SOCIAL SCIENCE IMPORTANT

QUESTION
Q1. Give a brief account of how monsoons advance into India.

Answer:
In early June, a low-pressure area develops over the northern plains of India. The south-east
trade winds cross the equator and blow towards India as south-west monsoon winds. These
winds pick up moisture from the warm oceans and bring heavy rainfall. The western side of
the Western Ghats receives more than 250 cm rainfall. Mawsynram in the Khasi Hills
receives the highest rainfall in the world. Rainfall decreases westward in the Ganga valley,
and Rajasthan and Gujarat receive very little rain.

Q2. Give a brief account of the condition and characteristics of the retreating
monsoons.

Answer:
The retreating monsoon occurs in October and November. The low-pressure area over
northern India weakens and is replaced by high pressure. The southwest monsoon winds
withdraw gradually. Days become hot and humid (October Heat), while nights are cool.
Cyclonic depressions from the Bay of Bengal bring heavy rainfall to the eastern coast and
may cause destructive cyclones.

Q3. How do the monsoons act as a unifying bond in India?

Answer:
The monsoon brings rainfall to almost all parts of India and supports agriculture across the
country. The seasonal changes in wind and rainfall create a common cycle of seasons.
Agriculture, festivals, and daily life depend on the monsoon. River valleys formed by
monsoon rains connect different regions and promote unity.

Q4. What is ‘buffer stock’? Why was it created by the government?

Answer:
Buffer stock is the stock of food grains like wheat and rice procured by the government
through the Food Corporation of India (FCI). The FCI buys grains at the Minimum Support
Price (MSP) and stores them in granaries. It was created to ensure food security, control
prices, help farmers, and supply food to deficit areas during shortages or calamities.
Q5. What is the Public Distribution System? Write some important features
of the PDS.

Answer:
The Public Distribution System (PDS) distributes food grains through government-regulated
ration shops to poor sections of society.

Features:

 Stabilises prices and provides food at affordable rates.

 Prevents hunger and famine by supplying food to deficit areas.
 Prices are revised in favour of poor households.
 MSP increases food production and ensures income security to farmers.

Q6. What role do cooperatives play in food security in India?

Answer:
Cooperatives help in food security by running fair price shops and selling low-cost goods. In
Tamil Nadu, 94% of fair price shops are run by cooperatives. Mother Dairy and Amul
provide milk and vegetables at affordable prices. In Maharashtra, the Academy of
Development Science (ADS) runs grain banks to improve food security.

Q7. What are the main factors affecting India’s climate?

Answer:
India’s climate is affected by latitude, altitude, pressure and winds. The Tropic of Cancer
divides India into tropical and subtropical regions. The Himalayas block cold winds from
Central Asia. Seasonal winds bring monsoon rains in summer and dry weather in winter.

Q8. What are the main features of the cold weather season in northern India?

Answer:
The cold weather season lasts from mid-November to February. December and January are
the coldest months. Temperatures range from 10°C–15°C in the north and 24°C–25°C in the
south. Dry winds blow from land to sea. Tamil Nadu receives rainfall. Western disturbances
bring winter rain and snowfall in north India.

Q9. State the chief characteristics of the hot weather season in India.

Answer:
The hot weather season lasts from March to May. Temperatures reach 42°–45°C in north
India. A low-pressure area forms from the Thar Desert to the Chota Nagpur Plateau. Hot
winds called ‘Loo’ blow. Dust storms and local storms like Kaal Baisakhi occur.

Q10. What are the six major controls of the climate of the world?

Answer:
The six major controls of climate are:

1. Latitude
2. Altitude
3. Pressure and winds
4. Distance from the sea
5. Ocean currents
6. Relief

Q11. Justify naming of Indian Ocean after India.

Answer:
India lies centrally between East and West Asia. The Deccan Peninsula extends deep into the
Indian Ocean. India has a long coastline along the ocean. Its central position and coastline
justify naming the ocean after India.

