NCERT Social Science Question Paper (Class - 10)

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NCERT Social Science Question Paper (Class - 10)

(Political Science) : Chapter 1 Power Sharing

Question 1: What are the different forms of power sharing in modern democracies? Give an example of each of these.

Question 2: State one prudential reason and one moral reason for power sharing with an example from the Indian context.

Question 3: After reading this chapter, three students drew different conclusions. Which of these do you agree with and why? Give your reasons in about 50 words.

Question 4: The Mayor of Merchtem, a town near Brussels in Belgium, has defended a ban on speaking French in the town’s schools. He said that the ban would help all non-Dutch speakers integrate in this Flemish town. Do you think that this measure is in keeping with the spirit of Belgium’s power sharing arrangements? Give your reasons in about 50 words.

Question 5: Read the following passage and pick out any one of the prudential reasons for power sharing offered in this.

"We need to give more power to the panchayats to realise the dream of Mahatma Gandhi and the hopes of the makers of our Constitution. Panchayati Raj establishes true democracy. It restores power to the only place where power belongs in a democracy − in the hands of the people. Given power to panchayats is also a way to reduce corruption and increase administrative efficiency. When people participate in the planning and implementation of developmental schemes, they would naturally exercise greater control over these schemes. This would eliminate the corrupt middlemen. Thus, Panchayati Raj will strengthen the foundations of our democracy."

Question 6: Different arguments are usually put forth in favour of and against power sharing.Identify those which are in favour of power sharing and select the answer using thecodes given below? Power sharing:

A. reduces conflict among different communities
B. decreases the possibility of arbitrariness
C. delays decision making process
D. accommodates diversities
E. increases instability and divisiveness
F. promotes people’s participation in government
G. undermines the unity of a country

Question 7: Consider the following statements about power sharing arrangements in Belgium and Sri Lanka.

Α. In Belgium, the Dutch-speaking majority people tried to impose their domination on the minority French-speaking community.
B. In Sri Lanka, the policies of the government sought to ensure the dominance of the Sinhala-speaking majority.
C. The Tamils in Sri Lanka demanded a federal arrangement of power sharing to protect their culture, language and equality of opportunity in education and jobs.
D. The transformation of Belgium from unitary government to a federal one prevented a possible division of the country on linguistic lines.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

Question 8: Match list I (forms of power sharing) with List II (forms of government) and select the correct answer using the codes given below in the lists:

Question 9: Consider the following two statements on power sharing and select the answer using the codes given below:

A. Power sharing is good for democracy.
B. It helps to reduce the possibility of conflict between social groups.

Which of these statements are true and false?

(Political Science) : Chapter 2 Federalism

Question 1: Locate the following States on a blank outline political map of India:Manipur, Sikkim, Chhattisgarh and Goa

Question 2: Identify and shade three federal countries (other than India) on a blank outline political map of the world.

Question 3: Point out one feature in the practice of federalism in India that is similar to and one feature that is different from that of Belgium.

Question 4: What is the main difference between a federal form of government and a unitary one? Explain with an example.

Question 5: State any two differences between the local government before and after the constitutional amendment in 1992.

Question 6: Fill in the blanks:

Since the United States is a ____________________ type of federation, all the
constituent States have equal powers and States are _______________ vis-a -vis the
federal government. But India is a _________________ type of federation and some
States have more power than others. In India, the ___________________ government has more powers.

Question 7: Here are three reactions to the language policy followed in India. Give an argument and an example to support any of these positions.
Sangeeta: The policy of accommodation has strengthened national unity. Arman: Language-based States have divided us by making everyone conscious of their language. Harish: This policy has only helped to consolidate the dominance of English over all other languages.

Question 8: The distinguishing feature of a federal government is:

(a) National government gives some powers to the provincial governments.
(b) Power is distributed among the legislature, executive and judiciary.
(c) Elected officials exercise supreme power in the government.
(d) Governmental power is divided between different levels of government.

Question 9: A few subjects in various Lists of the Indian Constitution are given here. Group them under the Union, State and Concurrent Lists as provided in the table below.

A. Defence
Β. Police
C. Agriculture
D. Education
E. Banking
F. Forests
G. Communications

Question 10: Examine the following pairs that give the level of government in India and the powers of the government at that level to make laws on the subjects mentioned against each. Which of the following pairs is not correctly matched?

Question 11: Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists:

Question 12: Consider the following statements.

A. In a federation the powers of the federal and provincial governments are clearly demarcated.
B. India is a federation because the powers of the Union and State Governments are specified in the Constitution and they have exclusive jurisdiction on their respective subjects.
C. Sri Lanka is a federation because the country is divided into provinces.
D. India is no longer a federation because some powers of the states have been devolved to the local government bodies. Which of the statements given above are correct?

(Political Science) : Chapter 3 Democracy and Diversity

Question 1: Discuss three factors that determine the outcomes of politics of social divisions.

Question 2: When does a social difference become a social division?

Question 3: How do social divisions affect politics? Give two examples.

