Class XII - Political Science Practice Paper - 2 - Answers

Subject: Political Science

Class XII

Time Allowed: 3 hours

Max. Marks: 80

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS:

I) All questions are compulsory.

II) Question numbers 1-12 are multiple choice questions of one mark each.

III) Question numbers 13-18 are of 2 marks each. Answers to these questions should not exceed 50 words each.

IV) Question numbers 19-23 are of 4 marks each. Answers to these questions should not exceed 100 words each.

V) Question numbers 24-26 are passage, cartoon and map-based questions. Answer accordingly.

VI) Question numbers 27-30 are of 6 marks each. Answers to these questions should not exceed 170 words.

VII) There is an internal choice in 6 marks questions.

SECTION – A

1.The movement ‘Arab Spring’ that began in 2009 later turned into a__________.

(a) Social Movement

(b) Religious Movement

(c) Political Movement

(d) Economic Movement

2. Name the Soviet leader who faced a coup in the year 1991.

(a) Boris Yelstin

(b) Mikhail Gorbachev

(d) Joseph Stalin

3. Select one of the most appropriate statements for the ‘ASEAN WAY’-

(a) Reflects the lifestyle of ASEAN members

(b) Is an informal and cooperative interaction among ASEAN members

(d) Is the philosophical principle that connects all the ASEAN members

Choose the correct set of countries that refused to adopt the Maastricht Treaty and European currency, Euro?

(a) Britain and France

(b) Denmark and Sweden

(d) Canada and Sweden

Directions for Q.Nos. 5 and 6 In the question given below, there are two statements marked as Assertion (A) and Reason (R). Read these statements and choose one correct answer from the given options-

5.Assertion (A) Traditional Security accepts confidence building as a means of avoiding violence.

Reason (R) Confidence building is a process in which countries share ideas and information with their rivals.

(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A

(b) Both A and R are true and R is not the correct explanation of A

(d) A is false, but R is true

6. Assertion (A) The real challenge to Indira Gandhi came not from the opposition but from within her own party.

Reason (R) She had to deal with the ‘Syndicate’, a group of powerful and influential leaders from within the Congress.

(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A

(b) Both A and R are true and R is not the correct explanation of A

(d) A is false, but R is true

7. Terrorism refers to –

a) A bomb blast in a market place or train etc.

b) Systematic creation of atmosphere of fear in society using brutal violence

c) An external attack by any military group

d) Violence created by a group of people or an individual

8. Which of the following statements about NITI Aayog are true?

(i) NITI Aayog acts as a “think tank” of the Union Government

(ii) NITI Aayog acts against terrorism

(iii) NITI Aayog acts in the spirit of cooperative federalism

(iv) NITI Aayog decides more role for bigger states and smaller role for smaller states

Codes

a) (i), (ii) and (iv)

b) (iii) and (iv)

c) (i), (iii) and (iv)

d) (i) and (iii)

9. Name the personality who drafted Second Five Year Plan.

(a) K. C. Negoy

(b) T.T. Krishnamachari

(d) P. C. Mahalnobis

10. Arrange the following in chronological order-

(a) Second General Elections

(b) V.V. Giri elected as the President of India

(d) Congress(R)-CPI alliance won many seats in General Elections

Codes

(a) i), iii) ,ii), iv)

(b) iii), ii), iv), i)

(d) iv), iii),i), ii)

11. Name the judge of the Allahabad High Court who declared Mrs. Indira Gandhi’s election as invalid—

(a) Om Prakash Trivedi

(b) Jagmohan Lal Sinha

(d) Kunj Bihari Srivastava

12. Find the odd one out in the context of proclamation of emergency –

(a) Call for ‘Total Revolution’.

(b) the Railway Strike of 1974

(c) Naxalite Movement

(d) Gujarat Movement

SECTION – B

13. Highlight any one feature of the multi-polar world as visualized by both Russia and India.

Ans. Features of a multi-polar world as visualized by both India and Russia:

I) Coexistence of several powers in the international system to collective security and a collective response.

II) Negotiated settlements of international conflicts and independent foreign policy for all countries.

III) Decision making through bodies like the UN.

