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 Universal Franchise.
2. Name the constitutional article under which the Election Commission of India is established.
3. What is meant by First Past the Post (FPTP) system?
4. Mention any two fundamental rights that ensure political equality.
5. What is the right to contest elections?
6. Define Directive Principles of State Policy in brief.

Answers – Section A

1. Universal Franchise is the right of every adult citizen to vote, regardless of caste, religion, gender, education, or economic status.
2. Article 324 of the Indian Constitution.
3. FPTP system is a voting system where the candidate receiving the most votes in a constituency wins.
4. Examples:
   • Right to Equality (Article 14)
   • Right to Freedom of Speech and Expression (Article 19)
5. The right to contest elections allows any eligible citizen to stand for public office if they meet legal criteria.
6. Directive Principles of State Policy are guidelines for the State to establish social and economic justice, included in Part IV of the Constitution.

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

7. Explain the role of Independent Election Commission in India.
8. List four key electoral reforms implemented in India.
9. Differentiate between Universal Franchise and Right to Contest.
10. Write two points on the relationship between Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles.
11. What are reserved constituencies? Why are they necessary?
12. Mention two advantages and two disadvantages of the FPTP system.

Answers – Section B

7. Role of Independent Election Commission:
   • Supervises, directs, and controls all elections in India.
   • Prepares and updates electoral rolls.
   • Monitors campaign finance and enforces Model Code of Conduct.
   • Resolves disputes regarding election results and candidate eligibility.
   • Ensures free, fair, and impartial elections.
8. Electoral Reforms:
   • Transparency in political funding.
   • Introduction of EVMs to prevent fraud.
   • Voter education campaigns.
   • Measures to reduce criminalization in politics.
9. Difference:
   • Universal Franchise → Right to vote for all eligible adults.
   • Right to Contest → Right of eligible citizens to stand as candidates.
10. Relationship between Fundamental Rights (FRs) and Directive Principles (DPSPs):
    • Both aim to establish justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity.
    • FRs are justiciable; DPSPs are guidelines for policy-making.
11. Reserved Constituencies:
    • Constituencies reserved for SC/ST candidates.
    • Necessary to ensure representation of historically marginalized groups and social inclusion.
12. FPTP System:
    • Advantages: Simple to understand; produces decisive results and stable government.
    • Disadvantages: May not reflect proportional vote share; smaller parties may remain underrepresented.

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

13. Explain the importance of Universal Franchise and Right to Contest in a democracy.
14. Describe the functions and significance of the Election Commission of India.
15. Write a detailed note on Electoral Reforms in India.
16. Discuss FPTP vs Proportional Representation systems, including advantages and disadvantages.
17. Explain the relationship between Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles of State Policy with examples.

Answers – Section C

13. Importance of Universal Franchise and Right to Contest:

• Ensures every adult citizen can vote, guaranteeing political equality.
• Enables representation of diverse sections of society.
• Right to contest ensures citizens can participate in governance.
• Helps in peaceful transfer of power, strengthens accountability and legitimacy.

14. Election Commission – Functions & Significance:

• Supervises and controls elections.
• Updates electoral rolls, monitors campaigns, and enforces Model Code of Conduct.
• Ensures transparency, impartiality, and fairness.
• Resolves disputes and ensures democratic legitimacy.
• Promotes citizens’ trust in democratic institutions.

15. Electoral Reforms in India:

• Transparency in political funding to reduce money power influence.
• Use of EVMs to prevent errors and fraud.
• Voter education campaigns for informed participation.
• Criminalization control and disqualification of candidates with serious charges.
• Reservation policies for women and marginalized groups.
• Technology adoption for online voter registration and real-time monitoring.

16. FPTP vs PR Systems:

• FPTP: Simple, decisive, ensures stable government, but smaller parties may be underrepresented.
• PR: Ensures proportional representation, better for minorities, but may lead to coalition instability and complex counting.
• India mainly uses FPTP for Lok Sabha and assemblies; PR is used for Rajya Sabha.

17. Relationship between Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles:

• Both aim to establish justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity.
• FRs are enforceable in courts; DPSPs guide the government to enact policies.
• Example: Right to Equality (FR) complements DPSP of ensuring equal opportunities in employment and education.
• Together, they aim for inclusive, just, and democratic governance.

Section D – Map / Diagram / Case-based (Optional 1×6 = 6 Marks)

18. Draw a flowchart showing “Electoral Process in India” from voter registration to declaration of results. Label major steps including:

• Voter Registration
• Nomination of Candidates
• Campaigning & Model Code of Conduct
• Voting
• Counting of Votes
• Declaration of Results

Answers – Section D (Sample Flowchart)

Electoral Process in India:

1. Voter Registration → 2. Candidate Nomination → 3. Campaigning & Model Code of Conduct → 4. Voting → 5. Counting of Votes → 6. Declaration of Results

Marks Distribution (Full Marks = 80):

• Section A – 6 × 1 = 6
• Section B – 6 × 3 = 18
• Section C – 5 × 6 = 30
• Section D – 6 = 6
• Total = 60 + 20 marks internal/teacher evaluation (as per board pattern, can scale to 80 marks)