AHSEC Class 12 Political Science 2019 with solution
Complete Solved Question Paper – Exam Style
Subject: Political Science
Year: 2019
Full Marks: 100
Pass Marks: 30
Time: 3 Hours
The paper is divided into Part A – Contemporary World Politics (50 marks) and Part B – Politics in India since Independence (50 marks).
PART–A
Contemporary World Politics
Q.1 (a) Write the full form of SEATO. [1 Mark]
Answer:
SEATO stands for South-East Asia Treaty Organization.
Q.1 (b) The collapse of which country is known as the collapse of “Second World”? [1 Mark]
Answer:
The collapse of the Soviet Union (USSR) is known as the collapse of the “Second World”.
Q.1 (c) First Gulf War is also known as Operation Desert Storm. Write ‘Yes’ or ‘No’. [1 Mark]
Answer:
Yes.
Explanation:
The First Gulf War of 1990–91 was also known as Operation Desert Storm.
Q.1 (d) Name the Indian Prime Minister who participated in the Agra Summit. [1 Mark]
Answer:
Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
Explanation:
The Agra Summit was held between India and Pakistan in July 2001. India was represented by Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
Q.1 (e) Rio Summit approved a developmental programme named ‘Agenda-21’. Write ‘Yes’ or ‘No’. [1 Mark]
Answer:
Yes.
Explanation:
The Rio Earth Summit of 1992 adopted Agenda 21, a programme for sustainable development.
Q.1 (f) The World Council of Indigenous People was formed in 1974/1975/1976. Choose the correct answer. [1 Mark]
Answer:
1975
Q.2 Mention two reforms Mikhail Gorbachev initiated in the Soviet Union. [2 Marks]
Answer:
Mikhail Gorbachev introduced two major reforms:
- Perestroika – It aimed at restructuring and reforming the Soviet economic and political system.
- Glasnost – It promoted openness, transparency and greater freedom of expression.
Thus, perestroika and glasnost were the two important reforms introduced by Gorbachev.
Q.3 Mention two areas of conflict between India and Bangladesh. [2 Marks]
Answer:
Two major areas of conflict between India and Bangladesh were:
- Sharing of river waters, particularly the Ganga/Farakka water issue.
- Illegal migration and border-related problems.
Other issues included border disputes and disagreements over natural resources.
Q.4 Write the names of two conflicting communities of Sri Lanka. [2 Marks]
Answer:
The two major conflicting communities of Sri Lanka were:
- Sinhalese
- Sri Lankan Tamils
The conflict between these communities became a major political and ethnic problem in Sri Lanka.
Q.5 Write the names of two NGOs concerned with the protection of human rights all over the world. [2 Marks]
Answer:
Two important international human-rights NGOs are:
- Amnesty International
- Human Rights Watch
Q.6 Write two distinctions between migrants and refugees. [2 Marks]
Answer:
| Migrants | Refugees |
|---|---|
| Migrants generally move from one place to another voluntarily for employment, education or better living conditions. | Refugees are forced to leave their country because of war, persecution or serious danger. |
| They may return to their home country whenever they wish, subject to circumstances and law. | They generally cannot safely return to their home country. |
Q.7 In which year was the Kyoto Protocol signed? Which environmental problem did it deal with? [2 Marks]
Answer:
The Kyoto Protocol was adopted/signed in 1997.
It dealt mainly with the problem of global warming and climate change, particularly by requiring developed countries to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions.
Q.8 Discuss briefly about the New International Economic Order. [4 Marks]
Answer:
The New International Economic Order (NIEO) was a demand made mainly by developing countries for a more just and equitable international economic system.
The major objectives of NIEO were:
- Fairer international trade – Developing countries wanted better and more stable prices for their exports.
- Control over natural resources – Developing countries demanded greater control over their own natural resources.
- Transfer of technology – They wanted easier access to advanced technology.
- Greater role in international institutions – Developing countries demanded greater participation in global economic decision-making.
- Reduction of economic inequalities – The aim was to reduce the economic gap between developed and developing countries.
Conclusion:
The NIEO sought to establish a more equitable international economic system in which developing countries could achieve greater economic independence and development.
Q.9 What does 9/11 indicate in world politics? Discuss briefly. [4 Marks]
Answer:
The term 9/11 refers to the terrorist attacks in the United States on 11 September 2001.
