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

Very Short Answer Type Questions

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:

  • Can the Parliament abridge fundamental rights? The Supreme Court ruled that it cannot.
  • Can the Parliament curtail the right to property? The Court stated that Parliament cannot amend the Constitution to diminish rights.

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:

  • Rising prices of food grains, cooking oil, and other essential commodities.
  • Corruption in high places.

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 :

  • The impact of emergency was not felt equally in all the states.
  • The forced relocation and dis-placements, the forced sterilisations were mostly concentrated in the northern 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: 

  • Emergence of Indira Gandhi with a lot of popularity.
  • Party competitions had been created.
  • Relation between the government and judiciary had become tense.

Q21: Mention the factors which led Naxalite movement in backward states.
Ans: Factors which led Naxalite movement in backward areas are as follows :

  • Forced labour
  • Exploitation by moneylenders
  • Exploitation of resources by outsiders.

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:

  • Allegations of abuse of authority.
  • Excesses and malpractices.
  • Actions taken in the name of emergency proclaimed on 25 June 1975.

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:

  • Emergence of Indira Gandhi.
  • Power Politics became personalised and governmental authority was converted into personalization.
  • Bitter party competition.
  • Tense relations between the government and judiciary.

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.

Short Answer Type Questions


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:

  • The Naxalites reject democracy and advocate for violence and guerrilla warfare to achieve their goals.
  • They used force to seize land from large landlords and redistribute it to poor and landless workers.
  • The West Bengal government responded with strict measures to suppress the movement.
  • The death of Charu Mazumdar in police custody in 1972 created a leadership vacuum, weakening the movement.

To address and potentially end the Naxalite movement, the following strategies could be considered:

  • Implementing land reforms to ensure fair distribution of land.
  • Enhancing economic opportunities in rural areas to reduce poverty.
  • Engaging in dialogue with local communities to address their grievances.
  • Strengthening law enforcement while ensuring human rights are respected.


Q27: Explain any two lessons learnt from the emergency imposed in 1975.
Ans:
Lessons learnt from the Emergency imposed in 1975:

  • Independence of Institutions: It is crucial for the bureaucracy and judiciary to operate independently. The bureaucracy should remain impartial and adhere to the Constitution, rather than aligning with the ruling party's ideology. The judiciary must also be free from executive control to effectively protect citizens' rights.
  • Constitutional Governance: The government must administer according to the Constitution. The judiciary acts as the guardian of the Constitution, ensuring that all actions taken by the government are lawful and just.

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.

  • Janta-Party lacked direction, leadership, and a common program.
  • The janta-Party government could not bring about a fundamental change in policies from those pursued by Congress.
  • In the Janata-Party government, different political parties lacked co-operation among themselves.
  • All important leaders of different political parties were egoistic and over-ambitious for power.

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:

  • The suspension of fundamental rights, particularly those outlined in Article 19.
  • The arrest of thousands of opposition leaders and activists.
  • Severe restrictions on freedom of the press.

In the lead-up to the 1977 elections, the Janata Party transformed the election into a referendum on the Emergency by:

  • Highlighting the non-democratic nature of the government's rule.
  • Focusing on the widespread arrests and press censorship.
  • Capitalising on public discontent against the Congress Party.

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:

  • Increased faith in the opposition, with a belief that they could form a government.
  • Birth of many organisations focused on raising awareness about freedom and rights.
  • A more pronounced sense of democracy emerged during this period.
  • The Congress Party aligned itself with a specific ideology, presenting itself as the only socialist and pro-poor party.

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:

  • Protests against rising prices of food grains and essential commodities.
  • Opposition to corruption in government.
  • Concerns over unemployment and food scarcity.

Role of Jayaprakash Narayan:

  • Jayaprakash Narayan (JP) was invited to lead the movement, agreeing on the condition of non-violence.
  • He called for the dismissal of the Congress government in Bihar and advocated for a total revolution in social, economic, and political spheres.
  • JP's leadership attracted people from various backgrounds, expanding the movement's national appeal.
  • He organised significant protests, including a large march to Parliament in 1975, gaining support from non-Congress opposition parties.

Q32: Evaluate the consequences of declaration of emergency in 1975?
Ans:  
The declaration of emergency in 1975 had significant consequences for India:

  • The government curtailed civil liberties, overriding high court decisions and limiting citizens' rights to life and liberty.
  • The Forty-Second Amendment was enacted, introducing numerous changes to the Constitution.
  • Press censorship was imposed, requiring newspapers to obtain prior approval for publication, effectively banning freedom of the press.
  • The government claimed it was unnecessary to inform arrested individuals of the reasons for their detention.
  • Many opposition leaders were jailed, and public protests and strikes were prohibited, leading to a tense political climate.
  • Despite the suspension of rights, some High Courts ruled that writs of habeas corpus could still be filed. However, in April 1976, the Supreme Court upheld the government's stance, further restricting citizens' rights.
  • Acts of dissent emerged, with some political activists going underground to organise protests against the government.
  • Several newspapers protested by leaving editorial spaces blank, although this practice was later banned.

