Political Science: CBSE Sample Question Paper with Solutions - 4 | 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. What are citizens' expectations of their government?

Individuals have the right to anticipate certain entitlements from their government, including assistance and security no matter where they go around the globe.

Q.2. Which model considers people to be development objects?

According to the "top-down" approach to development, individuals are considered as subjects of development.

Q.3. Describe the two primary dimensions of secularism.

The two primary aspects are:
(a) It resists dominance between different religions.
(b) It resists dominance within a particular religion.

Q.4. What exactly do you mean by "Constitutional Remedies"?

The Constitution of India provides safeguarding against the exploitation of Fundamental Rights given to the nation's citizens.

Q.5. What is the primary function of the State Election Commissioner?

A self-governing official known as the State Election Commissioner is accountable for organizing elections for Local Government.

Q.6. Name a country that has a presidential form of government.

The United States of America has a presidential form of government.

Q.7. What exactly is democratic participation?

The entitlement of individuals to engage in the process of making decisions regarding political matters.

Q.8. Explain Secularism.

The concept of the division between State and religion, and the provision of a doctrine for life and behavior that differs from that offered by religion.

Q.9. In India, how many languages are primarily spoken?

India has a total of 22 primary languages that are spoken.

Q.10. Name the government organ primarily responsible for implementation and administration.

The Executive branch of the government is primarily responsible for the function of implementation and administration.

Q.11. What exactly do you mean by naturalisation?

The act of obtaining citizenship of a nation is referred to as naturalization.

Q.12. What exactly are social constraints?

Societal limitations are the external restraints imposed on individual autonomy by the community.

Q.13. What happens if a person stays away from his or her country for a long period of time?

In such circumstances, it is possible for an individual to lose their citizenship of that nation, although the number of years of absence required for this to occur varies from one country to another.

Q.14. What is freedom.

A circumstance that lessens the restrictions on individuals and enables them to enhance their capability and fulfill their potential.

Q.15. What is the minimum age to be appointed as a Rajya Sabha member?

According to the Constitution of India, a person must be at least 30 years old to be eligible to be a member of the Rajya Sabha, which is the upper house of the Indian Parliament. In addition to this age requirement, a person must also be a citizen of India and meet other eligibility criteria as specified by the Constitution.

Q.16. Which constitutional amendment added Fundamental Duties?

The 42nd Amendment to the Constitution of India, enacted in 1976, inserted a new Part IV-A, which specifies the Fundamental Duties of citizens.

Q.17. What exactly is democracy?

Democracy is a form of government that represents the people, is created by the people, and exists for the benefit of the people.

Q.18. Define the concept of economic liberty.

It implies guaranteeing employment opportunities to citizens and incorporating a minimum wage policy within society.

Q.19. Who appoints members of the Finance Commission?

The President forms the Finance Commission once every five years in accordance with Article 280 of the Constitution.

Q.20. What were the rules for forming the Constituent Assembly?

The Constituent Assembly was formed based on the recommendations of the plan presented by the British cabinet committee, which is commonly referred to as the Cabinet Mission.

Q.21. Which provision of the Indian Constitution was not debated?

Universal Suffrage was implemented, allowing all citizens who reach a certain age to have the right to vote, regardless of their religion, caste, education, gender, or income.

Q.22. When did the Indian Constitution become law? Did it go into effect on the same day?

Although the Indian Constitution was adopted on November 26, 1949, it wasn't enforced until January 26, 1950.

Q.23. What are the requirements for becoming a member of the Legislative Assembly?

To be eligible, the individual must meet the following requirements:
(i) hold Indian citizenship,
(ii) be at least 25 years old,
(iii) possess sound mental health, and
(iv) not hold any position of profit in the government.

Q.24. Describe the main characteristics of the concept of equality.

The key aspects of equality are as follows:
(i) offering equal opportunities to all members of society,
(ii) enabling individuals to grow to their full potential,
(iii) ensuring that the basic needs of all members of society are met, and
(iv) refraining from granting reservations or special privileges to specific individuals or groups within society.

Q.25. Name two significant socioeconomic rights.

