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Passage Based Questions: The Crisis of Democratic Order | Political Science Class 12 - Humanities/Arts PDF Download

Passage - 1

Direction: Read the passage given below carefully and answer the questions that follow:

“Indian democracy was never so close to a two-party system as it was during the 1977 elections. However, the next few years saw a complete change. Soon after its defeat, the Indian National Congress split into two groups………… The Janata Party also went through major convulsions………… David Butler, Ashok Lahiri and Prannoy Roy.” — Partha Chatterjee

(i) What made the Indian party system resemble a two-party system in 1977?
Ans: The political crisis that emerged during the National Emergency in 1977.

(ii) Despite the existence of more than two parties in 1977, why does the author describe the period as close to a two-party system?
Ans: The author refers to the period as close to a two-party system because the political landscape was dominated by two main groups: the Congress and the non-Congress parties, which were broadly grouped together.

(iii) What led to the splits in both the Congress and the Janata Party?
Ans: The Congress split due to differences over the candidature for the Presidential elections in 1969. The Janata Party split because of leadership conflicts among Chaudhary Charan Singh, Morarji Desai, and Jagjivan Ram.

Passage - 2

Direction: Study the cartoon carefully and answer the questions that follow:

Passage Based Questions: The Crisis of Democratic Order | Political Science Class 12 - Humanities/Arts(i) What does this cartoon illustrate?
Ans: The cartoon depicts the situation where democracy and military rule might be considered to run parallel.

(ii) How can democracy be preserved?
Ans: Democracy can be preserved by focusing on people’s fundamental rights, having a strong opposition in both Parliament and state assemblies, and raising awareness about democracy among the people.

(iii) What challenges do democratic governments face?
Ans: Democratic governments currently face challenges such as corruption and inefficiency, the influence of anti-social elements, growing economic and social inequalities, casteism, and communalism.

(iv) Can military rule and democracy coexist? Explain why or why not.
Ans: No, democracy and military rule cannot coexist because military rule imposes restrictions that curtail people’s fundamental rights.

Passage - 3

Direction: Read the passage given below carefully and answer the questions that follow:

The opposition to Emergency could keep the Janata Party together only for a while. Its critics felt that the Janata Party lacked direction, leadership, and a common programme. The Janata Party Government could not bring about a fundamental change in policies from those pursued by the Congress. The Janata Party split, and the government led by Morarji Desai lost its majority in less than 18 months. Another government headed by Charan Singh was formed on the assurance of the support of the Congress party.

(i) In which year did the Janata Party government come into power?
Ans: 1977

(ii) Analyze any two reasons for the split of the Janata Party.
Ans:  

  • The Janata Party split due to leadership conflicts among Chaudhary Charan Singh, Morarji Desai, and Jagjivan Ram.
  • It also lacked direction, leadership, and a common programme.

(iii) Why did Charan Singh's government last only about four months?
Ans: Charan Singh's government was formed with the assurance of support from the Congress Party, which later withdrew its support, leading to the resignation of Charan Singh's government within four months.

Passage - 4

Direction: Read the passage given below carefully and answer the questions that follow:
The Janata Party made the 1977 elections into a referendum on the Emergency. Its election campaign was focused on the non-democratic character of the Congress rule and on the various excesses that took place during this period. In the backdrop of arrests of thousands of persons and the censorship of the Press, public opinion was against the Congress.

(i) What is meant by a ‘referendum’?
Ans: A referendum is a process where an important issue is referred to the people for a decision or verdict by general vote.

(ii) Do you agree with the statement that the arrests of thousands of persons and the censorship of the Press during the Emergency were non-democratic? Justify your answer with one suitable argument for and against each act.
Ans: 

  • (i) Arrests: Nearly one lakh eleven thousand people were arrested under Preventive Detention, but none were tried for anti-national activity. This action was non-democratic as it involved detention without due process.
  • (ii) Censorship: Newspapers were not allowed to publish articles without prior government approval. This censorship was non-democratic as it restricted freedom of the press.

(iii) Despite winning the 1977 elections with a substantial majority, why did the Janata Party remain in power only for a short period?
Ans: 

  • The Janata Party faced stiff internal competition for the Prime Minister’s position.
  • It lacked direction, leadership, and a common programme.
  • The party split, reducing it to a minority.
The document Passage Based Questions: The Crisis of Democratic Order | Political Science Class 12 - Humanities/Arts is a part of the Humanities/Arts Course Political Science Class 12.
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FAQs on Passage Based Questions: The Crisis of Democratic Order - Political Science Class 12 - Humanities/Arts

1. What are the main factors contributing to the crisis of democratic order discussed in the article?
Ans. The main factors contributing to the crisis of democratic order include rising populism, erosion of trust in institutions, increasing political polarization, and the spread of misinformation.
2. How does the article suggest that democratic societies can address the crisis of democratic order?
Ans. The article suggests that democratic societies can address the crisis by promoting civic education, strengthening democratic institutions, ensuring media literacy, and fostering dialogue across political divides.
3. What role does social media play in exacerbating the crisis of democratic order according to the article?
Ans. Social media is highlighted in the article as a platform that amplifies misinformation, facilitates echo chambers, and polarizes public discourse, thereby contributing to the crisis of democratic order.
4. How does the erosion of democratic norms impact the functioning of democratic societies as discussed in the article?
Ans. The erosion of democratic norms can lead to the concentration of power, erosion of checks and balances, and the weakening of democratic institutions, ultimately threatening the stability and legitimacy of democratic societies.
5. What are some potential consequences of failing to address the crisis of democratic order as outlined in the article?
Ans. Failing to address the crisis of democratic order can result in the erosion of democracy, increased social unrest, the rise of authoritarianism, and the loss of individual freedoms and rights.
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