Its major implications for world politics were:
- Rise of international terrorism: It brought international terrorism to the centre of global politics.
- US response: The United States launched the War on Terror.
- Afghanistan War: The US-led forces attacked Afghanistan because the Taliban government was accused of providing shelter to Al-Qaeda.
- Change in security priorities: Terrorism became one of the major concerns of national and international security.
- Impact on international relations: Relations between countries became increasingly influenced by counter-terrorism and security concerns.
Conclusion:
9/11 marked an important turning point in world politics by making international terrorism a major global security issue.
Q.10 Discuss briefly the functions of the World Bank. [4 Marks]
Answer:
The World Bank is an international financial institution that provides financial and technical assistance to developing countries.
Its major functions are:
- Providing loans: It provides loans for development projects.
- Infrastructure development: It supports projects related to roads, electricity, water supply and other infrastructure.
- Poverty reduction: It supports programmes aimed at reducing poverty.
- Education and health: It finances projects related to education, healthcare and social development.
- Economic development: It assists developing countries in improving their economic conditions.
- Technical assistance: It provides technical knowledge and expertise for development programmes.
Conclusion:
The World Bank plays an important role in promoting economic and social development in developing countries.
Q.11 Discuss briefly the components of the Security Strategy of India. [4 Marks]
Answer:
India’s security strategy has several important components:
- Strengthening military capabilities: India maintains adequate defence forces to protect its territorial integrity and national sovereignty.
- Economic development: Economic development is considered important for national security because poverty and inequality can create instability.
- Internal security: India attempts to deal with internal conflicts, communalism, separatism and other threats through democratic and constitutional methods.
- International cooperation: India works with other countries and international organisations to deal with global security challenges.
- Democratic political system: Democracy, political participation and constitutional institutions help maintain internal stability.
Conclusion:
India’s security strategy combines military preparedness with economic development, internal stability and international cooperation.
Q.12 Discuss the cultural consequences of globalization. [4 Marks]
Answer:
Globalization has produced several cultural consequences.
- Spread of global culture: Ideas, lifestyles, food habits, music, films and fashions spread rapidly across countries.
- Cultural exchange: People are exposed to cultures and traditions from different parts of the world.
- Growth of consumer culture: Global brands and advertising have encouraged common patterns of consumption.
- Cultural homogenisation: There is a possibility that local cultures may become influenced by dominant global cultures.
- Strengthening of local cultures: At the same time, globalization has also provided opportunities for local cultures to reach an international audience.
- Hybrid culture: Different cultural traditions may combine and produce new forms of cultural expression.
Conclusion:
Globalization has both positive and negative cultural consequences. It encourages cultural interaction while also creating concerns about the preservation of local cultures.
Q.13 Why did the Soviet Union disintegrate? Discuss elaborately. [6 Marks]
Answer:
The Soviet Union disintegrated in 1991 due to a combination of political, economic and social factors.
1. Economic weakness
The Soviet economy suffered from slow economic growth, shortages of consumer goods and inefficient production. The centrally planned economic system was unable to meet the changing needs of the people.
2. Political problems
The Soviet political system was highly centralised. There was limited political competition and limited freedom of expression. This created dissatisfaction among many sections of society.
3. Gorbachev’s reforms
Mikhail Gorbachev introduced perestroika and glasnost to reform the Soviet system. However, these reforms weakened the old political structure and encouraged criticism of the Communist Party.
4. Rise of nationalism
Different Soviet republics increasingly demanded greater autonomy and independence. Nationalist movements became stronger in several republics.
5. Decline of Communist Party control
The Communist Party gradually lost its authority. Political divisions increased within the Soviet leadership.
6. External pressures
The Soviet Union faced competition with the United States during the Cold War and spent considerable resources on military and strategic competition.
7. Failure of reforms to stabilise the system
Instead of immediately solving economic problems, reforms created greater political uncertainty and instability.
Conclusion:
The Soviet Union’s disintegration was the result of economic stagnation, political weaknesses, nationalism, loss of Communist Party authority and the unintended consequences of Gorbachev’s reforms. In 1991, the Soviet Union finally broke apart.
OR
Discuss the US hegemony as an Economic Super Power. [6 Marks]
Answer:
After the collapse of the Soviet Union, the United States emerged as the most powerful country in the international system. Its economic strength became an important foundation of its global influence.
1. Strong economy
The United States has one of the world’s largest and most advanced economies.
