CIVICS IMPORTANT QUESTIONS

Q1) Analyse the role of a multiparty system in a democratic country like

India.(5marks)

Ans 1. In a multiparty system, various political groups with different beliefs can
compete fairly for votes from the public.
2. Having many parties prevents any single one from gaining too much control,
ensuring a fair balance of power.
3. This setup guarantees that people with different views and interests can find
representation in government.
4. By having diverse parties, different segments of society can have a voice,
preventing power from concentrating in one group's hands.
5. India chose this system because of its diverse population, ensuring
everyone's views are heard and respected in the political process.
Q2)Examine the possible consequences on the basic rights of party
members within political organisations that lack internal democracy
(2 marks)

Ans. Freedom of Speech and Expression -Party workers may face

restrictions on voicing their opinions, ideas, or concerns within the party
structure.

Right to Equality of Opportunity - Not everyone would get an equal

chance to climb up the success ladder. any other relevant point
Q3) In a hypothetical democratic nation with a population that is religiously
homogenous, should there still be multiple political parties? Justify your stance
in about 40 words.

Ans:- Yes, because despite a religiously homogenous population, having multiple

political parties

- helps represent diverse political perspectives

- helps in policy formation
- helps avoid authoritarianism
- provides an alternative to the voters
Q4) Discuss the MOST LIKELY impact if India operated without a federal
system. Build the answer around these points: (1)regional autonomy
(2)effectiveness in governance (3) decision making process

Ans. 1. Regional autonomy

- Regional governments would have little or no decision-making power.
Regional aspirations might get suppressed.
2. Effectiveness of Governance
-Local issues might not receive due attention, leading to a disconnect between
grass root reality and governance.
3. Decision-making processes
-The decision making process might become undemocratic and less inclusive.
It is likely to neglect regional aspirations. any other relevant point
Q5) A think tank has been given the task to design an outline to measure how
successful has democracy been in any country. Discuss the key indicators that
the think tank should consider while designing this outline and explain why these
factors are crucial in assessing the outcomes of democracy.(5marks)

Ans.

Free and Citizen's right to Protection of Poverty: Rule of law:

fair information: this is minority rights: this reduction in presence of
elections: important since represents a strong poverty over institutions like an
this only after having commitment to the years independent
represents a the right democratic would indicate judiciary helps
healthy information can the principles as this the successful uphold law and
democratic citizens hold the would enable the implementation ensures fairness,
process in government minority community of democracy justice and equal
place accountable to participate in the treatment to
decision-making citizens.
processes.
Q6) Free and fair media is one of the most important outcomes of
democracy. Comment.

Ans. 1. Informed Citizens: Gives important info for making good choices, making
sure people are educated and involved.
2. Government Accountability: Keeps an eye on the government, making sure
they're honest and fair by showing if they're corrupt or not doing their job right.
3. Democratic Discussion: Helps people talk about different ideas, which is
important for our democracy to get stronger.
4.Transparency and Trust: Makes sure the government tells us what they're doing and
being honest, which helps us trust them and makes our country work better.
5. Protecting Rights: Makes sure we can say what we think and have our own
opinions, which is a big part of our country's values.
6. Connecting Government and People: Helps the government and people
understand each other better by helping them talk and work together.
Q7) “Democracy promotes the dignity and freedom of the people" examine the
statement.(5marks)

Ans:- Democracy is much superior to any other form of in promoting dignity and freedom of
government individuals.
(i) Democracy makes sure that any disagreements or feelings of being left out or treated
unfairly among people are addressed, and it guarantees that everyone is treated equally in
terms of social, political, and economic opportunities.
(ii) The passion for respect and freedom are the basis of democracy. This principle is
universally recognized.
(iii) Most societies are male dominated and women do not get equal chance. In
democracies equal respect and treatment to women has been accepted.
(iv) Democracies especially in countries with diversity such as India have recognized the
claims of the backwards and disadvantaged sections of society and they are granted equal
status and opportunity.
(v) People can publicly express their dissatisfaction with democracy and thus make more
legitimate and responsive.
Q8) “Democracy has failed to reduce economic inequality and poverty”.
Do you agree? Give arguments in support of your answer. (5marks)

Ans:- In actual life, democracies do not appear to be reducing inequalities.

