Political Science: CBSE Sample Question Paper with Solutions - 2 | Sample Papers for Class 11 Humanities - Humanities/Arts PDF Download

General Instructions: 
(i) All questions are compulsory
(ii) The question paper has 34 questions in all. All questions are compulsory.  
(iii) Marks are indicated against each question.  
(iv) Questions from serial number 1 to 20 of 1 mark each. The answers to these questions should not exceed 20 words each.  
(v) Questions from serial number 21 to 23 are of 2 marks each. Answer of these questions should not exceed 50 words each.  
(vi) Questions from serial number 24 to 27 are of 4 marks each. The answers to these questions should not exceed 100 words each.
(vii) Question from serial number 28 to 31 are of 5 marks each. The answers to these questions should not exceed 120 words each.  
(viii) Question number 32 to 34 are of 6 marks each. The answers to these questions should not exceed 170 words each.

Q.1.  Describe Lok Adalats.

Courts that are favored by ordinary people for their ability to quickly resolve cases through efficient trials and prompt decisions.

Q.2. Mention two Indian states where local governments were implemented between the 1960s and 1970s.

Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat.

Q.3. What significance does Basque have?

Situated in Spain, Basque is a prosperous area with hilly terrain. It is an autonomous region within the Spanish federation, but some of the nationalist leaders aim to declare it as a separate nation.

Q.4. What does "duties" mean?

Duties refer to obligations that we are obliged to fulfill, and they also entail providing others with the chance to exercise their entitlements.

Q.5. Describe patriarchy.

This is a form of social disparity in which males are deemed to hold a higher position than females in the family's power structure.

Q.6. Define the term "right to life."

The right to live without fear, harm, or external threats is a fundamental human right, while the act of taking one's own life, known as suicide, has been deemed a criminal offense.

Q.7.  When does a person become a nationalist?

A person is considered a nationalist if they possess the following traits: a common set of political values, adherence to the laws of their country, shared beliefs, and a sense of pride in being a part of their nation.

Q.8. What is meant by the rule of law?

The principle of the rule of law asserts that every individual, regardless of their status, is subject to the same laws and regulations, and no one is exempted from the law.

Q.9. What are the local governments' four main sources of income?

Here are four sources of income for local governments:
(i) Property taxes
(ii) Sales taxes
(iii) User fees for local services
(iv) State or federal grants.

Q.10. Provide a definition of "judicial."

The judiciary is an autonomous institution responsible for resolving conflicts between individuals, groups, or the government based on the principle of the rule of law.

Q.11. What is the meaning of term "writ of mandamus"?

The court may issue this writ when it determines that a specific public official is failing to carry out their legal obligations.

Q.12. Why is the necessity for elections?

Elections enable the populace to choose representatives who can manage and oversee the affairs of the country on their behalf.

Q.13. Identify two actions that the public cannot claim to be entitled to.

Citizens cannot assert their right to smoke or use prohibited drugs.

Q.14. Who chooses India's Chief Election Commissioner?

In consultation with the Council of Ministers, the President of India designates the Chief Election Commissioner of India.

Q.15. Who was the Indian Viceroy responsible for introducing the Panchayati Raj system in India?

Lord Ripon.

Q.16. Describe Nelson Mandela.

Nelson Mandela was a well-known South African leader who is renowned for his fight against apartheid.

Q.17. Intensify FPTP and PR.

The acronym FPTP represents First Past The Post electoral system.
PR is an abbreviation for Proportional Representation electoral system.

Q.18. What does freedom mean?

Freedom is a state that minimizes the restrictions imposed on individuals, enabling them to extend their capabilities and achieve their full potential.

Q.19. What is the updated high court judge retirement age?

The retirement age has been updated to 62 years, but Judges have the option to step down voluntarily before attaining the retirement age.

Q.20. What do you mean by the word "nation"?

A community that exists in perception, bound by the shared convictions, ambitions, and visions of its constituents.

Q.21. What function does the Preamble of the Constitution serve?

The Preamble of the Constitution establishes the character of the State and functions as a preamble to the Constitution, outlining the Constitution's legal authority.

Q.22. What does "democratic" mean?

For a nation to be deemed democratic, the following conditions must be met:
(i) Every adult citizen is entitled to a solitary vote of equal significance.
(ii) The government is chosen by the people, whether through direct or indirect means.
(iii) The administration operates within the boundaries stipulated by constitutional law and the rights of its citizens.

Q.23. Make a note on the slave trade.