2. Technological superiority
American companies have played a major role in information technology, communication, biotechnology and other advanced sectors.
3. Global financial influence
The United States has considerable influence over international financial institutions and global economic policies.
4. Multinational corporations
Many powerful multinational corporations are based in the United States and operate throughout the world.
5. Dollar’s international importance
The US dollar has a major role in international trade and finance.
6. Influence over global economic institutions
The economic power of the United States gives it significant influence in institutions such as the IMF and World Bank.
Conclusion:
The combination of economic strength, technology, financial influence and multinational corporations has made the United States a major economic superpower.
Q.14 What are the main pillars of ASEAN? Discuss elaborately. [6 Marks]
Answer:
ASEAN stands for Association of Southeast Asian Nations. It was established to promote cooperation among Southeast Asian countries.
The major pillars/areas of ASEAN cooperation are:
1. ASEAN Political-Security Community
It aims to promote peace, stability, security and cooperation among member states.
2. ASEAN Economic Community
It seeks to promote economic integration, trade, investment and economic cooperation among member countries.
3. ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community
It promotes cooperation in areas such as education, health, culture, social development and human welfare.
Other important objectives
- Promotion of regional peace.
- Economic growth and development.
- Social progress.
- Cultural development.
- Cooperation among member countries.
- Maintaining regional stability.
Conclusion:
ASEAN has developed from a regional organisation into an important regional institution based on political-security, economic and socio-cultural cooperation.
OR
Discuss the rise of China as an Economic Power. [6 Marks]
Answer:
China has emerged as one of the world’s major economic powers because of its rapid economic transformation.
1. Economic reforms
China introduced major economic reforms from 1978 under Deng Xiaoping.
2. Opening of the economy
China gradually opened its economy to foreign investment and international trade.
3. Industrial growth
China developed a large manufacturing sector and became an important producer of industrial goods.
4. Foreign investment
Large amounts of foreign investment entered China, helping develop industries and infrastructure.
5. Export growth
China became a major exporter of manufactured goods to international markets.
6. Technological development
China invested heavily in infrastructure, science, technology and modern industries.
Conclusion:
Economic reforms, industrialisation, foreign investment, international trade and technological development transformed China into a major global economic power.
PART–B
Politics in India Since Independence
Q.15 (a) Write the full form of NDA. [1 Mark]
Answer:
NDA stands for National Democratic Alliance.
Q.15 (b) Name the party that won the second largest number of Lok Sabha seats in the First General Election of India. [1 Mark]
Answer:
Communist Party of India (CPI).
Q.15 (c) In which year did the Election Commission start using EVMs? [1 Mark]
Answer:
1982
Q.15 (d) Who was the Prime Minister of the coalition government of 1989? [1 Mark]
Answer:
V. P. Singh
Q.15 (e) The Government of India appointed the Mandal Commission in the year ______. [1 Mark]
Answer:
1979
Q.15 (f) Write one feature of the New Economic Policy of India. [1 Mark]
Answer:
One major feature was liberalisation, which reduced government controls and restrictions on economic activities.
Q.16 When was Bharatiya Jana Sangha formed? Who was its founder President? [2 Marks]
Answer:
The Bharatiya Jana Sangha was formed in 1951.
Its founder President was Dr. Syama Prasad Mukherjee.
Q.17 On which date was the draft of the Indian Constitution signed and when did it come into force? [2 Marks]
Answer:
The Constitution of India was adopted and signed on 26 November 1949.
It came into force on 26 January 1950.
Thus:
- Adopted: 26 November 1949
- Came into force: 26 January 1950
Q.18 Write two reasons responsible for the growing importance of regional political parties in Indian politics. [2 Marks]
Answer:
Two reasons are:
- Regional interests: Regional parties represent the specific social, cultural and economic interests of particular states or regions.
- Decline of one-party dominance: The weakening of the Congress system and the growth of coalition politics increased the importance of regional parties.
Q.19 Which two Union Territories were given the status of statehood in 1972? [2 Marks]
Answer:
The two Union Territories were:
- Manipur
- Tripura
They became full-fledged states in 1972.
Q.20 Write any two causes of conflict between India and Pakistan. [2 Marks]
Answer:
Two major causes of conflict are:
- The Kashmir issue
- Border and territorial disputes
Other issues have included water disputes, cross-border terrorism and political tensions.
