Syllabus Political Science for Class 11 - Political Science Class 11 -

 Page 1


1  
POLITICAL SCIENCE 
Subject Code-028 
Classes-XI & XII (2025-2026) 
RATIONALE 
A discipline of Social Science, Political Science deals with understanding the social structures and 
methods used to manage a government or State. It also encompasses the historical, philosophical, 
constitutional, and legal foundation of the political system. It further provides scope to identify the 
political values and ideas, governing institutions and their policy making process. The subject 
enhances the ability to address the functions and processes of government and politics in 
international, national, and state levels. It ensures that students acquire citizenship skills and engage 
as active citizens by appreciating human diversity. This subject is interdisciplinary by nature and 
draws upon other social disciplines or branches of knowledge and there by influenced by them in 
many ways. At Senior Secondary level, curriculum of Political Science is organised in a systematic 
manner to facilitate students to have an understanding of political ideas, ideologies, institutions, 
policies, processes, and behaviour, as well as groups, classes, government, law, peace and war 
which are the bedrock of human society and polity. The contents develop knowledge about current 
and past political events across the world and also enrich student’s writing, communication, data 
analysis skills. An earnest effort is directed towards laying the foundation for a serious engagement 
with the discipline and developing competencies that prepare students for higher education, learning, 
and acquiring knowledge. 
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 
1. Indian Constitution at Work: 
? Understand the historical circumstances and the processes in which the Constitution was 
drafted. 
? Be familiar with the diverse perspectives that guided the makers of the Indian Constitution. 
? Analyse the working of the three pillars of democracy: Legislature, Executive, and Judiciary 
and their role with changing times. 
? Identify the key features of the Indian Constitution and compare these to other constitutions in 
the world. 
Page 2


1  
POLITICAL SCIENCE 
Subject Code-028 
Classes-XI & XII (2025-2026) 
RATIONALE 
A discipline of Social Science, Political Science deals with understanding the social structures and 
methods used to manage a government or State. It also encompasses the historical, philosophical, 
constitutional, and legal foundation of the political system. It further provides scope to identify the 
political values and ideas, governing institutions and their policy making process. The subject 
enhances the ability to address the functions and processes of government and politics in 
international, national, and state levels. It ensures that students acquire citizenship skills and engage 
as active citizens by appreciating human diversity. This subject is interdisciplinary by nature and 
draws upon other social disciplines or branches of knowledge and there by influenced by them in 
many ways. At Senior Secondary level, curriculum of Political Science is organised in a systematic 
manner to facilitate students to have an understanding of political ideas, ideologies, institutions, 
policies, processes, and behaviour, as well as groups, classes, government, law, peace and war 
which are the bedrock of human society and polity. The contents develop knowledge about current 
and past political events across the world and also enrich student’s writing, communication, data 
analysis skills. An earnest effort is directed towards laying the foundation for a serious engagement 
with the discipline and developing competencies that prepare students for higher education, learning, 
and acquiring knowledge. 
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 
1. Indian Constitution at Work: 
? Understand the historical circumstances and the processes in which the Constitution was 
drafted. 
? Be familiar with the diverse perspectives that guided the makers of the Indian Constitution. 
? Analyse the working of the three pillars of democracy: Legislature, Executive, and Judiciary 
and their role with changing times. 
? Identify the key features of the Indian Constitution and compare these to other constitutions in 
the world. 
2  
2. Political Theory: 
 
? Recognise the ideas, concepts, and values inherent in the political life of a citizen. 
? Systematic reflection and critical analysis of the political phenomenon. 
? Provide clarity on what is ‘political’ in relation to ‘social’, ‘economic’, ‘moral’, and the like. 
? Augment the ability of students to build a good state in a good society, and create 
processes, procedures, institutions, and structures which could be rationally achievable. 
3. Contemporary World Politics 
 
? Enable an understanding of the nature of political interactions amongst the sovereign states 
in the World. 
? Trace the key political events and processes in the post-cold war era. 
? Analyse the all-encompassing impact of various global institutions, processes, and events. 
? Promote international understanding and respect for humanity. 
4. Politics in India since Independence 
 
