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ICSE-X-HistCivics

Previous Year Paper year:2019

with Solutions - page 3
 
  • #4-a
    State briefly the position of the Prime Minister in the Parliamentary system of Government. State any two powers the Prime Minister has as a leader of the Nation. [3]
    Ans : (i) The Prime Minister is the leader of the Lok Sabha, and in this capacity his position is unique.

    (ii) The Prime Minister is the chief spokesman and the defender of the Government in the Parliament. When a Minister is under attack from the Opposition, he comes to his rescue.

    (iii) The Prime Minister makes all important announcements of the government policies on the floor of the House.
  • #4-b
    Distinguish between the Council of Ministers and the Cabinet. [3]
    Ans : The Council of Ministers :

    (i) It consists of all the four ranks of Ministers - the Cabinet Ministers, the Ministers of State, the Deputy Ministers and Parliamentary Secretaries.

    (ii) The Council of Ministers is a large body, it meets occasionally.

    (in) The Prime Minister’may not consult the Council of Ministers for taking important decisions.

    The Cabinet :

    (i) The Cabinet generally consists of Senior Ministers holding Cabinet rank and important portfolios.

    (ii) The Cabinet is a small and cohesive group which meets regularly.

    (iii) The Members of the Cabinet are consulted by the Prime Minister on every important issue.
  • #4-c
    Write any four functions of the ‘Cabinet’. [4]
    Ans : (i) The Cabinet formulates government policies, both national and international. It takes decisions on major issues before the nation relating to defence, security, development, planning, financial matters, etc.

    (ii) After the policy decision of the Cabinet is taken, it becomes the duty and an important function of the appropriate department under a Minister to faithfully carry out the decision. He must administer his department in accordance with the polity decision and in coordination with other departments.

    (iii) The Cabinet coordinates the working of all the departments, so that the whole government runs smoothly and set goals are achieved. The Prime Minister plays an important role in bringing about the coordination.

    (iv) Foreign relations, both diplomatic and trade, pacts or agreements with other nations are all decided by the Cabinet. The choice of diplomatic envoys and recognition of new states or regimes is also made by the Cabinet.
  • Qstn #5
    India has a single integrated judicial system that is Independent and Supreme. With reference to the Judiciary, answer the following :
  • #5-a
  • #5-a-i
    Who appoints the Judges of the High Court? [3]
    Ans : The Judges of the High Court are appointed with the consultation of Chief Justice of the High Court along with the Chief Justice of Supreme Court and the Governor of the State.
  • #5-a-ii
    State any two qualifications required for a person to be appointed as a High Court judge.
    Ans : A High Court Judge must possess the following qualifications :

    • He must be a citizen of India.
    • He must have held judicial office for not less than ten years in India or should be an advocate of the High Court for ten years.
    • He should be less than 62 years.
  • #5-b
    Explain briefly the term ‘Court of Record’ with reference to the High Court. [3]
    Ans : A High Court being a “Court of Record” means :

    • Its judgements are kept as a record, and are used as precedent.
    • If a person commits the contempt of High Court, it has the authority to punish him.
  • #5-c
    List anyfour writs that the High Court can issue for the enforcement of Fundamental Rights. [4]
    Ans : (i) The Writ of Habeas Corpus is the safeguard for the personal freedom of a citizen. Habeas Corpus provides a remedy to a person held unlawfully in person or in police custody. This is an order to a person or officer who detains a person, without court’s order, directing him to produce the detainee in the court and to explain why he has been detained. If the cause is insufficient, the detained person is released immediately.

    (ii) The Writ of Prohibition is issued to prevent an inferior court from exercising powers, with which it is not legally vested, and to direct it to remain within the limits of its jurisdiction. It is preventive in nature.

    (iii) The Writ of Quo - Warranto is issued against a person who has held an office illegally by usurpation. This writ asks the person to explain as by what authority he has been holding that particular office. If the office is held unlawfully, it can declare the office vacant.

    (iv) Mandamus means “We command”. The Writ of Mandamus is issued to command an inferior court or person to do its duty. But this writ can be issued purely for the protection of Fundamental Rights.
  • #
    Section : III
    SECTION - B

    (Attempt any three questions form this Section)
  • Qstn #6
    The Second half of the 19th century witnessed the growth of a strong feeling of Nationalism. With reference to the statement, answer the following:
  • #6-a
    Write any three repressive Colonial policies of the British. [3]
    Ans : (i) In 1877, the government lowered the maximum age limit for the I C S, examination from 21 to 19 years, thus making it impossible for the Indians to compete for it.

    (ii) The colonial government introduced Vernacular Press Act and Indian Arms Act. Both these were passed to pursue the policy of racial discrimination.
  • #6-b
    State any three ways in which the Press played an important role in developing nationalism amongst Indians. [3]
    Ans : As we know, the press is an important integrating force in society. During the 19th century, the Indian society was plagued with many social and religious evils. The spirit of nationalism was missing. The Press did play a very vital role in reforming the society :

    1. It played an important role in the campaigns for social reforms and to influence activities of the state.
    2. It played an important role in the growth of National Movement.
    3. ‘The Kesari’ and several other newspapers created a great stir in the political life of the country.
    (c)
    Moderates (Early Nationalists)

    (i) The Early Nationalists believed in petitions, constitutionalism, prayers, passive resistance, resolutions and meetings. All these were peaceful methods.

    (ii) The Early Nationalists had full faith in the British Government and wanted to follow the policy of cooperation. Though in the later years, (during the agitation against the Partition of Bengal), they supported the ‘Swadeshi and Boycott’ movements. But they wanted to confine this movement only for special circumstances.

    (iii) The Early Nationalists agitated only for certain administrative and economic reforms. They wanted that the Indians should have some say in the government and administration of the country. It was only in 1906 that under pressure from the Aggressives they talked about “Swaraj’ as their goal. The ‘Swaraj’ as defined by them meant, a system of government as found in the self-governing British colonies.

    Radical (Assertive Nationalists)

    1. The Assertive Nationalists, on the other hand, supported and followed revolutionary methods by launching vigorous political agitations, making people self-reliant and bringing national awakening.
    2. The Assertive Nationalists believed in non-cooperation and adopted the programme of boycott against foreign goods, propagation of Swadeshi, a system of national education, etc. The Aggressives believed that it was necessary to extend the scope of boycott.
    3. The Assertive Nationalists, on the other hand, demanded “Puma Sw araj ‘-self¬government as it existed in the United Kingdom.
  • #6-c
    Explain briefly any three differences in the methods adopted between the Early Nationalists and Radicals, in the National Movement. [4]
  • Qstn #7
    With reference to the picture given below; answer the following questions:
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