Class 11 Political Science Previous Year Paper - 2 | Political Science Class 11 - Humanities/Arts PDF Download

 Page 1


    
Date:                         Class: XI 
Political Science 
Time: 3 hrs.                                                M. M: 100 
General Instructions: 
i) All questions are compulsory. 
ii) Question numbers 1 to 5 are of 1 mark each. The answers to these questions should not 
exceed 30 words each. 
iii) Question numbers 6 to 10 are of 2 marks each. The answers to these questions should not 
exceed 60 words each. 
iv) Question numbers 11 to 16 are of 4 marks each. The answers to these questions should not 
exceed 120 words each. 
v) Question numbers 17-21 are of 5 marks each. The answers to these questions should not 
exceed 150 words each. 
v) Question numbers 22-27 are of 6 marks each. The answers to these questions should not 
exceed 160 words each. 
 
1 Till January 2006, how many times has the constitution been amended? 1 
2 On what grounds can the judge of a Supreme Court or High Court be removed? 1 
3 Explain any one power exercised only by the Rajya Sabha. 1 
4 How can Lok Sabha be dissolved? 1 
5 Name two countries that conduct elections according to PR system of election. 1 
6 What are reserved constituencies? How are they different from separate electorates? 2 
7 
Fill in the blanks: 
Article ______ of the Constitution explicitly clarifies that a policy like _____________ will 
not be seen as a violation of the right to equality.  
2 
8 What is meant by special majority? 2 
9 Give the definition of an urban area according to the Census of India. 2 
10 Explain any two provisions of the 73
rd
 Amendment Act. 2 
11 Why do we need a constitution? 4 
12 Explain briefly the three Lists mentioned in the Constitution that divides powers between the 
Centre and the States? What are Residuary powers? 
4 
13 What was the landmark judgment given by the court in 1973 in the Kesavanand Bharti case? 4 
14 Why did India adopt the FPTP system of election? 4 
15 The Constituent Assembly was composed roughly along the lines suggested by the plan 
proposed by the Cabinet Mission. What were its main provisions? 
 
4 
16 Explain the rights of the accused. 4 
17 
According to our Constitution, everyone enjoys the right to follow the religion of his or her 
choice. This freedom is considered as a hallmark of democracy…………… In India, 
5(1+2+2) 
Page 2


    
Date:                         Class: XI 
Political Science 
Time: 3 hrs.                                                M. M: 100 
General Instructions: 
i) All questions are compulsory. 
ii) Question numbers 1 to 5 are of 1 mark each. The answers to these questions should not 
exceed 30 words each. 
iii) Question numbers 6 to 10 are of 2 marks each. The answers to these questions should not 
exceed 60 words each. 
iv) Question numbers 11 to 16 are of 4 marks each. The answers to these questions should not 
exceed 120 words each. 
v) Question numbers 17-21 are of 5 marks each. The answers to these questions should not 
exceed 150 words each. 
v) Question numbers 22-27 are of 6 marks each. The answers to these questions should not 
exceed 160 words each. 
 
1 Till January 2006, how many times has the constitution been amended? 1 
2 On what grounds can the judge of a Supreme Court or High Court be removed? 1 
3 Explain any one power exercised only by the Rajya Sabha. 1 
4 How can Lok Sabha be dissolved? 1 
5 Name two countries that conduct elections according to PR system of election. 1 
6 What are reserved constituencies? How are they different from separate electorates? 2 
7 
Fill in the blanks: 
Article ______ of the Constitution explicitly clarifies that a policy like _____________ will 
not be seen as a violation of the right to equality.  
2 
8 What is meant by special majority? 2 
9 Give the definition of an urban area according to the Census of India. 2 
10 Explain any two provisions of the 73
rd
 Amendment Act. 2 
11 Why do we need a constitution? 4 
12 Explain briefly the three Lists mentioned in the Constitution that divides powers between the 
Centre and the States? What are Residuary powers? 
4 
13 What was the landmark judgment given by the court in 1973 in the Kesavanand Bharti case? 4 
14 Why did India adopt the FPTP system of election? 4 
15 The Constituent Assembly was composed roughly along the lines suggested by the plan 
proposed by the Cabinet Mission. What were its main provisions? 
 
