CBSE CLASS 11 – POLITICAL SCIENCE (COURSE B) chapter -6 (sample paper)

🟩 CBSE CLASS 11 – POLITICAL SCIENCE (COURSE B)

CHAPTER 6 – The Crisis of Democratic Order

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. Give examples wherever necessary.

SECTION – A (Very Short Answer Type Questions)

(1 Mark each)

Q1. What is meant by the “Crisis of Democratic Order”?
Answer: It refers to a period when democratic institutions and norms are threatened, and the balance of power between the executive, legislature, judiciary, and citizens is disturbed.

Q2. Name the constitutional article under which Emergency was declared in 1975.
Answer: Article 352

Q3. Who was the President of India when the Emergency was declared in 1975?
Answer: Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed

Q4. Mention one social movement that contributed to the background of Emergency.
Answer: JP Movement (Bihar, 1974) or Navnirman Andolan (Gujarat, 1973)

Q5. Name one key feature of Emergency in India.
Answer: Suspension of Fundamental Rights or Censorship of press

Q6. Which constitutional amendment ensured stricter conditions for declaring Emergency after 1977?
Answer: 44th Amendment (1978)

Q7. Give one political consequence of Emergency.
Answer: Collapse of Congress monopoly and rise of coalition politics

Q8. What was the main reason cited for declaring Emergency in 1975?
Answer: Internal disturbance (later termed “national emergency”)

SECTION – B (Short Answer Type Questions)

(2 Marks each)

Q9. List two political challenges India faced before Emergency.
Answer:

1. Growing opposition from regional parties and social movements.
2. Judicial activism creating tension between executive and judiciary.

Q10. Name two social consequences of Emergency.
Answer:

1. Public mistrust of government increased.
2. Human rights violations highlighted the need for vigilance.

Q11. Mention two economic/policy measures during Emergency.
Answer:

1. Forced sterilization campaign.
2. Slum clearance and economic controls.

Q12. How did the 1977 General Elections impact Indian politics?
Answer:

• Janata Party won decisively, ending Congress dominance.
• Restored democratic norms and strengthened opposition politics.

Q13. Name one legal or constitutional outcome after Emergency.
Answer: Strengthened judicial review and protection of Fundamental Rights.

Q14. Why is citizen vigilance important in a democracy?
Answer:

• Ensures accountability of government.
• Protects democratic institutions and prevents misuse of power.

SECTION – C (Long Answer Type Questions)

(4 Marks each)

Q15. Explain the background to Emergency in India (1970s).
Answer:

• Political Instability: Growing opposition from regional parties and social movements.
• Judicial Challenges: Kesavananda Bharati case limited Parliament’s power; executive-judiciary tensions increased.
• Social Unrest: Navnirman Andolan (Gujarat, 1973), JP Movement (Bihar, 1974), strikes and protests.
• Public Dissatisfaction: Electoral setbacks and perception of loss of popular mandate.

Q16. Describe the key features of Emergency declared in 1975.
Answer:

• Suspension of Fundamental Rights (Articles 19 etc.)
• Press censorship and suppression of dissent
• Arrest of political opponents without trial
• Centralization of power undermining federal principles
• Policy measures: Forced sterilization, slum clearance, economic controls

Q17. Discuss the political and social consequences of Emergency.
Answer:

• Political: Collapse of Congress monopoly, rise of coalition politics, increased political awareness.
• Social: Public mistrust, demand for accountability, human rights awareness.
• Legal: 44th Amendment, judicial review strengthened.
• Economic: Forced policies faced backlash; showed limits of development without democratic consent.

Q18. Explain the reforms and lessons learned after Emergency.
Answer:

• Constitutional safeguards: 44th Amendment imposed stricter conditions for Emergency.
• Democracy restored: Fundamental Rights, press freedom, and political expression resumed.
• Political lessons: Importance of checks and balances, citizen participation, and civil society vigilance.
• Institutional lessons: Judicial independence, accountability, and federalism reinforced.

SECTION – D (Essay Type Questions)

(6 Marks each)

Q19. Evaluate the overall impact of the Emergency (1975-77) on Indian democracy.
Answer:

• Challenge to democracy: Threatened institutions and norms, centralization of power.
• Political impact: Congress lost dominance; coalition politics emerged.
• Social impact: Public mistrust and human rights violations highlighted.
• Legal impact: 44th Amendment strengthened safeguards; judiciary became more assertive.
• Lessons learned: Accountability, citizen vigilance, civil liberties, and political opposition are essential to sustain democracy.
• Conclusion: India emerged with stronger institutions, political awareness, and enhanced democratic resilience.

Q20. Suggest measures to prevent misuse of power in a democracy, based on the Emergency experience.
Answer:

1. Stricter constitutional safeguards (e.g., Article 352 amendments).
2. Active and free press to hold government accountable.
3. Independent judiciary to check executive power.
4. Citizen participation and vigilance in politics and governance.
5. Strong opposition and civil society to challenge arbitrary actions.

• Conclusion: Democracy survives when institutions, citizens, and checks on power work together to prevent abuse.

Full Marks Distribution Summary