14. Name the countries included in South Asia and suggest one way to enhance peace and cooperation in this region.

Ans. South Asia:

I) South Asia usually includes Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka (as well as Afghanistan)

II) Peace and cooperation can be enhanced in the region through organizations like SAARC and initiatives like SAFTA in political, social, economic and cultural spheres.

15. Highlight any two issues that dominate the politics of North–East India.

Ans. Two issues that dominate the politics of North – East India are______

1. Demands for Autonomy

2. Movements for secessions and opposition to outsiders.

16. While throwing some light on the Mandal Issue, give one reason for anti-Mandal protests in India.

Ans. I) The National Front government decided to implement the recommendation of the Mandal Commission in 1990.The recommendation was that the 27 percent jobs in the Central government should be reserved for the Other Backward Classes.

II) This led to violent anti-Mandal protests in different parts of the country. This dispute between the supporters and opponents of OBC reservations was known as the Mandal issue. This issue has played an important role in shaping politics in India since 1989

17. Evaluate balance of power as a significant component of traditional security policy.

Ans. I) Governments are very sensitive to the balance of power between their country and other countries. They do work hard to maintain a favourable balance of power with other countries especially those with whom they have differences or those with whom they have had conflicts in the past.

II) A good part of maintaining a balance of power is to build up one’s military power. Although economic and technological power are also important since they are the basis for military power.

18. How far did the Rajiv Gandhi – Longowal Accord succeed in bringing normalcy in Punjab?

Ans. I) The Rajiv Gandhi-Longowal Accord or the Punjab Accord was a step towards bringing normalcy to Punjab but peace did not come easily or immediately and the cycle of violence continued nearly for a decade. The central government had to impose President’s rule in the state and the normal electoral and political process was suspended.

II) It was not easy to restore the political process in the atmosphere of suspicion and violence. When elections were held in Punjab in 1992 only 24% of the electors turned out to vote. Militancy was eventually eradicated by the security forces. Peace returned to Punjab by the middle of the 1990s.

SECTION – C

19. ‘Some of the most significant responses to the challenge of environmental degradation have come from the environmental movements’. Justify the statement with special reference to movements against extraction of earth and against mega- dams.

Ans. I) Extraction of Earth: a) The mineral industry’s extraction of earth, its use of chemicals, its pollution of waterways and land, its displacement of community continue to invite criticism and resistance in various parts of the globe. b) One example is of Philippines where a vast network of groups and organisations campaign against the Western Mining Corporation, an Australia based multinational company. Much opposition to the company in its own country, Australia is based on anti nuclear sentiments and advocacy for the basic rights of Australian indigenous peoples.

II) Mega- dams:

a) Today, wherever a mega dam is being built in the world, one is likely to find an environmental movement opposing it. The early 1980s saw the first anti- dam movement launched in the North, namely, the campaign to save the Franklin river and its surrounding forest in Australia.

b) India has had some of the leading anti-dam, pro- river movements. Narmada Bachao Andolan is one of these best known movements.

20. Explain the areas of cooperation and disagreement between India and Bangladesh.

Ans. Areas of cooperation between India and Bangladesh are as follows:

I) Bangladesh is a part of India’s Look East policy.

II) Cooperation on disaster management and environment issues has always been there.

III) Economic relations have improved considerably.

Areas of disagreement between India and Bangladesh are as follows:

I) River water dispute i.e., sharing of Ganga and Brahmaputra river waters has been a bone of contention.

II) Indian government is unhappy over the denial of illegal immigration by Bangladesh.

III) Bangladesh’s support to anti- Indian Islamic fundamentalist groups is not appreciated by the Indian government.

21. Do you agree with the statement that the foreign policy of independent India has pursued the dream of a peaceful world”? Support your answer with three suitable arguments.

Ans. Yes I agree with the given statement. Arguments for the same are as follows:

I) The foreign policy of independent India vigorously pursued the dream of a peaceful world by advocating the policy of non-alignment, by reducing the Cold War confrontations and by contributing human resources to the UN peacekeeping operations.

II) During the Cold War, the US- led North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) and the Soviet- led Warsaw Pact came into existence. India advocated non- alignment as the ideal foreign policy and sometimes the balance did not appear perfect.

III) India did not join either of the two camps. During the Cold War era, India wanted to keep distance from the military alliances led by the US and by the Soviet Union against each other.