Question 4: ________________ social differences create possibilities of deep social divisions andtensions.
________________ social differences do not usually lead to conflicts.

Question 5: In dealing with social divisions which one of the following statements is NOT correct about democracy?

(a) Due to political competition in a democracy, social divisions get reflected in politics.
(b) In a democracy it is possible for communities to voice their grievances in a peaceful manner.
(c) Democracy is the best way to accommodate social diversity.
(d) Democracy always leads to disintegration of society on the basis of social divisions.

Question 6: onsider the following three statements.

Α. Social divisions take place when social differences overlap.
Β. It is possible that a person can have multiple identities.
C. Social divisions exist in only big countries like India.

Which of the statements is/are correct?

Question 7:Arrange the following statements in a logical sequence and select the right answers by using the code given below.

Α. But all political expression of social divisions need not be always dangerous.
B. Social divisions of one kind or the other exist in most countries.
C. Parties try to win political support by appealing to social divisions.
D. Some social differences may result in social divisions.

Question 8: Among the following, which country suffered disintegration due to political fights on the basis of religious and ethnic identities?

(a) Belgium
(b) India
(c) Yugoslavia
(d) Netherlands

Question 9: Read the following passage from a famous speech by Martin Luther king Jr. in 1963. Which social division is he talking about? What are his aspirations and anxieties? Do you see a relationship between this speech and the incident in Mexico Olympics mentioned in this chapter?

"I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the colour of their skin but by the content of their character. Let freedom ring − when we let it ring from every village and every hamlet, from every state and every city, we will be able to speed up that day when all of God’s children − back men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics − will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual: 'Free at last! Free at last! Thank God Almighty, we are free at last!' I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: 'we hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal'."

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(Political Science) : Chapter 4 Gender Religion and Caste

Question 1: Mention different aspects of life in which women are discriminated or disadvantaged in India.

Question 2: State different forms of communal politics with one example each.

Question 3: State how caste inequalities are still continuing in India.

Question 4: State two reasons to say that caste alone cannot determine election results in India.

Question 5: What is the status of women’s representation in India’s legislative bodies?

Question 6: Mention any two constitutional provisions that make India a secular state.

Question 7: When we speak of gender divisions, we usually refer to:

(a) Biological difference between men and women
(b) Unequal roles assigned by the society to men and women
(c) Unequal child sex ratio
(d) Absence of voting rights for women in democracies

Question 8: In India seats are reserved for women in

(a) Lok Sabha
(b) State Legislative Assemblies
(c) Cabinets
(d) Panchayati Raj bodies

Question 9: Consider the following statements on the meaning of communal politics. Communal politics is based on the belief that:

Α. One religion is superior to that of others.
Β. People belonging to different religions can live together happily as equal citizens.
C. Followers of a particular religion constitute one community.
D. State power cannot be used to establish the domination of one religious group over others.

Question 10: Which among the following statements about India’s Constitution is wrong? It

(a) prohibits discrimination on grounds of religion
(b) gives official status to one religion
(c) provides to all individuals freedom to profess any religion
(d) ensures equality of citizens within religious communities

Question 11: Social divisions based on ______________ are peculiar to India.

Question 12: Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the Lists:

(Political Science) : Chapter 5 popular Struggles And Movement

Question 1: In what ways do pressure groups and movements exert influence on politics?

Question 2: Describe the forms of relationship between pressure groups and political parties?

Question 3: Explain how the activities of pressure groups are useful in the functioning of a democratic government.

Question 4: What is a pressure group? Give a few examples.

Question 5: What is the difference between a pressure group and a political party?

Question 6: Organisations that undertake activities to promote the interests of specific socialsections such as workers, employees, teachers, and lawyers are called_____________ groups.

Question 7: Which among the following is the special feature that distinguishes a pressure group from a political party?

(a) Parties take political stances, while pressure groups do not bother about political issues.
(b) Pressure groups are confined to a few people, while parties involve larger number of people.
(c) Pressure groups do not seek to get into power, while political parties do.
(d) Pressure groups do not seek to mobilise people, while parties do.

Question 8: Match List I (organisations and struggles) with List II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists:

Question 9: Match List I with list II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists:

Question 10: Consider the following statements about pressure groups and parties.

Α. Pressure groups are the organised expression of the interests and views of specific social sections.
Β. Pressure groups take positions on political issues.
C. All pressure groups are political parties.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

Question 11: Mewat is one of the most backward areas in Haryana. It used to be a part of two districts, Gurgaon and Faridabad. The people of Mewat felt that the area will get better attention if it were to become a separate district. But political parties were indifferent to this sentiment. The demand for a separate district was raised by Mewat Educational and Social Organisation and Mewat Saksharta Samiti in 1996. Later, Mewat Vikas Sabha was founded in 2000 and carried out a series of public awareness campaigns. This forced both the major parties, Congress and the Indian National Lok Dal, to announce their support for the new district before the assembly elections held in February 2005. The new district came into existence in July 2005. In this example what is the relationship that you observe among movement, political parties and the government? Can you think of an example that shows a relationship different from this one?