Q12. Why is the difference between day and night hardly felt at Kanyakumari
but not in Kashmir?

Answer:
Kanyakumari is near the Equator, where day and night are almost equal throughout the year.
Kashmir is located farther north, so the difference in duration of day and night is greater due
to higher latitude.

Q1. “The relief of India displays a great physical variation.” Explain how.

Answer:
India is one of the few countries that has almost all types of landforms such as mountains,
plains, plateaus, deserts and islands. The Himalayas are young and tall fold mountains that
block cold winds and help in rainfall. South of the Himalayas lie the Northern Plains, formed
by the deposits of rivers like the Ganga, Brahmaputra and Indus, and known as the granaries
of India. Below the plains lies the Peninsular Plateau, formed by volcanic activity and rich in
minerals. In the west is the Thar Desert, which receives less than 25 cm rainfall annually.
India also has two island groups — Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the Bay of Bengal and
Lakshadweep Islands in the Arabian Sea.
Q2. Describe the three parallel ranges of the Himalayas.

Answer:
The Himalayas consist of three parallel ranges. The Great or Inner Himalayas (Himadri) is
the northernmost and highest range with peaks above 6,000 metres and remains snow-
covered throughout the year. The Himachal or Middle Himalayas lie south of Himadri and
have rugged mountains with heights between 3,700 and 4,500 metres. It includes ranges like
Pir Panjal and valleys such as Kullu and Kashmir. The Shivaliks are the outermost range with
heights between 900 and 1,100 metres. They are made of loose rocks and are prone to
landslides and earthquakes. The valleys between Himachal and Shivaliks are called Duns.

Q3. Classify the Northern Plains on the basis of variations in relief features.
Write the characteristics of each.

Answer:
The Northern Plains are divided into four parts based on relief features.

Bhabar is a narrow belt where rivers deposit pebbles after descending from the mountains
near the Shivaliks.

Terai lies south of Bhabar where rivers re-emerge, forming a wet, marshy and swampy
region. It was once thickly forested but later cleared for agriculture.

Bhangar is the largest part of the Northern Plains made of older alluvium. It lies above
floodplains and has terrace-like features. The soil contains kankar nodules.

Khadar consists of newer alluvial deposits found in floodplains. It is renewed every year and
is very fertile, making it ideal for cultivation.

Q1. What do you mean by growth of population? How is it calculated?

A: Growth of population or population growth refers to the change in the number of
inhabitants of a country during a specific period of time, say during the last ten years.

It can be expressed in two ways:

1. Absolute Numbers: Subtract the earlier population from the later population. It is
called the ‘absolute increase’.
2. Annual Growth Rate: The rate of population increase per year in percentage. For
example, 2% annual growth means an increase of 2 persons for every 100 persons in
the base population.
Q2. What are the three main processes of change of population?
A: The three main processes are birth rate, death rate, and migration.

 Birth Rate: Number of live births per thousand persons in a year. High birth rate
increases population.
 Death Rate: Number of deaths per thousand persons in a year. Declining death rate
contributes to population growth.
 Migration: Movement of people across regions or countries, affecting population in
areas of in-migration or out-migration.

Q3. What is migration? Which are the two types of migration? Describe the trends of
migration in India.
A: Migration is the movement of people across regions and territories.

 Types:
1. Internal (within the country)
2. International (between countries)
 Trends in India: Most migration is from rural to urban areas due to push factors
like poverty and unemployment in villages and pull factors like jobs and better living
conditions in cities.

Q4. How is human resource different from other resources like land and physical
capital?
A:

 People can improve through education and health, while land or capital cannot.
 People can use and improve other resources, but resources cannot affect people.
 Land and capital are useless without people to utilize them.

