Class X Session 2025-26

Subject - Social Science

Sample Question Paper - 07

Time Allowed: 3 hours Maximum Marks: 80

General Instructions:

1. There are 38 questions in the Question paper. All questions are compulsory.

2. The question paper has Four Sections - A-History, B-Geography C-Political Science, and D-Economics.

3. Each Section is of 20 Marks and has MCQs, VSA, SA, LAs and CBQ.

4. Very Short Answer Type Questions (VSA), carry 2 marks each. Answers to each question should not exceed 40

words.

5. Short Answer Type Questions (SA), carry 3 marks each. Answers to each question should not exceed 60 words.

6. Long answer type questions (LA), carry 5 marks each. Answers to each question should not exceed 120 words.
7. There are case based questions (CBQ) with three sub questions and are of 4 marks each. Answers to each question

should not exceed 100 words.

8. The map-based questions, carry 5 marks with two parts- Q9. In Section A-History (2 marks) and Q19. In Section

B -Geography (3 marks)

9. There is no overall choice in the question paper. However, an internal choice has been provided in few questions.
Only one of the choices in such questions must be attempted.

SECTION-A HISTORY (20 marks)

1. Match the following: [1]

(a) When an abstract idea is expressed through a person or a thing. (i) Ethnic

(b) It relates to a common racial, tribal, or cultural origin or background that a community
(ii) Ideology
identifies with or claims

(iii)
(c) It is a system of ideas reflecting a particular social and political vision
Conservatism

(d) A political philosophy that stressed the importance of tradition, established institutions and
(iv) Allegory
customs, and preferred gradual development to quick change

a) (a) - (iv), (b) - (iii), (c) - (ii), (d) - (i) b) (a) - (iv), (b) - (iii), (c) - (i), (d) - (ii)

c) (a) - (iii), (b) - (i), (c) - (ii), (d) - (iv) d) (a) - (iv), (b) - (i), (c) - (ii), (d) - (iii)
2. Study the picture and answer the question that follows: [1]

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 Which of the following option best describes the above picture?

a) Frontispiece of Biliotheque Bleue b) Frontispiece of Penny Magazine

c) Frontispiece of Accordion Book d) Frontispiece of Chap books

3. Indians boycotted the Simon Commission because: [1]

a) It was an all-British Commission. b) It was set up to oppose the nationalist

Movement.

c) It was formed in Britain. d) It was only for the privileged class of

Indians.
4. Arrange the following events of Indian National Movement in chronological order and choose the correct [1]
option.
I. Formation of Swaraj Party
II. Lahore Session of the Indian National Congress
III. Gandhi-Irwin Pact
IV. Formation of Depressed Class Association

a) II, III, I and IV b) I, II, IV and III

c) IV, III, II and I d) I, III, II and IV

5. Describe the great economic hardship that prevailed in Europe during the 1930s. [2]
OR
What area was known as the Balkans?
6. Why did James Augustus Hickey claim that the “Bengal Gazette was a commercial paper open to all, but [3]
influence by none”? Explain.
OR
Who were the people who employed scribes to write in the 14th century?
7. Describe the process of Unification of Britain. [5]

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 OR
European Governments were driven by a spirit of conservatism in 1815. Support this statement.
8. In June 1920, Jawaharlal Nehru began going around the villages in Awadh, talking to the villagers, and trying to [4]
understand their grievances. The Oudh Kisan Sabha was set up headed by Jawaharlal Nehru, Baba Ramchandra,
and a few others. Within a month, over 300 branches had been set up in the villages around the region. So when
the Non-Cooperation Movement began the following year, the effort of the Congress was to integrate the Awadh
peasant struggle into the wider struggle. The peasant movement, however, developed in forms that the Congress
leadership was unhappy with. As the movement spread in 1921, the houses of talukdars and merchants were
attacked, bazaars were looted, and grain hoards were taken over. The name of the Mahatma was being invoked
to sanction all action and aspirations.
i. What were the rumours spread by the local leaders among the peasants?
ii. When and why was the Oudh Kisan Sabha was set up?
iii. What made the Congress leadership unhappy with the peasant movement?
9. Two places A and B have been marked on the given outline map of India. Identify them and write their correct [2]
names on the lines marked on the map.
a. The place where Indian National Congress Session was held.
b. The place where Indigo Planters organized Satyagraha.