4 
16 Explain the rights of the accused. 4 
17 
According to our Constitution, everyone enjoys the right to follow the religion of his or her 
choice. This freedom is considered as a hallmark of democracy…………… In India, 
5(1+2+2) 
everyone is free to choose a religion and practice that religion.  
i) Under the freedom of religion, what is meant by freedom of conscience? 
ii) What are the limitations on freedom to religion? Explain with examples. 
iii) According to the constitution, how should the government ensure equality of all 
religions?  
 
 
18 
 
 
Answer the following questions based on the above cartoon.   
i) Who is the final authority in matters of regulating the business of the legislature?  
ii) What is defection? 
iii) When was the anti-defection law passed? What is its main provision? 
 
 
5(1+2+2) 
19 
There shall be a Council of Ministers with the Prime Minister at the head to aid and advise 
the President who shall in the exercise of his functions, act in accordance with such advice. 
Provided that the President may require the Council of Ministers to reconsider such 
advise……. 
i) Which Article is being referred to in the above passage? 
ii) What does the term ‘shall’ in the above passage signify?  
iii) Explain any two discretionary powers of the President. 
 
5(1+2+2) 
20 
 
Answer the following questions based on the above cartoon.  
i) What does the above cartoon signify? 
5(1+2+2) 
Page 3


    
Date:                         Class: XI 
Political Science 
Time: 3 hrs.                                                M. M: 100 
General Instructions: 
i) All questions are compulsory. 
ii) Question numbers 1 to 5 are of 1 mark each. The answers to these questions should not 
exceed 30 words each. 
iii) Question numbers 6 to 10 are of 2 marks each. The answers to these questions should not 
exceed 60 words each. 
iv) Question numbers 11 to 16 are of 4 marks each. The answers to these questions should not 
exceed 120 words each. 
v) Question numbers 17-21 are of 5 marks each. The answers to these questions should not 
exceed 150 words each. 
v) Question numbers 22-27 are of 6 marks each. The answers to these questions should not 
exceed 160 words each. 
 
1 Till January 2006, how many times has the constitution been amended? 1 
2 On what grounds can the judge of a Supreme Court or High Court be removed? 1 
3 Explain any one power exercised only by the Rajya Sabha. 1 
4 How can Lok Sabha be dissolved? 1 
5 Name two countries that conduct elections according to PR system of election. 1 
6 What are reserved constituencies? How are they different from separate electorates? 2 
7 
Fill in the blanks: 
Article ______ of the Constitution explicitly clarifies that a policy like _____________ will 
not be seen as a violation of the right to equality.  
2 
8 What is meant by special majority? 2 
9 Give the definition of an urban area according to the Census of India. 2 
10 Explain any two provisions of the 73
rd
 Amendment Act. 2 
11 Why do we need a constitution? 4 
12 Explain briefly the three Lists mentioned in the Constitution that divides powers between the 
Centre and the States? What are Residuary powers? 
4 
13 What was the landmark judgment given by the court in 1973 in the Kesavanand Bharti case? 4 
14 Why did India adopt the FPTP system of election? 4 
15 The Constituent Assembly was composed roughly along the lines suggested by the plan 
proposed by the Cabinet Mission. What were its main provisions? 
 
4 
16 Explain the rights of the accused. 4 
17 
According to our Constitution, everyone enjoys the right to follow the religion of his or her 
choice. This freedom is considered as a hallmark of democracy…………… In India, 
5(1+2+2) 
everyone is free to choose a religion and practice that religion.  
i) Under the freedom of religion, what is meant by freedom of conscience? 
ii) What are the limitations on freedom to religion? Explain with examples. 
iii) According to the constitution, how should the government ensure equality of all 
religions?  
 
 
18 
 
 
Answer the following questions based on the above cartoon.   
i) Who is the final authority in matters of regulating the business of the legislature?  
ii) What is defection? 
iii) When was the anti-defection law passed? What is its main provision? 
 
 
5(1+2+2) 
19 
There shall be a Council of Ministers with the Prime Minister at the head to aid and advise 
the President who shall in the exercise of his functions, act in accordance with such advice. 
Provided that the President may require the Council of Ministers to reconsider such 
advise……. 
i) Which Article is being referred to in the above passage? 
ii) What does the term ‘shall’ in the above passage signify?  
iii) Explain any two discretionary powers of the President. 
 
