CBSE Class 11 – Political Science Question Paper 2023

SECTION – A (1×12=12)

Question 1:

Who appoints Delimitation Commission?

(a) Prime Minister

(b) President

(d) Chief Minister

Correct Answer: (b) President

Question 2:

National Human Rights Commission established in

(a) 1993

(b) 1955

(d) 1975

Correct Answer: (a) 1993

Question 3:

Fundamental duties were added in constitution

(a) By 42 Amendment 1976

(b) By 46 Amendment 1978

(d) By 81 Amendment 1979

Correct Answer: (a) By 42 Amendment 1976

Question 4:

Power of Judicial Review and independence of judiciary feature are taken from

(a) British Constitution

(b) United State Constitution

(d) German Constitution

Correct Answer: (b) United State Constitution

Question 5:

Parliamentary form of Government

(a) British Constitution

(b) United State Constitution

(d) German Constitution

Correct Answer: (a) British Constitution

Question 6:

Which article cannot be suspended during emergency

(a) Article 14

(b) Article 15

(d) Article 22

Correct Answer: (b) Article 15

Question 7:

Temporary chairman of Constituent Assembly

(a) Dr Sachidanand Sinha

(b) Dr B.R. Ambedkar

(d) Dr Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan

Correct Answer: (a) Dr Sachidanand Sinha

Question 8:

Dr Bheem Rao Ambedkar was chairman of

(a) Draft Committee

(b) Fundamental Right Committee

(d) Steering Committee

Correct Answer: (a) Draft Committee

Question 9:

Father of Political Science

(a) Plato

(b) Aristotle

(d) Laski

Correct Answer: (b) Aristotle

Question 10:

“Politics begins and end with the state”

(a) Garner

(b) Leacock

(d) Aristotle

Correct Answer: (a) Garner

Question 11:

Politics is the study of shaping and sharing of power

(a) Lasswell

(b) David Easton

(d) Alan R. Ball

Correct Answer: (a) Lasswell

Question 12:

Polis means

(a) City State

(b) Government

(d) Equality

Correct Answer: (a) City State

SECTION – B

Very short type answers(2×6=12)

Question 13:

Describe the two ideals enshrined in the Preamble of the Constitution of India?

Answer:

The Preamble of the Indian Constitution enshrines the ideals of “Sovereignty, Socialism, Secularism, Democracy, and Republic” and “Justice, Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity”.

Question 14:

How is President of India elected?

Answer:

The President of India is elected indirectly by an electoral college consisting of:

Elected members of both Houses of Parliament (Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha)

Elected members of the Legislative Assemblies of all States and Union Territories.

Question 15:

What do you understand by freedom of speech and expression?

Answer:

Freedom of speech and expression is a fundamental right enshrined in the Indian Constitution. It guarantees individuals the right to express their opinions and beliefs without fear of censorship or punishment, except in cases where such expression poses a threat to national security, public order, or the rights of others.

Question 16:

Does the principle of considering the special needs of the people conflict with the principle of equal treatment for all?

Answer:

No, the principle of considering the special needs of the people does not necessarily conflict with the principle of equal treatment for all. Recognizing and addressing the specific needs of marginalized groups, such as people with disabilities, can be seen as a form of equal treatment. It ensures that everyone has the opportunity to fully participate in society and enjoy their rights.

Question 17:

Write any one natural right and one political right?

Answer:

Natural Right: Right to life
Political Right: Right to vote

Question 18:

What are the elements of state?

Answer:

The essential elements of a state are:

Population: A stable community of people.
Territory: A defined geographical area.
Government: A sovereign authority to make and enforce laws.
Sovereignty: Supreme power within its territory.

Question 19:

Describe Right to equality as included in articles 14-18 of Indian Constitution?

Answer:

Articles 14-18 of the Indian Constitution guarantee the right to equality, which encompasses:

Equality before the law: All individuals are equal before the law and are entitled to equal protection of the law.
Prohibition of discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, place of birth, etc.
Abolition of untouchability: Untouchability is declared illegal and punishable.
Equality of opportunity in matters of public employment.
Abolition of titles: Titles of honor cannot be conferred by the state.

