 1987.
(iii) A state that was created in the year 1960.
(iv) A state that came into being in the year 2000.
Answer:
Corresponding Numbers Answers Corresponding alphabets
(i) Meghalaya D
(ii) Mizoram A
(iii) Gujarat B
(iv) Chhattisgarh C
Question 26.
Study the given Cartoon and answer the questions that follow: [1+1+1+1]
(i) What Were the main causes of partition?
(ii) On what basis was the two-nation theory proposed?
(iii) Name the two states which were undecided to be part of either of these countries, at the time of partition.
(iv) Name the prominent political leader who opposed the partition?
Answer:
(i) The first and the foremost cause of the partition was two-nation theory propounded by the Muslim League. Secondly, the increasing communal frenzy between the two communities accelerated the process of partition.
(ii) The two-nation theory in its simplest way means that cultural, political, religious, economic and social dissimilarities between the two major communities, Hindus and Muslims of the Subcontinent.
(iii) Travancore, Jammu and Kashmir and Hyderabad wanted to be independent states at the time of the partition.
(iv) Mahatma Gandhi opposed the idea of partition.
Section-E (24 Marks)
Question 27.
In 2014 elections, people have voted for a stable government at the centre. Do you think that the era of coalition has ended? Support your answer with suitable arguments? [6]
OR
Assess any three benefits of the coalition governments in India since 1989.
Answer:
After independence, Congress party came in power. It ruled over the country as a democratic government till 1977. One after the other, the government was represented by Congress Prime Ministers like Jawaharlal Nehru, Lal Bahadur Shastri and then Indira Gandhi. It was due to some political upheaval, a state of Emergency was declared in 1975. During Emergency, all the opposition leaders were jailed and their constitutional powers were ceased. It made all the opposition leaders unite and form the first united party in the name of Janata Party which came to power in 1977 in the general elections held soon after the Emergency. Though it could not last long, but it started a new concept of rule in India. One after the other, India saw many governments ruled by alliance group, except a few single-partyled governments. But, with the elections of 1989, a long phase of coalition politics began in India. Since then, there have been nine governments at the Centre all of which have either been coalition governments or minority governments supported by other parties which did not join the government. The National Front government in 1989, the United Front government in 1996 and 1997, the NDA government in 1997, 1998 and 1999 and then UPA government in 2004 and 2009 and again BJP-led NDA government in 2014 have been the coalition governments in India. In none of these governments did any one single party had the number enough to form the government on its own. But in 2014, there was a change in the pattern. BJP could gain 284 seats in the Lok Sabha elections which was sufficient to form the government on its own which required to only 272. But, as the election was fought with the pre-poll alliance by NDA led by BJP, so the present government was formed with Narendra Modi, the leader of BJP.
This election shows that people are turning to the single party government at the Centre which may be stable. People have experienced a lack of stability, lack of policy decision and lack of proper development in the government ruled by the coalition group.
OR
Benefits of coalition governments in India are:
(A) Coalition government is more democratic, and hence more fair, because it represents a much broader spectrum of public opinion than government by one party alone. In almost all coalitions, a majority of citizens voted for the parties which form the government and so their views and interests are represented in political decision-making.
(B) Coalition government creates a more honest and dynamic political system, allowing voters a clear choice at election time.
(C) Coalitions provide good government because their decisions are made in the interests of a majority of the people. Because a wide consensus of opinion is involved, any policy will be debated thoroughly within the government before it is implemented. Single-party government is much more likely to impose badly throughout policies upon Parliament and people, perhaps for narrowly ideological reasons. When difficult or historic decisions have to be taken, the consent of politicians representing a wide range of interests and opinion is important in committing the country and its people to difficult but necessary courses of action.
(D) Coalition government provides more continuity in administration. In countries without a tradition of coalition governments, parties can remain in government or opposition for long periods, and an adversarial political culture develops. When a change does occur, the members of the new administration seldom have any experience of government to draw upon, and often embark upon a wholesale reversal of the previous regime’s policies; neither of these things is in the public interest. In states with coalition politics, however, there are usually at least some ministers with considerable experience under the previous government. A more consensual style of politics also allows for a more gradual and constructive shift of policy between administrations.
Question 28.
What do you know about Indian Government’s involvement in Sri Lankan matters? [6]
OR
Examine three major areas of conflict between India and Pakistan.
Answer:
The Sri Lankan problem involves people of Indian origin and there is considerable pressure from the Tamil people in India to the effect that the Indian government should protect the interests of the Tamils in Sri Lanka. The government of India has from time to time tried to negotiate with the Sri Lankan government on the Tamil question. But in 1987, the government of India for the first time got directly involved in the Sri Lankan Tamil question. India signed an accord with Sri Lanka and sent troops to stabilise relations between the Sri Lankan government and the Tamils. Eventually, the Indian Army got into a fight with the LTTE. The presence of Indian troops was also not liked much by the Sri Lankans. They saw this as an attempt by India to interfere in the internal affairs of Sri Lanka. In 1989, the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) pulled out of Sri Lanka without attaining its objective.