(i) The poor constitute a large proportion of our voters and no party likes to lose their
votes, yet democratically elected governments have not addressed the question of
poverty as one would have expected them to.
(ii) The people in several poor countries are now dependent on the rich countries even
for food supplies.

Argument in support:
(i) It enhances the dignity of the individuals.
(ii) It improves the quality of decision-making.
(iii) It provides a method to resolve conflicts.
Q9) Define majoritarianism? ( 2marks)
Ans:- A belief that the majority community should be able to rule a
country in whichever way it wants, by disregarding the wishes and
needs of the minority.
Q10) What is federalism? How many levels of government are there in
federalism ? (2 marks)

Ans:- Federalism is a system of government where power is.divided between

a central authority and various constituent units of the country. Typically, there
are two levels of government in a federation. One is the government for the
entire country and others are governments at the level of states or provinces.
Q11) Caste inequalities are still prevalent in India. Examine the statement.
(3marks)

Ans:- Caste inequalities have not completely disappeared from India. Even today,
most people marry within their own caste or tribe.

Despite constitutional prohibitions, untouchability has not ended completely.

Education is not easily available to the so called 'low castes'.

Economic status is closely linked to the caste system.

In modern India, like in pre-independent India, the poor are mostly the 'low castes'
while the rich are the 'high castes', thereby showing that caste inequalities are still
continuing in India.
Q12) Examine the role of opposition party in democracy. (5marks)

Ans:- Opposition parties play an important role in democracies, They play both
positive and negative role.
Some positive roles are:-
(i) They ensures political party in power does not misuse or abuse its power
(ii) They expose the weaknesses of the ruling party
(iii) They also keep a close vigil on the bills and expenditure of the government.
Some negative roles are:-
(i) They target the government and aim at dislodging and discrediting the
government for all the ills and the troubles the people face.
(ii) Through stalling the proceedings of the parliament, it curtails the progress of
the country.
Q13) What is the significance of political parties in holding elected
representatives accountable in a democracy ? (5marks)

Ans:- Political parties play a crucial role in holding elected representatives accountable
in a democracy.
(i) Parties monitor the performance of their own members who hold public office and
ensure that they adhere to party principles and fulfill their responsibilities.
(ii) Parties act as a check and balance on the government by raising concerns, voicing
dissent, and providing alternative viewpoints.
(iii) Opposition parties critically observe the actions of the ruling party, question its
policies, and hold it accountable through parliamentary debates, public statements, and
other means.
(iv) This mechanism of party accountability strengthens democratic governance by
ensuring that elected representatives are answerable to both their party and the
electorate.
Q15)
. Point our one feature in the practice pf federalism in India
that is similar to and one feature that is different from that of
Belgium ? (3 marks)
Ans:- Indian and Belgium - Difference in Federalism:-
There is no community Government in India, but Belgium has a
community Government.
India and Belgium - Similarity in Federalism:-
•India and Belgium are examples of Holding together federation.
•India has a Central Government and State Governments, Belgium
has a Central Government and regional governments.
•In both the Federal systems, the power is shared between
Governments.
Q16) How is democracy considerd a better form of government than dictatorship or any other
form of government? (5marks)
Ans:- Democracy is undoubtedly better than other forms of government. We can give the following
arguments in its favour:
(i) Democracy improves the quality of decision making. A democratic decision always involves many
persons, discussions and meetings. This reduces the chances of rash or irresponsible decisions.
(ii) Democracy provides a method to deal with differences and conflicts. In any society people
are bound to have differences of opinions and interests. The preference of one group can clash with
those of other groups. This conflict can be solved peacefully in a democratic set-up.

(iii) Democracy promotes citizen equality. Every citizen of the country has equal legal rights. When it
comes to electing representatives, everyone has an equal say.

(iv) It is accountable and responsive to the needs and expectations of the citizens.

