Q1: Highlight any two constitutional issues between the parliament and the judiciary during the 1970s.?
Ans: Two constitutional issues between the parliament and the judiciary during the 1970s include:
Q2: Why were the Lok Sabha elections, 1977 fought by the opposition on the slogan? ‘Save Democracy’.
Ans:Lok Sabha elections, 1977 fought by the opposition on the slogan ‘Save Democracy’ because from 1975 to 1977 ruling government instead of democracy imposed emergency, which caused multi atrocities in every sphere.
Q3: What was the main demand of the railwaymen during the strike?
Ans:Bonus and improved conditions of service was the main demand of the railwaymen during the strike.
Q4: Mention the main reason for the defeat of The Congress Party in the elections of 1977.
Ans: The main reason for the defeat of the Congress Party in the elections of 1977 was an internal emergency declared by the government
Q5: Who led the railway strike of 1974? What was its main demand?
Ans:George Fernandes led the railway strike in 1974. Bonus and improved condition of service were the main demands of the railway employees.
Q6: Name the political party which came to power at the center in 1977.
Ans:The political party that came to power at the centre in 1977 was the Janata Party.
Q7: Why did the magazines like ‘Seminar’ and ‘Mainstream’ choose to close down after the declaration of emergency in 1975?
Ans:Seminar and Mainstream chose to close down because these magazines did not accept the censorship imposed on print media.
Q8: Why was the Congress party defeated during the elections of 1977?
Ans: The Congress Party was defeated in 1977 due to the imposition of emergency and practicing of unconstitutional activities by its leaders.
Q9: Mention the main reason for the defeat of Congress party in the elections 1977.
Ans:The opposition party adopted the slogan ‘Save democracy’ against the imposition of emergency.
Q10: In which year fifth general elections to Lok Sabha held?
Ans:The fifth general elections to the Lok Sabha were held in 1971.
Q11: In January 1974, Students of Gujarat started an agitation against which two major problems?
Ans: In January 1974, students in Gujarat initiated a protest against:
Q12: Who was Charu Majumdar?
Ans: Charu Majumdar was a communist revolutionary and the leader of Naxalbari uprising. He founded the Communist Party of India (Marxist Leninist).
Q13: Name the president who proclaimed emergency in 1975 in India.
Ans: President Fakhruddin Ali Ahmad at midnight on 25 June 1975.
Q14: Who introduced Twenty Point Programme and Why?
Ans: Congress government led by Indira Gandhi introduced ‘Twenty Point Programme’ to maintain law and order and to restored efficiency including land reforms, eradication of bonded labour, land redistribution, workers participation in management etc.
Q15: Who became the symbol of restoration of democracy?
Ans: Jayaprakash Narayan, leader of Janata Party.
Q16: Mention the Historic decision given by the court in famous Kesavananda Bharati Case.
Ans: That there are some basic features of constitution not to be amended by parliament at all. It led to a crisis between the government and judiciary.
Q17: What was the controversy regarding the appointment of the chief justice A.N. Ray in 1973?
Ans: It became political controversial because in this appointment the government set aside the seniority of three judges who had given ruling against the stand of government.
Q18: Why did Congress win in Southern states?
Ans: Reasons for the win of congress in southern states :
Q19: What do you mean by Preventive Detention?
Ans:Preventive Detention refers to a legal provision where individuals are arrested and held without having committed an actual crime. This is based on the belief that they may commit an offence in the future.
Q20: What factors led to crisis of democratic order in Indian Politics?
Ans: Factors that led to the crisis of democratic order in Indian politics include:
Q21: Mention the factors which led Naxalite movement in backward states.
Ans: Factors which led Naxalite movement in backward areas are as follows :
Q22: What was Shah Commission of inquiry?
How did government react to it? “
Ans: The Shah commission was appointed in May 1977 by Janata Party government headed by S.C. Shah, retired chief justice of Supreme Court of India to look into the matter of:
The government appeared before commission against various evidences but she refused to answer any question.
Q23: Describe any two outcomes of Naxalite Movement.
Ans: The ‘Naxalites’ were the Marxist and Leninist Agricultural workers of Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Bihar and adjoining areas who organised massive agitations against economic injustice and inequality and demanded redistribution of land to cultivators.
