CBSE Class 12 –Political Science Question Paper 2022

SECTION A

1.(a) Explain any two steps taken by the US that aided the integration of European States after the Second World War. (2×1=2)

Answer:

  1. Marshall Plan (1948): The United States provided economic aid through the Marshall Plan, offering financial support to European countries to rebuild their economies after the devastation of WWII, which encouraged economic integration among European nations.
  2. Formation of NATO (1949): The US played a key role in the formation of NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization), a military alliance aimed at providing collective security for European states against the Soviet Union, fostering political and military cooperation among them.

1.(b) Explain the Vision 2020 of the regional organization ASEAN. (2×1=2)

Answer: Vision 2020 was ASEAN’s strategy to create a more dynamic and prosperous Southeast Asia. It aimed to enhance economic integration and ensure stability by fostering trade, promoting sustainable development, and improving political cooperation among the member nations, ultimately making ASEAN a competitive region in the global economy by 2020.

2. Show with the help of any two examples the interference of the military in the administration of Pakistan. (2×1=2)

Answer:

  1. General Ayub Khan’s Coup (1958): In 1958, General Ayub Khan overthrew the civilian government and took control of Pakistan, establishing military rule.
  2. General Zia-ul-Haq’s Coup (1977): In 1977, General Zia-ul-Haq led a military coup, deposing Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and imposing martial law, which lasted until his death in 1988.

3. Highlight any two reasons for the ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka. (2×1=2)

Answer:

  1. Language Issue: The Sinhala-speaking majority imposed Sinhala as the only official language, which alienated the Tamil-speaking minority, leading to discrimination and resentment.
  2. Political Exclusion: The Tamil minority felt politically marginalized as the Sinhala-dominated government and political institutions failed to address their concerns, exacerbating ethnic tensions.

4. Name any four countries that are included in ‘South Asia’. (4×1=4)

Answer:

  1. India
  2. Pakistan
  3. Bangladesh
  4. Sri Lanka

5. Analyse any two causes of ‘Globalisation’. (2×1=2)

Answer:

  1. Technological Advancements: Innovations in communication and transportation technologies, like the internet and air travel, have made it easier to connect globally, accelerating the pace of globalization.
  2. Liberalization of Trade Policies: The reduction of trade barriers and the adoption of free trade policies by many countries have facilitated the movement of goods, services, and capital across borders, further integrating global economies.

6. Analyse any two reasons for the split of the Congress Party in 1969. (2×1=2)

Answer:

  1. Ideological Differences: The Congress split due to ideological differences between the followers of Indira Gandhi, who favored centralization and socialist policies, and the old Congress leaders who wanted a more moderate approach.
  2. Leadership Struggle: There was a leadership struggle within the Congress Party after the death of Lal Bahadur Shastri, with Indira Gandhi and the party’s senior leaders like Morarji Desai, vying for control, leading to a factional split.

7. Analyse the concept of “Total Revolution” as visualized by Jai Prakash Narayan in 1975. (2×1=2)

Answer: Jai Prakash Narayan’s concept of “Total Revolution” was aimed at transforming all aspects of Indian society, including politics, education, social structure, and economy. He believed in a people’s movement that would replace the corrupt political system and establish a just society based on moral values and democratic principles. This movement was particularly strong in the context of the 1975 Emergency imposed by Indira Gandhi.

8. Why did the first coalition government at the Centre in India not prove to be stable? Analyse the major reason. (2×1=2)

Answer: The first coalition government at the Centre in India, formed in 1977 after the Emergency, was unstable primarily due to ideological differences and lack of strong leadership. The coalition, known as the Janata Party, included multiple factions with varying political ideologies, which led to internal conflicts and disagreements, ultimately causing its collapse in 1979.

SECTION B

9. Explain any two economic consequences of Globalisation. (2 x 2 = 4)

Answer:

  1. Increased Trade and Investment: Globalisation has led to a significant increase in international trade and cross-border investments. Economies are now more interconnected, allowing goods, services, and capital to flow freely across borders. For example, the rise of multinational corporations (MNCs) has enabled the global spread of technology, resources, and investments.

  2. Job Creation and Job Loss: While globalisation has created jobs in many industries, especially in emerging economies, it has also led to job losses in industries that cannot compete with cheaper labor in other countries. In countries like India, outsourcing has created new opportunities in sectors like IT and customer service, but also led to the decline of traditional manufacturing jobs in developed economies.

