CIVICS ALL CHAPTER IMPs

CLASS 10 POLITICAL SCIENCE – IMPORTANT QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

CHAPTER 1  POWER SHARING

1. What is power sharing?

Answer:
Power sharing means distributing powers among different organs and levels of government so that no single institution gets complete authority. It prevents conflict and ensures political stability.

2. Why is power sharing desirable? (2 or 3 marks)

Answer:
Power sharing is desirable because:

1. It reduces the possibility of social conflicts.

2. It ensures political stability.

3. It allows different communities to participate in governance, making the system more democratic.

3. Describe the forms of power sharing.

Answer:

1. Horizontal Power Sharing: Among legislature, executive and judiciary.

2. Vertical Power Sharing: Among central, state and local governments.

3. Power Sharing among Social Groups: Minority rights, community governments.

4. Power Sharing among Political Parties: Coalition governments.

4. What was the major reason for tension in Belgium?

Answer:
The conflict between Dutch-speaking and French-speaking communities created tension due to economic and political imbalance.

CHAPTER 2  FEDERALISM

1. Define federalism.

Answer:
Federalism is a system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and various state governments.

2. Features of federalism

Answer:

1. Two or more levels of government.

2. Division of powers by the Constitution.

3. Independent judiciary.

4. No unit can change the power-sharing arrangement unilaterally.

3. What is the difference between unitary and federal government?

Answer:

• Unitary: Central government holds all powers.

• Federal: Powers are shared between central and state governments.

4. What are Union List, State List and Concurrent List?

Answer:

• Union List: Centre makes laws (defense, foreign affairs).

• State List: States make laws (police, agriculture).

• Concurrent List: Both can make laws (education, marriage).

CHAPTER 3  DEMOCRACY AND DIVERSITY

1. What is social division?

Answer:
Social division occurs when society is split into groups based on caste, religion, race, language, etc.

2. How do social divisions lead to conflict?

Answer:
If political competition takes the form of caste or religion, it may create tension, discrimination and even violence (like in Northern Ireland or Sri Lanka).

3. When do social differences become social divisions?

Answer:
When people start seeing their identities as superior or inferior, and when political leaders exploit these differences.

CHAPTER 4  GENDER, RELIGION & CASTE

1. What is gender division?

Answer:
Gender division is the unequal treatment of men and women in society.

2. How does religion influence politics?

Answer:
Religion influences politics when political demands are made in the name of religion. However, India follows secularism to prevent discrimination.

3. What is caste inequality?

Answer:
Unequal treatment of people based on caste, often causing discrimination against lower castes.

4. Explain the role of women in politics.

Answer:
Women participate in protests, vote actively, join political parties and are given reservations in local bodies to increase representation.

CHAPTER 5  POPULAR STRUGGLES & MOVEMENTS

1. What is a popular struggle?

Answer:
A popular struggle is when people come together to demand change in government policies or decisions.

2. What are pressure groups?

Answer:
Groups that influence government decisions without contesting elections.
Examples: FEDECOR in Bolivia, Narmada Bachao Andolan.

3. What is the role of political parties in democracy?

Answer:
They help in forming public opinion, contest elections, make laws and run governments.

CHAPTER 6  POLITICAL PARTIES

1. What are the functions of political parties?

Answer:

1. Contest elections

2. Make policies

3. Form government

4. Provide choices to voters

5. Shape public opinion

2. Name the national parties of India. (According to new recognition)

(Exam answers usually accept standard well-known names)

• Indian National Congress (INC)

• Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)

• Communist Party of India (CPI)

• Communist Party of India–Marxist (CPI-M)

• Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP)

• National People’s Party (NPP)

3. What are the challenges faced by political parties?

Answer:

1. Lack of internal democracy

2. Dynastic succession

3. Money and muscle power

4. Lack of meaningful choice

CHAPTER 7 — OUTCOMES OF DEMOCRACY

1. What are the outcomes of democracy?

Answer:

1. Accountable government

2. Equality and justice

3. Economic development

4. Reduction in social conflicts

5. Dignity and freedom of citizens

2. Why is democracy better than other forms of government?

Answer:
Because it ensures participation of people, reduces power concentration and provides transparency and human rights.

CHAPTER 8 — CHALLENGES TO DEMOCRACY

1. What are the major challenges to democracy?

Answer:

1. Foundational Challenge: Creating democratic institutions.

2. Challenge of Expansion: Including all social groups in political processes.

3. Deepening of Democracy: Strengthening institutions to make democracy more effective.

2. What is democratic reform?

Answer:
Reforms that strengthen democracy by checking corruption, increasing transparency and promoting the participation of citizens.