Question 20:

How does Legislature controls executive?

Answer:

The legislature controls the executive through various mechanisms:

Question Hour: Members of the legislature can ask questions to ministers about government policies and actions.
No-Confidence Motion: The legislature can pass a no-confidence motion against the government, which can lead to its dismissal.
Budgetary Control: The legislature has the power to approve or reject the government’s budget.
Oversight Committees: Parliamentary committees can investigate the actions of the executive branch.
Debate and Discussion: The legislature provides a platform for debate and discussion on government policies.

Question 21:

What you understand by Independence of judiciary and role of judiciary in protecting our rights?

Answer:

Independence of Judiciary:

The judiciary should be free from any political or external influence in its decision-making.
Judges should be appointed on the basis of merit and should be secure in their tenure.
The judiciary must be impartial and free from bias.

Role of Judiciary in Protecting our Rights:

Judicial Review: The judiciary has the power to review the constitutionality of laws and government actions.
Enforcement of Fundamental Rights: The judiciary plays a crucial role in protecting and enforcing the fundamental rights of citizens.
Dispute Resolution: The judiciary resolves disputes between individuals, groups, and the government.
Safeguarding Human Rights: The judiciary protects human rights by upholding the rule of law and ensuring justice for all.

Question 22:

In what ways is the study of Political theory useful for us? Identify four ways in which Political theory can be useful to us?

Answer:

Understanding Political Phenomena: Political theory helps us understand the concepts, principles, and institutions that shape political life.
Analyzing Political Issues: It provides us with the tools and frameworks to analyze and evaluate current political events and issues.
Developing Critical Thinking Skills: Studying political theory encourages critical thinking and the ability to analyze arguments and perspectives.
Promoting Informed Citizenship: It helps us to become informed and engaged citizens who can participate in the political process.

Question 23:

“Equality and liberty are complementary to each other?” Discuss?

Answer:

Equality and liberty are often considered complementary concepts, but they can also be in tension with each other.

Arguments for Complementarity:

Equality as a precondition for liberty: True liberty can only be achieved in a society where all individuals have equal opportunities and are not discriminated against based on factors like race, gender, or social status.
Liberty as a means to achieve equality: Liberty is essential for individuals to exercise their rights and challenge inequalities. Freedom of speech, assembly, and association are crucial for social and political movements to advocate for equality.

Arguments for Tension:

Conflicting rights: In some cases, the pursuit of equality may require limitations on individual freedoms. For example, affirmative action policies may be seen as infringing on the rights of individuals from majority groups.
Balancing individual rights with collective good: Balancing individual liberties with the collective good of society can be challenging. For example, freedom of speech may need to be limited in certain cases to protect public order and national security.

SECTION – C

Short answers questions type(4×5=20)

Question 19:

Describe Right to equality as included in articles 14-18 of Indian Constitution?

Answer:

Articles 14-18 of the Indian Constitution guarantee the right to equality, which encompasses:

Equality before the law: All individuals are equal before the law and are entitled to equal protection of the law.
Prohibition of discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, place of birth, etc.
Abolition of untouchability: Untouchability is declared illegal and punishable.
Equality of opportunity in matters of public employment.
Abolition of titles: Titles of honor cannot be conferred by the state.

Question 20:

How does Legislature controls executive?

Answer:

The legislature controls the executive through various mechanisms:

Question Hour: Members of the legislature can ask questions to ministers about government policies and actions.
No-Confidence Motion: The legislature can pass a no-confidence motion against the government, which can lead to its dismissal.
Budgetary Control: The legislature has the power to approve or reject the government’s budget.
Oversight Committees: Parliamentary committees can investigate the actions of the executive branch.
Debate and Discussion: The legislature provides a platform for debate and discussion on government policies.

Question 21:

What you understand by Independence of judiciary and role of judiciary in protecting our rights?

Answer:

Independence of Judiciary:

The judiciary should be free from any political or external influence in its decision-making.
Judges should be appointed on the basis of merit and should be secure in their tenure.
The judiciary must be impartial and free from bias.