As industrialization expanded, individuals and merchants coerced Africans into servitude and transported them to labor on sugar, rice, and coffee plantations. Eventually, these enslaved people were traded as goods in the open market and treated as commodities. This era is recognized as the slave trade.

Q.24. What purpose does modernization serve?

Modernization is a methodical process that involves simultaneous transformations in the demographic, social, economic, and political domains of society to enhance the material standard of living and other associated phenomena. Countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America aim to attain this objective. It denotes a progression towards economic diversity within industrial technology and greater social mobility, and it can be either a forward or backward movement. Its objective is to promote impersonal and rationalized social interactions.

Q.25. What benefits do unicameral legislatures offer?

The benefits of a unicameral legislature are as follows:
(i) Authority is centralized in a solitary house.
(ii) The legislative process is adaptable and effective, as bills are introduced and passed in a single house.
(iii) It conserves time, money, and energy.
(iv) A broader range of issues can be deliberated during the legislature's session.

Q.26. What did the former Basic Right to Property and Labor consist of?

The 44th Amendment to the Constitution of India transformed a specific Fundamental Right into a legal right. This right offers citizens incentives to strive towards their goals. It encompasses both immovable property like farms, land, houses, factories, and movable property like cash, jewellery, furniture, vehicles, etc. It is deemed the responsibility of society to furnish employment and sources of livelihood to all members of the community.

Q.27. What is the justification for disarmament?

Disarmament is considered necessary for two main reasons. Firstly, if countries continue to produce powerful and deadly weapons without restraint, it could lead to a devastating global conflict, endangering both humanity and civilization. Secondly, military spending is exorbitant and unproductive, and diverting these resources towards constructive initiatives could help alleviate problems such as unemployment, poverty, and hunger.

Q.28. Read the passage and answer the questions that follows:
Let us look at a very different kind of secularism practised in Turkey in the first half of the twentieth century. This secularism  was  not  about  principled  distance  from  organised  religion,  instead  it  involved,  active  intervention  in  and  suppression  of,  religion.  This  version  of  secularism  was  propounded  and  practised  by  Mustafa  Kemal  Ataturk. He came to power after the first war. He was determined to put an end to the institution of Khalifa in the public life of Turkey. Ataturk was convinced that only a clear break with traditional thinking and expressions could elevate Turkey from the sorry state it was in. He set out in an aggressive manner to modernise and secularise Turkey. Ataturk changed his own name from Mustafa Kemal Pasha to Kemal Ataturk (Ataturk translates as Father of  the  Turks).  The  Fez,  a  traditional  cap  worn  by  Muslims,  was  banned  by  the  Hat  Law.  Western  clothing  was  encouraged for men and women. The Western (Gregorian) calendar replaced the traditional Turkish calendar. In 1928, the new Turkish alphabet (in a modified Latin form) was adopted.

(i) The Fez was banned by the ___________ .
(a) Western Law
(b)  Cap Law
(c) Cloth Law
(d)  Hat Law

Correct Answer is option d.

(ii) Kemal Ataturk was earlier known as:
(a) Father of the Turks
(b) Mustafa Kemal Pasha
(c) None of these
(d) Osman

Correct Answer is option a.

(iii) What steps were taken by Ataturk to promote secularism in Turkey?
(a) The traditional cap of Muslims was banned.
(b) He put an end to the institution of Khalifa.
(c) He declared Turkey as a secular state.
(d) All of these

Correct Answer is option d.

(iv) The Turkish calendar replace with the:

(a) Egyptian Calendar
(b) Chinese Calendar
(c) Gregorian Calendar
(d) Bhartiya Panchang

Correct Answer is option b.

Q.29. Read the passage and answer the questions that follows:
The  President  also  has  veto  power  by  which  he/she  can  withhold  or  refuse  to  give  assent  to  Bills  (other  than  Money Bill) passed by the Parliament. Every bill passed by the Parliament goes to the President for his/her assent before it becomes a law. The President can send the bill back to the Parliament asking it to reconsider the bill. This ‘veto’ power is limited because, if the Parliament passes the same bill again and sends it back to the President, then, the President has to give assent to that bill. However, there is no mention in the Constitution about the time limit within which the President must send the bill back for reconsideration. This means that the President can just keep the bill pending with him without any time limit. This gives the President an informal power to use the veto in a very effective manner. This is sometimes referred to as ‘pocket veto’.

(i) What does "Pocket Veto" mean?

When a bill is sent back to the President for approval after being reconsidered and revised by the Parliament, there is no time limit specified in the Constitution within which the President must give assent. Therefore, the President can keep the bill with him/her indefinitely, giving him/her an indirect veto power. This practice is known as the ‘Pocket Veto’.