Two rights that are guaranteed to citizens include: (i) the freedom to choose their desired profession, and protection from being coerced into work that does not align with their preferences by a welfare state, and (ii) every citizen has the right to work to support themselves and the state should offer opportunities for income generation.

Q.26. What are some of the exceptions to the Right to Equality?

Certain exemptions to the Right to Equality include: (i) although discrimination based on class, religion, race, and caste is prohibited, education and employment opportunities reservations are granted to disadvantaged castes, and (ii) comparable provisions are established for women, children, SC, ST, OBC, and other categories.

Q.27. What is the definition of protective discrimination?

Protective discrimination refers to the government taking steps to improve the status of disadvantaged sections of society. This involves giving reservations to SCs, STs, and OBCs, among other things. These sections are not given any exclusive advantages but are raised to a level where they can compete with other sections of society. The aim is to address imbalances in society.

Q.28. Read the passage and answer the questions that follows:
Most  of  the  Muslim  majority  States  joined  Pakistan  but  J&K  was  an  exception.  Under  these  circumstances,  it  was  given  much  greater  autonomy  by  the  Constitution.  According  to  Article  370,  the  concurrence  of  the  State  is required for making any laws in matters mentioned in the Union and Concurrent lists. This is different from the  position  of  other  States.  In  the  case  of  other  States,  the  division  of  powers  as  listed  through  the  three  lists  automatically  applies.  In  the  case  of  Jammu  and  Kashmir,  the  central  government  has  only  limited  powers  and  other  powers  listed  in  the  Union  List  and  Concurrent  List  can  be  used  only  with  the  consent  of  the  State  government. This gives the State of Jammu and Kashmir greater autonomy.

(i) Who could impose a financial emergency in the state of Jammu and Kashmir?
(a) Union government
(b) Prime Minister
(c) Parliament
(d) State government

Correct Answer is option d.

(ii) When the President issued two Constitutional orders, J&K had separate ______ and a ______.
(a) constitution; flag
(b) None of the above
(c) rights; duties
(d) law; order

Correct Answer is option a.

(iii) Which Article of Constitution of India gave a special status to Jammu and Kashmir?
(a) Article 368
(b) Article 365
(c) Article 370
(d) Article 351

Correct Answer is option c.

(iv) From 31st October, 2019 Jammu and Kashmir has been bifurcated into-
(a) India and Pakistan
(b) Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh
(c) Jammu and Kashmir
(d) Leh and Ladakh

Correct Answer is option b.

Q.29. Examine the image below and respond to the questions that follow:

(i) Is it beneficial to democracy?

It is detrimental to democracy to hold elections in a state of chaos as it undermines the foundation of democracy. When elections are conducted in such a manner, citizens may lose faith in the political system, and subsequently, their participation in the political process may decrease. This can lead to the gradual erosion of democracy, potentially resulting in a shift towards a monarchy or other authoritarian form of government.

(ii) Elections are said to be a carnival of democracy. This cartoon, on the other hand, depicts chaos. Is this always true of elections?

It is not necessarily accurate to say that elections are always conducted in a chaotic manner. Generally, elections are held peacefully while maintaining the law and order of the state.

Q.30. Read the passage and answer the questions that follows:
“One likes to ask whether there can be anything new in a constitution framed at this hour in the history of the world... The only new thing, if there can be any, in a constitution framed so late in the day are the variations, made to remove the failures and accommodate it to the needs of the country.”
(i) What role did he play in the Constituent Assembly?

The individual in question served as the Chairman of the Drafting Committee of the Constituent Assembly.

(ii) What was the primary novel concept, in his view, introduced during the drafting of the Indian Constitution?

The unique aspect of the development of the Indian Constitution was the adaptation of provisions borrowed from foreign Constitutions to address their inherent shortcomings and align them with India's specific requirements.

(iii) Whose words have been used in this context?

The aforementioned statement was made by Dr. B. R. Ambedkar.

(iv) Who served as the Chairman of the Constituent Assembly?

The individual who held the position of Chairman of the Constituent Assembly was Dr. Rajendra Prasad.

