📝 CBSE SAMPLE QUESTION PAPER

General Instructions:

1. All questions are compulsory.
2. Questions are divided according to marks:
   • Very Short Answer (1 mark each)
   • Short Answer (2 & 3 marks each)
   • Long Answer (5 marks each)
3. Write answers in a clear and concise manner.
4. Use examples wherever necessary.

SECTION – A (Very Short Answer Questions – 1 mark each)

(Answer in one line each)

1. What does the term “Equality” mean in political theory?
2. Mention any one constitutional provision in India that ensures equality.
3. Who gave the slogan “Liberty, Equality, Fraternity”?
4. Which Article of the Indian Constitution abolishes untouchability?
5. Name any one welfare programme started by the government to promote equality.

Answer Key (Section A):

1. Equality means absence of discrimination and providing equal status, rights, and opportunities to all individuals.
2. Article 14 – Equality before law.
3. The slogan “Liberty, Equality, Fraternity” was given during the French Revolution (1789).
4. Article 17 of the Indian Constitution abolishes untouchability.
5. Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).

SECTION – B (Short Answer Questions – 2 marks each)

(Answer in about 50–60 words each)

6. Distinguish between natural and social inequalities.
7. What is meant by “equality of opportunity”?
8. Explain the relationship between equality and freedom.
9. What is positive discrimination? Give one example.
10. Why is equality essential in a democracy?

Answer Key (Section B):

6. Natural inequalities arise from differences in physical or mental abilities and cannot be fully removed, whereas social inequalities are created by society—like caste or gender bias—and can be eliminated through laws and reforms.
7. Equality of opportunity means ensuring that all individuals have fair chances to develop their potential without barriers like poverty, caste, or gender discrimination.
8. Equality and freedom are complementary. Freedom without equality can lead to domination, and equality without freedom leads to stagnation. A democratic society needs both.
9. Positive discrimination, also known as affirmative action, refers to special measures taken to uplift disadvantaged groups.
   Example: Reservation for SCs, STs, and OBCs in education and government jobs.
10. Equality is essential in a democracy because it ensures equal participation, protects dignity, and prevents concentration of power in a few hands.

SECTION – C (Short Answer Questions – 3 marks each)

(Answer in about 80–100 words each)

11. Describe any three dimensions of equality.
12. What steps has the Indian Constitution taken to promote social equality?
13. Explain the concept of formal and substantive equality with examples.
14. Discuss two challenges in achieving equality in India.
15. How does education help in promoting equality?

Answer Key (Section C):

11. The three dimensions of equality are:

• Political Equality: Equal voting rights and political participation.
• Social Equality: Equal status and dignity without discrimination.
• Economic Equality: Fair distribution of resources and opportunities.

12. The Constitution ensures social equality through:

• Article 14 (Equality before law)
• Article 15 (Prohibition of discrimination)
• Article 17 (Abolition of untouchability)
• Reservation and welfare schemes for disadvantaged groups.

13. Formal equality means everyone is equal before law (e.g., equal right to vote).
    Substantive equality recognizes real differences and gives extra support to marginalized groups (e.g., reservation in education).
14. Two major challenges are:

• Caste and gender discrimination deeply rooted in society.
• Economic disparity where wealth and resources are concentrated in a few hands.

15. Education spreads awareness of rights, removes ignorance, and empowers people to fight discrimination. It provides equal opportunities for development and helps achieve social and economic equality.

SECTION – D (Long Answer Questions – 5 marks each)

(Answer in about 150–200 words each)

16. Explain the difference between political, social, and economic equality with examples.
17. What measures can be taken to promote equality in society?
18. “Equality and justice are interrelated.” Discuss.

Answer Key (Section D):

16. Political, Social, and Economic Equality:

• Political Equality: Ensures equal political rights like the right to vote and contest elections. Example – Universal adult franchise in India.
• Social Equality: All individuals enjoy equal status and dignity. Discrimination on caste, religion, or gender is prohibited. Example – Abolition of untouchability (Article 17).
• Economic Equality: Means equitable distribution of resources and wealth. Example – MGNREGA and progressive taxation.
  → Together, these forms of equality build a just and democratic society.

17. Measures to Promote Equality:

• Legal Measures: Constitutional provisions (Articles 14–17) ensure equality before law.
• Positive Discrimination: Reservations for SCs, STs, OBCs, and women.
• Welfare Schemes: PDS, Midday Meal, MGNREGA, etc.
• Education: Expands awareness and empowers citizens.
• Social Reforms: Campaigns against casteism, patriarchy, and dowry.
  → These combined efforts reduce inequality and promote social harmony.

18. Equality and Justice:

• Equality and justice are inseparable.
• Justice means fair treatment, which is possible only when people are treated equally.
• A society with inequality leads to injustice and oppression.
• For example, caste discrimination violates both equality and justice.
• Ensuring equal rights, opportunities, and dignity for all individuals fulfills the goal of social justice.
  → Thus, equality is the foundation on which true justice stands.

SECTION – E (Value-Based / Case Study Question – 5 marks)

19. Read the following case and answer the questions below:

India is a democratic country where every citizen has equal political rights. Yet, social and economic inequalities persist. The government provides special schemes like scholarships, reservations, and welfare programmes to uplift marginalized groups.

(a) Why does the government provide such special measures?
(b) What principle of equality is reflected here?
(c) Mention two challenges that prevent equality in practice.

Answer Key (Section E):

(a) The government provides special measures to ensure that disadvantaged groups get equal opportunities and can overcome historical discrimination.

(b) This reflects the principle of substantive or positive equality (affirmative action).

(c) Two challenges are social prejudice (caste/gender bias) and economic inequality (poverty, unemployment).

✅ Total Marks: 40

• Section A → 5 marks
• Section B → 10 marks
• Section C → 15 marks
• Section D → 15 marks
• Section E → 5 marks
  (Extra marks for accuracy, clarity, and examples as per CBSE pattern)

📘 SUMMARY OF KEY LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of this chapter and paper, students should be able to:

1. Define equality and its importance in democracy.
2. Identify constitutional provisions ensuring equality in India.
3. Explain political, social, and economic equality.
4. Describe measures to promote equality.
5. Understand the connection between equality, freedom, and justice.