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:

  • Resilience of Democracy: It became clear that it is very difficult to eliminate democracy in India. Despite the Emergency, normal democratic processes resumed quickly.
  • Clarification of Emergency Provisions: The situation revealed ambiguities in the Constitution regarding the declaration of an internal emergency. Now, such a declaration can only occur on the grounds of armed rebellion, and the advice to the President must be provided in writing by the Union Cabinet.

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:

  • The forty-second amendment was passed, introducing several changes.
  • Elections for the Prime Minister, President, and Vice-President could not be challenged in court.
  • The duration of legislatures was extended from five to six years.
  • Elections could be postponed by one year during an Emergency.

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 Congress party positioned itself as a socialist and pro-poor party, focusing on specific ideologies.
  • Opposition parties embraced the concept of non-Congressism, uniting against Congress.
  • Political focus shifted towards the welfare of backward classes, particularly in northern states.
  • The Emergency highlighted tensions between institutional democracy and popular participation, leading to criticism of the party system.

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:

  • Emergence of Indira Gandhi: Her rise to power led to a shift in political dynamics.
  • Personalised power politics: Government authority became increasingly centralised around her.
  • Bitter party competition: Intense rivalry among political parties created a volatile atmosphere.
  • Tense relations with the judiciary: Conflicts arose between the government and the judicial system.

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:

  • He was invited by Bihar students to lead their protests against issues like rising prices, unemployment, and corruption.
  • He accepted the leadership on the condition that the movement would remain non-violent and extend beyond Bihar.
  • The movement called for the dismissal of the Congress government in Bihar and aimed for a total revolution in social, economic, and political spheres.
  • Protests included bandhs, gheraos, and strikes, with railway employees participating in a nationwide strike that threatened to disrupt the country.

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:

  • Suspended democratic processes.
  • Concentrated power in the hands of the union government.
  • Allowed the government to restrict Fundamental Rights.

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.

Long Answer Type Questions

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 :

  • Bureaucracy and Judiciary should be independent. Bureaucracy should be independent and impartial. It should not be committed to the ideology and principles of the ruling party. Rather bureaucracy should be committed to the Constitution. Judiciary should not be subordinated to the executive. Judiciary should be independent and should protect the right and liberties of the citizens.
  • The government should run the administration according to the provisions of the Constitution. The Constitution is supreme and its supremacy should be protected by the Judiciary.
  • Freedom of the press should not be crushed. Freedom of the press is very essential for the successful working of democracy. Political consciousness is created among the people by the press.

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:

  • Sankari Prasad vs. Union of India (1951): The Supreme Court ruled that Fundamental Rights are not absolute and can be amended by Parliament under Article 368.
  • Golak Nath Case (1967): The Court reversed its earlier stance, stating that Parliament cannot amend Fundamental Rights, leading to a supremacy conflict.
  • Banking Companies Act (1970): The Supreme Court declared this Act unconstitutional, prompting the government to pass the 24th and 25th Amendment Acts in 1971 to restore Parliament's amending powers.
  • Kesavananda Bharati Case (1973): The Supreme Court upheld Parliament's right to amend the Constitution but ruled that it cannot alter the basic structure of the Constitution.
  • Minerva Mills Case (1980): The Court struck down provisions of the 42nd Amendment that granted unlimited powers to Parliament, reinforcing the idea that Parliament cannot destroy the Constitution's basic structure.

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:

  • The government appointed Justice A. N. Ray as Chief Justice, bypassing senior judges who had ruled against government interests.
  • The Supreme Court challenged the government's initiatives, leading to accusations from the Congress party that the Court was obstructing democratic principles.

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:

  • Excess during Emergency. Basic liberties of the people were suppressed. No individual or party could utter a word against the imposition of emergency or the excess committed by the government.
  • The imposition of Black Acts like MISA. During the emergency, various black acts were passed by the Indira government. The people suspected of anything against the government were arrested and thrown behind the bars without any trial under the MISA. The life, liberty, respect, and property of no person were considered safe.
  • Constitutional Amendments. Indira gov-ernment lowered the position of the Judiciary through the 42nd amendment. In fact, Judiciary was subordinated to the executive. The scope of Judicial review was limited to a great extent.