(v) This type of government always thinks and acts for the welfare of the people. Therefore
democracy is called the government of the people, by the people and for the people.
Q17) Explain with examples the accomodative experience for Belgium for peace
and harmony.(2 marks)

Ans:- Belgium accommodates its diverse population by working out an order which fits
the needs of various communities.
Some of the components of the Belgian model are:
I. Constitution prescribes that the number of Dutch and French-speaking ministers
shall be equal in the case of the central government.
II. Brussels has a distinct government in which both communities have equal
representation.
III. Many powers of the Central government have been given to the state government
of the two regions. The state governments are not inferior to the central government.
Q18 ) Suggest any three measures to enhance the participation of
women in politics. (3 marks)

Ans:- Following are the steps which can be taken for giving political
representation to women in India:-
1) By rising the literacy rate.
2) By reserving some seats in Lok Sabha and the State Assemblies for
women.
3) To make it legally binding to have a fair proportion of women in the
elected bodies.
4) Political parties should also give due representation to women
members.
Q19) What functions do political parties play in India?( 5marks)
Ans:- A political party is a group of people holding similar opinions on issues related to
governance, development and society. Functions of Political Parties
•Contesting elections and winning power- The main function of political parties is to
contest elections and win power. Most of the electoral fight happens between
candidates put forward by different political parties.
•Selecting candidates and Election Campaigning- Political parties select candidates
which will represent them in the elections and also conduct election campaigns in order
to win public support.
•Formulating public opinion - Political parties shape the opinions of the general
public. They also raise the issues concerning the general public in their day to day lives.
•Governing the country- The party or coalition of parties which wins a majority of seats
form the government and governs the country. They make laws and policies for the
welfare of the people.
•Sitting in the opposition- The parties which fail to become a part of government sit in
the opposition. They play a very important role in keeping a check on the ruling
government and also raise the issues and demands of the people.
Q20) Identify the national political party that draws its inspiration from India's
ancient culture and values. List four characteristics of that party.
Ans:- The national party which gets its inspiration from India's ancient culture and values
is the Bharatiya Janata Party. Bhartiya Janata Party was founded in 1980 by reviving
the erstwhile Bhartiya Jana Sangh.
The four features of this party:
(i) Cultural nationalism (or ‘Hindutva’) is an important elements in its conception of
Indian nationhood and politics.
(ii) It wants full territorial and political integration of Jammu and Kashmir with India.
(iii) It wants a uniform civil code for all people living in the country irrespective of religion
and wants a ban on religious conversions.
(iv) Its support base substantially increased in the 1990s.
(v) . It wants to build a strong and modern India.
Q21) What is multi party system? Explain merits and demerits of multi
- party system.

Ans:- In a multi-party system, multiple political parties participate in the country’s

electorate to form a government individually as a strong party or by uniting with
the other small parties.
Advantages Disadvantages
• It promotes democracy • Unhealthy competition increases.

• This system helps citizens to give their opinions. • It is more expensive than a two-party
system
• Political parties give many policies to people for
their benefit • Political parties are involved in violence.

• People can know more about politics and • Corruption also increases.
politicians' agendas.
Q22) Describe the positive impacts of casteism with regards to political
expression. (2marks)

Ans:- Casteism has had a positive impact on political expression in India.

•It has provided a platform for many marginalized and underrepresented
groups to have their voices heard.
•Casteism has enabled these groups to assert their identity and demonstrate
their collective power
Q23) Describe the efforts to reform political parties in India? (5 marks)

Ans:- (i) Under the Anti-Defection Law, MLAs and MPs cannot change party after the election.
This was done as many elected candidates were indulging in defection in order to become
ministers or for cash rewards. Now, according to this law, if any MLA or MP changes parties,
he or she will lose the seat in Legislature.

(ii) Affidavit is mandatory for every candidate, who contests elections to file an affidavit giving
details of his property and criminal cases pending against him.

(iii) The Election Commission passed an order making it necessary for political parties to hold
their organisational elections and file their income tax returns.

(iv) It should be made mandatory for the parties to give one-third of their party tickets to women
candidates, thus women can take part in the decision-making bodies of the party.
Q24) What is the role of court in Federal system? What are the two
objectives of federal system.? (3 marks)

Ans:-Courts have the power to interpret the constitution and settle disputes
between different levels of government. The highest court acts as an
umpire if disputes arise between different levels of government in the
exercise of their respective powers.

a) To ensure that power would be transferred from state to central

government.
b) To provide facilities and jobs to the citizens of the country.
c) To distribute powers and funds to the Central Government.
d) To promote unity of the country and to accommodate regional diversity.
Q25) What are the three lists mentioned in Indian
constitution?
Ans:- Indian Constitution that mentions three lists named
as Union List, State List and Concurrent List which specify
the divisions of power between Union and States.
Q26) What accomodation does democracy provide for social
diversity?