? Understand and analyse constitutional institutions and their working in the post-independence 
era. 
? Appreciate the contribution of political leaders in Nation Building. 
? Develop the capacity to link Government structure, processes, and their policies with 
contemporary political realities. 
? Acquaint the students to the changing trends and developments in India. 
Page 3


1  
POLITICAL SCIENCE 
Subject Code-028 
Classes-XI & XII (2025-2026) 
RATIONALE 
A discipline of Social Science, Political Science deals with understanding the social structures and 
methods used to manage a government or State. It also encompasses the historical, philosophical, 
constitutional, and legal foundation of the political system. It further provides scope to identify the 
political values and ideas, governing institutions and their policy making process. The subject 
enhances the ability to address the functions and processes of government and politics in 
international, national, and state levels. It ensures that students acquire citizenship skills and engage 
as active citizens by appreciating human diversity. This subject is interdisciplinary by nature and 
draws upon other social disciplines or branches of knowledge and there by influenced by them in 
many ways. At Senior Secondary level, curriculum of Political Science is organised in a systematic 
manner to facilitate students to have an understanding of political ideas, ideologies, institutions, 
policies, processes, and behaviour, as well as groups, classes, government, law, peace and war 
which are the bedrock of human society and polity. The contents develop knowledge about current 
and past political events across the world and also enrich student’s writing, communication, data 
analysis skills. An earnest effort is directed towards laying the foundation for a serious engagement 
with the discipline and developing competencies that prepare students for higher education, learning, 
and acquiring knowledge. 
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 
1. Indian Constitution at Work: 
? Understand the historical circumstances and the processes in which the Constitution was 
drafted. 
? Be familiar with the diverse perspectives that guided the makers of the Indian Constitution. 
? Analyse the working of the three pillars of democracy: Legislature, Executive, and Judiciary 
and their role with changing times. 
? Identify the key features of the Indian Constitution and compare these to other constitutions in 
the world. 
2  
2. Political Theory: 
 
? Recognise the ideas, concepts, and values inherent in the political life of a citizen. 
? Systematic reflection and critical analysis of the political phenomenon. 
? Provide clarity on what is ‘political’ in relation to ‘social’, ‘economic’, ‘moral’, and the like. 
? Augment the ability of students to build a good state in a good society, and create 
processes, procedures, institutions, and structures which could be rationally achievable. 
3. Contemporary World Politics 
 
? Enable an understanding of the nature of political interactions amongst the sovereign states 
in the World. 
? Trace the key political events and processes in the post-cold war era. 
? Analyse the all-encompassing impact of various global institutions, processes, and events. 
? Promote international understanding and respect for humanity. 
4. Politics in India since Independence 
 
? Understand and analyse constitutional institutions and their working in the post-independence 
era. 
? Appreciate the contribution of political leaders in Nation Building. 
? Develop the capacity to link Government structure, processes, and their policies with 
contemporary political realities. 
? Acquaint the students to the changing trends and developments in India. 
3  
CLASS XI 
COURSE STRUCTURE 
 
Chapter 
No. 
Chapter Name Marks 
PART A 
INDIAN CONSTITUTION AT WORK 
1 Constitution: Why and How? 
 
8 
2 Rights in the Indian Constitution 
3 Election and Representation 6 
4 Executive 
 
12 5 Legislature 
6 Judiciary 
7 Federalism 6 
8 Local Governments 4 
9 Constitution as a Living Document 
4 
10 The Philosophy of the Constitution 
 Marks allotted to Indian Constitution at Work 40 
PART B 
POLITICAL THEORY 
1 
Political Theory: An Introduction 
4 
2 
Freedom 
12 
3 
Equality 
4 
Social Justice 6 
5 
Rights 4 
6 
Citizenship 
8 
7 
Nationalism 
8 
Secularism 6 
 