(ii) What exactly does the President's "Veto" power entail?

The President is given the power to reject any bills passed by the Parliament, except for the money bill. This power is known as the 'Veto Power'.

(iii) Describe the process through which a bill is approved by the Parliament and becomes a law.

After a bill is passed by the parliament, it is sent to the President for approval. The President has the power to send the bill back once to the Parliament for reconsideration. Once the President approves the bill, it becomes a law.

Q.30. Examine the illustration below, then respond to the questions that follow:

You need to leave politics right away! Your actions are negatively affecting him. He believes that lying and cheating will get him away with it.

(i) Write down some unfavourable thoughts about politicians.

Some unfavourable opinions about politicians are:
(a) Politicians are often accused of being habitual liars, to the point where they may even lie to their own family and loved ones.
(b) It is often believed that politicians are willing to do whatever it takes to gain and maintain power.
(c) Politics is often seen as a corrupt profession that only attracts people with money or influence.

(ii) What does the cartoon portray?

The cartoon portrays the idea that politics is fully engulfed with falsehood, and individuals in proximity to politicians may also adopt similar negative attributes in their everyday existence.

Q.31. Read the passage and answer the questions that follows:
The Constitutional amendments assigned as many as 29 subjects to the local governments. All these subjects are related to functions linked to local welfare and development needs. The experience with the functioning of local government in the past decade has shown that local governments in India enjoy limited autonomy to perform the functions assigned to them. Many States have not transferred most of the subjects to the local bodies. This means that the local bodies cannot really function in an effective manner. Therefore, the entire exercise of electing so  many  representatives  becomes  somewhat  symbolic.  Some  people  criticize  the  formation  of  the  local  bodies  because this has not changed the way in which decisions are taken at the central and the State level. People at the local level do not enjoy much powers of choosing welfare programmes or allocation of resources.
(i) Mention one issue with local government.

The welfare programs initiated by the central and state governments lack significance as there is no active participation of the people in them.

(ii) What guiding principle guides the selection of the topics included in the State list?

The guiding included in the State List are focused on the concept of local-level growth and progress.

(iii) What does the passage refer to?

The passage discusses how changes made to the Constitution have impacted the involvement of local governments.

(iv) Are the municipal governments liable in a significant or minimal way?

The local governments have limited accountability because the state governments have not fully delegated their authority to them, resulting in their ineffective operation.

(v) How many subjects are included in the State list?

The passage states that the State List encompasses a total of 29 subjects.

Q.32. Discuss the principles and contributions made by Martin Luther King Jr. to the US Civil Rights Movement.

Martin Luther King Jr. provided numerous arguments against segregation laws that promoted inequality and unjust practices. He pointed out that segregation was similar to a social disease that inflicted deep psychological wounds on people who were victims of such laws. Some baseball teams were disbanded because the authorities refused to accept black players. These laws artificially separated people and prevented them from cooperating with each other for the benefit of the country. Therefore, it was necessary to abolish these laws as soon as possible. King also argued that men should take responsibility for domestic chores like sweeping and disposing of waste in the dustbin.

OR

Comprehensive explanation about the political rights afforded to citizens?

Political rights are the fundamental rights that allow individuals to participate in the decision-making process of a government. These rights include the right to vote, the right to run for public office, and the right to express one's opinion through freedom of speech and assembly. The political rights of citizens are critical to the functioning of a democratic society.
The right to vote is a crucial political right that allows citizens to participate in the democratic process. Through voting, citizens have the power to elect representatives who will serve their interests and make decisions on their behalf. The right to vote is protected by law, and any attempts to disenfranchise citizens are seen as a violation of their political rights. In addition to the right to vote, citizens also have the right to run for public office. This allows individuals who are passionate about certain issues or who feel strongly about the direction of their government to step forward and become candidates. This political right enables citizens to take an active role in shaping the future of their country. Freedom of speech and assembly are also essential political rights that allow citizens to express their opinions and beliefs without fear of reprisal. These rights are protected by law and ensure that citizens can voice their concerns and engage in peaceful protest without fear of persecution.
Political rights are not just important for individuals but also for society as a whole. When citizens are empowered to participate in the decision-making process, they feel a greater sense of ownership and responsibility for their government. This leads to a more engaged and active citizenry, which in turn leads to a healthier and more robust democracy.
In conclusion, political rights are essential to the functioning of a democratic society. The right to vote, run for public office, freedom of speech, and assembly are all critical to ensuring that citizens have a voice in their government and can help shape the future of their country.