Q5. Explain the economic activities of men and women and the reasons for differences
in their earnings in India.
A:

 Economic activities are divided into Primary (farming, fishing, mining), Secondary
(manufacturing, factories), Tertiary (services).
 Market activities: Done for money.
 Non-market activities: Done for self-use (cooking, household work).
 Gender differences: Men mostly earn wages; women mostly do unpaid domestic
work. Women face lower wages, job insecurity, and poor legal protection.

Q6. What is the role of education in human capital formation?

A:
  Investment in education increases productivity and income potential.
 Leads to human capital formation.
 Better education and health give higher future returns for the individual and
country.

Q7. What does the National Population Policy indicate?

A:

 Free and compulsory school education up to age 14.

 Reduce infant mortality rate below 30 per 1,000 live births.
 Achieve universal immunisation against vaccine-preventable diseases.
 Promote delayed marriage for girls and people-centered family welfare.

Q8. Explain any five effects of unemployment in India.

A:

1. Loss of human resources: Skills are unused.

2. Increase in poverty: No income for families.
3. Social problems: Can lead to crime or unethical acts.
4. Political instability: People lose trust in government.
5. Exploitation of labour: Unemployed people may accept poor working conditions
and low wages.

Q9. What is Poverty? How is poverty viewed by social scientists?

A:

 Poverty means lack of basic necessities like food, shelter, healthcare, education, and
jobs.
 Social scientists consider multiple indicators: income, consumption, living
conditions, social exclusion, and vulnerability.
 Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI): Uses health, education, and standard of
living indicators for a broader view.

---

Question:

Describe how the poverty line is measured in India.

Answer:
In India, the poverty line is measured on the basis of income or consumption levels. It is
calculated by estimating the minimum amount of money required to meet basic needs such
as food, clothing, shelter, education, and health. The government also considers calorie
intake, age, gender, and location (rural or urban). People earning below this minimum level
are considered poor.

---

Question:

Discuss the significant characteristics of Himalayan and Peninsular rivers with examples.

Answer:

The rivers of India are broadly divided into Himalayan and Peninsular rivers. Himalayan
rivers originate from glaciers in the Himalayas and are perennial, as they receive water from
melting snow and rainfall. They have long courses, large drainage basins, and carry heavy
silt, forming fertile plains. These rivers often meander and cause floods. Examples include
the Ganga, Indus, and Brahmaputra.

Peninsular rivers originate from the Western Ghats and central highlands. They are mostly
seasonal, depend on rainfall, and flow through hard rocky surfaces. They have shorter
courses and smaller basins. Examples include the Godavari and Krishna.

---

Question:

Which are the main physiographic divisions of India? Give an account of the Northern Plains
of India.

Answer:

The main physiographic divisions of India are: the Himalayan Mountains, the Northern
Plains, the Peninsular Plateau, the Indian Desert, the Coastal Plains, and the Islands.

The Northern Plains lie south of the Himalayas. They are formed by the alluvial deposits of
rivers like the Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Indus. These plains are flat and very fertile, making
them suitable for agriculture. They are densely populated and are divided into three
sections: the Punjab Plains, the Ganga Plains, and the Brahmaputra Plains. The region
supports intensive farming and many major cities due to its fertile soil and abundant water
supply.

---

Question:

“Our country has practically all major physical features of the Earth.” Explain.
Answer:

India has almost all major physical features of the Earth. In the north, it has the young fold
Himalayas, which are among the highest mountains in the world. South of them lie the vast
Northern Plains formed by river deposits. The Peninsular Plateau is an ancient landmass
made of hard rocks. India also has the Thar Desert in the west, long coastal plains along the
Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, and island groups in the Indian Ocean. Thus, mountains,
plains, plateaus, deserts, coasts, and islands are all found in one country, showing great
physical diversity.

---

Question:

What do you understand by Parliament? Parliament plays a central role in modern

democracies. Justify.

Answer:

Parliament is the supreme law-making body in a democratic country. In India, Parliament

consists of the President, the Lok Sabha, and the Rajya Sabha. It represents the will of the
people, as its members are elected by citizens.