5(1+2+2) 
20 
 
Answer the following questions based on the above cartoon.  
i) What does the above cartoon signify? 
5(1+2+2) 
ii) What is PIL/SAL? When did it emerge? 
iii) Give two points to explain the negative sides of PILs. 
21 
The superintendence, direction and control of the preparation of the electoral rolls for and 
the conduct of, all elections to Parliament and to the legislature of every State and of 
elections to the offices of President and Vice President shall be vested in a Commission.  
i) Which Article is being referred to in the above passage? 
ii) Who assists the Election Commission in the States? Who conducts the elections to 
Local government? 
iii) How is the CEC elected? What is his tenure? 
5 
(1+2+2) 
22 Why is the 42nd amendment known as a controversial amendment? What changes did it bring 
in the Indian constitution? 
OR 
What are writs? Explain the different types of writs that can be issued by the courts of India? 
6 
23 Explain the three different types of Executive system in the world with examples. 
OR 
Explain the substantive and the procedural achievements of the Indian constitution. 
6 
24 Discuss three criticisms and three limitations of the Indian constitution. 
OR 
Explain the functions of the Indian Parliament. 
6 
25 What are the important provisions in the constitution which create a strong central 
government? 
OR 
Discuss the different ways of amending the constitution. Explain any three important features 
of the procedure of constitutional amendment as mentioned in Article 368. 
6 
26 What are the advantages of a bicameral legislature? How does the Parliament control the 
executive? 
OR 
What does Article 370 of the constitution deal with? Mention its important clauses. 
6(2+4) 
27 What is Local Self Government? Discuss the achievements and criticisms of the 
implementation of the 73rd and 74th amendment acts. 
OR 
Explain any six provisions borrowed from constitutions of different countries, citing the name 
of the borrowed country. 
6 
 
 
 
  
Page 4


    
Date:                         Class: XI 
Political Science 
Time: 3 hrs.                                                M. M: 100 
General Instructions: 
i) All questions are compulsory. 
ii) Question numbers 1 to 5 are of 1 mark each. The answers to these questions should not 
exceed 30 words each. 
iii) Question numbers 6 to 10 are of 2 marks each. The answers to these questions should not 
exceed 60 words each. 
iv) Question numbers 11 to 16 are of 4 marks each. The answers to these questions should not 
exceed 120 words each. 
v) Question numbers 17-21 are of 5 marks each. The answers to these questions should not 
exceed 150 words each. 
v) Question numbers 22-27 are of 6 marks each. The answers to these questions should not 
exceed 160 words each. 
 
1 Till January 2006, how many times has the constitution been amended? 1 
2 On what grounds can the judge of a Supreme Court or High Court be removed? 1 
3 Explain any one power exercised only by the Rajya Sabha. 1 
4 How can Lok Sabha be dissolved? 1 
5 Name two countries that conduct elections according to PR system of election. 1 
6 What are reserved constituencies? How are they different from separate electorates? 2 
7 
Fill in the blanks: 
Article ______ of the Constitution explicitly clarifies that a policy like _____________ will 
not be seen as a violation of the right to equality.  
2 
8 What is meant by special majority? 2 
9 Give the definition of an urban area according to the Census of India. 2 
10 Explain any two provisions of the 73
rd
 Amendment Act. 2 
11 Why do we need a constitution? 4 
12 Explain briefly the three Lists mentioned in the Constitution that divides powers between the 
Centre and the States? What are Residuary powers? 
4 
13 What was the landmark judgment given by the court in 1973 in the Kesavanand Bharti case? 4 
14 Why did India adopt the FPTP system of election? 4 
15 The Constituent Assembly was composed roughly along the lines suggested by the plan 
proposed by the Cabinet Mission. What were its main provisions? 
 
4 
16 Explain the rights of the accused. 4 
17 
According to our Constitution, everyone enjoys the right to follow the religion of his or her 
choice. This freedom is considered as a hallmark of democracy…………… In India, 
5(1+2+2) 
everyone is free to choose a religion and practice that religion.  
i) Under the freedom of religion, what is meant by freedom of conscience? 
ii) What are the limitations on freedom to religion? Explain with examples. 
iii) According to the constitution, how should the government ensure equality of all 
religions?  
 