IV) In 1956 Britain attacked Egypt over the Suez Canal issue, India led the world protest against this neo- colonial invasion. In the same year when the USSR invaded Hungary, India did not join its public condemnation. Despite such a situation, by and large India did take an independent stand on various International issues.

22. Analyze two reasons for the imposition of national emergency in India on June 25, 1975.

Ans. Reasons for imposing emergency in India on 25th June 1975 are:

I) Indira Gandhi’s election to Lok Sabha was declared invalid by the Allahabad High Court. It meant that legally she was no longer an MP and therefore could not remain the Prime Minister unless she was once again elected as an MP within 6 months. But on June 24th, the Supreme Court granted her a partial stay on the High Court order till the time her appeal was decided. She could remain an MP but could not take part in the proceedings of the Lok Sabha.

II) Opposition parties under Jayaprakash Narayan demanded Mrs. Gandhi’s resignation.

III) Jayaprakash Narayan asked army, police and government employees not to obey orders of the government. He called for a Total Revolution and became the symbol of opposition to Emergency.

23.” The Soviet Union became a great power after the Second World War. However, in no time the Soviet system became bureaucratic and authoritarian making life difficult for its citizens.” Do you agree with the given statement? Give arguments to prove your answer.

Ans. The Soviet Union became a great power after the Second World War but very soon the system became very bureaucratic and authoritarian. I do agree with the given statement.

Arguments in favor of the given statement are as follows:

I) The Soviet economy after the Second World War was more developed than the rest of the world except for the US. It had a complex communication network and vast energy resources. The soviet state ensured a minimum standard of living for all citizens and the government subsidized basic necessities including health, education, healthcare and other welfare schemes. The Soviet system however became very bureaucratic and authoritarian making life very difficult for its citizens.

II) Lack of democracy and the absence of freedom of speech stifled people who often expressed their dissent in jokes and cartoons.

III) Most of the institutions of the Soviet state needed reform; the one party system represented by the Soviet party of the Soviet Union had tight control over all institutions and was unaccountable to the people. The party refused to recognize the urge of the people in the 15 different republics that formed the Soviet Union to manage their own affairs including their cultural affairs.

IV) Although on paper Russia was only one of the 15 republics that together constituted the USSR, in reality Russia dominated everything and people from other regions felt neglected and often suppressed. Thus, we can say that indeed the Soviet Union became a great power after the Second World War but very soon the system became very bureaucratic and authoritarian.

SECTION – D

24. Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow:

After the end of the bipolar structure of world politics in the early 1990s, it became clear that alternative centres of political and economic power could limit America’s dominance. Thus, European Union and ASEAN emerged as forces to reckon with. BRICS has also emerged as a new centre of power on the world stage. The term BRICS refers to Brazil, Russia, India and South Africa. The key objectives of BRICS are primarily to cooperate and distribute mutual economic benefits among its members besides non- interference in the internal policies of each nation and mutual equality. The 11th Conference of BRICS concluded in Brazil in 2019.

(i) Name the political leader who chaired the 11th Conference of BRICS.

a) Leonid Brezhnev

b) Jair Bolsonaro

c) Deodoro da Fonseca

d) Jacob Zuma

(ii) Which among the following statements about BRICS is correct?

a) BRICS was founded to promote the welfare of the people of South Asia and to improve their quality of life.

b) BRICS countries respect mutual equality.

c) BRICS was established to create a free Trade Agreement (FTA) for investment, labour and services.

d) The headquarters of the BRICS are at Kathmandu (Nepal).

(iii) BRIC turned into BRICS after the inclusion of South Africa in its first meeting in the year _________.

a) 2019

b) 2009

c) 2010

d) 2011

(iv) BRICS was founded in 2006 in _________.

a) Brazil

b) India

c) Russia

d) China

25. In the given outline political map of India, four states have been marked as (A), (B), (C) and (D). Identify these states on the basis of the information given below and write their correct names in your answer book along with the respective serial numbers of the information used and the concerned alphabets as per the format that follows:

(i) The state where a coalition led by the CPI formed the government in the year 1957.

(ii) The state related to leader Shyama Prasad Mukherjee.

(iii) The state related to Karpuri Thakur, who implemented reservation for backward class.