Q.21 Give two suggestions to curb communalism in India. [2 Marks]
Answer:
Two measures to control communalism are:
- Promote secularism and equal treatment: The government should treat citizens equally irrespective of religion.
- Promote communal harmony: Education, social awareness and dialogue should be encouraged to develop mutual respect among different communities.
Q.22 Discuss briefly the challenges faced by India immediately after independence. [4 Marks]
Answer:
India faced several serious challenges immediately after independence.
1. Partition
The Partition of India resulted in communal violence, displacement and a large refugee crisis.
2. Integration of princely states
The newly independent government had to integrate numerous princely states into the Indian Union.
3. Economic problems
India inherited poverty, unemployment, low industrial development and inadequate infrastructure.
4. Establishment of democracy
India had to establish democratic institutions and conduct elections in a country with widespread poverty and low literacy.
5. National unity
The government had to maintain national unity while managing linguistic, cultural and regional diversity.
Conclusion:
Despite these challenges, India successfully established a democratic political system and maintained its territorial and political unity.
Q.23 Discuss briefly about defection in the Party System of India. [4 Marks]
Answer:
Defection means changing political party by an elected representative, usually after being elected on the ticket of another party.
Causes of defection
- Personal political ambitions.
- Desire for ministerial positions or political power.
- Differences within political parties.
- Political instability and coalition politics.
Effects of defection
- It can destabilise elected governments.
- It can weaken political parties.
- It can encourage political corruption.
- It can undermine the voters’ mandate.
Anti-Defection Law
To control defections, the 52nd Constitutional Amendment Act of 1985 introduced the Tenth Schedule, commonly known as the Anti-Defection Law.
Conclusion:
The Anti-Defection Law was introduced to promote political stability and discipline among elected representatives.
Q.24 Why did India adopt the policy of Non-Alignment? Discuss briefly. [4 Marks]
Answer:
India adopted the policy of Non-Alignment after independence because of its national interests and commitment to an independent foreign policy.
Main reasons:
- Independent foreign policy: India wanted to take decisions independently rather than follow either Cold War bloc.
- Avoid military alliances: India did not want to become part of military alliances led by the United States or Soviet Union.
- Peace: India wanted to promote world peace and peaceful settlement of disputes.
- Economic development: India needed to concentrate its resources on development rather than military rivalry.
- Anti-colonialism: India supported freedom struggles and opposed colonialism and imperialism.
- Cooperation among developing countries: India wanted developing countries to have a stronger independent voice in international affairs.
Conclusion:
Non-Alignment enabled India to maintain an independent foreign policy while supporting peace, development and international cooperation.
Q.25 Write the main objectives of the National Policy for the Empowerment of Women, 2001. [4 Marks]
Answer:
The National Policy for the Empowerment of Women, 2001 aimed at improving the status and position of women in Indian society.
Its major objectives included:
- Social and economic empowerment of women.
- Equal access to education and healthcare.
- Equal participation in economic and political activities.
- Elimination of discrimination against women.
- Protection of women from violence and exploitation.
- Improvement of women’s access to resources and opportunities.
- Ensuring equality before law and equal rights.
Conclusion:
The policy aimed to create conditions in which women could enjoy equal rights, opportunities and participation in all areas of life.
Q.26 Discuss briefly the initiatives taken by the Janata Government. [4 Marks]
Answer:
The Janata Government, which came to power in 1977, took several initiatives after the Emergency period.
Major initiatives:
- Restoration of democratic freedoms: The government attempted to restore civil liberties and democratic rights.
- Release of political prisoners: Many people detained during the Emergency were released.
- Reduction of authoritarian controls: The government tried to prevent excessive concentration of power.
- Constitutional reforms: The government introduced the 44th Constitutional Amendment to strengthen safeguards against misuse of emergency provisions.
- Accountability: The government established mechanisms such as the Shah Commission to investigate excesses committed during the Emergency.
Conclusion:
The Janata Government attempted to restore democratic values and institutions after the Emergency.
Q.27 Discuss the role of Planning Commission in India. Write the name of the organisation which replaced the Planning Commission. [6 Marks]
Answer:
The Planning Commission was established in 1950 to promote planned economic development in India.
Role of the Planning Commission
- Preparation of Five-Year Plans: It prepared plans for India’s economic and social development.
- Setting development priorities: It identified important sectors requiring government attention and investment.