SECTION-B GEOGRAPHY (20 marks)

10. The river on which the Sardar Sarovar Project is constructed is: [1]

a) Chambal b) Mahanadi

c) Narmada d) Krishna
11. During a geography class, the teacher discussed alluvial soils with the students, giving them various clues. [1]
Which of the following clues provided by teacher is correct?
Clues:
i. This type of soil is typical of the Deccan trap (Basalt) region spread over northwest Deccan plateau and is
made up of lava flows.

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 ii. This is the most widely spread and important soil.
iii. Mostly these soils contain an adequate proportion of potash, phosphoric acid and lime.
iv. These soils develop under tropical and subtropical.

a) Clue i and ii b) Clue iv

c) Clue ii and iii d) Clue i

12. Read the given data and find out the state which has the highest share in limestone production. [1]

Production of Limestone in 2016–17 Percentage

Andhra Pradesh 11

Chhattisgarh 10

Gujarat 8

Karnataka 10

Madhya Pradesh 11

Rajasthan 21

Telangana 8

Tamil Nadu 8

a) Rajasthan b) Tamil Nadu

c) Madhya Pradesh d) Karnataka

13. Which of the following options has been proven successful through the Chipko Movement? [1]
i. Preserving the genetic diversity of plants.
ii. Community afforestation with indigenous species.
iii. Diversified crop production.
iv. Revival of traditional conservation methods.

a) Statement i and ii are correct. b) Statement ii, iii & iv are correct.

c) Statement i, ii, & iii are correct. d) Statement ii is correct.

14. Who discovered the Coffee Plant? [1]

a) Gandhi b) Khaja

c) Akbar d) Kaldi
15. Which of the following options represents the steps that can be involved to produce rice in Haryana and Punjab? [1]
i. Using high-yielding variety seeds.
ii. Using insecticides and pesticides and chemical fertilisers.
iii. Using machines and other modern methods for cultivation.
iv. Production of rice involves subsistence farming methods.

a) Statement i and ii are correct. b) Statement ii is correct.

c) Statement i, ii, & iii are correct. d) Statement ii, iii & iv are correct.
16. What was the main contribution of the Brundtland Commission Report, 1987? [2]

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17. Describe the importance of minerals in human life. [5]
OR
Explain the importance of conservation of minerals. Highlight some of the measures to conserve them.
18. Read the following text carefully and answer the questions that follow: [4]
Chhotanagpur plateau region has the maximum concentration of iron and steel industries. It is largely, because of
the relative advantages this region has for the development of this industry. These include, low cost of iron ore,
high grade raw materials in proximity, cheap labour and vast growth potential in the home market. Though, India
is an important iron and steel producing country in the world yet, we are not able to perform to our full potential.
i. In which region maximum iron and steel industries concentrated and why? (1)
ii. Why are we not able to perform to our full potential largely? (1)
iii. Where is Chota Nagpur Plateau located? Why India is not capable of reaching its full potential in iron and
steel production? (2)
19. On the same outline map of India locate and label the following with suitable symbols: [3]
I. Any one of the following:
i. The airport named after Sri Guru Ram Das Ji, which was earlier known as Raja Sansi International
Airport.
ii. Iron and Steel Plant in Durgapur that is managed by Steel Authority of India Limited.
II. Any two of the following:
iii. Software Technology Park of West Bengal
iv. Tehri - Dam
v. Kaiga - Nuclear Power Plant
SECTION-C POLITICAL SCIENCE (20 marks)
20. Which of the following statements will be considered as a factor that contributes to strengthening federalism and [1]
democracy in our country?
Statement i: Not a single national party is able to secure on its own a majority in the general elections.
Statement ii: Every party in the country registers with the Election Commission.
Statement iii: The Election Commission classifies major parties as ‘State parties’.
Statement iv: State parties get an opportunity to be a part of one or the other national-level coalition
government.

a) Statement i, ii and iii are right. b) Statement iii is right.

c) Only statement iv is right. d) Statement i and ii are right.

