ICSE History and Civics Previous Year Question Paper 2019 Solved for Class 10
H.C.G. – Paper – 1
(Two Hours)
- Answers to this Paper must be written on the paper provided separately.
- You will not be allowed to write during the first IS minutes.
- This time is to be spent in reading the question paper.
- The time given at the head of this Paper is the time allowed for writing the answers.
- Attempt all questions from Parti (Compulsory). A total of five questions are to be attempted from Part II, two out of three questions from Section A and three out offive questions from Section B.
- The intended marks for questions or parts of questions are given in brackets [ ].
PART – I (30 MARKS)
(Attempt all questions from this Part)
Question 1.
(a) What is the normal term of office of the Lok Sabha ? [1]
(b) State the meaning of the term Question Hour. [1]
(c) Name the Presiding officer of the Lok Sabha. [1]
(d) State any one condition when the Parliament can legislate on subjects in the State List. [1]
(e) Write any one circumstance when the President can declare a National Emergency. [1]
(f) What happens when a motion of ‘No-Confidence ’ is passed against a Minister ? [1]
(g) On whose advice can the President appoint the Council of Ministers ? [1]
(h) What is meant by Appellate Jurisdiction ’ of the Supreme Court ? [1]
(i) On what grounds can a Supreme Court Judge be removed from office ? [1]
(j) State one point of distinction between a District Judge and a Sessions Judge. [1]
Answer :
(a) Five Years.
(b) Every member of the House has the privilege to ask questions from the government on the matters of public interest. Such questions are addressed to the Chair and, if admitted, the Government is obliged to answer them. First hour of every working day of the House is reserved for questions unless otherwise decided by the Speaker.
(c) The Speaker is the presiding officer of the Lok Sabha.
(d) Dining the Proclamation of Emergency.
(e) It can be declared if there is a war, external aggression or armed rebellion inside the country.
(f) He can be removed or need to resign.
(g) The Council of Ministers is appointed by the President on the advice of the Prime Minister.
(h) The Supreme Court is the highest Court of appeal, and it stands at the apex in the Indian judicial system. It has a very vast appellate jurisdiction.
(i) A Judge may be removed from his office on ground of “proved misbehavior or incapacity” by impeaching him/her.
(j) District Judge : District Judge deals in civil cases.
Session Judge : Session Judge deals in criminal cases.
Question 2.
(a) What was the General Service Enlistment Act? [2]
(b) Name the two books that Dadabhai Naoroji authored explaining the ‘Drain of India’s Wealth’. [2]
(c) Name each of the organizations founded by Jyotiba Phule and Raja Rammohan Roy. [2]
(d) Write any two contributions of Lala Lajpat Rai to the National Movement. [2]
(e) State any two provisions of the Indian Independence Act of 1947 that was to decide the fate of the Princely States. [2]
(f) Write any two reasons for the acceptance of the Mountbatten Plan by the Congress. [2]
(g) State any two objections imposed by the Treaty ofVersailles on the German military power. [2]
(h) Name the Signatory Countries of the Triple Alliance. [2]
(i) What is meant by the term “Veto’ power ? [2]
(j) Why was the League of Nations established ? [2]
Answer :
(a) The General Service Enlistment Act of 1856 provided that all recruits to the Bengal Army should be ready for service anywhere, whether within or outside India.
(b) (i) Poverty and un-British rule in India.
(ii) Magazine-Dharma Marg Darshak.
(c) (i) Jyotiba Phule: Satya Shodhak Samaj.
(ii) Raja Rammohan Roy: Brahmo Samaj.
(d) (i) Through his writings he preached radical nationalism, inspired the Indian youth and kindled the fire of patriotism in them.
(ii) He transformed the freedom struggle into the agitation of the millions and common masses. He, through his speeches and writings, accelerated its pace and widened its base.
(e) (i) The Princely states that were officially related to the British Empire were made free from all the treaties and relationships.
(ii) They could decide which dominion to join.
(f) (i) Non-Cooperative attitude of the League: The League had joined the Congress to obstruct the working of the Congress and not to cooperate with it.
(ii) Communal Riots : The large scale communal riots that engulfed the whole country convinced all that the only solution to the communal problem lay in the partition of India. These riots were the outcome of “Direct Action” Day by the League.
(g) (i) The German Army was disbanded. She was allowed to keep only one lac soldiers.
(ii) She was not allowed to have any air force and the sub-marines.
(h) Germany, Austria, Hungary and Italy.
(i) A negative vote by a permanent member of a Security Council is called a veto power.
(j) The main objective of the League of Nations was to preserve peace and settle disputes by arbitration.
PART – II (50 MARKS)
SECTION – A
(Attempt any two questions from this Section)
Question 3.