(Political Science) : Chapter 6 Political Parties

Question 1: State the various functions political parties perform in a democracy.

Question 2: What are the various challenges faced by political parties?

Question 3: Suggest some reforms to strengthen parties so that they perform their functions well?

Question 4: What is a political party?

Question 5: What are the characteristics of a political party?

Question 6: A group of people who come together to contest elections and hold power in the government is called a ______________________.

Question 7: Match List I (organisations and struggles) with List II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists:

Question 8: Who among the following is the founder of the Bahujan Samaj Party?

Α. Kanshi Ram
Β. Sahu Maharaj
C. Β.R. Ambedker
D. Jotiba Phule

Question 9: What is the guiding philosophy of the Bharatiya Janata Party?

Α. Bahujan Samaj
Β. Revolutionary democracy
C. Integral humanism
D. Modernity

Question 10: Consider the following statements on parties.

Α. Political parties do not enjoy much trust among the people.
Β. Parties are often rocked by scandals involving top party leaders.
C. Parties are not necessary to run governments.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

Question 11: Read the following passage and answer the questions given below:

Muhammad Yunus is a famous economist of Bangladesh. He received several international honours for his efforts to promote economic and social development for the benefit of the poor. He and the Grameen Bank he started, jointly received the Noble Peace Prize for 2006. In February 2007, he decided to launch a political party and contest in the parliamentary elections. His objective was to foster proper leadership, good governance and build a new Bangladesh. He felt that only a political party different from the traditional ones would bring about new political culture. His party would be democratic from the grassroots level. The launching of the new party, called Nagarik Shakti (Citizens’ Power), has caused a

stir among the Bangladeshis. While many welcomed his decisions, some did not like it. "Now I think Bangladesh will have a chance to choose between good and bad and eventually have a good government," said Shahedul Islam, a government official. "That government, we hope, would not only keep itself away from corruption but also make fighting corruption and black money a top priority." But leaders of traditional political parties who dominated the country’s politics for decades were apprehensive. "There was no debate (over him) winning the Novel, but politics is different − very challenging and often controversial," said a senior leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party. Some others were highly critical. They asked why he was rushing into politics. "Is he being planted in politics by mentors from outside the country," asked one political observer. Do you think Yunus made a right decision to float a new political party? Do you agree with the statements and fears expressed by various people? How do you want this new party organised to make it different from other parties? If you were the one to begin this political party how would you defend it?

(Political Science) : Chapter 7 Outcomes Of Democracy

Question 1: How does democracy produce an accountable, responsive and legitimate government?

Question 2: What are the conditions under which democracies accommodate social diversities?

Question 3: Give arguments to support or oppose the following assertions: Industrialised countries can afford democracy but the poor need dictatorship
to become rich. Democracy can’t reduce inequality of incomes between different citizens. Government in poor countries should spend less on poverty reduction, health, education and spend more on industries and infrastructure. In democracy all citizens have one vote, which means that there is absence of any domination and conflict.

Question 4: Identify the challenges to democracy in the following descriptions. Also suggest policy/institutional mechanism to deepen democracy in the given situations: Following a High Court directive a temple in Orissa that had separate entry doors for dalits and non-dalits allowed entry for all from the same door. A large number of farmers are committing suicide in different states of India.

Following allegation of killing of three civilians in Gandwara in a fake encounter by Jammu and Kashmir police, an enquiry has been ordered.

Question 5: In the context of democracies, which of the following ideas is correct − democracies have successfully eliminated:

Α. conflicts among people
Β. economic inequalities among people
C. differences of opinion about how marginalised sections are to be treated
D. the idea of political inequality

Question 6: In the context of assessing democracy which among the following is odd one out.

Democracies need to ensure:

Α. free and fair elections
Β. dignity of the individual
C. majority rule
D. equal treatment before law

Question 7: Studies on political and social inequalities in democracy show that

Α. democracy and development go together
Β. inequalities exist in democracies
C. inequalities do not exist under dictatorship
D. dictatorship is better than democracy

Question 8: Read the passage below:

Nannu is a daily wage earner. He lives in Welcome Mazdoor Colony, a slum habitation in East Delhi. He lost his ration card and applied for a duplicate one in January 2004. He made several rounds to the local Food & Civil Supplies office for the next three months. But the clerks and officials would not even look at him, leave alone do his job or bother to tell him the status of his application. Ultimately, he filed an application under the Right to Information Act asking for the daily progress made on his application, names of the officials, who were supposed to act on his application and what action would be taken against these officials for their inaction. Within a week of filing application under the Right to Information Act, he was visited by an inspector from the Food Department, who informed him that the card had been made and he could collect it from the office. When Nannu went to collect his card next day, he was given a very warm treatment by the Food & Supply Officer (FSO), who is the head of a Circle. The FSO offered him tea and requested him to withdraw his application under the Right to Information, since his work had already been done. What does Nannu’s example show? What impact did Nannu’s action have on officials? Ask your parents their experiences when they approach government officials to attend to their problems.