[1]

21.

Which system of power sharing is indicated above?

a) Residuary Power Sharing b) Vertical Power Sharing

c) Concurrent Power Sharing d) Horizontal Power Sharing

22. Which of the following statements will be considered as a positive aspect of dictatorship when compared to [1]
democracy?

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 Statement i: Dictatorship offers political instability as there is no delay in decision-making.
Statement ii: Dictatorship has several positive outcomes.
Statement iii: Dictatorship guarantees a much higher economic development.
Statement iv: Dictatorships have a slightly higher rate of economic growth.

a) Statement i, ii and iii are right. b) Statement iii is right.

c) Only statement iv is right. d) Statement i and ii are right.

23. Assertion (A): Universal Adult Franchise gives the right to vote to everyone. [1]
Reason (R): The people from only upper caste and class should have the right to vote to make wise decisions.

a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct b) Both A and R are true but R is not the
explanation of A. correct explanation of A.

c) A is true but R is false. d) A is false but R is true.

24. In modern democracies, power sharing arrangements can take many forms. Explain the statement. [2]
25. Describe the favourable conditions generally provided to people under a democratic rule. [2]
26. Why is it said that democracy is not free from all evils? Explain. [3]
27. Political parties play an important role in democratic countries. Justify the statement. [5]
OR
Explain any five challenges faced by political parties in India.
28. Read the following source carefully and answer the questions that follow: [4]
LOCAL GOVERNMENT
This new system of local government is the largest experiment in democracy conducted anywhere in the world.
There are now about 36 lakh elected representatives in the panchayats and municipalities etc., all over the
country. This number is bigger than the population of many countries in the world. Constitutional status for local
government has helped to deepen democracy in our country. It has also increased women's representation and
voice in our democracy. At the same time, there are many difficulties. While elections are held regularly and
enthusiastically, gram sabhas are not held regularly. Most state governments have not transferred significant
powers to the local governments. Nor have they given adequate resources. We are thus still a long way from
realising the ideal of self-government.
i. Analyse the significance of the elected representatives in the Panchayats. (1)
ii. In what way has the representation of women in democracy influenced by Constitutional status for local
government? (1)
iii. What has been the impact of granting Constitutional status to local government on the democratic landscape
of the country? Analyse any two impacts. (2)
SECTION-D ECONOMICS (20 marks)
29. Why did the Indian government liberalize trade regulations in 1991? [1]

a) Government wanted Indian producers to b) Government wanted foreign exchange

compete in the World Market. equivalent to Indian Currency.

c) Government wanted to maintain good d) Government wanted to provide socio-

relations with Western Countries. economic justice to all.
30. Read the information given below and select the correct option [1]
Avinash went to a stationery shop to buy books and pens. He bought 5 books and 2 pens amounting to Rs. 100 in

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 total. Avinash handed Rs. 100 note to shopkeeper but shopkeeper refused to accept the payment. Avinash told
the shopkeeper that he cannot refuse the payment made by him. After reading the above case state why one
cannot refuse a payment made in rupees in India?

a) The law legalises the use of rupee as a b) The law legalises the use of rupee as a
medium of credit arrangements medium of Barter exchange

c) The law legalises the use of rupee as a d) The law legalises the use of rupee as a
medium of payment medium of Store of Value
31. Fill in the blank: [1]

SECTOR CRITERIA USED

Organized & Unorganized Nature of employment activities

Public & Private ?