Parliament plays a central role in modern democracies because it makes laws, controls the
government, and discusses important national issues. It approves the budget and can
question the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers. It also ensures that the government
works according to the Constitution. Thus, Parliament is the key institution that safeguards
democracy and protects the rights of the people.

---

Question:

“Social division of France was one of the major causes of the French Revolution.” Explain.

Answer:

The social division of France was based on the system of three Estates. The First Estate
consisted of the clergy and the Second Estate of the nobility. Both these privileged classes
enjoyed exemption from most taxes and held high positions in society.

The Third Estate included peasants, artisans, workers, and the middle class. They formed
about 90% of the population but had to pay heavy taxes like taille and tithes. They had no
political rights and were not equally represented in the Estates General.
This inequality and injustice created great resentment among the Third Estate, which
became a major cause of the French Revolution.

---

Question:

Describe the main provisions of the Treaty of Versailles. “The Treaty of Versailles provided a
ground for the rise of Hitler.” Explain.

Answer:

The Treaty of Versailles was signed in 1919 after World War I. It imposed harsh conditions
on Germany. Germany had to accept the war guilt clause, pay heavy war compensation,
reduce its army to 100,000 soldiers, and give up its colonies and territories like Alsace-
Lorraine to France.

These humiliating terms caused economic crisis, unemployment, and political instability in
Germany. The people felt angry and betrayed. Adolf Hitler used this dissatisfaction to gain
support by promising to overturn the treaty. Thus, the Treaty of Versailles provided strong
ground for Hitler’s rise to power.

---

Question:

Explain the ways in which food security is ensured by the government in India.

Answer:

In India, the government ensures food security through several measures. First, it maintains
a buffer stock of food grains to meet emergencies and prevent shortages. Second, through
the Public Distribution System (PDS), food grains are distributed at subsidised rates to poor
families.

The government also purchases crops from farmers at Minimum Support Price (MSP) to
ensure steady production. The National Food Security Act provides legal entitlement to
subsidised food grains to about two-thirds of the population.

Additionally, schemes like mid-day meals and ICDS provide nutritional support to children
and women, strengthening food security.

---

Question:

Discuss the major reasons for poverty in India.

Answer:

Poverty in India has several major causes. One important reason is rapid population growth,
which increases pressure on resources and employment opportunities. Unemployment and
underemployment, especially in rural areas, also lead to low income levels.

Another reason is unequal distribution of land and resources. Many farmers own very small
plots of land, resulting in low agricultural productivity. Lack of education and skills further
limits job opportunities.

Indebtedness, social inequality, and slow industrial growth have also contributed to poverty.
Thus, economic, social, and structural factors together are responsible for poverty in India.

---

Question:

Describe the various Fundamental Rights given in the Constitution of India.

Answer:

The Constitution of India guarantees six Fundamental Rights to all citizens. These rights
include:

1. Right to Equality – ensures equality before law and prohibits discrimination.

2. Right to Freedom – gives freedom of speech, expression, movement, and occupation.

3. Right against Exploitation – prohibits human trafficking and child labour.

4. Right to Freedom of Religion – allows citizens to practice and propagate any religion.

5. Cultural and Educational Rights – protects the interests of minorities.

6. Right to Constitutional Remedies – allows citizens to approach courts if their rights are
violated.

These rights protect individual liberty and strengthen democracy.

---

Question:

What do you understand by MSP?

Answer:
MSP (Minimum Support Price) is the minimum price fixed by the Government
of India for certain crops. It protects farmers from a fall in market prices. If
market prices drop, the government purchases crops at MSP to ensure farmers
get a fair income.

---

Question:

What do you mean by IST?

Answer:

IST stands for Indian Standard Time. It is the official time followed throughout
India. IST is calculated from 82°30′ East longitude, which passes near Mirzapur
in Uttar Pradesh. It is 5 hours 30 minutes ahead of Greenwich Mean Time
(GMT).