Q24: Mention circumstances to be characterised for imposition of emergency?
Ans: The imposition of an emergency can be characterised by several key circumstances:
Q25: Who organised the first nationwide Satyagraha and Why?
Ans: It was organised by Jayaprakash Narayan for Indira Gandhi’s resignation, he appealed to people not to obey illegal and immoral orders by a massive demonstration on 25 June 1975. All these changed the political mood of the country against Congress.
Q26: Examine the conditions responsible for the growth of the Naxalite movement in India. Suggest ways and means curb it.
Ans: The Naxalite movement is a significant peasant uprising that began in 1967 in the Naxalbari area of West Bengal. It was initiated by local leaders from the Marxist Party. Key factors contributing to its growth include:
To address and potentially end the Naxalite movement, the following strategies could be considered:
Q27: Explain any two lessons learnt from the emergency imposed in 1975.
Ans:Lessons learnt from the Emergency imposed in 1975:
Q28: Analyse any four factors responsible for the downfall of the Janata Government in 1979.
Ans: The following are the factors responsible for the downfall of the Janata Government in 1979.
Q29: How did the Janta Party make the 1977 elections into a referendum on the emergency imposed in 1975? Explain.
Ans: On 25th June 1975, Prime Minister Mrs Indira Gandhi declared an Internal Emergency in India. This led to:
In the lead-up to the 1977 elections, the Janata Party transformed the election into a referendum on the Emergency by:
As a result, the opposition campaigned under the slogan of 'save democracy', and the public's verdict was overwhelmingly against the Emergency, reinforcing the idea that voters punish perceived anti-democratic actions
Q30: Examine the legacy of emergency of 1975 in India.
Ans: Following are the legacy of emergency of 1975:
Q31: Explain the reasons for students movement of 1974 in Bihar and the role played by Jayaprakash Narayan in this movement.
Ans: Reasons for Student’s Movement of 1974:
Role of Jayaprakash Narayan:
Q32: Evaluate the consequences of declaration of emergency in 1975?
Ans: The declaration of emergency in 1975 had significant consequences for India:
Q33: Explain any two lessons learnt from emergency imposed in 1975.
Ans: The Emergency in India from 1975 to 1977 highlighted both the strengths and weaknesses of its democracy. Here are two key lessons learned:
Additionally, the Emergency raised awareness about the importance of civil liberties, leading to a more active role for the courts in protecting individual rights.
Q34: Why is emergency and period around it known as the period of constitutional crisis? Explain.
Ans: The period of constitutional crisis during the Emergency was marked by significant changes to the Constitution. Key amendments included:
As a result, elections that were due in 1976 were effectively delayed until 1978, highlighting the impact of the Emergency on India's democratic processes.
Q35: How did emergency of 1975 benefit the Indian democratic set up?
Ans: The period following the Emergency of 1975 had significant effects on India's democratic setup:
The aftermath of the Emergency ultimately strengthened the foundations of democracy in India.
Q36: Describe any four circumstances for proclamation of emergency in 1975.
Ans:Four circumstances for the proclamation of emergency in 1975:
Q37: Discuss the role of Jayaprakash Narayan in Bihar movement and national politics.
Ans: Jayaprakash Narayan played a significant role in the Bihar movement and national politics during the 1970s. Initially a Marxist, he later embraced Gandhian principles and became involved in various social movements, including the Bhoodan movement. Key points about his involvement in the Bihar movement include:
In 1975, he led a massive march to Parliament, supported by various non-Congress parties, positioning him as a key alternative to Indira Gandhi. This movement not only influenced Bihar but also had a significant impact on national politics.
Q38: ‘Emergency was a Blackmark in Indian History’. Comment.
Ans: The Emergency was declared on 25 June 1975, citing internal disturbances and invoking Article 352 of the Constitution. Prime Minister Indira Gandhi recommended this action to President Fakhruddin Ali Ahmad. This period is considered one of the most controversial in Indian history, as it:
The Shah Commission later revealed numerous excesses committed during the Emergency. It also highlighted the ongoing struggle between the Parliament and the judiciary, raising questions about the balance between institutional democracy and public participation. Overall, the Emergency marked a significant crisis in India's democratic order.