Q.31. Read the passage and answer the questions that follows:
Political  theory  deals  with  the  ideas  and  principles  that  shape  Constitutions,  governments  and  social  life  in  a  systematic manner. It clarifies the meaning of concepts such as freedom, equality, justice, democracy, secularism and  so  on.  It  probes  the  significance  of  principles  such  as  rule  of  law,  separation  of  powers,  judicial  review,  etc.  This  is  done  by  examining  the  arguments  advanced  by  different  thinkers  in  defence  of  these  concepts.  Though Rousseau or Marx or Gandhi did not become politicians, their ideas influenced generations of politicians everywhere. There are also contemporary thinkers who draw upon them to defend freedom or democracy in our own time. Besides examining arguments, political theorists also reflect upon our current political experiences and point out trends and possibilities for the future.

(i) Which political theorist argued about Swaraj?
(a) Karl Marx
(b) Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
(c) Mahatma Gandhi
(d) Rousseau

Correct Answer is option c.

(ii) How does the political theory defend the aims?
(a) Consider current political experiences
(b) Relies on the arguments by political thinkers
(c) Point out trends and possibilities for the future
(d) All of the above

Correct Answer is option d.

(iii) Who pleaded for equality?
(a) Plato
(b) Marx
(c) Aristotle
(d) Rousseau

Correct Answer is option b.

(iv) The political theory aims to establish:
(a) Equality
(b) Harmony
(c) Belief
(d) All of these

Correct Answer is option a.

Q.32. A state must safeguard its citizens' lives and rights. However, its own actions are sometimes a source of violence against some of its citizens. Comment with the help of some examples.

It is true that a state has the responsibility to protect the lives and rights of its citizens, but there are times when its own actions can become a source of violence against some of its citizens. Here are some examples:
Police brutality: Police brutality is a form of violence that occurs when law enforcement officers use excessive force against citizens. This can include physical violence, such as beatings, shootings, and taserings, as well as psychological violence, such as intimidation and harassment. In some cases, police brutality can result in the death of citizens, as has been seen in numerous cases in the United States and other countries.
Forced disappearances: Forced disappearances occur when individuals are taken into custody by the state or its agents, but then are not acknowledged as being in custody, and are often not heard from again. This is a violation of human rights and can be a source of violence against citizens, as it denies them the right to a fair trial and often results in torture and other forms of abuse.
Mass surveillance: Mass surveillance is the practice of monitoring the communications and activities of large numbers of people, often without their knowledge or consent. This can be a source of violence against citizens, as it violates their privacy and can lead to the targeting of individuals based on their political or social views.
State-sponsored terrorism: State-sponsored terrorism occurs when a government supports and finances acts of terrorism against its own citizens or citizens of other countries. This can be a source of violence against citizens, as it can result in the deaths and injuries of innocent people.
Overall, it is important for states to be held accountable for their actions and to ensure that they do not become a source of violence against their own citizens. This can be achieved through strong legal frameworks, independent oversight and accountability mechanisms, and a commitment to upholding human rights and the rule of law.

OR

Make a thorough note on Sustainable Development.

Sustainable development is the process of meeting the needs of both present and future generations, with a focus on long-term stability and structural changes that enhance the qualitative characteristics of a state. This involves ensuring that the exploitation of resources, investment direction, and technological orientation are all in harmony and improve the potential to meet human needs and aspirations, without compromising the ability of future generations to do the same.
In recent years, there has been a shift towards a more holistic approach to environmental analysis, recognizing the global effects of environmental decay. Resource conservation and pollution control are now seen as essential for protecting natural systems that support life and improving living standards.
Sustainable development offers an alternative to development at any cost, which was the focus of earlier decades' drive towards modernization. It emphasizes the need to balance economic, social, and environmental considerations to achieve long-term stability and prosperity.

Q.33. Explain the Supreme Court of India's original and appellate jurisdiction.