Q.33. Describe the structure of the Indian Election Commission.

The Election Commission of India is an independent constitutional authority responsible for conducting free and fair elections in India. It is composed of three members: the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and two Election Commissioners (ECs). The Chief Election Commissioner is the head of the Election Commission and is responsible for the overall functioning of the Commission. He or she is appointed by the President of India and is generally a retired judge of the Supreme Court or a retired civil servant.
The two Election Commissioners are also appointed by the President of India and work under the direction of the Chief Election Commissioner. They are usually high-ranking civil servants with extensive experience in election administration. The Election Commission of India is supported by a team of officers and staff who are responsible for various aspects of election administration, including voter registration, conducting elections, and ensuring compliance with election rules and regulations. The Commission is also assisted by various state-level election commissions and district election officers.
The independence and impartiality of the Election Commission of India are critical to ensuring free and fair elections. The Commission is empowered by the Constitution of India to conduct elections, and its decisions are final and binding. It has the power to disqualify candidates, declare elections null and void, and impose penalties for violations of election rules and regulations.
In conclusion, the Election Commission of India is a vital institution that ensures the conduct of free and fair elections in India. Its composition of three members, including the Chief Election Commissioner and two Election Commissioners, ensures its independence and impartiality. Its role in election administration is critical to the functioning of India's democracy.

OR

Provide two instances of each to substantiate the following statements on the Indian Constitution:
(i) People's goals and hopes are contained in the Constitution.

Here are two instances that support the given statement:
(a) Fundamental Rights are guaranteed in the Constitution to safeguard the rights of citizens.
(b) The Constitution places Directive Principles of State Policy as an ethical obligation on the government.

(ii) The Constitution was created by reputable leaders who held the respect of the people?

Here are two instances that support the given statement:
(a) The members of the Constituent Assembly represented diverse communities, provinces, religions, and princely states.
(b) There were 28 members from Scheduled Castes in the Constituent Assembly.

(iii) The Constitution has allocated power in a manner that makes it challenging to undermine it?

Here are two instances that support the given statement:
(a) In case any institution exceeds its powers, other relevant institutions act as a check against it.
(b) Amending the Constitution is a time-consuming process that cannot be accomplished overnight.

Q.34. How are liberty and equality interrelated?

Liberty and equality are two fundamental values in political philosophy that are often considered to be in tension with each other. Liberty refers to the freedom of individuals to pursue their goals and interests without interference from others, while equality refers to the idea that all individuals should have equal opportunities, rights, and treatment.
On the one hand, liberty can be seen as a precondition for equality, as individuals must be free to pursue their own interests and goals in order to achieve equal status and opportunities. For example, the right to free speech and association is essential for individuals to advocate for their interests and form groups to pursue collective goals.
On the other hand, equality can be seen as a precondition for liberty, as individuals who are disadvantaged or oppressed may not have the same opportunities to exercise their freedom as others. For example, individuals who lack access to education, healthcare, or other basic resources may not have the same freedom to pursue their goals and interests as those who are more privileged.
Overall, the relationship between liberty and equality is complex and multifaceted, and different political philosophies and ideologies may prioritize one value over the other or seek to balance them in different ways.

OR

What are the various definitions of justice?

Justice refers to the diligent enforcement of established laws, preventing any unjust or unfair treatment, and represents the standard of excellence that laws should strive to achieve.

Justice is categorised as:
Social justice involves ensuring that no individual is discriminated against based on factors such as religion, race, caste, color, or language. It also entails providing equal opportunities for personal growth and establishing a society that prioritizes equality.
Political justice involves utilizing political power to benefit the collective interests of all members of society. This includes ensuring that every citizen can exercise their right to vote without any discrimination, and has the opportunity to contest elections. It also involves allowing citizens to exert influence and pressure on the government.
Economic justice involves ensuring that every individual has an equal chance to earn a livelihood and meet their basic needs. This includes distributing national income and resources fairly among all members of society, and prioritizing the economic welfare of vulnerable groups.
Moral justice pertains to the existence of natural principles in the universe, which are utilized to establish and maintain fair and equitable relationships among individuals. This includes adhering to virtuous behavior such as speaking truthfully, demonstrating kindness, honoring commitments, and behaving generously.
Legal justice refers to the formulation of authentic laws that are enforced by the state to ensure fair and impartial treatment for all individuals. This includes the implementation of equitable punishment provisions without any form of favoritism or discrimination. Essentially, legal justice is achieved through the establishment of a system of justice that is upheld by the law.