- Resource allocation: It helped determine the allocation of resources for different development programmes.
- Balanced development: It attempted to reduce regional economic inequalities.
- Poverty reduction: Planning focused on improving living standards and reducing poverty.
- Infrastructure development: It supported investment in agriculture, industry, transport, energy and other sectors.
- Coordination: It helped coordinate development policies between the Union Government and states.
Replacement
The Planning Commission was replaced by NITI Aayog (National Institution for Transforming India) in 2015.
Conclusion:
The Planning Commission played an important role in India’s planned development, especially through the Five-Year Plans. NITI Aayog later replaced it with a more policy-oriented and cooperative approach.
OR
Discuss the main controversies around planned development in the early years of India’s independence. [6 Marks]
Answer:
India adopted planned development after independence to accelerate economic growth and achieve social justice. However, planning also created several controversies.
1. Agriculture vs. industry
There was debate over whether India should give greater priority to agriculture or heavy industries.
2. Public sector vs. private sector
The government supported a strong public sector, while some argued that greater space should be given to private enterprise.
3. Heavy industry vs. immediate consumption
Large investments were made in heavy industries and infrastructure, while critics argued that greater attention should be given to immediate consumer needs.
4. Regional inequalities
Despite planning, development remained unequal across different regions.
5. Displacement
Large development projects sometimes displaced people and created social problems.
6. Centralised planning
Critics argued that excessive centralisation could reduce the role of states and local communities in development decisions.
Conclusion:
Planned development helped establish industries and infrastructure, but debates continued over priorities, distribution, regional inequality and the role of the state.
Q.28 Discuss the consequences of National Emergency declared on 25 June 1975. [6 Marks]
Answer:
The National Emergency was declared on 25 June 1975. It had major political and constitutional consequences.
1. Restriction of civil liberties
Several fundamental rights and civil liberties were restricted during the Emergency.
2. Arrest of opposition leaders
Many opposition leaders and political activists were arrested and detained.
3. Press censorship
The freedom of the press was restricted and newspapers were subject to censorship.
4. Concentration of political power
The Emergency resulted in greater concentration of power in the hands of the central government.
5. Constitutional changes
Several constitutional amendments were made during and around this period, affecting the balance of power and emergency provisions.
6. Political opposition
The experience generated strong opposition to authoritarian practices and contributed to the defeat of the Congress in the 1977 General Election.
7. Restoration of democracy
After the Emergency, democratic institutions and civil liberties were restored, and the experience led to greater concern about safeguards against misuse of emergency powers.
Conclusion:
The Emergency of 1975–77 is considered one of the most significant periods in independent India’s political history because it affected civil liberties, democratic institutions, opposition politics and the functioning of the Constitution.
OR
Discuss elaborately about the Secessionist Movements of North-East India. [6 Marks]
Answer:
The North-East region of India has experienced several movements demanding greater autonomy or, in some cases, separation from India. These movements developed because of political, economic, cultural and ethnic factors.
1. Ethnic and cultural identity
Many communities wanted to protect their distinct language, culture, traditions and identity.
2. Political autonomy
Some groups demanded greater political autonomy and self-government.
3. Economic backwardness
Feelings of economic neglect and underdevelopment contributed to dissatisfaction in some areas.
4. Assam movement
The Assam Movement was largely concerned with illegal migration and protection of Assamese identity and interests.
5. Nagaland
The Naga movement was one of the earliest major movements for greater autonomy and independence in the region.
6. Mizoram
The Mizo movement developed into an armed insurgency but eventually a political settlement was reached through the Mizoram Accord of 1986.
7. Government response
The Indian government used a combination of security measures, negotiations, autonomy arrangements and political settlements to address these movements.
Conclusion:
The North-East movements reflected complex issues of identity, autonomy, development and political representation. Democratic negotiations and political settlements have played an important role in resolving several of these conflicts.
Quick Answer Key – 1 Mark Questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1(a) | South-East Asia Treaty Organization |
| 1(b) | Soviet Union (USSR) |
| 1(c) | Yes |
| 1(d) | Atal Bihari Vajpayee |
| 1(e) | Yes |
| 1(f) | 1975 |
| 15(a) | National Democratic Alliance |
| 15(b) | Communist Party of India (CPI) |
| 15(c) | 1982 |
| 15(d) | V. P. Singh |
| 15(e) | 1979 |
| 15(f) | Liberalisation |