 
18 
 
 
Answer the following questions based on the above cartoon.   
i) Who is the final authority in matters of regulating the business of the legislature?  
ii) What is defection? 
iii) When was the anti-defection law passed? What is its main provision? 
 
 
5(1+2+2) 
19 
There shall be a Council of Ministers with the Prime Minister at the head to aid and advise 
the President who shall in the exercise of his functions, act in accordance with such advice. 
Provided that the President may require the Council of Ministers to reconsider such 
advise……. 
i) Which Article is being referred to in the above passage? 
ii) What does the term ‘shall’ in the above passage signify?  
iii) Explain any two discretionary powers of the President. 
 
5(1+2+2) 
20 
 
Answer the following questions based on the above cartoon.  
i) What does the above cartoon signify? 
5(1+2+2) 
ii) What is PIL/SAL? When did it emerge? 
iii) Give two points to explain the negative sides of PILs. 
21 
The superintendence, direction and control of the preparation of the electoral rolls for and 
the conduct of, all elections to Parliament and to the legislature of every State and of 
elections to the offices of President and Vice President shall be vested in a Commission.  
i) Which Article is being referred to in the above passage? 
ii) Who assists the Election Commission in the States? Who conducts the elections to 
Local government? 
iii) How is the CEC elected? What is his tenure? 
5 
(1+2+2) 
22 Why is the 42nd amendment known as a controversial amendment? What changes did it bring 
in the Indian constitution? 
OR 
What are writs? Explain the different types of writs that can be issued by the courts of India? 
6 
23 Explain the three different types of Executive system in the world with examples. 
OR 
Explain the substantive and the procedural achievements of the Indian constitution. 
6 
24 Discuss three criticisms and three limitations of the Indian constitution. 
OR 
Explain the functions of the Indian Parliament. 
6 
25 What are the important provisions in the constitution which create a strong central 
government? 
OR 
Discuss the different ways of amending the constitution. Explain any three important features 
of the procedure of constitutional amendment as mentioned in Article 368. 
6 
26 What are the advantages of a bicameral legislature? How does the Parliament control the 
executive? 
OR 
What does Article 370 of the constitution deal with? Mention its important clauses. 
6(2+4) 
27 What is Local Self Government? Discuss the achievements and criticisms of the 
implementation of the 73rd and 74th amendment acts. 
OR 
Explain any six provisions borrowed from constitutions of different countries, citing the name 
of the borrowed country. 
6 
 
 
 
  
 Political Science (Ans Key) Class: XI 
1 
Till January 2006, how many times has the constitution been amended? 
93 
1 
2 
On what grounds can the judge of a Supreme Court or High Court be removed? 
Proved misbehavior or incapacity 
 
1 
3 
Explain any one power exercised only by the Rajya Sabha. 
Removal of Vice President 
Permission to legislate on State List             (any 1) 
1 
4 How can Lok Sabha be dissolved? 
If no party or coalition can form the govt or if the PM advices the President to dissolve the Lok 
Sabha and hold fresh elections.  
1 
5 Name two countries that conduct elections according to PR system of election. 
Israel, Netherlands, Argentina, Portugal 
1 
6 What are reserved constituencies? How are they different from separate electorates? 
Reserved constituency- seat reserved, electorate general 
Separate- seat reserved, voters from that community only 
2 
7 Fill in the blanks: 
Article ______ of the Constitution explicitly clarifies that a policy like _____________ will not 
be seen as a violation of the right to equality.  
16(4), reservation 
2 
8 What is meant by special majority? 
2/3 present and voting 
½ of total membership 
2 
9 Give the definition of an urban area according to the Census of India. 
An urban area is defined as- 
• Minimum population of 5000, 
• At least 75% of male working population engaged in non-agricultural occupations, 
• Density of population of at least 400 persons per sq. km. 
2 
10 Explain any two provisions of the 73
rd
 Amendment Act. 
1. Three tier structure- All states now have a uniform 3 tier structure. At the base is the Gram 
Panchayat, then Mandala, then the Zilla Parishad.  
2. Elections- All the three levels of Panchayati Raj institutions are directly elected by the people. 
The term of each Panchayat body is 5 years.  
 3. Reservations- 1/3 of the positions in all panchayat institutions are reserved for women. 
Reservations for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes are also provided for at all the three 
levels, in proportion to their population.   
4.  Transfer of subjects- 29 subjects, which were earlier in the State list of subjects, are identified 
and listed in the 11th Schedule of the Constitution.  
5. State Election Commissioners- The State govt. is required to appoint a State Election 
Commissioner who would be responsible for conducting elections to the Panchayati Raj 
institutions.  
6. State Finance Commission- The State govt. is required to appoint a State Finance Commission 
once in five years.                                                                                 (any two) 
2 
11 Why do we need a constitution? 
• The first function of a constitution is to provide a set of basic rules that allow for minimal 
coordination amongst members of a society.  
• The second function of a constitution is to specify who has the power to make decisions in 
a society. It decides how the governments will the constituted. 
• The third function of a constitution is to set some limits on what a government can impose 
on its citizens. These limits are fundamental in the sense that government may never trespass them. 
• The fourth function of a constitution is to enable the government to fulfill the aspirations of 
a society and create conditions for a just society.  
• The constitution expresses the fundamental identity of the people.    (any 4) 
4 
12 Explain briefly the three Lists mentioned in the Constitution that divides powers between the 
Centre and the States? What are Residuary powers? 