Marks allotted for Political Theory 40 
 
Total 80 
Page 4


1  
POLITICAL SCIENCE 
Subject Code-028 
Classes-XI & XII (2025-2026) 
RATIONALE 
A discipline of Social Science, Political Science deals with understanding the social structures and 
methods used to manage a government or State. It also encompasses the historical, philosophical, 
constitutional, and legal foundation of the political system. It further provides scope to identify the 
political values and ideas, governing institutions and their policy making process. The subject 
enhances the ability to address the functions and processes of government and politics in 
international, national, and state levels. It ensures that students acquire citizenship skills and engage 
as active citizens by appreciating human diversity. This subject is interdisciplinary by nature and 
draws upon other social disciplines or branches of knowledge and there by influenced by them in 
many ways. At Senior Secondary level, curriculum of Political Science is organised in a systematic 
manner to facilitate students to have an understanding of political ideas, ideologies, institutions, 
policies, processes, and behaviour, as well as groups, classes, government, law, peace and war 
which are the bedrock of human society and polity. The contents develop knowledge about current 
and past political events across the world and also enrich student’s writing, communication, data 
analysis skills. An earnest effort is directed towards laying the foundation for a serious engagement 
with the discipline and developing competencies that prepare students for higher education, learning, 
and acquiring knowledge. 
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 
1. Indian Constitution at Work: 
? Understand the historical circumstances and the processes in which the Constitution was 
drafted. 
? Be familiar with the diverse perspectives that guided the makers of the Indian Constitution. 
? Analyse the working of the three pillars of democracy: Legislature, Executive, and Judiciary 
and their role with changing times. 
? Identify the key features of the Indian Constitution and compare these to other constitutions in 
the world. 
2  
2. Political Theory: 
 
? Recognise the ideas, concepts, and values inherent in the political life of a citizen. 
? Systematic reflection and critical analysis of the political phenomenon. 
? Provide clarity on what is ‘political’ in relation to ‘social’, ‘economic’, ‘moral’, and the like. 
? Augment the ability of students to build a good state in a good society, and create 
processes, procedures, institutions, and structures which could be rationally achievable. 
3. Contemporary World Politics 
 
? Enable an understanding of the nature of political interactions amongst the sovereign states 
in the World. 
? Trace the key political events and processes in the post-cold war era. 
? Analyse the all-encompassing impact of various global institutions, processes, and events. 
? Promote international understanding and respect for humanity. 
4. Politics in India since Independence 
 
? Understand and analyse constitutional institutions and their working in the post-independence 
era. 
? Appreciate the contribution of political leaders in Nation Building. 
? Develop the capacity to link Government structure, processes, and their policies with 
contemporary political realities. 
? Acquaint the students to the changing trends and developments in India. 
3  
CLASS XI 
COURSE STRUCTURE 
 
Chapter 
No. 
Chapter Name Marks 
PART A 
INDIAN CONSTITUTION AT WORK 
1 Constitution: Why and How? 
 
8 
2 Rights in the Indian Constitution 
3 Election and Representation 6 
4 Executive 
 
12 5 Legislature 
6 Judiciary 
7 Federalism 6 
8 Local Governments 4 
9 Constitution as a Living Document 
4 
10 The Philosophy of the Constitution 
 Marks allotted to Indian Constitution at Work 40 
PART B 
POLITICAL THEORY 
1 
Political Theory: An Introduction 
4 
2 
Freedom 
12 
3 
Equality 
4 
Social Justice 6 
5 
Rights 4 
6 
Citizenship 
8 
7 
Nationalism 
8 
Secularism 6 
 
Marks allotted for Political Theory 40 
 
Total 80 
4  
CLASS XI 
 
COURSE CONTENT 
 
 
Chapter No. and Name 
Learning Outcomes with Specific 
Competencies 
1- Constitution: Why and How? 
a) Why do we need a Constitution? 
? Constitution allows coordination and 
assurance 
? Specification of decision-making powers 
? Limitations on the powers  of government 
? Aspirations and goals of a society 
? Fundamental identity of a people 
b) The authority of a Constitution 
? Mode of promulgation 
? The substantive provisions of constitution 
? Balanced institutional design 
c) How was the Indian Constitution made? 
? Composition of the Constituent Assembly 
? Procedures 
? Inheritance of the nationalist movement 
? Institutional arrangements 
d) Provisions adapted from Constitutions of 
different countries 
Students will be able to: 
? Appreciate the need fora Constitution. 
? Understand the historical processes and the 
circumstances in which the Indian 
Constitution was drafted. 
? Critically evaluate how constitutions, govern 
the distribution of power in society. 
? Analyse the ways in which the provisions of 
the Constitution have worked in real political 
life. 
2- Rights in the Indian Constitution 
a) The importance of rights 
? Bill of Rights 
b) Fundamental rights in the Indian Constitution 
? Right to Equality 
? Right to Freedom 
? Right against Exploitation 
? Right to Freedom of Religion 
? Cultural and Educational Rights 
? Right to Constitutional Remedies 
c) Directive principles of state policy 
? What do the directive principles contain? 
d) Relationship between fundamental rights 
and directive principles 
Students will be able to: 
 