The following were the consequences of imposing an internal emergency in June 1975:

  • Fundamental Rights were suspended.
  • Censorship was imposed on Freedom of the Press and Mass Media.
  • Preventive detention laws were enacted.

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 :

  • We want the abolition of the Zamindari System.
  • Land to the tiller.
  • Tenant eviction will not be tolerated.
  • 25 percent interest for borrowed paddy.
  • Go on cultivating without surrendering.
  • Defeat the Congress.

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:

  • The government conducted large-scale arrests under preventive detention.
  • Arrested individuals could not challenge their detention, even through Habeas Corpus petitions.
  • In April 1976, the Supreme Court ruled that the government could override citizens' rights to life and liberty, limiting judicial oversight.

Impact on Relationship between Parliament and Judiciary:

  • Parliament amended the Constitution to prevent legal challenges to the elections of the Prime Minister, President, and Vice-President.
  • The forty-second amendment introduced significant changes, including extending the duration of legislatures and allowing elections to be postponed during emergencies.

Functioning of Mass Media:

  • Press censorship was imposed, requiring newspapers to obtain prior approval for publication.
  • Public protests, strikes, and agitations were banned, suspending various fundamental rights.
  • Writers like Shivarama Karanth and Fanishwarnath Renu returned their awards in protest against the suspension of democracy.
  • Newspapers, including the Indian Express and the Statesman, protested by leaving blank editorial spaces.

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 :

  • The emergency was declared following a petition by Raj Narayan to invalidate Indira Gandhi's election.
  • On 25 June 1975, the government cited a threat of internal disturbances, invoking Article 352 of the Constitution.
  • This article allows for an emergency declaration due to either internal or external threats.
  • The government perceived a grave crisis, necessitating the emergency to restore law and order.
  • It aimed to enhance efficiency and implement pro-poor welfare programmes.
  • The proclamation by President Fakhruddin Ali Ahmad marked a controversial episode in Indian politics, leading to the concentration of power in the union government.

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:

  • Emergency Rule: The opposition capitalised on the widespread discontent caused by the Emergency, promoting the slogan ‘save democracy’. This resonated with voters who were unhappy with the government's actions during this period.
  • Public Sentiment: The Janata Party highlighted issues such as preventive detention and press censorship, which helped sway public opinion against Congress. Many voters felt that the government had overstepped its bounds.
  • Unity of Opposition: The formation of the Janata Party ensured that non-Congress votes were not divided, allowing for a stronger challenge to Congress. This unity attracted many voters from the middle class, particularly in North India.

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.

Role in Indian Politics

  1. Highlighting Socio-Economic Issues:
    The movement brought attention to rural inequalities, compelling political discourse on land reforms and tribal rights.

  2. Influencing Political Parties:
    While Naxalites avoided formal elections, their actions pressured mainstream parties to address marginalized groups' demands through policy changes.

  3. Policy Impact:
    Initiatives like the Forest Rights Act, 2006, and rural welfare programs were influenced by the issues raised by Naxalism.

  4. Challenges to Democracy:
    The movement exposed weaknesses in democratic institutions in addressing rural grievances while challenging state authority through insurgency.

  5. 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:
Important Questions: The Crisis of Democratic Order | Political Science Class 12 - Humanities/Arts

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:
Important Questions: The Crisis of Democratic Order | Political Science Class 12 - Humanities/Arts

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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FAQs on Important Questions: The Crisis of Democratic Order - Political Science Class 12 - Humanities/Arts

1. What are the main causes of the crisis of democratic order?
Ans. The main causes of the crisis of democratic order include political polarization, the rise of authoritarianism, economic inequality, erosion of civic trust, and the spread of misinformation.
2. How does economic inequality affect democratic systems?
Ans. Economic inequality can undermine democratic systems by creating social divisions, reducing political participation among lower-income groups, and allowing wealthier individuals or corporations to exert disproportionate influence on political processes.
3. What role does misinformation play in the crisis of democratic order?
Ans. Misinformation can distort public perception, polarize opinions, and erode trust in democratic institutions, making it difficult for citizens to make informed decisions and engage constructively in the democratic process.
4. How can societies address the crisis of democratic order?
Ans. Societies can address the crisis by promoting civic education, strengthening institutions, encouraging inclusive political participation, and fostering media literacy to combat misinformation.
5. What impact does political polarization have on democratic governance?
Ans. Political polarization can lead to gridlock in governance, increased hostility between political factions, and a decline in bipartisan cooperation, ultimately threatening the stability and functionality of democratic systems.
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