🧾 CBSE Sample Question Paper

📘 General Instructions

1. All questions are compulsory.
2. Marks for each question are indicated.
3. Write answers in clear and concise points.
4. Support answers with examples wherever possible.

SECTION – A (Very Short Answer Questions)

(1 mark each × 5 = 5 marks)

Q1. Define the term ‘Rights’.
Answer:
Rights are those legal and moral claims that individuals make on society and the state, which enable them to live with dignity, freedom, and equality.

Q2. Name any two Fundamental Rights given in the Indian Constitution.
Answer:

1. Right to Equality (Articles 14–18)
2. Right to Freedom (Articles 19–22)

Q3. Who is regarded as the main proponent of the Natural Rights theory?
Answer:
John Locke is considered the chief proponent of the Natural Rights theory.

Q4. Mention any one difference between Legal Rights and Moral Rights.
Answer:
Legal Rights are recognized and enforced by law, while Moral Rights are based on ethical values and have no legal enforcement.

Q5. What does Article 32 of the Indian Constitution provide?
Answer:
Article 32 gives citizens the Right to Constitutional Remedies — allowing them to approach the Supreme Court for protection of Fundamental Rights.

SECTION – B (Short Answer Questions)

(2 marks each × 5 = 10 marks)

Q6. What is the importance of Rights in a democracy?
Answer:
Rights are essential in a democracy because they protect individuals from arbitrary power, ensure participation in governance, and help in the development of personality. Without rights, democracy becomes meaningless.

Q7. Explain the concept of “Rights and Duties are two sides of the same coin.”
Answer:
Every Right implies a corresponding Duty. For example, the Right to Freedom of Speech comes with the duty not to spread hate or falsehood. Rights can exist only when individuals perform their duties responsibly.

Q8. State two features of Fundamental Rights in India.
Answer:

1. They are justiciable — citizens can go to court if they are violated.
2. They are universal and apply to all citizens equally.

Q9. Write a short note on Economic and Social Rights.
Answer:
Economic and Social Rights ensure basic human welfare. They include the right to work, education, health, social security, and a decent standard of living. These aim to promote equality and reduce poverty.

Q10. What is the role of the State in protecting Rights?
Answer:
The State makes laws to recognize and safeguard Rights, ensures equality before law, and provides judicial remedies when Rights are violated. A democratic state acts as a protector of citizens’ rights.

SECTION – C (Short Essay Questions)

(4 marks each × 3 = 12 marks)

Q11. Distinguish between Natural Rights and Legal Rights.
Answer:

Conclusion:
Natural Rights are moral foundations of Legal Rights. Legal Rights make Natural Rights practically enforceable.

Q12. Discuss the historical evolution of Rights.
Answer:

1. Ancient Period: No concept of individual rights; rulers had absolute power.
2. 1215 – Magna Carta (England): Limited the power of the king.
3. 1689 – Bill of Rights (Britain): Guaranteed certain liberties to citizens.
4. 1776 – American Declaration: Declared “all men are created equal.”
5. 1789 – French Declaration: Introduced Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity.
   Conclusion:
   Modern Rights are a result of long struggles for liberty and equality, gradually leading to democratic constitutions.

Q13. Explain the relationship between Rights and Liberty.
Answer:

• Liberty means freedom from external control; Rights are legal guarantees of that freedom.
• Liberty provides the scope for free action, while Rights protect that freedom from misuse by others.
• Without Rights, Liberty is insecure; without Liberty, Rights have no value.
  Example: Freedom of speech (a right) ensures liberty of thought and expression.

SECTION – D (Long Answer Questions)

(6 marks each × 2 = 12 marks)

Q14. Explain the different types of Rights with examples.
Answer:
1. Natural Rights: Based on human nature; e.g., right to life and liberty.
2. Moral Rights: Based on ethics; e.g., respecting elders, helping others.
3. Legal Rights: Given by the State; e.g., right to vote, property.
4. Fundamental Rights: Constitutionally protected; e.g., equality, freedom, religion.
5. Economic and Social Rights: For welfare; e.g., right to education, work, and health.
6. Political Rights: Participation in governance; e.g., right to contest elections.
7. Cultural Rights: Protect language and culture; e.g., rights of minorities.
Conclusion:
These Rights together ensure individual dignity, equality, and social harmony — the foundation of democracy.

Q15. Discuss John Locke’s theory of Natural Rights and its influence on modern democracy.
Answer:
1. Locke’s View:

• Humans possess three natural rights — life, liberty, and property.
• These are inherent and cannot be taken away by the State.
• The State is formed through a social contract to protect these rights.

2. Role of Government:

• Government exists to secure people’s rights; if it fails, citizens can resist or replace it.

3. Influence:

• Inspired the American Declaration of Independence (1776) and French Revolution (1789).
• Modern constitutions, including India’s, ensure rights like liberty, equality, and security.

Conclusion:
Locke’s theory laid the philosophical foundation for democracy and human rights by asserting that the individual is prior to the State.

SECTION – E (Case / Value-Based Question)

(1 × 6 = 6 marks)

Q16. Case Study:
During a protest, some citizens were arrested for expressing criticism of the government peacefully. They approached the court claiming violation of their rights.

(a) Which Fundamental Right has been violated?
(b) What remedy can they seek under the Constitution?
(c) Why is this Right important for democracy?

Answer:
(a) Right to Freedom of Speech and Expression (Article 19) has been violated.
(b) They can approach the Supreme Court under Article 32 for Constitutional Remedies.
(c) This Right ensures free discussion, accountability, and active citizen participation — essential for democratic functioning.

✅ Total Marks: 40

(MCQs + SAQs + LAQs + Case Study = Complete CBSE Pattern)

🏁 Summary of Mark Distribution