 There are three lists- 
• Union List- Union Legislature can alone make laws on these matters. 
• State List-Normally only the State Legislature can make laws on these matters. 
• Concurrent List- Both Union and State Legislatures alone can make laws on these matters. 
4 
Page 5


    
Date:                         Class: XI 
Political Science 
Time: 3 hrs.                                                M. M: 100 
General Instructions: 
i) All questions are compulsory. 
ii) Question numbers 1 to 5 are of 1 mark each. The answers to these questions should not 
exceed 30 words each. 
iii) Question numbers 6 to 10 are of 2 marks each. The answers to these questions should not 
exceed 60 words each. 
iv) Question numbers 11 to 16 are of 4 marks each. The answers to these questions should not 
exceed 120 words each. 
v) Question numbers 17-21 are of 5 marks each. The answers to these questions should not 
exceed 150 words each. 
v) Question numbers 22-27 are of 6 marks each. The answers to these questions should not 
exceed 160 words each. 
 
1 Till January 2006, how many times has the constitution been amended? 1 
2 On what grounds can the judge of a Supreme Court or High Court be removed? 1 
3 Explain any one power exercised only by the Rajya Sabha. 1 
4 How can Lok Sabha be dissolved? 1 
5 Name two countries that conduct elections according to PR system of election. 1 
6 What are reserved constituencies? How are they different from separate electorates? 2 
7 
Fill in the blanks: 
Article ______ of the Constitution explicitly clarifies that a policy like _____________ will 
not be seen as a violation of the right to equality.  
2 
8 What is meant by special majority? 2 
9 Give the definition of an urban area according to the Census of India. 2 
10 Explain any two provisions of the 73
rd
 Amendment Act. 2 
11 Why do we need a constitution? 4 
12 Explain briefly the three Lists mentioned in the Constitution that divides powers between the 
Centre and the States? What are Residuary powers? 
4 
13 What was the landmark judgment given by the court in 1973 in the Kesavanand Bharti case? 4 
14 Why did India adopt the FPTP system of election? 4 
15 The Constituent Assembly was composed roughly along the lines suggested by the plan 
proposed by the Cabinet Mission. What were its main provisions? 
 
4 
16 Explain the rights of the accused. 4 
17 
According to our Constitution, everyone enjoys the right to follow the religion of his or her 
choice. This freedom is considered as a hallmark of democracy…………… In India, 
5(1+2+2) 
everyone is free to choose a religion and practice that religion.  
i) Under the freedom of religion, what is meant by freedom of conscience? 
ii) What are the limitations on freedom to religion? Explain with examples. 
iii) According to the constitution, how should the government ensure equality of all 
religions?  
 
 
18 
 
 
Answer the following questions based on the above cartoon.   
i) Who is the final authority in matters of regulating the business of the legislature?  
ii) What is defection? 
iii) When was the anti-defection law passed? What is its main provision? 
 
 
5(1+2+2) 
19 
There shall be a Council of Ministers with the Prime Minister at the head to aid and advise 
the President who shall in the exercise of his functions, act in accordance with such advice. 
Provided that the President may require the Council of Ministers to reconsider such 
advise……. 
i) Which Article is being referred to in the above passage? 
ii) What does the term ‘shall’ in the above passage signify?  
iii) Explain any two discretionary powers of the President. 
 
