Passage Based Questions: Contemporary Centres of Power - 1 | Political Science Class 12 - Humanities/Arts PDF Download

Q1: Read the Passage below and answer the questions that follow:

After World War II, European leaders debated whether to return to old rivalries or integrate Europe economically and politically. The Marshall Plan (1948) provided US financial aid, fostering European economic recovery. The European Economic Community (EEC) was established in 1957, eventually evolving into the European Union (EU) in 1992. The EU has since developed into an influential political and economic entity, with its own currency, foreign policies, and security initiatives.

i. Which year was the European Union (EU) officially established? (1 mark)
(a) 1948
(b) 1957
(c) 1992
(d) 2004
ii. What were the key factors that led to the formation of the EU? (2 marks)
iii. How has the European Union impacted global trade? (1 mark)

Ans: 
i. (c) 1992
ii. 

• The devastation caused by World War II necessitated economic and political cooperation.
• The US-supported Marshall Plan provided financial aid for economic revival.

iii. The EU’s economic power and the euro currency challenge the dominance of the US dollar.

Q2: Read the Passage below and answer the questions that follow:

In 1985, the Schengen Agreement was signed, removing border controls among several European countries. This allowed free movement of people across Schengen Zone countries with a single visa, facilitating economic and social integration.

1. What did the Schengen Agreement achieve? (1 mark)
(a) Allowed visa-free travel to all non-EU citizens
(b) Established a common European passport
(c) Abolished border controls among participating EU countries
(d) Created a common military alliance
ii. How has the Schengen Agreement benefited EU citizens? (2 marks)
iii. What challenges has the Schengen Agreement faced? (1 mark)

Ans:
i. (c) Abolished border controls among participating EU countries
ii. 

• It has enabled easier travel and trade among member states.
• It has boosted economic cooperation by reducing restrictions on labor movement.

iii. Security concerns related to illegal immigration and borderless travel.

Q3: Read the Passage below and answer the questions that follow:

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) was established in 1967 by five founding members: Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand. The objectives of ASEAN included economic growth, regional peace, and stability. Over time, ASEAN expanded to ten members and promoted cooperation in security, trade, and socio-cultural development.

i. Which year was ASEAN founded? (1 mark)
(a) 1945
(b) 1967
(c) 1973
(d) 1995
ii. What were ASEAN’s primary objectives? (2 marks)
iii. How does ASEAN differ from the European Union? (1 mark)

Ans:
i. (b) 1967
ii. 

• To accelerate economic growth in the region.
• To promote regional peace and stability through cooperation.

iii. Unlike the EU, ASEAN does not have a supranational government or common currency.

Q4: Read the Passage below and answer the questions that follow:

China’s economy has grown rapidly since it adopted economic reforms in 1978 under Deng Xiaoping’s Open Door Policy. The introduction of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) attracted foreign investment. Today, China is a global economic powerhouse, influencing world trade.

i. Which leader introduced economic reforms in China in 1978? (1 mark)
(a) Mao Zedong
(b) Deng Xiaoping
(c) Zhou Enlai
(d) Xi Jinping
ii. What were the key features of China’s economic reforms? (2 marks)
iii. How did China’s economic rise impact global trade? (1 mark)

Ans: 
i. (b) Deng Xiaoping
ii. 

• Creation of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) to attract foreign investment.
• Gradual privatization of agriculture and industry.

iii. China became the largest destination for foreign direct investment (FDI).

Q5: Read the Passage below and answer the questions that follow:

ASEAN has played a significant role in maintaining regional stability. It established the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) in 1994 to promote security dialogue. ASEAN has also mediated conflicts, such as the East Timor crisis and border disputes.

i. Which organization oversees ASEAN’s security affairs? (1 mark)
(a) European Union
(b) United Nations
(c) ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) 
(d) NATO
ii. How does ASEAN maintain regional stability? (2 marks)
iii. Why is ASEAN’s role in conflict resolution significant? (1 mark)

Ans:
i. (c) ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) 
ii. 

• ASEAN encourages peaceful negotiations over territorial disputes.
• The ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) promotes security cooperation.

iii. It prevents armed confrontations between neighboring countries.