The Parliament is the body of people’s representatives who have Supreme power in a democracy. With reference to the Union Legislature answer the following :
(a) How are the members of the Rajya Sabha elected? [3]
(b) Why is it called a Permanent house? [3]
(c) State any two Financial and any two Legislative powers of the Indian Parliament. [4]
Answer :
(a) The members of the Rajya Sabha from each State are elected by the members of the Legislative Assembly (i.e. the Lower House) of that State.
- This is done by means of proportional representation through the Single Transferable Vote System.
- The representatives of the Union Territories are chosen in such a manner as may be decided or prescribed by the Parliament.
(b) The Rajya Sabha is a permanent House, hence it cannot be dissolved. Each member is elected for a term of six years. l/3rd of its total members retire at the end of every two years, and the equal number of new members are elected to fill the vacancies caused by the retirement of 1/3 rd members.
(c) Financial Powers :
The Lok Sabha controls the national finance. In this respect it has the following powers :
- The Budget : It has the power to pass the Annual Budget of the Union Government for the financial year.
- Supplementary Grants : If the amount sanctioned under the Demand for Grants in a financial year is found to be insufficient, the Government can make a fresh Demand for Supplementary Grants. It is also thoroughly debated and voted upon in the Lok Sabha. The Lok Sabha can also sanction expenditure on contingencies.
Legislative Powers :
- Union and Concurrent Subjects : The Parliament can make laws on 97 subjects contained in the Union List, and 47 subjects contained in the Concurrent List.
- Residuary Powers : The Parliament has Residuary Powers also. It can make laws on a subject, which is not mentioned in any one of the three Lists, i.e. the Union List, the State List and the Concurrent List.
Question 4.
The Council of Ministers headed by the Prime Minister, is the most Powerful Institution in the Indian Polity. In this context, answer the following :
(a) State briefly the position of the Prime Minister in the Parliamentary system of Government. State any two powers the Prime Minister has as a leader of the Nation. [3]
(b) Distinguish between the Council of Ministers and the Cabinet. [3]
(c) Write any four functions of the ‘Cabinet’. [4]
Answer :
(a) (i) The Prime Minister is the leader of the Lok Sabha, and in this capacity his position is unique.
(ii) The Prime Minister is the chief spokesman and the defender of the Government in the Parliament. When a Minister is under attack from the Opposition, he comes to his rescue.
(iii) The Prime Minister makes all important announcements of the government policies on the floor of the House.
(b) The Council of Ministers :
(i) It consists of all the four ranks of Ministers – the Cabinet Ministers, the Ministers of State, the Deputy Ministers and Parliamentary Secretaries.
(ii) The Council of Ministers is a large body, it meets occasionally.
(in) The Prime Minister’may not consult the Council of Ministers for taking important decisions.
The Cabinet :
(i) The Cabinet generally consists of Senior Ministers holding Cabinet rank and important portfolios.
(ii) The Cabinet is a small and cohesive group which meets regularly.
(iii) The Members of the Cabinet are consulted by the Prime Minister on every important issue.
(c) (i) The Cabinet formulates government policies, both national and international. It takes decisions on major issues before the nation relating to defence, security, development, planning, financial matters, etc.
(ii) After the policy decision of the Cabinet is taken, it becomes the duty and an important function of the appropriate department under a Minister to faithfully carry out the decision. He must administer his department in accordance with the polity decision and in coordination with other departments.
(iii) The Cabinet coordinates the working of all the departments, so that the whole government runs smoothly and set goals are achieved. The Prime Minister plays an important role in bringing about the coordination.
(iv) Foreign relations, both diplomatic and trade, pacts or agreements with other nations are all decided by the Cabinet. The choice of diplomatic envoys and recognition of new states or regimes is also made by the Cabinet.
Question 5.
India has a single integrated judicial system that is Independent and Supreme. With reference to the Judiciary, answer the following :
(a) (i) Who appoints the Judges of the High Court? [3]
(ii) State any two qualifications required for a person to be appointed as a High Court judge.
(b) Explain briefly the term ‘Court of Record’ with reference to the High Court. [3]
(c) List anyfour writs that the High Court can issue for the enforcement of Fundamental Rights. [4]
Answer
(a) (i) The Judges of the High Court are appointed with the consultation of Chief Justice of the High Court along with the Chief Justice of Supreme Court and the Governor of the State.
(ii) A High Court Judge must possess the following qualifications :
- He must be a citizen of India.
- He must have held judicial office for not less than ten years in India or should be an advocate of the High Court for ten years.
- He should be less than 62 years.
(b) A High Court being a “Court of Record” means :
- Its judgements are kept as a record, and are used as precedent.
- If a person commits the contempt of High Court, it has the authority to punish him.
(c) (i) The Writ of Habeas Corpus is the safeguard for the personal freedom of a citizen. Habeas Corpus provides a remedy to a person held unlawfully in person or in police custody. This is an order to a person or officer who detains a person, without court’s order, directing him to produce the detainee in the court and to explain why he has been detained. If the cause is insufficient, the detained person is released immediately.
