CBSE Class 11 Political Science – Sample Question Paper

Time: 3 Hours
Maximum Marks: 80

General Instructions:

1. All questions are compulsory.
2. Marks are indicated against each question.
3. Answer in your own words; points-based answers are preferred.
4. Use diagrams wherever necessary.

Section A – Very Short Answer Questions (1×6 = 6 Marks)

1. Define the Executive.
2. Name the two main components of the Indian Executive.
3. What is the discretionary power of the President?
4. Mention two powers of the Prime Minister.
5. Who forms the permanent executive in India?
6. State one key difference between Presidential and Parliamentary Executive.

Answers – Section A

1. Executive is the branch of government responsible for implementing laws and policies and administering public affairs.
2. Political Executive (President, Prime Minister, Council of Ministers) and Permanent Executive (Bureaucracy).
3. Discretionary powers are powers the President can exercise without the advice of the Council of Ministers, e.g., appointing a Prime Minister in case of a hung parliament.
4. Powers of Prime Minister:
   • Leader of Council of Ministers; chairs Cabinet meetings.
   • Advises the President on appointments and policy matters.
5. The Permanent Executive is formed by civil servants, IAS, IPS officers, and other administrative officials.
6. Presidential Executive: Head of state is also head of government; Parliamentary Executive: Head of state is ceremonial, real power lies with PM and Cabinet.

Section B – Short Answer Questions (3×6 = 18 Marks)

7. Explain the role of the President in India.
8. List four main functions of the Indian Executive.
9. Differentiate between Political Executive and Permanent Executive.
10. What is meant by collective responsibility of the Council of Ministers?
11. State two examples of discretionary powers of the President.
12. Why is bureaucracy important for governance in India?

Answers – Section B

7. Role of the President:
   • Constitutional head of state; Supreme executive authority.
   • Appoints Prime Minister, Council of Ministers, Governors, and other officials.
   • Summons, prorogues, and dissolves Parliament.
   • Grants pardons, respites, or remissions.
   • Symbolically represents unity and sovereignty of the nation.
8. Functions of Indian Executive:
   • Implementing laws passed by the legislature.
   • Formulating policies for social, economic, and political development.
   • Maintaining law and order and national security.
   • Providing public services like health, education, and infrastructure.
9. Difference:
   • Political Executive: Elected or appointed leaders; responsible for policy-making; includes PM and Ministers.
   • Permanent Executive: Career civil servants; implement policies; provide continuity and professional expertise.
10. Collective responsibility:
    • All ministers are jointly responsible to the Lok Sabha for decisions taken by the Cabinet.
    • If the Cabinet loses confidence of the Lok Sabha, it must resign.
11. Discretionary powers of President:
    • Appointing Prime Minister in case of no clear majority.
    • Dissolving Lok Sabha during a constitutional crisis.
12. Importance of Bureaucracy:
    • Ensures continuity and stability of administration.
    • Provides professional and impartial implementation of policies.
    • Acts as a link between citizens and government services.

Section C – Long Answer Questions (5×6 = 30 Marks)

13. Explain the different types of Executive with examples.
14. Discuss the powers and position of the President of India.
15. Describe the role and powers of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers.
16. Explain the functions and importance of the Permanent Executive (Bureaucracy).
17. Discuss the features of Parliamentary Executive in India and its advantages.

Answers – Section C

13. Types of Executive:

• Presidential Executive: Head of state = Head of government; USA, Brazil; separation of powers.
• Parliamentary Executive: Head of state ceremonial; real power with PM and Cabinet; India, UK; collective responsibility.
• Semi-Presidential: Shared powers between President and PM; France, Russia.
• Military/Authoritarian: Centralized power; limited accountability; some former military regimes.

14. Powers and Position of President:

• Constitutional head; ceremonial but supreme executive authority.
• Executive powers: Appoints PM, Ministers, Governors.
• Legislative powers: Summons/dissolves Parliament, gives assent to bills.
• Judicial powers: Grants pardons.
• Military powers: Supreme Commander of Armed Forces.
• Discretionary powers: Appoint PM during hung parliament, dissolve Lok Sabha in crisis.

15. Prime Minister and Council of Ministers:

• PM leads the Council, coordinates ministries, advises President.
• Ministers responsible for policy formulation and implementation.
• Collective responsibility to Lok Sabha ensures accountability.
• PM represents India nationally and internationally.

16. Permanent Executive (Bureaucracy):

• Composed of civil servants, IAS/IPS officers, etc.
• Implements policies, advises ministers, maintains records.
• Ensures administrative continuity and neutrality.
• Acts as interface between citizens and government.

17. Parliamentary Executive in India:

• Features: Collective responsibility, PM as leader, bicameral legislature, President as ceremonial head.
• Advantages: Accountability, flexibility in governance, fusion of powers ensures coordination, stable administration.

Section D – Diagram / Case-Based Question (1×6 = 6 Marks)

18. Draw a diagram showing the structure of Indian Executive with its political and permanent components.

Marks Distribution

• Section A – 6 × 1 = 6
• Section B – 6 × 3 = 18
• Section C – 5 × 6 = 30
• Section D – 6
• Total = 60 + 20 marks internal/teacher evaluation (scaled to 80)