Q6: Read the Passage below and answer the questions that follow:

In 1978, Deng Xiaoping introduced the ‘Open Door’ Policy to modernize China’s economy. This policy allowed foreign investments, created Special Economic Zones (SEZs), and promoted gradual privatization. Unlike the Soviet Union’s shock therapy, China’s transition to a market economy was step-by-step. This approach helped China become one of the world’s largest economies.

i. What was the key feature of China’s ‘Open Door’ Policy? (1 mark)
(a) Complete state control of industries
(b) Gradual economic liberalization 
(c) Immediate privatization of all sectors
(d) Isolation from global trade
ii. How did the ‘Open Door’ Policy contribute to China’s economic growth? (2 marks)
iii. How was China’s transition to a market economy different from that of the USSR? (1 mark)

Ans:
i. (b) Gradual economic liberalization
ii.

• Encouraged foreign investment through Special Economic Zones (SEZs).
• Allowed controlled privatization while maintaining state influence in key sectors.

iii. China adopted a gradual, phased approach, unlike the USSR’s sudden economic liberalization.

Q7: Read the Passage below and answer the questions that follow:

The ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) was created to promote regional economic integration. It aims to establish a common market, remove trade barriers, and enhance economic cooperation among ASEAN member states. The ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) has helped boost trade and investment in the region, making ASEAN a global economic hub.

i. What is the main objective of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC)? (1 mark)
(a) Political integration of ASEAN countries
(b) Establishment of a single currency
(c) Creation of a common market
(d) Formation of a military alliance
ii. How has the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) contributed to regional growth? (2 marks)
iii. What challenges does ASEAN face in achieving full economic integration? (1 mark)

Ans: 
i. (c) Creation of a common market
ii. 

• It has encouraged free trade and investment across ASEAN nations.
• It has boosted economic cooperation through the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA).

iii. Economic disparities between member countries.

Q8: Read the Passage below and answer the questions that follow:

The European Union (EU) is not just an economic bloc but also a political force in world affairs. The EU has a common foreign and security policy, allowing it to engage in diplomatic negotiations, peacekeeping missions, and trade agreements. It plays a crucial role in global issues such as climate change, human rights, and nuclear non-proliferation.

i. Which of the following best describes the EU’s role in global politics? (1 mark)
(a) A purely economic alliance
(b) A military power that rivals NATO
(c) A political and diplomatic force in world affairs
(d) A trade bloc with no political influence
ii. How has the EU exerted political influence globally? (2 marks)
iii. Why is the EU’s foreign policy sometimes inconsistent? (1 mark)

Ans: 
i. (c) A political and diplomatic force in world affairs
ii. 

• The EU promotes human rights and climate policies through diplomatic efforts.
• It engages in peacekeeping missions and nuclear negotiations, influencing global politics.

iii. Member states have differing national interests, leading to policy disagreements.

Q9: Read the Passage below and answer the questions that follow:

India has strengthened its relationship with ASEAN through its Look East Policy (1990s) and Act East Policy (2014). Trade agreements between India and ASEAN countries, such as Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand, have enhanced economic cooperation. India and ASEAN also collaborate on security, maritime issues, and cultural exchanges.

i. What was the purpose of India’s ‘Look East’ and ‘Act East’ policies? (1 mark)
(a) To focus on relations with Western countries
(b) To strengthen economic and strategic ties with ASEAN 
(c) To increase trade with Europe
(d) To establish a military alliance with ASEAN
ii. How has India’s engagement with ASEAN evolved over time? (2 marks)
iii. How do India-ASEAN relations benefit both sides? (1 mark)

Ans:
i.  (b) To strengthen economic and strategic ties with ASEAN
ii.

• India has signed trade agreements with multiple ASEAN countries.
• It has increased strategic and security cooperation in maritime affairs.

iii. ASEAN gets access to India’s growing market, while India benefits from ASEAN’s trade network.

Q10: Read the Passage below and answer the questions that follow:

China, as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, plays a significant role in global decision-making. It has used its veto power in key international conflicts. China also contributes to UN peacekeeping missions and economic aid, strengthening its diplomatic influence worldwide.

i. Which organization grants China a permanent seat with veto power? (1 mark)
(a) NATO
(b) ASEAN
(c) UN Security Council
(d) European Union
ii. How does China use its position in the UN Security Council? (2 marks)
iii. How has China’s role in the UN impacted global politics? (1 mark)

Ans:
i. (c) UN Security Council
ii. 

• It exercises veto power in international conflicts and resolutions.
• It participates in peacekeeping missions and economic development programs.

iii. China influences global policies and security decisions through its Security Council seat.