5(1+2+2) 
20 
 
Answer the following questions based on the above cartoon.  
i) What does the above cartoon signify? 
5(1+2+2) 
ii) What is PIL/SAL? When did it emerge? 
iii) Give two points to explain the negative sides of PILs. 
21 
The superintendence, direction and control of the preparation of the electoral rolls for and 
the conduct of, all elections to Parliament and to the legislature of every State and of 
elections to the offices of President and Vice President shall be vested in a Commission.  
i) Which Article is being referred to in the above passage? 
ii) Who assists the Election Commission in the States? Who conducts the elections to 
Local government? 
iii) How is the CEC elected? What is his tenure? 
5 
(1+2+2) 
22 Why is the 42nd amendment known as a controversial amendment? What changes did it bring 
in the Indian constitution? 
OR 
What are writs? Explain the different types of writs that can be issued by the courts of India? 
6 
23 Explain the three different types of Executive system in the world with examples. 
OR 
Explain the substantive and the procedural achievements of the Indian constitution. 
6 
24 Discuss three criticisms and three limitations of the Indian constitution. 
OR 
Explain the functions of the Indian Parliament. 
6 
25 What are the important provisions in the constitution which create a strong central 
government? 
OR 
Discuss the different ways of amending the constitution. Explain any three important features 
of the procedure of constitutional amendment as mentioned in Article 368. 
6 
26 What are the advantages of a bicameral legislature? How does the Parliament control the 
executive? 
OR 
What does Article 370 of the constitution deal with? Mention its important clauses. 
6(2+4) 
27 What is Local Self Government? Discuss the achievements and criticisms of the 
implementation of the 73rd and 74th amendment acts. 
OR 
Explain any six provisions borrowed from constitutions of different countries, citing the name 
of the borrowed country. 
6 
 
 
 
  
 Political Science (Ans Key) Class: XI 
1 
Till January 2006, how many times has the constitution been amended? 
93 
1 
2 
On what grounds can the judge of a Supreme Court or High Court be removed? 
Proved misbehavior or incapacity 
 
1 
3 
Explain any one power exercised only by the Rajya Sabha. 
Removal of Vice President 
Permission to legislate on State List             (any 1) 
1 
4 How can Lok Sabha be dissolved? 
If no party or coalition can form the govt or if the PM advices the President to dissolve the Lok 
Sabha and hold fresh elections.  
1 
5 Name two countries that conduct elections according to PR system of election. 
Israel, Netherlands, Argentina, Portugal 
1 
6 What are reserved constituencies? How are they different from separate electorates? 
Reserved constituency- seat reserved, electorate general 
Separate- seat reserved, voters from that community only 
2 
7 Fill in the blanks: 
Article ______ of the Constitution explicitly clarifies that a policy like _____________ will not 
be seen as a violation of the right to equality.  
16(4), reservation 
2 
8 What is meant by special majority? 
2/3 present and voting 
½ of total membership 
2 
9 Give the definition of an urban area according to the Census of India. 
An urban area is defined as- 
• Minimum population of 5000, 
• At least 75% of male working population engaged in non-agricultural occupations, 
• Density of population of at least 400 persons per sq. km. 
2 
10 Explain any two provisions of the 73
rd
 Amendment Act. 
1. Three tier structure- All states now have a uniform 3 tier structure. At the base is the Gram 
Panchayat, then Mandala, then the Zilla Parishad.  
2. Elections- All the three levels of Panchayati Raj institutions are directly elected by the people. 
The term of each Panchayat body is 5 years.  
 3. Reservations- 1/3 of the positions in all panchayat institutions are reserved for women. 
Reservations for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes are also provided for at all the three 
levels, in proportion to their population.   
4.  Transfer of subjects- 29 subjects, which were earlier in the State list of subjects, are identified 
and listed in the 11th Schedule of the Constitution.  
5. State Election Commissioners- The State govt. is required to appoint a State Election 
Commissioner who would be responsible for conducting elections to the Panchayati Raj 
institutions.  
6. State Finance Commission- The State govt. is required to appoint a State Finance Commission 
once in five years.                                                                                 (any two) 
2 
11 Why do we need a constitution? 
• The first function of a constitution is to provide a set of basic rules that allow for minimal 
coordination amongst members of a society.  
• The second function of a constitution is to specify who has the power to make decisions in 
a society. It decides how the governments will the constituted. 
• The third function of a constitution is to set some limits on what a government can impose 
on its citizens. These limits are fundamental in the sense that government may never trespass them. 
• The fourth function of a constitution is to enable the government to fulfill the aspirations of 
a society and create conditions for a just society.  
• The constitution expresses the fundamental identity of the people.    (any 4) 
4 
12 Explain briefly the three Lists mentioned in the Constitution that divides powers between the 
Centre and the States? What are Residuary powers? 