a) Nature of economic activities b) Nature of Production activities

c) Nature of Ownership d) Nature of Social activities

32. Select which among the following cannot be purchased through money. Choose the correct option: [1]
I. Full protection from infectious diseases
II. A pollution-free atmosphere
III. High quality education
IV. A luxury home

a) I and II b) III and IV

c) I and III d) I and IV

33. Match the following: [1]

(i) Coins were not fully circular in shape and a picture of a king or a person was
(a) Collateral
depicted on it

(b) Formal sources of

(ii) Property such as land titles, deposits with a bank
credit

(c) Gupta coins (iii) End of a barter system

(d) Introduction of
(iv) Provide loan at low interest
money

a) (a) - (ii), (b) - (iv), (c) - (iii), (d) - (i) b) (a) - (ii), (b) - (i), (c) - (iv), (d) - (iii)

c) (a) - (iii), (b) - (iv), (c) - (i), (d) - (ii) d) (a) - (ii), (b) - (iv), (c) - (i), (d) - (iii)
34. Ramanlal is a farmer who sells wheat to a flour mill for Rs 8 per kg. The mill grinds the wheat and sells the flour [1]
to a biscuit company for Rs 10 per kg. The biscuit company uses flour and things such as sugar and oil to make
four packets of biscuits. It sells biscuits in the market to the consumers for Rs 60 (Rs 15 per packet).
With the help of above information, in which category will you classify Biscuits that reach the consumers?

a) Consumer reach goods b) Final goods

c) Capital goods d) Intermediate goods

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35. Mention the reasons that forced Indian Government for putting barriers to foreign trade and foreign investment [3]
just after independence?
36. Explain the functions of Self Help Group. [3]
37. 'Money cannot buy all the goods and services that one needs to live well'. Explain. [3]
38. Enumerate the causes of rural unemployment in India. [5]
OR
Explain the contribution of the primary sector in the context of employment in India.

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 Solution

SECTION-A HISTORY (20 marks)

1.
(d) (a) - (iv), (b) - (i), (c) - (ii), (d) - (iii)
Explanation:
(a) - (iv), (b) - (i), (c) - (ii), (d) - (iii)

2.
(b) Frontispiece of Penny Magazine
Explanation:
Penny Magazine was published between 1832 and 1835 in England by the Society for the Diffusion of Useful Knowledge. It
was aimed primarily at the working class

3. (a) It was an all-British Commission.

Explanation:
A Statutory Commission under Sir John Simon set up in response to the nationalist movement, the commission was to look into
the functioning of the constitutional system in India and suggest changes. The problem was that the commission did not have a
single Indian member. They were all British.
4.
(b) I, II, IV and III
Explanation:
I, II, IV and III

5. The 1830s were years of great economic hardship in Europe:

i. Increase in population all over Europe.
ii. More job seekers than employment.
iii. Small producers in towns faced stiff competition from imports of cheap machine-made goods from England.
iv. Rural population migrated to urban areas, overcrowded slums.
OR
The vast territory lying between the Adriatic sea and the Black sea comprising the modern states of Greece, Romania, Albania,
Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia- Herzegovina, Montenegro and Serbia was known as the Balkans.
All these states were inhabited by people broadly known as Slavs as they were once the part of the Ottoman Empire,
The disintegration of the Ottoman Empire and the spread of the ideas of Romantic nationalism made the Balkan region very
explosive. The Balkan states were fiercely jealous of one another and each hoped to gain more territory at the expense of the
others.
6. Bengal Gazette was a weekly magazine that described itself as 'a commercial paper open to all, but influence by none.' From 1780
James Augustus Hickey began to edit the magazine. Gradually, it was became private English enterprise, proud of its
independence from colonial influence that began English printing in India. Hickey published freely, right from the advertisements
related to the import and sale of slaves to gossips of company’s senior officials in India. As a result, it enraged the colonial
masters and Hickey was persecuted by General Warren Hastings.
OR
i. As handwritten books were expensive, only the rich, the aristocrats and the Church could employ scribes. The scribes wrote
only for aristocratic circles and rich monastic libraries.
ii. As the demand for books increased, booksellers all over Europe began exporting books to many different countries. Book fairs
were held at different places.
iii. Production of handwritten manuscripts was also organised in new ways to meet the expanded demand.
iv. Scribes or skilled hand writers were no longer solely employed by wealthy or influential patrons but increasingly by
booksellers as well.