Role of Judiciary in Protecting our Rights:

Judicial Review: The judiciary has the power to review the constitutionality of laws and government actions.
Enforcement of Fundamental Rights: The judiciary plays a crucial role in protecting and enforcing the fundamental rights of citizens.
Dispute Resolution: The judiciary resolves disputes between individuals, groups, and the government.
Safeguarding Human Rights: The judiciary protects human rights by upholding the rule of law and ensuring justice for all.

Question 22:

In what ways is the study of Political theory useful for us? Identify four ways in which Political theory can be useful to us?

Answer:

Understanding Political Phenomena: Political theory helps us understand the concepts, principles, and institutions that shape political life.
Analyzing Political Issues: It provides us with the tools and frameworks to analyze and evaluate current political events and issues.
Developing Critical Thinking Skills: Studying political theory encourages critical thinking and the ability to analyze arguments and perspectives.
Promoting Informed Citizenship: It helps us to become informed and engaged citizens who can participate in the political process.

Question 23:

“Equality and liberty are complementary to each other?” Discuss?

Answer:

Equality and liberty are often considered complementary concepts, but they can also be in tension with each other.

Arguments for Complementarity:

Equality as a precondition for liberty: True liberty can only be achieved in a society where all individuals have equal opportunities and are not discriminated against based on factors like race, gender, or social status.
Liberty as a means to achieve equality: Liberty is essential for individuals to exercise their rights and challenge inequalities. Freedom of speech, assembly, and association are crucial for social and political movements to advocate for equality.

Arguments for Tension:

Conflicting rights: In some cases, the pursuit of equality may require limitations on individual freedoms. For example, affirmative action policies may be seen as infringing on the rights of individuals from majority groups.
Balancing individual rights with collective good: Balancing individual liberties with the collective good of society can be challenging. For example, freedom of speech may need to be limited in certain cases to protect public order and national security.

SECTION – D

Question 24:

Describe the Composition and functions of Election commission of India?(2+4)

Answer:

Composition:

The Election Commission of India is a three-member body.
The President appoints the Chief Election Commissioner and two other Election Commissioners.

Functions:

Conducting elections: The primary function is to conduct free, fair, and impartial elections for the President, Vice-President, Parliament, State Legislatures, and local bodies.
Delimitation of constituencies: The Commission is responsible for demarcating electoral constituencies for Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, and State Legislative Assemblies.
Voter registration: Maintaining and updating the electoral rolls.
Enforcing election laws and rules: Ensuring that political parties and candidates adhere to the election code of conduct.
Providing information and education to voters: Promoting voter awareness and participation.
Resolving election disputes: Settling disputes related to election results and complaints.

What is the importance of elections in Democracy? What you meant by Universal adult franchise ? Suggest reforms in the electoral System in India?(1+2+3)

Answer:

Importance of Elections in Democracy:

Choice of Representatives: Elections allow citizens to choose their representatives, ensuring accountability and responsiveness of the government to the people.
Peaceful Transfer of Power: Elections provide a peaceful and orderly mechanism for transferring power from one government to another.
Public Participation: Elections encourage public participation in the political process and promote political awareness.
Accountability: Elected officials are accountable to the people and can be removed from office if they fail to perform their duties.

Universal Adult Franchise:

It means that all adult citizens, irrespective of their gender, caste, religion, or education, have the right to vote.
It is a cornerstone of democracy, ensuring equal political rights for all citizens.

Reforms in the Electoral System in India:

State Funding of Elections: To reduce the influence of money and corruption in elections.
Electoral Reforms: Implementing electoral reforms to ensure free, fair, and transparent elections.
Voter Education: Promoting voter awareness and education to encourage informed participation.
Use of Technology: Utilizing technology for voter registration, election management, and reducing electoral malpractices.

Question 25:

What Provisions in Indian constitution make our federalism with a strong central Government?

