CBSE CLASS 11 – POLITICAL SCIENCE (COURSE B) chapter 8 (sample paper)

🟩 CBSE CLASS 11 – POLITICAL SCIENCE (COURSE B)

CHAPTER 8 – Recent Developments in Indian Politics

Sample Question Paper (Full Marks: 40)
Time: 90 Minutes

🧩 General Instructions:

1. All questions are compulsory.
2. Marks are indicated against each question.
3. Answers should be brief and to the point.
4. Examples should be given wherever necessary.

SECTION – A (Very Short Answer Type Questions)

(1 Mark each)

Q1. What is meant by the “Era of Coalitions” in Indian politics?
Answer: The Era of Coalitions refers to the period post-1989 when no single party could secure a majority in the Lok Sabha, leading to coalition governments.

Q2. Name one economic reform that influenced Indian politics in the 1990s.
Answer: Economic liberalization in 1991.

Q3. Mention one reason for the decline of Congress dominance in the 1990s.
Answer: Rise of regional parties and caste-based mobilization.

Q4. Who was the Prime Minister of India during the implementation of the Mandal Commission?
Answer: V.P. Singh (1989–1990)

Q5. Name two key coalitions that formed in the 1990s.
Answer: National Front (1989–1991) and United Front (1996–1998)

Q6. What is communalism in Indian politics?
Answer: Politics based on religion, caste, or community, often leading to polarization.

Q7. Define secularism as per the Indian Constitution.
Answer: Constitutional commitment to equal respect for all religions, avoiding state preference.

Q8. Name one major social welfare scheme introduced during Manmohan Singh’s UPA government.
Answer: MGNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act)

SECTION – B (Short Answer Type Questions)

(2 Marks each)

Q9. List two challenges of coalition politics.
Answer:

1. Frequent changes in government.
2. Policy compromises to satisfy coalition partners.

Q10. Mention two reasons for the rise of regional parties in the 1990s.
Answer:

1. Decline of Congress dominance.
2. Regional identity, local issues, and language/caste mobilization.

Q11. Give two achievements of P.V. Narasimha Rao’s government.
Answer:

1. Economic liberalization and globalization.
2. Structural reforms to modernize the Indian economy.

Q12. Name two BJP-led NDA achievements during Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s tenure.
Answer:

1. Nuclear tests (Pokhran-II).
2. Promotion of economic growth and infrastructure development.

Q13. How does democracy remain resilient despite coalition politics and communal tensions?
Answer:

• Due to free and fair elections, constitutional safeguards, political dialogue, and public participation.

Q14. Name one feature of the “New Political Consensus” in India.
Answer: Acceptance of coalition politics and inclusion of regional parties in governance.

SECTION – C (Long Answer Type Questions)

(4 Marks each)

Q15. Explain the context of Indian politics in the 1990s.
Answer:

• Decline of Congress dominance.
• Rise of regional parties and coalition governments.
• Economic liberalization (1991) and globalization.
• Mandal Commission implementation led to identity-based mobilization.
• Communal tensions like Babri Masjid demolition (1992).

Q16. Describe the central governments of India since 1989.
Answer:

• V.P. Singh (1989–1990): Mandal Commission, social justice.
• Chandra Shekhar (1990–1991): Short-term government.
• P.V. Narasimha Rao (1991–1996): Economic reforms, liberalization.
• H.D. Deve Gowda / I.K. Gujral (1996–1998): United Front coalition.
• Atal Bihari Vajpayee (1998–2004): NDA coalition, economic growth, nuclear tests.
• Manmohan Singh (2004–2014): UPA coalition, welfare schemes, RTI.
• Narendra Modi (2014–present): BJP-led NDA, strong central leadership, focus on development and governance reforms.

Q17. Explain the relationship between communalism, secularism, and democracy in India.
Answer:

• Communalism: Politics based on religion or community; can polarize society.
• Secularism: Ensures equal respect for all religions.
• Democracy: Resilient despite communal tensions due to free elections, constitutional protections, and political dialogue.
• Interplay: Democracy requires balancing secularism while preventing communal polarization.

Q18. What is the significance of the 17th Lok Sabha in terms of party positions?
Answer:

• BJP-led NDA: 353 seats, clear majority.
• Congress-led UPA: 92 seats, main opposition.
• Regional parties: TMC, DMK, YSR Congress, AIADMK influence state politics and coalition dynamics.
• Observations: BJP dominance at national level; regional parties ensure state representation; parliamentary democracy strengthened by multi-party system.

SECTION – D (Essay Type Questions)

(6 Marks each)

Q19. Discuss the challenges of coalition politics in India.
Answer:

• Frequent government changes due to unstable alliances.
• Policy compromises to satisfy coalition partners.
• Difficulties in long-term planning and implementation.
• Balancing regional interests with national priorities.
• Despite challenges, democracy survives through dialogue, constitutional provisions, and public participation.
• Conclusion: Coalition politics ensures inclusive representation, though it requires careful management.

Q20. Explain the emergence of a new political consensus in India.
Answer:

• Recognition of regional parties and coalition governance.
• Focus on inclusive growth and social justice.
• Acceptance of economic liberalization and reforms by all major parties.
• Emphasis on decentralization and local governance.
• Broad agreement on democracy, secularism, and development priorities.
• Conclusion: New political consensus strengthens democracy, ensures social inclusion, and promotes stability in Indian politics.

Full Marks Distribution Summary