Class 12 Political Science: CBSE Sample Question Papers- Term II (2021-22)- 2 | CBSE Sample Papers for Class 12 Humanities - Humanities/Arts PDF Download

Class XlI
Time: 120 Minutes
Max. Marks: 40

General Instructions:

• The question paper has 3 Sections A, B & C. 
• Section A has 8 questions of 2 marks each. Answer to these questions should be completed within 50 words each. 
• Section B has 3 questions of 4 marks each. Answer to these questions should be completed within 100 words each. Answer of map question should be attempted accordingly. 
• Section C has 2 questions of 6 marks each. Answer to these questions should be completed within 170 words each.

Q.1. ‘In recent years India has paid adequate attention to ASEAN’. Give two points to justify the statement.

In recent years India has paid adequate attention to ASEAN: 
(i) The ASEAN-India Free Trade Agreement came into effect in 2010.
(ii) On January 25th, 2018, silver jubilee of India and ASEAN partnership was commemorated. Leaders released postal stamps to mark the event.

Explain ‘Miracle on the Han River’.

Miracle on Han River: 
(i) South Korea emerged as a center of power in Asia.
(ii) Between the 1960s and the 1980s, it rapidly developed into an economic power, which is termed as ‘Miracle on the Han River’.

Q.2. Why did India have to interfere in the conflict between Pakistan and Bangladesh in 1971?

During the rule of Yahya Khan, the Pakistani suppression led to the large-scale migration of the Bangladeshi population in India. Secondly, India was always in favour of East Pakistan’s demand for its independence. This led to the involvement of India in the affair.

Q.3. Why do you think India is now considered as an important centre of power?

The 21^st century India is being seen as an important emerging global power: 
(i) The economic, cultural and strategic position of the country with the population of more than 135 crores is very strong.
(ii) From a strategic perspective, the military of India is self-sufficient with indigenous nuclear technology, making it another nuclear power.
(iii) From an economic perspective, targeting the goal of a $5 trillion economy, a competitive huge market, and ancient inclusive culture with 200 million people of Indian diaspora spreading across the globe impart distinct meaning and salience to India as a new center of power in the 21st century.

Q.4. American involvement in South Asia has rapidly increased after the Cold War. Give two examples to illustrate. 

(i) The United States has had good relations with both India and Pakistan since the end of the Cold War and increasingly works as a moderator in India- Pakistan relations.
(ii) The Economic reforms and liberal economic policies in both the countries have greatly increased the depth of American participation in the region.
(iii) The large South Asian Diasporas in the US and the huge size of the population and markets of the region also give America an added stake in the future of regional security and peace.

Q.5. What was the impact of the Emergency on newspapers and magazines?

(i) The government suspended the Freedom of the Press and implemented press censorship.
(ii) Electricity to all the major newspaper offices was disconnected on the next day from Emergency and the newspapers were forced to get prior approval for all material to be published.
(iii) Many journalists were arrested.

Q.6. What are the main objectives of BRICS?

The main objectives of BRICS are:
(i) To promote peace, security, development and cooperation.
(ii) It also aims at contributing significantly to the development of humanity and establishing a more equitable and fair world.

Q.7. Explicate two features of a Coalition Government.

(i) When no single party gets a majority and two or more than two parties join together a form a government, it is called a Coalition Government.
(ii) Various small parties usually play a crucial role in forming a Coalition Government.
(iii) Position of the Head of Government usually remains weak as he/she has to appease all the stakeholders in the government.

Q.8. Has there been resistance to globalisation in India?

Yes, resistance to globalisation in India has come from different quarters.
(i) There have been left-wing protests to economic liberalisation voiced through political parties as well as through forums like the Indian Social Forum.
(ii) Resistance to globalisation has also come from the political right taking the form of objecting particularly to various cultural influences — ranging from the availability of foreign television channels provided by cable networks, the celebration of Valentine’s Day and adaptation of western dresses.

Q.9. How has the European Union evolved over time from an economic union to an increasingly political one?  

The formation of the European Union was aided by the Cold War. It became a forum for the western European states to co-operate on trade and economic issues. 
(i) It also laid stress on a common foreign and security policy, co-operation on justice and home affairs and the creation of a common currency.
(ii) It has also started to act more like a nation-state.
(iii) While the attempts to have a common Constitution for the EU have failed still it has its flag, anthem, founding date and currency.
(iv) It also has some form of a common foreign and security policy in its dealings with other nations. It shows that European Union evolved from an economic union to an increasingly political one.

Q.10. Describe various issues regarding the National Emergency of 1975 in India.

The various issues regarding the National Emergency of 1975 in India are as follows:
(i) There were arrests of political workers and undue restrictions on the press.
(ii) The Emergency directly affected the lives of common people in many cases. Fundamental Rights of the people were suspended. Torture and custodial deaths occurred during the Emergency and arbitrary relocation of poor people also took place.
(iii) The Constitution simply mentioned ‘internal disturbances’ as the reason for declaring Emergency. Before 1975, the Emergency was never proclaimed on this ground.
(iv) Although, the then government argued that in a democracy the opposition parties must allow the elected ruling party to govern according to its policies. It felt that frequent recourse to agitations; protests and collective action are not good for democracy.
(v) Supporters of the then Prime Minister also held that in a democracy, one cannot continuously have extra-parliamentary politics targeting the government. This leads to instability and distracts the administration from its routine task of ensuring development.