10. Describe any four excesses made by the Union Government during the period of Emergency imposed in 1975. (4 x 1 = 4)

Answer:

  1. Suspension of Fundamental Rights: During the Emergency, the Union government suspended key fundamental rights of citizens, including the right to freedom of speech and expression, and the right to life and personal liberty. This meant that people could be detained without trial.

  2. Censorship of the Press: The government imposed strict censorship on the media, limiting press freedom. Newspapers and publications critical of the government were either shut down or forced to comply with state directives.

  3. Mass Arrests: Thousands of political opponents, activists, and dissenters were arrested without trial. This included many leaders of opposition parties, labor leaders, and students who were deemed to be a threat to the government.

  4. Forced Sterilization Campaign: The government launched a controversial sterilization campaign in an effort to control the population. Many individuals, especially from poorer and marginalized communities, were coerced into undergoing sterilization procedures, often under duress.

SECTION C

12. (a) Explain any four steps taken by China to develop its economy.

Answer:

  1. Economic Reforms and Opening Up (1978): Under the leadership of Deng Xiaoping, China introduced market-oriented reforms that included decentralizing economic control, promoting private entrepreneurship, and opening up to foreign investment. This led to the growth of the private sector and attracted global businesses.

  2. Special Economic Zones (SEZs): China established SEZs in regions like Shenzhen to attract foreign investments, provide tax incentives, and encourage the development of export-oriented industries. These zones played a key role in boosting industrial production and export growth.

  3. Infrastructure Development: China invested heavily in infrastructure development, including transportation, telecommunications, and energy sectors. This modernized the economy, improved trade, and attracted foreign investors.

  4. Focus on Education and Technology: China emphasized the development of a skilled workforce by improving its education system and investing in technology and research. This helped in fostering innovation, expanding high-tech industries, and enhancing productivity across sectors.

12. (b) Explain any four factors that make the European Union a strong organization.

Answer:

  1. Economic Integration: The EU has established a single market that allows for the free movement of goods, services, people, and capital among its member states. This economic integration has created a large, unified market, which enhances economic growth, trade, and competition.

  2. Monetary Union and the Euro: The introduction of the Euro as a common currency for 19 EU countries has facilitated economic stability and reduced currency exchange costs. The Eurozone countries benefit from coordinated monetary policies by the European Central Bank (ECB).

  3. Political and Legal Framework: The EU is based on a strong political and legal framework, which includes common policies on trade, agriculture, environment, and competition. This consistency in policy ensures coherence and facilitates smooth cooperation among member states.

  4. Geopolitical Influence: The EU is a global political and economic player, with significant influence in international diplomacy, trade negotiations, and peacekeeping efforts. It plays a central role in global affairs due to its collective bargaining power and diplomatic clout, making it a strong and influential entity.

13. (a) Highlight any three areas where consensus has emerged among most of the political parties in India after 1989.

Answer:

  1. Economic Liberalization: Since the early 1990s, there has been a broad consensus among most political parties in India on the need for economic liberalization, which includes reducing government control over the economy, promoting private sector involvement, and encouraging foreign direct investment (FDI).

  2. National Security: Political parties across the spectrum have generally supported strengthening national security, especially in response to terrorism, regional conflicts, and border security. There is common agreement on the importance of defense modernization and counterterrorism measures.

  3. Poverty Alleviation and Social Welfare: There is a consensus on addressing poverty and promoting social welfare. Most political parties agree on the need for policies that uplift the marginalized sections of society through initiatives like reservation policies, poverty alleviation schemes, and social security programs.

13. (b) Highlight any two major changes that took place in Indian politics after 2014 and also name any two welfare programmes that made women the real beneficiaries.

Answer:

Major Changes in Indian Politics after 2014:

  1. Rise of BJP as Dominant Political Force: After the 2014 general elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, emerged as the dominant political force in India. The party secured a decisive mandate, leading to a shift in the political landscape with the BJP gaining control of the central government and several state governments.

  2. Increased Focus on Nationalism and Hindutva: Under the leadership of the BJP, there has been a stronger emphasis on nationalism, cultural pride, and the promotion of Hindutva ideology. This shift in political discourse has been central to the party’s agenda and has influenced the political dynamics in India.

Welfare Programs for Women:

  1. Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Scheme: This initiative aims to promote the education of girls, prevent female foeticide, and ensure gender equality. It encourages parents to send their daughters to school and ensures that they receive the same opportunities as boys.

  2. Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana: Launched to provide free LPG connections to women from below the poverty line (BPL) households, this scheme has improved the health and well-being of women by reducing their dependence on traditional cooking methods like firewood, which can cause health issues.