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 v. One bookseller could employ 50 scribes due to the new technology in printing. It was no longer the monopoly of the rich and
the influential.
7. In Britain, the formation of a nation-state was not the result of a sudden upheaval, revolution or national struggle but of a long
drawn out parliamentary process. The process of unification of Britain is as follows:
i. Britain was not a nation-state prior to 18th century. England had people of many ethnic groups such as English, Welsh, Scot
and Irish with their own cultural and political traditions.
ii. The English nation steadily grew in importance, wealth and power and extended her influence over other nations of the island.
iii. In 1688, England established as a nation-state. English parliament seized power from the monarchy.
iv. In 1707 the Act of Union between England and Scotland led to the formation of the ‘United Kingdom of Great Britain’.
v. England dominated Scotland and Ireland in all spheres. British Parliament was dominated by English members.
vi. Ireland was forcibly taken by the British after the failed revolution led by Wolfe and his United Irishmen (1798) and a new
"British Nation" was formed.
OR
i. Conservative Post-Napoleon Era: European governments embraced conservatism after Napoleon's defeat in 1815.
ii. Preservation of Traditional Values: Conservatives advocated safeguarding established institutions like the monarchy,
church, social hierarchies, property, and family.
iii. Modernisation for Strengthening Traditions: Most conservatives however did not propose a return to the society of pre-
revolutionary days. They realised from the changes initiated by Napoleon that modernisation could, in fact, strengthen
traditional institutions like the monarchy.
iv. Enhancing State Power: This modernization would make state powers more effective and robust, ensuring the stability of
autocratic monarchies.
v. Strengthening Autocratic Rule: A modern bureaucracy, dynamic economy, and the abolition of feudalism and serfdom could
bolster the authority of Europe's autocratic monarchies.
8. i. In many places, the local leaders told peasants that Gandhiji had declared that no taxes were to be paid and the land was to be
redistributed among the poor. The name of the Mahatma was being misused.
ii. The Oudh Kisan Sabha was set up in October 1920 to address the grievances of the villagers.
iii. During the Non-Cooperation Movement, the houses of talukdars and merchants were attacked, bazaars were looted, and grain
hoards were taken over. In many places, local leaders told peasants that Gandhiji had declared that no taxes were to be paid
and land was to be redistributed among the poor. The increasing violent activities made Congress leaders unhappy with the
peasant movement.
9. a. Nagupr
b. Champaran
SECTION-B GEOGRAPHY (20 marks)
10.
(c) Narmada
Explanation:
The Sardar Sarovar Dam is on the Narmada river near Navagam, Gujarat in India. Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and
Rajasthan are the four important states in India which receive water and electricity supply from the dam. This project was laid
out by Prime Minister Jawahar Lal Nehru on April 5, 1961. The project took form in 1979 as a part of a development scheme to
increase irrigation and produce hydroelectricity.

11.
(c) Clue ii and iii
Explanation:
Alluvial Soils are the most widely spread and important soil. Mostly these soils contain adequate proportion of potash,
phosphoric acid and lime.

12. (a) Rajasthan

Explanation:
Rajasthan

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13.
(d) Statement ii is correct.
Explanation:
The famous Chipko movement in the Himalayas has not only successfully resisted deforestation in several areas but has also
shown that community afforestation with indigenous species can be enormously successful.

14.
(d) Kaldi
Explanation:
There are different versions of the discovery of coffee. In about AD 850, Kaldi, an Arab goat-herder, who was puzzled by the
queer antics of his flock, tasted the berries of the evergreen bush on which the goats were feeding.