---

Question:

What was the Bastille? What do you understand by the Storming of the
Bastille?

Answer:

The Bastille was a fortress and state prison in Paris, used by the king to
imprison people without trial. It symbolized the absolute power of the
monarchy. On 14 July 1789, angry citizens stormed it to seize weapons and
gunpowder. This event marked the beginning of the French Revolution and
became a symbol of liberty.

---

Question:

What are the challenges to free and fair elections?

Answer:
Free and fair elections face challenges like the use of money and muscle power
by candidates. Sometimes voters are influenced by bribery, false promises, or
pressure. Misuse of government machinery and media can also affect fairness.
Fake voting and rigging are other problems. These issues can prevent elections
from being truly democratic.

---

Question:

Describe how the poverty line is measured in India.

Answer:

In India, the poverty line is measured on the basis of income or consumption

levels. It is calculated by estimating the minimum amount of money required
to meet basic needs such as food, clothing, shelter, education, and health. The
government also considers calorie intake, age, gender, and location (rural or
urban). People earning below this minimum level are considered poor.

---

Question:

Write a short note on the National Food Security Act, 2013.

Answer:

The National Food Security Act was passed in 2013 to provide food security to
poor households in India. It aims to supply subsidised food grains to about
two-thirds of the population through the Public Distribution System (PDS).
Under this Act, eligible families receive rice, wheat, and coarse grains at low
prices. It also provides nutritional support to women and children through
schemes like mid-day meals and ICDS.

---

Question:

Describe the Reign of Terror.

Answer:
The Reign of Terror was a period from 1793 to 1794 during the French
Revolution. It was led by Maximilien Robespierre, who followed a policy of
severe control and punishment. Thousands of people, including nobles, clergy,
and even ordinary citizens, were arrested and executed on suspicion of being
enemies of the Revolution. The guillotine was widely used. Robespierre’s rule
ended with his own arrest and execution in 1794.

---

Question:

Briefly describe India’s population size according to the 2011 Census.

Answer:

According to the 2011 Census, India had a population of about 1.21 billion (121
crore). It became the second most populous country in the world after China.
India accounts for nearly 17.5% of the world’s population. The population
increased steadily compared to 2001, but the growth rate showed a slight
decline.

---

Question:

When was the Enabling Act passed? Write its provisions.

Answer:

The Enabling Act of 1933 was passed on 23 March 1933 in Germany.

Provisions:

1. It gave Adolf Hitler the power to make laws without the approval of the
Reichstag (Parliament).

2. The government could pass laws that violated the Constitution.

3. It allowed Hitler to rule by decree and establish a dictatorship.

---

Question:
What are the major factors affecting India’s climate?

Answer:

The climate of India is affected by several major factors:

1. Latitude – The Tropic of Cancer divides India into tropical and subtropical
regions.

2. Altitude – The Himalayas block cold winds from Central Asia.

3. Distance from the Sea – Coastal areas have moderate climate, while inland
areas experience extreme climate.

4. Relief Features – Mountains and plateaus influence rainfall and wind

direction.

5. Monsoon Winds – Seasonal monsoon winds greatly affect rainfall and

temperature patterns.

---

Hitler’s Rise to Power (Detailed Explanation)

Adolf Hitler rose to power due to a combination of political instability,

economic crisis and his own leadership skills. After World War I, Germany was
weakened by the harsh terms of the Treaty of Versailles. Many Germans were
angry and felt humiliated. Hitler joined the Nazi Party in 1919 and soon
became its leader because of his powerful speeches and nationalist ideas.

