Important Questions with Answers

Most frequently repeated

• 3 marksWhat is the difference between 'coming together' federations and 'holding together' federations?

  FederalismHow to answer: Define both, then contrast: coming-together (USA, Switzerland, Australia) where independent states unite with equal powers, vs holding-together (India, Spain, Belgium) where a large country divides power between centre and states, the centre often more powerful and units with unequal powers.

• 5 marksHow is the system of power sharing in Belgium different from that in Sri Lanka? Explain.

  Power SharingHow to answer: Contrast Belgium's accommodative model (equal Dutch and French ministers, equal representation at the centre, a community government, the Brussels arrangement) with Sri Lanka's majoritarian model (Sinhala as sole official language, Buddhism favoured, Tamil demands denied, leading to civil war). End by linking accommodation to stability.

• 1 markDefine the term 'majoritarianism'.

  Power SharingHow to answer: State that it is the belief that the majority community should be able to rule the country as it wishes, disregarding the wishes and needs of the minority; cite Sri Lanka as the textbook example.

• 5 marks'Power sharing is the very spirit of democracy.' Justify the statement by giving prudential and moral reasons.

  Power SharingHow to answer: Separate the two: prudential reasons (reduces conflict between social groups, ensures stability, avoids tyranny of the majority) and moral reasons (power sharing is the very spirit of democracy; a legitimate government consults those affected). Give a line of example for each.

• 5 marksHow has decentralisation and local self-government been strengthened in India after the 1992 constitutional amendment?

  FederalismHow to answer: Cover the provisions: regular elections to local bodies made constitutionally mandatory, reservation of seats for SCs, STs and OBCs, at least one-third seats for women, a State Election Commission, and states sharing powers and revenue with local bodies (Panchayati Raj at three levels plus municipalities).

• 3 marksDistinguish between communal politics and secularism with reference to the Indian Constitution.

  Gender, Religion and CasteHow to answer: Define communalism (using religion as the basis of politics, treating one religion's followers as superior). Then state India is secular: no official religion, freedom to profess any religion, no discrimination on religious grounds, and the state can intervene to ensure equality.

• 3 marksWhat is the 'feminist' movement, and how has the political expression of gender division improved women's role in public life?

  Gender, Religion and CasteHow to answer: Define feminist movements as demanding equal rights and opportunities for women. Then note gains: greater mobilisation, reservation of one-third seats in panchayats and municipalities (over 10 lakh elected women), and pressure for the Women's Reservation Bill.

• 5 marksExplain any five features that distinguish a national party from a regional (state) party in India.

  Political PartiesHow to answer: Frame around the Election Commission's recognition criteria: a national party must secure a minimum share of votes in several states and win a set number of Lok Sabha seats; contrast with state parties recognised in one or a few states. Add examples (national: Congress, BJP, BSP, CPI(M); regional: DMK, AIADMK).

• 3 marksState any three challenges faced by political parties in India.

  Political PartiesHow to answer: Name and briefly explain three of the four challenges: lack of internal democracy (power in a few leaders), dynastic succession, the growing role of money and muscle power, and parties not offering a meaningful choice to voters.

• 5 marks'Democracy is better than other forms of government in accommodating social diversity and producing accountable government.' Examine.

  Outcomes of DemocracyHow to answer: Use the textbook outcomes: democracy best accommodates social diversity by reducing conflict and tension; it produces an accountable, responsive and legitimate government through free and fair elections and open debate, even if slower in deciding. Conclude that legitimacy is its strongest outcome.

Chapter-wise question bank

Power Sharing · Federalism · Gender, Religion and Caste · Political Parties · Outcomes of Democracy