 There are three lists- 
• Union List- Union Legislature can alone make laws on these matters. 
• State List-Normally only the State Legislature can make laws on these matters. 
• Concurrent List- Both Union and State Legislatures alone can make laws on these matters. 
4 

 Residuary Powers- Includes all other matters not mentioned in any of the 3 lists. Union 
legislature alone has the power to legislate on such matters. Example- Cyber Laws. 
13 What was the landmark judgment given by the court in 1973 in the Kesavanand Bharti case? 
Keshavanand Bharti case- 
1. Parliament cannot amend the basic structure of the constitution. 
2. Parliament can amend the constitution but within limitations. 
3. Judiciary is the final authority on basic structure. 
Rt to property not the part of basic structure.  
4 
14 Why did India adopt the FPTP system of election? 
1. Simplicity 
      2. Voters know who their representatives are.  
      3. Suitable for giving a stable govt. in a parliamentary democracy 
      4. Encourages voters from different social groups to come together to win an election in a 
locality.                                                                                                         (With explanation) 
4 
15 The Constituent Assembly was composed roughly along the lines suggested by the plan 
proposed by the Cabinet Mission. What were its main provisions? 
The Constituent Assembly was composed roughly along the lines suggested by the plan proposed 
by the committee of the British cabinet, known as the Cabinet Mission (1946). Its main provisions 
were- 
• Each Province and each Princely State or group of states were allotted seats proportional to 
their respective population. The Provinces were to elect 292 members while the Princely States 
were allotted a minimum of 93 seats.  
• The seats in each Province were distributed among the three main communities, Muslims, 
Sikhs and general, in proportion to their respective populations.  
• Members of each community in the Provisional Legislative Assembly elected their own 
representatives by the method of proportional representation with single transferable vote. 
• The method of selection in the case of representatives of Princely States was to be 
determined by consultation.   
4 
16 Explain the rights of the accused. 
Not guilty till declared, Lawyer of choice.  
• No person would be punished for the same offence more than once 
• No law shall declare any action as illegal from a backdate   
• No person shall be asked to give evidence against himself.                                                         
4 
17 According to our Constitution, everyone enjoys the right to follow the religion of his or her 
choice. This freedom is considered as a hallmark of democracy…………… In India, everyone is 
free to choose a religion and practice that religion.  
i) Under the freedom of religion, what is meant by freedom of conscience? 
Person may choose any religion or chose not to follow any religion.  
ii) What are the limitations on freedom to religion? Explain with examples. 
Subject to restrictions imposed by the govt. in order to protect public order, morality 
and health. The govt. can interfere in religious matters for rooting out social evils. 
iii) According to the constitution, how should the government ensure equality of all 
religions?  
Equal treatment, No official religion, No discrimination in matters of public 
employment on the basis of religion. No religious edu, No discrimination while giving 
grants.  
5(1+2+2) 
18 Answer the following questions based on the above cartoon.  Pg .120 
i) Who is the final authority in matters of regulating the business of the legislature?  
The presiding officer of the legislature 
ii) What is defection? 
If  a member remains absent in the House when asked by the party leadership to 
remain present or votes against the instructions of the party or voluntarily leaves the 
membership of the party, it is called defection.  
iii) When was the anti-defection law passed? What is its main provision? 
52
nd
 Amendment, 1985.  
Modified by the 91
st
 am. Legislator who is elected on one party ticket not to defect to 
another party. . If proved, member loses membership of House.  
5(1+2+2) 
19 There shall be a Council of Ministers with the Prime Minister at the head to aid and advise the 
President who shall in the exercise of his functions, act in accordance with such advice. 
Provided that the President may require the Council of Ministers to reconsider such advise……. 
5(1+2+2) 
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