15.
(c) Statement i, ii, & iii are correct.
Explanation:
Rice is a commercial crop in Haryana and Punjab, but in Odisha, it is a subsistence crop. The main characteristic of
Commercial Farming is the use of higher doses of modern inputs, e.g. high yielding variety (HYV) seeds, chemical fertilisers,
insecticides and pesticides in order to obtain higher productivity. The degree of commercialisation of agriculture varies from
one region to another.

16. The main contribution of the Brundtland Commission Report, 1987, are:
i. The seminal contribution with respect to resource conservation at the global level was made by the Brundtland Commission
Report, 1987.
ii. This report introduced the concept of ‘sustainable development’ and advocated it as a means for resource conservation, which
was substantially published in a book, entitled 'Our Common Future'.
17. Minerals are indispensable part of human life.
i. Almost everything we use, from a tiny pin to towering building or a big ship, all are made from minerals.
ii. The railway lines and the tarmac of the roads, our implements and machinery too are made from minerals.
iii. Cars buses, trains, aeroplans are manufactured from minerals and run on power resources derived from the earth.
iv. In all stages of development, human beings have used minerals for their livelihood, decoration, festivities, religious and
ceremonial rites.
v. Availability of the minerals helps in the economic development of the country.
vi. Our food too contains minerals.
OR
The importance of conservation of minerals is explained below:
i. Mineral resources, in the present scenario, are being rapidly consumed. However, it is important to conserve these resources
because the geological processes of mineral formation are very slow and it takes millions of years for them to be created and
concentrated.
ii. The rates of replenishment are infinitely small in comparison to the present rates of consumption. The finite and nonrenewable
nature of these resources makes them our country's most valuable possessions.
iii. Recycling of metals, using scrap metals and other substitutes are the important steps involved in the conservation of mineral
resources.
Some of the measures to conserve minerals are as under:
i. Minerals should be used in a planned and sustainable manner.
ii. Improved technology needs to be constantly evolved to allow the use of low-grade ore at a low cost.
iii. Recycling of metals using scrap metals.
iv. Wastage in mining and processing should be minimized.
18. i. In Chotanagpur plateau region maximum iron and steel industries are concentrated. Low cost of iron ore and Iron mines are
located in the nearby areas. It helps to reduce the transportation cost of iron ore to the industries.
ii. We are not able to perform to our full potential largely because
i. High costs and limited availability of coking coal

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 ii. Lower productivity of labour
iii. Irregular supply of energy and poor infrastructure.
iii. The Chota Nagpur Plateau is a plateau in eastern India, which covers much of Jharkhand state as well as adjacent parts of
Chhattisgarh, Odisha, West Bengal and Bihar. The Indo-Gangetic plain lies to the north and east of the plateau, and the basin
of the Mahanadi river lies to the south.
Though India is an important iron and steel-producing country in the world yet, we are not able to perform to our full potential
largely. Reasons for low productivity of iron and steel include the following reasons: High costs and limited availability of
coking coal. Lower productivity of labor.

19.

SECTION-C POLITICAL SCIENCE (20 marks)

20.
(c) Only statement iv is right.
Explanation:
No one national party is able to secure on its own a majority in the Lok Sabha, until 2014. As a result, the national parties are
compelled to form alliances with State parties. Since 1996, nearly every one of the State parties has got an opportunity to be a
part of one or the other national level coalition government. This has contributed to the strengthening of federalism and
democracy in our country.

21.
(b) Vertical Power Sharing
Explanation:
The vertical sharing power:
i. Power is shared among the different levels of the governments.
ii. Power involves the highest and lower levels of government.
iii. The lower organs work under the higher organs.

22.
(c) Only statement iv is right.
Explanation:
Dictatorships have a slightly higher rate of economic growth. The inability of democracy to achieve higher economic
development worries us. However, the difference in the rates of economic development between less developed countries with
dictatorships and democracies is negligible.