The Supreme Court of India has two types of jurisdiction: original and appellate.
Under its original jurisdiction, the Supreme Court settles disputes that arise between the central government and state governments, or between two or more states. It also has the power to issue writs in cases where fundamental rights of citizens are in danger. Additionally, the Supreme Court resolves disputes related to criminal cases filed against legislators.
Under its appellate jurisdiction, the Supreme Court hears appeals against decisions of lower courts regarding the interpretation of the Constitution. It can also grant special leave to appeal. The Supreme Court can also hear cases certified by a high court as being under its jurisdiction. Finally, the Supreme Court can award the death penalty in criminal cases.

OR

Explain in detail the various powers or functions held by India's Prime Minister.

The Prime Minister of India has several powers and functions, including:
(i) Presiding over Cabinet and Council of Ministers meetings
(ii) Acting as a liaison between the President and the Council of Ministers, as ministers cannot communicate with the President directly without the Prime Minister's permission
(iii) Assigning departments to ministers, overseeing their performance, and changing their department if they do not perform satisfactorily
(iv) Advising the President on the appointment of Governors and Ambassadors
(v) Advising the President on the appointment of civil service members
(vi) Serving as the head of the government and the real executive in Parliament.
These responsibilities make the Prime Minister a critical figure in the functioning of the Indian government, with a significant impact on the day-to-day operations of the country.

Q.34. What exactly does the right to national self-determination entail? Provide appropriate examples of the factors that contribute to the emergence of nationalist feelings.

The right to national self-determination suggests that every nation has the right to determine its destiny without any interference from other states. In simpler terms, it means that every community has the right to determine its political status, economic development, and cultural existence. This right implies that every group should be able to choose its own form of government and control its own economic and cultural development.
There are several factors that lead to the emergence of nationalist feelings:
Shared beliefs: Nationalist feelings are often based on a collective identity and vision for the future of a group that aspires to have an independent political existence. For example, every citizen of India wants the national hockey team to become world champions, and this common aspiration contributes to a sense of national identity.
Common history: The citizens of a nation-state share a common history, which they perceive as stretching back into the past and reaching into the future. For example, Indians share a common history of the nationalist movement and have the same vision for their future.
Common territory: Nationalist feelings can also emerge from a shared land or territory on which the people have been living for a long time. For example, Indians identify themselves with the distinctive geographical features of the Indian subcontinent.
Shared political ideals: Citizens of a nation-state share a vision of the kind of state they want to build, and they share a commitment to a set of political ideas that are legitimized by the law of the state. For example, the Constitution of India has adopted democracy and secularism, among other ideals, as its goals.
Common political identity: Nationalist feelings can emerge from a common political identity irrespective of religious and linguistic groups. For example, a Sikh from Punjab, a Muslim from Uttar Pradesh, and a Hindu from Karnataka share a common political identity of being Indian, despite their different religious and linguistic backgrounds.
In summary, the right to national self-determination implies that every community has the right to determine its political status, economic development, and cultural existence. The emergence of nationalist feelings can be attributed to various factors, such as shared beliefs, common history, shared territory, shared political ideals, and common political identity.

OR

Can India be considered a genuinely secular country, and what are the reasons for or against this view?

The following points provide a critical analysis of the common misconceptions surrounding secularism:
(i) Some argue that secularism is anti-religious, but in reality, secularism is against institutionalized religious domination.
(ii) There is a belief that secularism threatens religious identity, but in fact, it promotes religious freedom and equality.
(iii) Some claim that secularism is linked only to Christianity and therefore unsuited to Indian conditions. However, a secular state can distance itself from religion to promote peace and protect the rights of all communities.
(iv) Indian secularism is often associated with advocating for minority rights, but it is justified only when these rights protect their fundamental interests and are not viewed as special privileges.
(v) It is said that secularism interferes excessively with religious freedom, but Indian secularism follows the concept of principled distance, which allows for non-interference and supports liberal and democratic voices within every religion.
(vi) Secularism is often accused of encouraging vote bank politics, but if secular politicians give minorities what they want while protecting their fundamental interests, it is a success of the secular project.
(vii) Some argue that secularism cannot work because people with deep religious differences will never live together in peace. However, the history of Indian civilization shows that this is achievable. In conclusion, India is a secular state.