Q39: Read the passage given below carefully and answer the questions:
Once an emergency is proclaimed, the federal distribution of powers remains practically suspended and al 1 t be power its the hands of the union government. Secondly, the government also gets the power to curtail or restrict all or any of the Fundamental Rights during the emergency. From the wording of the provisions of the Constitution, it is clear that an Emergency is seen as an extra-iordinary condition in which normal democratic politics cannot function. Therefore, special powers are granted to the government.
1. When was emergency imposed?
2. Who recommended emergency to be imposed and to whom?
3. Mention the implications of emergency.
Ans:
1.25 June 1975.
2.Prime Minister Indira Gandhi recommended to impose emergency to the president Fakhruddin Ali Ahmad.
3. (i) The federal distribution of powers remains practically suspended.
(ii) All the powers are concentrated in the hands of Union government.
(iii) The government also gets power to restrict all or any of Fundamental Rights during emergency.
Q40: Read the passage given below carefully and answer the questions:
There were many acts of dissent and resistance to the Emergency. Many political workers who were not arrested in the first wave, went ‘underground’ and organised protests against the government. Newspapers like the Indian Express and the Statesman protested against censorship by leaving blank spaces where news items had been censored. Magazines like the Seminar and the Mainstream chose to close down rather than submit to censorship. Many journalists were arrested for writing against the Emergency. Many underground newsletters and leaflets were published to bypass censorship. Kannada writer Shivarama Karanth, awarded with Padma Bhushan, and Hindi writer Fanishwarnath Renu, awarded with Padma Shri, returned their awards in protest against the suspension of democracy. By and large, though, such open acts of defiance and resistance were rare.
1. Why did people began to protest against government?
2. How did newspapers protest against censorship?
3. How did writers protest against the emergency?
4. Which magazines protested against censorship?
Ans:
1.Against imposition of emergency.
2.Newspaper like Indian Express and the Statesman protested against censorship by leaving blank spaces where news items had been censored.
3. Kannada writer Shivarama Karanth awarded with Padma Bhushan and Hindi writer Fanishwarnath Renu awarded with Padma Shri returned their awards in protest against suspension of democracy.
4. Magazines like ‘Seminar’ and ‘Mainstream’ chose to close down rather than submit to censorship.
Q41: Explain any three lessons from the Emergency imposed in 1975.
Ans:On the advice of Prime Minister Mrs. Indira Gandhi, the President declared an Internal emergency on 25th June 1975. Thousands of workers and leaders of opposition parties were put in jails under MISA. Many restrictions were put on freedom of the press. Legislative Assemblies of Gujarat and Tamil Nadu were dissolved. During an emergency, Sanjay Gandhi, the son of Mrs. Indira Gandhi, became very powerful. Mrs. Indira Gandhi announced the Lok Sabha elections in January 1977 and released the imprisoned political leaders.
The following three lessons were learned from the emergency :
Q42: Examine the developments that gave rise to the conflict between the Union Government and the Judiciary in India.
Ans:Since 1950, the Supreme Court of India has decided numerous cases involving laws passed by Parliament and state legislatures. It has exercised its power of judicial review in many instances. Key developments in the conflict between the Union Government and the Judiciary include:
These rulings established the Supreme Court as the final interpreter of the Constitution, leading to a significant crisis in the relationship between the government and the judiciary. Further tensions arose when:
During the Emergency (1975-1977), the Supreme Court upheld government actions that restricted citizens' rights, closing judicial avenues for challenging detentions. This period saw widespread dissent against the government, with many political activists going underground to protest. The climax of the conflict occurred when the Allahabad High Court declared Indira Gandhi's election invalid in June 1975, intensifying the struggle between the judiciary and the executive.
Q43: ‘Emergency is one of the most controversial episodes in Indian politics’. Analyze three reasons and three consequences of it.
Ans:On the following ground emergency considered to be one of the most controversial episodes in Indian Politics:
The following were the consequences of imposing an internal emergency in June 1975:
Q44: What is the ‘Naxalite Movement’? Evaluate its role in Indian politics. Imp.