23.
(c) A is true but R is false.
Explanation:

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 Universal Adult Franchise gives the right to vote to everyone irrespective of their caste, religion, colour, or gender. It is based
on the principle of equality. The right to vote should be given to everyone because that is the whole essence of democracy, i.e.
equal representation. Any given class cannot determine wisdom.

24. Modern democracies embrace diverse power-sharing models to distribute authority among various entities. This includes federal
systems, where power is divided between central and regional governments, and coalition governments formed by multiple
parties. Additionally, the separation of powers among the executive, legislative, and judicial branches ensures checks and
balances. These arrangements support inclusivity, stability, and representation by preventing the concentration of power and
safeguarding the values of democracy.
25. Under a democratic rule following favourable conditions are generally provided to people:
a. It promotes dignity to everyone irrespective of caste, creed and religion and also provides a method to resolve conflict.
b. It ensures the freedom of the individual.
c. It provides equal status and opportunity.
d. It provides a positive reservation for women and other advantages for discriminated groups.
26. i. Most democracies fall short of elections that provide a fair chance to everyone and in subjecting every decision to public
debate.
ii. There is lack of tranparency in many democratic countries. Democratic governments do not have a very good record when it
comes to sharing information with citizens.
iii. Democracy often frustrate the needs of the people and often ignores the demand of a majority of its population.
iv. In a democracy, the government is expected to attend to the demands of the people and should be largely free from corruption.
The record of democracies is not impressive on these two counts.
27. Political parties play a vital role in democracies which makes them an essential component of a democracy. The rise of political
parties is directly linked to the emergence of representative democracies The key role played by the political parties in a
democracy is listed below:
Political Parties contest elections. Those who win form the government and those parties that lose in the elections play the
role of opposition to the parties in power,
They offer different policies, schemes, and programs and the voters chose from them.
Political Parties play a decisive role in making laws for the country.
Parties form and run the government. The political executives of the political party in power take big policy decisions.
Political Parties shape public opinion. They provide people access to government machinery and welfare schemes
implemented by governments.
OR
The challenges faced by political parties in India are as follows:
i. Lack of internal democracy: In political parties, there is a concentration of power in the hands of a few. In such cases, some
members become too powerful and make all decisions, while no importance is given to other members of a party.
ii. Dynastic succession: Generally, inexperienced family members are given easy entry into political parties while deserving
candidates are left out.
iii. Money and muscle power: Because the main aim of political parties is to capture power and form the government, parties
focus only on winning the elections. Many business houses influence the decisions of the party and government by providing
funds to the parties.
iv. Meaningful Choice: The fourth challenge in elections is that parties often fail to provide voters with a meaningful choice.
v. Same set of leaders: Sometimes, the same set of leaders shifts from one party to another, making it impossible for people to
elect different leaders. This is the fifth challenge.
28. i. The significance of the elected representatives in the Panchayats lies in their sheer number, which is about 36 lakh. This large
number of representatives indicates a broad base of democratic participation, making it one of the largest experiments in
democracy globally. It ensures that a wide range of voices and local issues are represented and addressed at the grassroots
level.
ii. The Constitutional status of local government has significantly increased women's representation and voice in democracy. By
mandating reservations for women in Panchayats and municipalities, it has ensured that women have a platform to participate
in governance, influence decision-making, and address issues that specifically affect them and their communities.
iii. Deepening Democracy: Granting Constitutional status to local government has deepened democracy by institutionalizing
local governance structures. This has made governance more inclusive and participatory, allowing citizens to have a direct say
in their local affairs.

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 Challenges in Implementation: Despite the positive impacts, there are challenges such as irregular gram sabhas and
inadequate transfer of powers and resources from state governments to local bodies. These issues hinder the full realization of
self-government and effective local governance.
SECTION-D ECONOMICS (20 marks)
29. (a) Government wanted Indian producers to compete in the World Market.
Explanation:
Starting around 1991, some farreaching changes in policy were made in India. The government decided that the time had come
for Indian producers to compete with producers around the globe. It felt that competition would improve the performance of
producers within the country since they would have to improve their quality.
30.
(c) The law legalises the use of rupee as a medium of payment
Explanation:
As per Indian law, no other individual or organisation is allowed to issue currency. Moreover, the law legalises the use of rupee
as a medium of payment that cannot be refused in settling transactions in India. No individual in India can legally refuse a
payment made in rupees.