(iv) The state related to K. Kamraj, who started the Mid Day Meal program for school students.

Ans.

26. Study the given Cartoon and answer the questions that follow:

i) Border disputes between India and China erupted in 1960. Pandit Nehru was having talks with his counterpart____________ in China which proved futile.

(a) Mao Tsetung

(b) Presidnt Jinping

(d) Dalai Lama

ii) Name the place in Indian territory which was occupied by China in the year 1962?

(a) Chagai hills

(b) Aksai Chin

(d) Nagaland

iii) _____________ was the defence minister of India during the Indo-china war?

(a) Kailash Nath Katju

(b) V.K. Krishna Menon

(d) Jawaharlal Nehru

iv) Name the agreement signed between India and China on April 29, 1954.

(a) Peace Agreement

(b) Panchsheel Agreement

(d) Tashkent Agreement

SECTION – E

27. Give an analysis of the cultural and political consequences of globalization.

Ans. A) Cultural consequences of globalization:

I) The cultural effect of globalization leads to the fear that this process poses a threat to cultures in the world. It does so, because globalization leads to the rise of a uniform culture or what is called cultural homogenisation. The popularity of a burger or blue jeans, some argue, has a lot to do with the powerful influence of the American way of life. This leads to the shrinking of the rich cultural heritage of the entire globe.

II) But sometimes external influences simply enlarge our choices and sometimes they modify our culture without overwhelming the traditional. Blue jeans, on the other hand, can go well with a homespun khadi kurta.

III) While cultural homogenisation is an aspect of globalisation, the same process also generates precisely the opposite effect. It leads to each culture becoming more different and distinctive. This phenomenon is called cultural heterogenisation.

B) Political consequences of globalisation:

I) Political consequences of globalisation at the most simple level, results in erosion of state capacity, i.e. the ability of the government to do what they do.

II) All over the world, ‘welfare state’ is now giving way to a more minimalist state that performs certain core functions, such as, the maintenance of law and order and the security of its citizens.

III) One has to keep in mind that globalization does not always reduce state capacity. State will remain a supreme organisation. Technology may rather enhance the capacity of the state.

Thus the cultural and political consequences of globalisation are both negative and positive in nature.

Analyze any three reasons for resistance to globalization.

Ans. The arguments that have been made against globalization are as follows:

I) Contemporary globalization represents a particular phase of global capitalism that makes the rich richer and the poor poorer is the argument given by the leftists.

II) Since globalization has weakened the state, it is unable to protect the interest of the poor.

III) The idea of globalization is contrary to self-reliance and protectionism.

IV) People will lose their age-old values and ways because of globalization.

V) Some critics think that globalization is another form of imperialism. The World Social Forum is opposed to neo-liberal globalization.

VI) Unfair trade practices by the economically powerful states will become a common phenomenon because of globalisation. In 1999 this was highlighted at Seattle during the WTO Ministerial Meeting.

28. In this changing world, a strengthened and revitalized UN is desirable. Highlight the necessary reforms for an empowered United Nations.

Ans. Yes, in this changing world a strengthened and revitalized UN is desirable. In fact, reform and improvement are fundamental to any organisation. Suggested reforms for the UN are as follows :

I) Reforms in the organizational structure and processes of the UN.

II) Review of the issues that fall within the jurisdiction of the UN is needed.

III) Major concern has been the composition of the Security Council, which has remained largely static while the UN General Assembly Membership has expanded.

IV) Increase in the number of both permanent and non-permanent members in UNSC.

V) Proposal to improve UNs budgetary procedures and its administration.

VI) Some countries want the organization to play a greater role in peace and security missions.

VII) Others want it to play a humanitarian role.

Analyze the composition of the United Nations Security Council. What according to your opinion is the major difference in the privileges given to its permanent and nonpermanent members?

A) Analysis of the Composition of the United Nations Security Council is as follows:

I) The Security Council consists of fifteen members. There are five permanent members and ten non-permanent

II) Five permanent members are – the United States, Russia, the United Kingdom, France and China.

III) Ten non-permanent members serve for only two years at a time and give way after that period to newly elected members. A country cannot be re-elected immediately after completing a term of two years.

B) Difference in privileges of the permanent and non-permanent members:

I) We must understand the fact that these five states were selected as permanent members because they were the most powerful states immediately after the Second World War and were victors in the war.