? Analyse the working of the Constitution in 
real life 
? Learn to respect others, think critically, and 
make informed decisions 
? Identify violations of the rights to equality 
and freedom in the society around them 
? Justify the need for reasonable restrictions 
on the rights guaranteed. 
? Use freedom of expression to advocate for 
ensuring rights is given to people around 
them. 
Page 5


1  
POLITICAL SCIENCE 
Subject Code-028 
Classes-XI & XII (2025-2026) 
RATIONALE 
A discipline of Social Science, Political Science deals with understanding the social structures and 
methods used to manage a government or State. It also encompasses the historical, philosophical, 
constitutional, and legal foundation of the political system. It further provides scope to identify the 
political values and ideas, governing institutions and their policy making process. The subject 
enhances the ability to address the functions and processes of government and politics in 
international, national, and state levels. It ensures that students acquire citizenship skills and engage 
as active citizens by appreciating human diversity. This subject is interdisciplinary by nature and 
draws upon other social disciplines or branches of knowledge and there by influenced by them in 
many ways. At Senior Secondary level, curriculum of Political Science is organised in a systematic 
manner to facilitate students to have an understanding of political ideas, ideologies, institutions, 
policies, processes, and behaviour, as well as groups, classes, government, law, peace and war 
which are the bedrock of human society and polity. The contents develop knowledge about current 
and past political events across the world and also enrich student’s writing, communication, data 
analysis skills. An earnest effort is directed towards laying the foundation for a serious engagement 
with the discipline and developing competencies that prepare students for higher education, learning, 
and acquiring knowledge. 
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 
1. Indian Constitution at Work: 
? Understand the historical circumstances and the processes in which the Constitution was 
drafted. 
? Be familiar with the diverse perspectives that guided the makers of the Indian Constitution. 
? Analyse the working of the three pillars of democracy: Legislature, Executive, and Judiciary 
and their role with changing times. 
? Identify the key features of the Indian Constitution and compare these to other constitutions in 
the world. 
2  
2. Political Theory: 
 
? Recognise the ideas, concepts, and values inherent in the political life of a citizen. 
? Systematic reflection and critical analysis of the political phenomenon. 
? Provide clarity on what is ‘political’ in relation to ‘social’, ‘economic’, ‘moral’, and the like. 
? Augment the ability of students to build a good state in a good society, and create 
processes, procedures, institutions, and structures which could be rationally achievable. 
3. Contemporary World Politics 
 
? Enable an understanding of the nature of political interactions amongst the sovereign states 
in the World. 
? Trace the key political events and processes in the post-cold war era. 
? Analyse the all-encompassing impact of various global institutions, processes, and events. 
? Promote international understanding and respect for humanity. 
4. Politics in India since Independence 
 
? Understand and analyse constitutional institutions and their working in the post-independence 
era. 
? Appreciate the contribution of political leaders in Nation Building. 
? Develop the capacity to link Government structure, processes, and their policies with 
contemporary political realities. 
? Acquaint the students to the changing trends and developments in India. 
3  
CLASS XI 
COURSE STRUCTURE 
 
Chapter 
No. 
Chapter Name Marks 
PART A 
INDIAN CONSTITUTION AT WORK 
1 Constitution: Why and How? 
 