Q.11. In the given outline political map of India, four states have been marked as (A), (B), (C), (D). Identify these states on the basis of the information given below and write their correct names in your answer book along with their respective serial number of the information used and the concerned alphabets as per format that follows:
(i) The state to which Minister for Communications in the first ministry of free India belonged.
(ii) The state to which the former Prime Minister Morarji Desai was related
(iii) The state to which S. Nijalingappa belonged.
(iv) The state related to former Congress President K. Kamraj.

Q.12. How did China rise to be an economic superpower? Assess.

China had adopted Soviet model of economy. Despite development, China faced economic crisis as industrial production was not growing fast, international trade was minimal. Under these situations some major policy decisions were taken.
(i) China established relations with the US in 1972.
(ii) China proposed four areas of modernisation as agriculture, industry, science and technology in 1973.
(iii) The Open Door policy was introduced to generate higher productivity by investment of capital and technology from abroad.
(iv) Privatization of agriculture and industry was prioritized from  1982 to 1998.
(v) China set Special Economic Zones to remove trade barriers.
(vi) The integration of Chinese economy and inter-dependencies has enabled China to have considerable influence with its trade partners.
(vii) The Open Door Policy has stabilised the ASEAN economy.
(viii) China’s outward looking for investment and aid policies in Latin America and Africa are projecting China as a global player.

Examine the changing Indo-China relations. 

Conflict of 1962 and Post-Cold Era marked a major change in Indo-China relations. In 1962, border dispute regarding territorial claims in Arunachal Pradesh and in Aksai Chin made India suffer military reverses. This had an impact on relations between both of them.
Till 1976, no progress was seen in the betterment of their relations, but after that, they improved slowly. The change in China’s leadership allowed both countries to improve their relations. Border issues resolution was also started in 1981.
Indo-China Relation After Cold War End of the Cold War marked various changes in the relationship between India and China. Both India and China consider themselves as rising powers in international politics.
After the visit of Rajiv Gandhi in 1988, both governments tried to maintain ‘peace and silence’ on the border.
Agreements regarding cultural exchange and cooperation were signed. Four border posts were also opened. Trade between India and China grew at 30 per cent per year since 1999. An increase in bilateral trade from $ 338 million in 1992 to more than $ 18 billion in 2006 was seen. India and China are following the same policies in international economic institutions like the World Trade Organisation.
The nuclear tests by India in 1998 created tension between the two, but the process of normalisation was continued. No issues created problems between both the countries, be it Pakistan’s nuclear programme being assisted by China.
Leaders from both countries frequently visit each other’s nation and this way, they are becoming familiar with each other. Through an increase in transportation and communication links and working on common economic interests development of sound  relationship has been taking place.

Q.13. Critically evaluate the six main issues in Indian politics during the 21st century.

(i) Triple Talaq: Rights of women and dignity were upheld in the judgement and an end was put to the exploitation and insecurity of women.
(ii) Article 370: Special status of Jammu and Kashmir revoked, reaffirming that it is an integral part of India.
(iii) Farm Laws Repeal: There were a yearlong protest of farmers largely across Punjab and Western Uttar Pradesh and surmounting pressure on the government by Dharna in Delhi. This led to the intervention of Judiciary and formation of an expert committee. Finally, led to repeal.
(iv) CAA-NRC Law: To fast rack citizenship for minorities in neighboring states, however accumulated fears within Indian communities which led to country wide protests. Judiciary had to intervene. Finally, implementation was put on hold by the government.
(v) Ram Janmabhoomi: This was a centuries long dispute and was re-ignited in the 1990s. It shaped the discourse of Indian Politics( rise of BJP). The case went to Supreme Court after Allahabad Court’s judgement in 2010. An expert committee was formed by the Supreme Court. Finally judgement came in 2019 and the matter was put to rest.
(vi) Majoritarian government (single party) in 2014 and 2019, yet followed the pre-poll alliance (NDA).

Discuss the impact of the relationship between the Judiciary and the Executive during emergency period in India.

The impact of the conflict between the Judiciary and the Executive was as follows:
(i) The Indira Gandhi government brought in many changes in Constitution that declared that election of Prime Minister, President and Vice President could not be challenged in court.
(ii) The government made extensive use of Preventive Detention.
(iii) To give preference to Directive Principles of State Policy over Fundamental Rights. Due to this provision, any person could be deprived of even his fundamental rights. Along with this, the amendment completely dwarfed the judiciary. At the same time, immense powers were given to the legislature.
(iv) The government also superseded the practices of the Supreme Court in appointing its Chief Justice.
(v) The term of the Parliament was also increased from five years to six years.
(vi) Under the provisions of emergency, the various fundamental rights of citizens stood suspended, including the right of citizens to move the court for restoring their fundamental rights.
(vii) Judiciary delivered various controversial judgements; did not perform its role properly. No constitutional rule of law prevailed; this was called as the dark period of democracy; no media freedom and opposition was in jail. Judiciary and Executive acted as one entity, with judiciary not keeping a check on the actions of the executive. By way of 42nd Amendment, detention was removed from judicial review.