Ans: The Naxalite movement has been the most important peasant movement in the post-independence movement. A peasant uprising took place in 1967 in the Naxalbari police station area of Darjeeling hills district in West Bengal. This movement was started under the local leadership of the Marxist Party. However, this movement has its roots in the Telbagha Movement. As Partha N. Mukerjee points out some slogans which were used initially by the Naxalites had the historical continuity of Telbagha like :
In a very short period, this movement spread to major parts of West Bengal and Andhra Pradesh and certain areas of Madhya Pradesh and Bihar. In 1969, the Naxalite group broke off from the CPI (M), and a new party Communist Party (Marxist-Leninist) was formed under the leadership of Charu Majumdar. Naxalites do not believe in democracy. They believe in violence and guerrilla war in order to achieve their aims. Naxalites used force to snatch land from the big landlord and distribute to the poor and landless workers. West Bengal government used strong measures to crush the movement. In 1972, Charu Majumdar died in police custody which created a vacuum in the movement as there was no competent leader to replace him.
Q45: Examine the three consequences of emergency imposed in 1975.
Ans: Effects on Civil Liberties of Citizens:
Impact on Relationship between Parliament and Judiciary:
Functioning of Mass Media:
Q46: Examine any six reasons for the imposition of emergency in India in 1975.
Ans: Reasons for the imposition of emergency in India in 1974 are as follows :
Q47: Assess any three happenings which were responsible for the downfall of Congress Party in the 1977 elections.
Ans: The 1977 elections marked a significant turning point in Indian politics, leading to the downfall of the Congress Party. Several key factors contributed to this unexpected outcome:
As a result, Congress suffered a historic defeat, winning only 154 seats in the Lok Sabha, while the Janata Party and its allies secured 330 seats, marking a significant shift in the political landscape.
Q48: What is Naxalite movement? Evaluate its role in Indian politics.
Ans: The Naxalite movement began in 1967 in Naxalbari, West Bengal, led by Charu Majumdar and Kanu Sanyal. Inspired by Marxist-Leninist ideology, it aimed to address socio-economic disparities, particularly landlessness, bonded labor, and exploitation of tribal communities, through revolutionary means and land redistribution.
Highlighting Socio-Economic Issues:
The movement brought attention to rural inequalities, compelling political discourse on land reforms and tribal rights.
Influencing Political Parties:
While Naxalites avoided formal elections, their actions pressured mainstream parties to address marginalized groups' demands through policy changes.
Policy Impact:
Initiatives like the Forest Rights Act, 2006, and rural welfare programs were influenced by the issues raised by Naxalism.
Challenges to Democracy:
The movement exposed weaknesses in democratic institutions in addressing rural grievances while challenging state authority through insurgency.
Ideological Influence:
Naxalism spurred debates on development models, social justice, and state repression, influencing grassroots movements and some political agendas.
The Naxalite movement, despite its violent methods, has spotlighted critical socio-economic issues. It has compelled governments to address inequalities while raising questions about balancing social justice with maintaining law and order.
Q49: Study the picture given below and answer the questions that follow:
1. When did cartoon appear in the newspaper and why?
2. Identify the person behind Indira Gandhi.
3. Identify what does the ‘Political Crisis’ stand for. Explain.
Ans:
1.This cartoon appeared few days before the declaration of emergency to capture the sense of impending political crisis.
2.The then Congress president D.K. Barooah.
3. Political crisis in 1977 made the party system in India look like a two party system i.e. Congress and non-Congress to end one party dominance and emergence of non-Congress party Janata Party as an umbrella for others.
Q50: Study the picture given below and answer the questions that follow:
1. What situation does the picture refer to?
2. Which Commission is represented into the cartoon?
3. Mention some points of this Commission’s report.
Ans:
1. Appearance of Indira Gandhi before Commission but refused to answer any question.
2.Shah Commission’s report about emergency.
3.(i)There were many excesses committed during emergency.
(ii) Several restrictions were put on the press sometimes without legal sanction.
(iii) Many people were arrested under preventive detention law.
(iv)Even general manager of Delhi Power Supply Corporation received verbal orders from the officers of Lt. Governor of Delhi to cut electricity to all newspaper presses at 2 a.m. on 26 June 1975.
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