OR
Soon after the partition, India and Pakistan got embroiled in a conflict over the fate of Kashmir. The Pakistan Government claimed that Kashmir belonged to it. Two wars took place in the year 1947–48 and 1965 over the same issue. But failed to settle the matter. The 1947–48 war resulted in the division of the province into Pakistan occupied Kashmir and the Indian province of Jammu and Kashmir divided by the Line of Control.
(i) In 1971, India won a decisive battle against Pakistan but the Kashmir issue remained unsettled.
(ii) India’s conflict with Pakistan is also over strategic issues like the control of the Siachen glacier and over the acquisitions of arms. The arms race between the two countries assumed a new character with both the states acquiring nuclear weapons and missiles to deliver such arms against each other in the 1990s.
(iii) India and Pakistan seem to have developed a military relationship in which the possibility of a direct and full-scale war has declined.
(iv) The Indian Government blames the Pakistan Government for using a strategy of low-key violence by helping the Kashmiri militants with arms, training, money and protection to carry out terrorist strikes against India.
(v) The Indian government also believes that Pakistan had aided the pro-Khalistani militants with arms and ammunitions during the period 1985–1995.
(vi) India and Pakistan also have had problems over the sharing of river waters. Until 1960, they were locked in a fierce argument over the use of the rivers of the Indus basin.
In 1960, with the help of the World Bank, India and Pakistan signed the Indus Waters Treaty which has survived to this day in spite of various military conflicts in which the two countries have been involved.
Question 29.
Explain the cause and consequences of the Kargil Conflict of 1999. [6]
OR
Trace the evolution of the United Nations since its establishment in 1945. How does it function with the help of its structures and agencies?
Answer:
The cause of Kargil Conflict of 1999:
The cause of the conflict was the infiltration of Pakistani soldiers and Kashmiri militants into the Kargil district of Jammu and Kashmir and along the Line of Control. The intrusion into the area, that divided the Indian territory of Ladakh from the northern areas of the state, surprised the Indian army and Operation Vijay was launched immediately to flush out the enemies from the Kargil sector. Tiger Hill, one of the highest peaks in the Drass-Kargil area of the State, became the focal point during the War. Indian Air Force (IAF) joined this operation and finally, after the fierce war of more than 60 days, India recaptured the Tiger Hill and pushed the Pakistani forces back to the territory.
The consequences of the Kargil conflict:
Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee signed Lahore Declaration with Nawaz Sharif the then Prime Minister of Pakistan on 21 February, 1999, to maintain peace and stability between their countries and for progress and prosperity of their people.
OR
Evolution of the UN:
(i) The UN was founded as a successor to the League of Nations. It was established in 1945.
(ii) The UN was set up through the signing of the UN Charter by 51 Nations.
(iii) It was formed with the hope that it would act to stop conflict and wars.
(iv) By 2006, UN had 192 members. These included almost all independent states.
Its Functioning:
(A) In the UN General Assembly, all member nations have one vote each.
(B) In the UN Security Council, there are five Permanent members-Britain, France, US, Russia and China and 10 temporary members.
(C) The UN consists of many structures and agencies.
(D) War, peace and differences between the member states are discussed in the General Assembly.
(E) Social and Economic issues are dealt with by many agencies including WTO, UNDP, UNHRC, UNICEF and UNESCO.
Question 30.
What are some of the steps taken by India which show its commitment for combating against the environmental issues? [6]
OR
Discuss the stand of India on the global environmental issues?
Answer:
The Indian government is participating in global efforts through a number of programmes:
(i) India’s National Auto Fuel Policy mandates cleaner fuels for vehicles.
(ii) The Energy Conservation Act, 2001 outlines initiatives to improve energy efficiency.
(iii) The Electricity Act, 2003 encourages the use of renewable energy.
(iv) Recent trends in importing natural gas and encouraging the adoption of clean coal technologies show that India is making real efforts.
(v) India is also keen to launch a national mission on biodiesel using about 11 million hectares of land to produce biodiesel by 2020.
(vi) It has invited the inflow of foreign capital and export-oriented activities.
OR
India’s stand on environmental issues:
(i) Developed countries are responsible for Greenhouse gas emissions.
(ii) India accepts the Principle of ‘common but differentiated responsibility’.
(iii) India emphasises that economic and social development are the first and overriding priorities of the developing countries. Thus, it relies on the principle of Historical Responsibility.
(iv) Review of the implementation of the agreements at the Earth Summit in Rio.
(v) India has signed the Kyoto Protocol.
(vi) Developed countries must provide financial resources and clean technologies to enable developing countries to meet their existing commitments under UNFCCC.
(vii) India supports environmental conservation project for SAARC Nations.
(viii) Initiatives taken by the Indian government e.g., National Auto-fuel Policy, Energy Conservation Act, Electricity Act, Use of Renewable energy and Bio diesels, etc.