Answer:

The Indian Constitution establishes a federal system of government with a strong central tendency. Some of the provisions that contribute to this include:

Union List: A long Union List grants the central government exclusive powers over major areas like defense, foreign affairs, and communications.
Concurrent List: While both the Centre and States have powers over subjects in the Concurrent List, the Centre’s laws prevail in case of conflict.
Emergency Provisions: The Constitution provides for various emergency powers to the Centre, which can override state powers during times of national emergency.
Appointment of Governors: The President appoints Governors to states, who act as representatives of the central government.
Financial Powers of the Centre: The Centre has significant control over the financial resources of the states through various mechanisms like grants and loans.

Explain briefly the emergency powers of President?

Answer:

The President of India has certain emergency powers under Article 352 (National Emergency), Article 356 (President’s Rule), and Article 360 (Financial Emergency). These powers allow the Centre to assume greater control over the states during times of national crisis. However, the use of these powers is subject to certain safeguards and parliamentary oversight.

Question 26:

Citizenship as full and equal membership of a Political community involves both rights and obligations? Which rights could citizens expect to enjoy in¹ most democratic state today? What kind of Obligations² will they have to their state and fellow citizens?

Answer:

Rights of Citizens:

Political Rights: Right to vote, right to contest elections, right to hold public office.
Civil Rights: Right to freedom of speech, expression, assembly, religion, and movement.
Social Rights: Right to education, healthcare, social security, and employment.
Economic Rights: Right to property, right to work, and right to a decent standard of living.

Obligations of Citizens:

Obey the law: Respecting and abiding by the laws of the country.
Pay taxes: Contributing to the development and maintenance of the country.
Perform civic duties: Participating in civic activities, such as voting, jury duty, and community service.
National defense: Being prepared to defend the country in times of national emergency.
Respect for others: Respecting the rights and freedoms of fellow citizens.

Describe various methods of acquiring Citizenship? Write any four qualities of Good citizen?

Answer:

Methods of Acquiring Citizenship:

Birth: Citizenship by birth (jus soli) is granted to individuals born within the territory of a country.
Descent: Citizenship by descent (jus sanguinis) is granted to individuals born outside the country but whose parents are citizens.
Naturalization: Foreign nationals can acquire citizenship through the process of naturalization, which usually involves meeting certain requirements such as residency, language proficiency, and knowledge of the country’s laws and history.
Registration: Certain individuals, such as those who have lost their citizenship or those who have acquired citizenship through marriage, may be eligible for registration as citizens.

Four Qualities of a Good Citizen:

Law-abiding: Respecting and obeying the laws of the country.
Patriotic: Feeling a sense of pride and loyalty towards their country.
Responsible: Fulfilling their civic duties and responsibilities.
Informed and Engaged: Being aware of current events and participating in the political process.

Question 27:

Why do we need a Secular state in modern times? Is Secularism suitable for India?

Answer:

Why we need a Secular State:

Religious Diversity: Modern societies are increasingly diverse, with people from different religions and beliefs living together. A secular state ensures equal treatment and respect for all religions.
Preventing Religious Conflict: Secularism helps to prevent religious conflicts and promote harmony among different religious groups.
Protection of Individual Rights: A secular state ensures that individual rights and freedoms are not compromised by religious beliefs or practices.
Separation of Church and State: Secularism helps to maintain a separation between religion and the state, preventing the misuse of religion for political purposes.

Is Secularism Suitable for India?

Yes, secularism is suitable for India due to its diverse religious and cultural landscape. India is home to people from various religions and faiths. Secularism ensures that all citizens are treated equally, regardless of their religious beliefs, and promotes religious tolerance and harmony.

What is meant by Secular state? On what grounds has Indian Secularism been Criticized?

Answer:

Secular State:

A secular state is one that does not have a state religion. It treats all religions equally and does not discriminate against any religion.
It guarantees freedom of religion to all citizens, including the freedom to practice, propagate, and profess their religion.

Criticisms of Indian Secularism:

Appeasement of Minorities: Some critics argue that Indian secularism has led to appeasement of minority communities at the expense of the majority Hindu population.
Lack of Uniform Civil Code: The absence of a Uniform Civil Code for all citizens has been criticized as a violation of the principle of equality.
Religious Extremism: The rise of religious extremism and communal violence in recent years has also been attributed to shortcomings in the implementation of secularism.