31.
(c) Nature of Ownership
Explanation:
Nature of Ownership

32. (a) I and II

Explanation:
I and II
33.
(d) (a) - (ii), (b) - (iv), (c) - (i), (d) - (iii)
Explanation:
(a) - (ii), (b) - (iv), (c) - (i), (d) - (iii)

34.
(b) Final goods
Explanation:
Final goods are used for final consumption. These are sold in the market for consumption.

35. Following are the reasons that forced the Indian Government for putting Barriers:
a. To protect producers within the country from foreign competition.
b. To regulate foreign trade and to decide what kind of goods and how much of each should come into country.
c. To save our freedom from Neo Colonialism.
36. The functions of Self Help Group (SHG) are as follows:
Members of SHG can take small loans from the group itself to meet their needs. The group charges interest on these loans
but this is still less than what the moneylender charges.
Small loans are provided to the members for releasing mortgaged land, for meeting working capital needs, for housing
materials, and for acquiring assets.
The group decides as regards the loans to be granted — the purpose, amount, interest to be charged, repayment schedule
etc. The group is responsible for the repayment of the loan.
the SHGs help borrowers overcome the problem of lack of collateral.
37. Money cannot buy all the goods and services that one needs to lead a better life because of the following reasons:
i. Apart from money, the infrastructure and facilities like health and education are required to lead a good life. We can not buy
all goods and services with money until we have all the supporting services available at the required time and place.
ii. Money cannot ensure the availability of food to the undernourished if the distribution of food is not proper. The food
distribution system is not good in most of the rural parts of the country, due to which most of the people remain

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 undernourished.
iii. Money cannot protect us from infectious diseases, unless and until the whole community becomes aware of hygiene and takes
preventive steps.
iv. Also, money cannot buy us a pollution free environment.
38. The following are the causes of rural unemployment in India:
a. Lack of education and skill: Rural areas are far behind education and thus are not able to access the required skill.
b. Lack of Industrialization: Even after more than 60 years of independence more than 80% of the people are dependent on
agriculture for their livelihood. Chances of disguised unemployment are very high in agriculture.
c. Stress on family occupation: More family members are supposed to assist in the production of crops rather than going for
other occupations because of the fact that agriculture is labour intensive.
d. No access to opportunities: Rural areas and occupations are devoid of investment. This makes the possibility of a lack of
opportunities.
e. Lack of infrastructure: Seasonal roads, lack of electricity, etc. keep the rural areas far behind the development.
f. Domination of primary sector: Most of the people of rural areas are involved in primary activities. The possibility of
unemployment in the primary sector is more.
OR
The primary sector continues to be the largest employer.
The primary sector contributes more than 20% to the GDP of India.
It's employment share is more than 55%.
It is the most labouring sector of the Indian economy.
It covers agriculture, dairy, fishing, and forestry which all contribute to the Indian economy.
The primary sector is important in employing the largest section of the population for several reasons:
First, the primary sector is the largest employer in many developing countries, where a large portion of the population works in
agriculture or other primary industries. In these countries, the primary sector is a major contributor to the economy and employs a
large number of people.
Second, the primary sector often employs people in rural areas, where there may be limited opportunities for employment in other
sectors. This is especially important in developing countries, where the majority of the population lives in rural areas and relies on
agriculture for their livelihoods.
Finally, the primary sector plays a vital role in supporting the other sectors of the economy by providing the raw materials that are
used to produce goods and services.
Overall, the primary sector is important in employing the largest section of the population, particularly in developing countries,
and plays a crucial role in the economic development of these countries.

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