In 1923, he attempted to overthrow the government in the Munich Putsch but

failed and was imprisoned. During this time, he wrote Mein Kampf, explaining
his ideas about racial superiority and [Link] Great Depression of 1929
created massive unemployment and poverty. The Weimar government failed
to handle the crisis, and people lost faith in democracy. Hitler promised jobs,
economic recovery and restoration of national pride. Through propaganda,
mass rallies and support from industrialists and the middle class, the Nazi Party
gained popularity. In January 1933, Hitler was appointed Chancellor. Soon
after, the Enabling Act gave him dictatorial powers, and he established a
totalitarian state.
⸻

The Nazi World View (Detailed Explanation)

The Nazi world view was based on extreme nationalism, racism and militarism.
According to Hitler, society was divided into superior and inferior races. He
believed that the Aryans were the pure and superior race, destined to rule the
world. Jews were considered the main enemies of Germany and were blamed
for economic problems and Germany’s defeat in World War I.

The Nazis believed in Lebensraum (living space), which meant Germany

needed to expand its territory to provide land and resources for its people.
They rejected democracy and believed in one powerful leader (Führer) with
complete authority.

The ideology also promoted military strength, strict discipline and total loyalty
to the state. It justified discrimination, persecution and eventually genocide.
These beliefs shaped Nazi domestic policies, foreign expansion and the
Holocaust.