Ans:- Accommodation of social diversity in democracy helps the

citizens to lead a peaceful and a harmonious life. This happens when
various types of social divisions are accommodated.

India and Belgium are the countries that are examples of

accommodation of social diversity.
Q27) Describe the nature of Panchayati Raj System in India. (2marks)
Ans:- Panchayati Raj is a three-tiered administrative framework in India that
focuses on rural development.
The Panchayati Raj System works at three levels, these are:
● Panchayats at village level
● Block Samitis at block level
● District Council or Zila Parishad at
district level.
Q28) what do you understand by bi - party system of government? Give one merit
and one demerit. (5 marks)
Ans:- A two-party system is one in which the government is governed by two strong
political parties. In the legislature, one of the two parties normally controls a majority.
Merits of bi-party system are:
() Strong opposition: Only one party forms opposition, it gets a lot of attention from
media and people.
() Government that is responsible for their actions: If the ruling party makes a
mistake, the opposition will try to take advantage

Demerits of the bi-party system are

() Cabinet dictatorship: Since winning chance of same party is more it can lead to
dictatorship.
() Undemocratic: Two party system is undemocratic as there is not much choice
provided to the people.
Q29) Discuss any three key features of federalism. (5marks)
Ans:- Federalism is a political structure in which power is distributed between a central
authority and the country’s different constituent units.
Main Features of Federalism :

(i) There are two or more levels of government. India has three levels.
(ii) Each level of government has its own jurisdiction in matters of legislation, taxation and
administration even though they govern the same citizens.
(iii) Powers and functions of each tier of government is specified and guaranteed by
Constitution.
(iv) The Supreme Court has been given power to settle disputes between federal governments.
(v) Fundamental provisions of Constitution cannot be altered by any one level of government. It
applies to India also.
(vi) Sources of revenue between different levels is specified by Constitution.
(vii) There is mutual trust and agreement between the government at different levels.
Q30) The Indian constitution provides 3 lists to distribute the legislative power. State any two
subjects that are included in the union list. In which list the subject "Education" is included and
why? (3marks)

Ans. 1. The Indian Constitution has a three-fold distribution of legislative power, which contains three
lists: The Union List, the State List, and the Concurrent List. The subjects that are included in the Union
List are those that are under the exclusive jurisdiction of the Union Government. Some of the subjects
that are included in the Union List are:
•Defense of the country
•Foreign affairs and relations
•Banking, currency, and coinage
•Railways and air transport
•Posts and telegraphs
•Census and statistics
•Copyrights, patents, and trademarks

2. The subject "Education" comes under the Concurrent List, which means that both the Union
Government and the State Governments have the power to make laws on this subject. The Concurrent
List contains subjects that are of common interest to both the Union and the State Governments.
Q31) Describe the necessity of political parties in democratic countries.( 5 marks)

Ans:- Political parties have a special role in democracy. They perform the following functions:
● Political parties set their programmes.
● During elections, they prepare their manifestoes and present them before the people.
● Through them, people come to know the national problems and then form their own
opinions.
● Political parties help in the formulation of public opinion.
● They contest elections.
● The party that secures a majority in the election, forms the government.
● The party with minority membership forms the opposition.
● The political parties give political education and training to the people.
Q32)"Political parties need to face certain challenges in order to remain effective
instruments of democracy" Explain the statement with example.

Ans:- There are four major areas where the working of political parties faces challenges:
(i) Internal democracy is largely missing: Every member of the party is denied the right to
participate in the decision-making process. Every member is not consulted before taking a
decision.Power remains in the hands of a few top leaders, who do not consult ordinary
members. Ordinary members have no information about the internal working of the party.

(ii) Dynastic Succession: A few top leaders misuse their power, all party positions go to their
family members. These members may not be qualified or have the ability to hold their positions.

(iii) Money and muscle power: Money is required to organise rallies, public meetings, and
speeches to publicise the image of the party. Parties choose those candidates who can raise
money for the party and win elections with their money.

(iv) The meaningful choice to others: The basic and ideological difficulties that most political
parties face are the same. There is no meaningful choice for voters. Even leaders switch parties
frequently, that also confuses voters.
Q33) How power may be distributed among social
and linguistics groups? Give examples.