II) These permanent members have the privilege of Veto power. This means that they can vote in a negative manner to stall a decision (because of this privilege.)

III) These decisions are binding on all UN members. Non – permanent members do not have such privileges.

29. Enlist the main considerations for bringing the Princely States with the Indian Union. Name the leader who played the historic role in this direction. What was his contribution?

Ans. With the partition and independence of India, the British Crown gave the Princely States a choice to join India or Pakistan or declare themselves as independent nations. But the interim government in India took a firm stance against the possible division of India into small principalities of different sizes. The government’s policy for bringing the Princely States with the Indian Union was influenced by three considerations. These are as follows:

I) The people of most of the Princely States clearly wanted to become part of the Indian Union.

II) The government was ready to be flexible in giving autonomy to some regions to accommodate their demands.

III) The government was firm to maintain the integration and consolidation of the territorial boundaries of the nation.

B) The leader and historic role:

I) The then Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel played an historic role. II) He reached out to all the princely states.

III) He negotiated with them peacefully and diplomatically and this effort on his part led to almost all the princely states coming under the Indian Union. (Any other relevant point)

Discuss three reasons for setting up of the States Reorganization Commission after India’s independence.

Ans. Reasons for setting up of the States Reorganization Commission:

I) Our national movement had promised the linguistic principle as the basis of formation of states. In fact after the Nagpur session of Congress in 1920, the principle was recognised as the basis of the reorganization of the Indian National Congress party itself. Many provincial Congress committees were created by linguistic zones which did not follow the administrative divisions of British India.

II) Things changed after independence and partition. Our leaders felt that carving out States on the basis of language might lead to disruption and disintegration, so the central leadership decided to postpone the matter of reorganization of states.

III) This decision of the national leadership was challenged by the local leaders and the people. Protests began in Telugu speaking areas of the old Madras province which included present day Tamil Nadu, parts of Andhra Pradesh, Kerala and Karnataka. This came to be known as the Vishalandhra movement.

IV) This movement demanded that the Telugu speaking areas should be separated from the Madras province of which they were apart and be made into a separate Andhra province. Very soon this movement gathered momentum.

V) Congress leader, and a veteran Gandhian died after 56 days of indefinite fast. People in large numbers took to streets and their violent outbursts in Andhra region. Finally, the Prime Minister announced the formation of a separate Andhra state in December 1952.

VI) The formation of Andhra Pradesh spurred the struggle for making of other states on linguistic lines in other parts of the country. These struggles forced the central government into appointing a States Reorganization Commission in 1953 to look into the question of redrawing of the boundaries of States.

30. Coalition governments proved to be a boon for democracy in India. ‘Support the statement with three relevant arguments.

Ans. The emergence of coalition governments in India took place in the following ways:

I) During1967 elections, the opposition parties realized that the division of their votes kept the Congress in power. This led to formation of anti-Congress fronts and rise of ‘non-Congressism’ in Indian politics. This

Analyze three major developments towards the end of 1980s that made a long-lasting impact on the politics of India

Ans. The Main developments during the end of 1980s that had a long-lasting impact on the politics of India are as follows:

I) End of Congress System: The main development was the end of dominance of Congress that lasted for two decades as the party was defeated in the 1989 elections. Though the party came back in power in 1991 after Sh. Rajiv Gandhi’s assassination but it lost its dominance of the political scene as earlier.

II) Mandal issue – This issue started with the National Front government that recommended its implementation in 1990 which was reservation of 27% jobs in the Central government for OBC candidates only. This brought widespread anger and played a crucial role in shaping politics since 1989.

III) New Economic Reforms – These were announced as the structural adjustment programme that were initiated by Sh. Rajiv Gandhi but were more visible under Sh. Narsimha Rao’s tenure from 1991. They opened up the country’s economy to the world and improved our foreign reserves and the successive governments have continued to broadly follow them.

IV) Assassination of Sh. Rajiv Gandhi – He was assassinated during an election rally in Tamil Nadu by the LTTE group. The elections of 1991 saw Congress emerge as the largest party after this and Sh. Narsimha Rao was appointed as the Prime Minister.

Class XII – Political Science Practice Paper – 2 – Answers