⸻
Q1. Describe the division of French society before the French Revolution.
Ans.
French society was divided into three estates:
• First Estate – Clergy (Church officials)
• Second Estate – Nobility
• Third Estate – Peasants, workers and middle class (bourgeoisie)
The First and Second Estates enjoyed privileges and paid almost no taxes, while
the Third Estate paid heavy taxes.
⸻
Q2. What were Tithes and Taille?
Ans.
• Tithes – A tax collected by the Church from peasants (about one-tenth of
their income).
• Taille – A direct tax paid to the king by members of the Third Estate.
Both taxes burdened the common people.
⸻
Q3. Name the French philosophers and their important books.
Ans.
• John Locke – Two Treatises of Government
• Jean-Jacques Rousseau – The Social Contract
• Montesquieu – The Spirit of the Laws
These philosophers criticised monarchy and supported liberty and equality.
⸻
Q4. Write a short note on the Estates-General.
Ans.
The Estates-General was a political body in France where representatives of all
three estates met.
• It was called by King Louis XVI in 1789 to discuss financial problems.
• Each estate had one vote, which created conflict because the Third Estate
demanded equal voting rights.
⸻
Q5. What was the Tennis Court Oath?
Ans.
• On 20 June 1789, the Third Estate members gathered in an indoor tennis
court.
• They took an oath not to separate until they drafted a constitution for
France.
• This event is known as the Tennis Court Oath.
⸻
Q6. What was the Storming of the Bastille?
Ans.
• On 14 July 1789, angry citizens attacked the Bastille prison in Paris.
• It was a symbol of royal power.
• The fall of Bastille marked the beginning of the French Revolution.
⸻
Q7. Who were the Jacobins?
Ans.
The Jacobins were a radical political club during the French Revolution.
• Their leader was Maximilien Robespierre.
• They supported equality and harsh punishment for enemies of the
revolution.
⸻
Q8. What was the Reign of Terror?
Ans.
• The period from 1793–1794 is called the Reign of Terror.
• Robespierre executed thousands of people using the guillotine.
• Even King Louis XVI and Queen Marie Antoinette were executed.
• It ended with Robespierre’s arrest and execution.
⸻
Q9. Write a short note on the Directory.
Ans.
• The Directory ruled France from 1795 to 1799.
• It was made up of five directors.
• It was unstable and corrupt.
• Finally, Napoleon Bonaparte overthrew it in 1799.
⸻
Q1. Explain the division of French society before the Revolution.
Ans.
Before the Revolution, French society was divided into three estates.
The First Estate consisted of clergy who controlled the Church and collected
tithes. They were exempted from most taxes.
The Second Estate included nobles who owned land and enjoyed special
privileges. They also did not pay many taxes.
The Third Estate consisted of peasants, workers, and the middle class. They
paid heavy taxes such as taille and tithes. They had no political power despite
making up about 97% of the population.
This unequal system caused dissatisfaction and led to the Revolution.
⸻
Q2. Describe the Reign of Terror and the role of the Jacobins.
Ans.
The Jacobins were the most radical political group during the Revolution. They
were led by Maximilien Robespierre.
From 1793 to 1794, France experienced the Reign of Terror.
• Thousands were arrested and executed.
• The guillotine was used to behead enemies.
• Strict laws were passed to control prices and food.
• Even former supporters were punished.
The terror ended when Robespierre was arrested and executed in 1794.
⸻
Q3. Explain the events of the Tennis Court Oath and Storming of the Bastille.
Ans.
In 1789, King Louis XVI called the Estates-General to solve France’s financial
crisis. The Third Estate demanded equal voting rights but were ignored.
On 20 June 1789, they gathered in a tennis court and took an oath to draft a
constitution. This was called the Tennis Court Oath.
Soon after, on 14 July 1789, people of Paris attacked and destroyed the Bastille
prison. It symbolised royal oppression. This event marked the beginning of the
Revolution.
⸻
Q1. What is an election? Why is it needed in a democracy? (3 marks)
Ans.
• An election is a process by which people choose their representatives
through voting.
• It is needed to form a government.
• It allows people to change rulers peacefully and ensures accountability.
⸻
Q2. What makes an election democratic? (3 marks)
Ans.
• Universal adult franchise (18 years and above can vote).
• Free and fair competition among candidates.
• Regular elections with secret ballot.
⸻
Q3. What is a reserved constituency? Why is it important? (3 marks)
Ans.
• A reserved constituency is one where only SC or ST candidates can contest
elections.
• It ensures representation of weaker sections.
• It promotes equality and social justice.
⸻
Q4. What is the Electoral Roll? Why is it important? (3 marks)
Ans.
• Electoral Roll is the list of all eligible voters in a constituency.
• Only those whose names are on the list can vote.
• It prevents fake voting and ensures fairness.
⸻
Q5. What is the Model Code of Conduct? (3 marks)
Ans.
• It is a set of rules for political parties during elections.
• It prevents misuse of government power.
• It ensures free and fair elections.
⸻
Q6. Write any three powers of the Election Commission of India. (3 marks)
Ans.
The Election Commission of India:
• Conducts and supervises elections.
• Prepares voter lists.
• Enforces Model Code of Conduct.
⸻
Q7. Differentiate between General Election and By-election. (3 marks)
Ans.
• General elections are held every five years for all constituencies.
• By-elections are held when a seat becomes vacant.
• General elections form a new government; by-elections fill one vacant seat.
⸻
⸻
Q1. Explain the election process in India. (5 marks)
Ans.
The election process in India includes the following steps:
1. Announcement of Election – Dates are declared by the Election
Commission of India.
2. Filing of Nomination – Candidates submit nomination papers.
3. Scrutiny and Withdrawal – Papers are checked; candidates may
withdraw.
4. Election Campaign – Parties and candidates campaign to attract
voters.
5. Polling and Counting – People vote through EVMs; votes are
counted and results declared.
The candidate who gets the highest votes wins.
⸻
Q2. Explain the powers and functions of the Election Commission of India. (5
marks)
Ans.
The Election Commission of India is an independent constitutional body.
Its powers and functions include:
• Conducting free and fair elections.
• Preparing and updating electoral rolls.
• Issuing EPIC (Electors Photo Identity Card).
• Enforcing the Model Code of Conduct.
• Cancelling elections in case of rigging or unfair practices.
• Declaring election results.
⸻
Q3. What makes elections in India democratic? Explain in detail. (5 marks)
Ans.
Elections in India are democratic because:
• Every citizen above 18 years has the right to vote.
• Each vote has equal value (One person, one vote).
• Elections are held regularly.
• Multiple political parties can contest.
• Secret ballot ensures freedom of choice.
• An independent Election Commission supervises elections.
These features ensure fairness and people’s participation in government
formation.
⸻