8 
2 Rights in the Indian Constitution 
3 Election and Representation 6 
4 Executive 
 
12 5 Legislature 
6 Judiciary 
7 Federalism 6 
8 Local Governments 4 
9 Constitution as a Living Document 
4 
10 The Philosophy of the Constitution 
 Marks allotted to Indian Constitution at Work 40 
PART B 
POLITICAL THEORY 
1 
Political Theory: An Introduction 
4 
2 
Freedom 
12 
3 
Equality 
4 
Social Justice 6 
5 
Rights 4 
6 
Citizenship 
8 
7 
Nationalism 
8 
Secularism 6 
 
Marks allotted for Political Theory 40 
 
Total 80 
4  
CLASS XI 
 
COURSE CONTENT 
 
 
Chapter No. and Name 
Learning Outcomes with Specific 
Competencies 
1- Constitution: Why and How? 
a) Why do we need a Constitution? 
? Constitution allows coordination and 
assurance 
? Specification of decision-making powers 
? Limitations on the powers  of government 
? Aspirations and goals of a society 
? Fundamental identity of a people 
b) The authority of a Constitution 
? Mode of promulgation 
? The substantive provisions of constitution 
? Balanced institutional design 
c) How was the Indian Constitution made? 
? Composition of the Constituent Assembly 
? Procedures 
? Inheritance of the nationalist movement 
? Institutional arrangements 
d) Provisions adapted from Constitutions of 
different countries 
Students will be able to: 
? Appreciate the need fora Constitution. 
? Understand the historical processes and the 
circumstances in which the Indian 
Constitution was drafted. 
? Critically evaluate how constitutions, govern 
the distribution of power in society. 
? Analyse the ways in which the provisions of 
the Constitution have worked in real political 
life. 
2- Rights in the Indian Constitution 
a) The importance of rights 
? Bill of Rights 
b) Fundamental rights in the Indian Constitution 
? Right to Equality 
? Right to Freedom 
? Right against Exploitation 
? Right to Freedom of Religion 
? Cultural and Educational Rights 
? Right to Constitutional Remedies 
c) Directive principles of state policy 
? What do the directive principles contain? 
d) Relationship between fundamental rights 
and directive principles 
Students will be able to: 
 
? Analyse the working of the Constitution in 
real life 
? Learn to respect others, think critically, and 
make informed decisions 
? Identify violations of the rights to equality 
and freedom in the society around them 
? Justify the need for reasonable restrictions 
on the rights guaranteed. 
? Use freedom of expression to advocate for 
ensuring rights is given to people around 
them. 
5  
3. Election and Representation 
a) Elections and democracy 
b) Election system in India 
? First Past the Post System 
? Proportional Representation 
c) Why did India adopt the FPTP system? 
d) Reservation of constituencies 
e) Free and fair elections 
? Universal franchise and right to contest 
? Independent Election Commission 
f) Electoral Reforms 
Students will be able to: 
? Identify different types and methods of 
election 
? Develop critical thinking about the role of 
various stakeholders in ensuring free and 
fair elections. 
? Demonstrate the innate role played by 
Election Commission 
? Compare election systems of different 
countries of the world. 
4. Executive 
a) What is an executive? 
b) What are the different types of 
executives? 
c) Parliamentary executive in India 
? Power and position of President 
? Discretionary Powers of the President 
d) Prime Minister and Council of ministers 
e) Permanent Executive: Bureaucracy 
Student will be able to: 
 
? Recognise the meaning of Executive. 
? Compare and contrast the Parliamentary 
and Presidential Executive. 
? Analyse the composition and functioning of 
the executive. 
? Know the significance of the administrative 
machinery. 
5. Legislature 
a) Why do we need a parliament? 
b) Why do we need two houses of parliament? 
? Rajya Sabha 
? Lok Sabha 
c) What does the parliament do? 
? Powers of Rajya Sabha 
? Special Powers of Rajya Sabha 
d) How does the parliament make laws? 
e) How does the parliament control 
the executive? 
f) What do the committees of parliament do? 
g) How does the parliament regulate itself? 
Students will be able to: 
? Describe the law- making process in India. 
? Differentiate between the powers and 
functions of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. 
? Examine the parliamentary control over the 
Executive. 
? Analyse the role of Parliamentary 
committees for the success of Indian 
democracy. 
6. Judiciary 
a) Why do we need an independent judiciary? 
? Independence of Judiciary 
? Appointment of Judges 
? Removal of Judges 
b) Structure of the Judiciary 
Students will be able to: 
? Identify the different aspects which makes 
the Judiciary independent 
? Compare and contrast the 
different jurisdictions