(ii) The Writ of Prohibition is issued to prevent an inferior court from exercising powers, with which it is not legally vested, and to direct it to remain within the limits of its jurisdiction. It is preventive in nature.
(iii) The Writ of Quo – Warranto is issued against a person who has held an office illegally by usurpation. This writ asks the person to explain as by what authority he has been holding that particular office. If the office is held unlawfully, it can declare the office vacant.
(iv) Mandamus means “We command”. The Writ of Mandamus is issued to command an inferior court or person to do its duty. But this writ can be issued purely for the protection of Fundamental Rights.
SECTION – B
(Attempt any three questions form this Section)
Question 6.
The Second half of the 19th century witnessed the growth of a strong feeling of Nationalism. With reference to the statement, answer the following:
(a) Write any three repressive Colonial policies of the British. [3]
(b) State any three ways in which the Press played an important role in developing nationalism amongst Indians. [3]
(c) Explain briefly any three differences in the methods adopted between the Early Nationalists and Radicals, in the National Movement. [4]
Answer :
(a) (i) In 1877, the government lowered the maximum age limit for the I C S, examination from 21 to 19 years, thus making it impossible for the Indians to compete for it.
(ii) The colonial government introduced Vernacular Press Act and Indian Arms Act. Both these were passed to pursue the policy of racial discrimination.
(b) As we know, the press is an important integrating force in society. During the 19th century, the Indian society was plagued with many social and religious evils. The spirit of nationalism was missing. The Press did play a very vital role in reforming the society :
- It played an important role in the campaigns for social reforms and to influence activities of the state.
- It played an important role in the growth of National Movement.
- ‘The Kesari’ and several other newspapers created a great stir in the political life of the country.
(c) Moderates (Early Nationalists)
(i) The Early Nationalists believed in petitions, constitutionalism, prayers, passive resistance, resolutions and meetings. All these were peaceful methods.
(ii) The Early Nationalists had full faith in the British Government and wanted to follow the policy of cooperation. Though in the later years, (during the agitation against the Partition of Bengal), they supported the ‘Swadeshi and Boycott’ movements. But they wanted to confine this movement only for special circumstances.
(iii) The Early Nationalists agitated only for certain administrative and economic reforms. They wanted that the Indians should have some say in the government and administration of the country. It was only in 1906 that under pressure from the Aggressives they talked about “Swaraj’ as their goal. The ‘Swaraj’ as defined by them meant, a system of government as found in the self-governing British colonies.
Radical (Assertive Nationalists)
- The Assertive Nationalists, on the other hand, supported and followed revolutionary methods by launching vigorous political agitations, making people self-reliant and bringing national awakening.
- The Assertive Nationalists believed in non-cooperation and adopted the programme of boycott against foreign goods, propagation of Swadeshi, a system of national education, etc. The Aggressives believed that it was necessary to extend the scope of boycott.
- The Assertive Nationalists, on the other hand, demanded “Puma Sw araj ‘-self¬government as it existed in the United Kingdom.
Question 7.
With reference to the picture given below; answer the following questions:
(a) (i) Identify’ the Memorial built for those who were killed in this incident. [3]
(ii) Where did this incident take place ?
(iii) Name the movement launched by Gandhi in 1920 as a consequence.
(b) Explain briefly the reason for the suspension of this particular movement by Gandhi in 1922. [3]
(c) State any four impacts of the movement. [4]
Answer
(a) (i) Jallianwalabagh.
(ii) Amritsar.
(iii) Non-cooperation movement.
(b) (1) Violent Incident : The Movement was suspended by Gandhiji due to the ugly incident which took place in Chauri Chaura village of Uttar Pradesh in which 22 policemen were burnt alive by a mob. Gandhiji took a serious view of this incident. He felt that the nationalist workers had not yet properly understood the philosophy of non-violence. Non-violence was creed to Gandhiji who could hardly tolerate that his followers should indulge in violence. So he took the step of suspending the movement.
(2) In 1922, there was a revolution in Turkey. Turkey became a republic, so after the revolution the movement lost its importance.
(c) (i) Establishment of New Educational Institutions : The Non-Cooperation Movement gave a boost to the Indian Education System. A new programme of national education was started. Institutions such as the Jama Millia and the Kashi Vidyapeeth were established.
(ii) Mass Movement : The Movement gave rise to the sentiments of nationalism on a wider scale. When thousands and thousands of people walked together shoulder to shoulder and resisted the British for months, the National Movement naturally became quite wider in its scope. It was no longer limited to only few educated urban people.
(iii) Unity : This was the first major Movement in which the Hindus and the Muslims participated as one, and scenes of ffatemality (friendly relations) were witnessed all over the country.
(iv) Change in the Character of the Congress : The Movement had a great impact on the working of the Congress. The Congress decided to use the weapons of Satyagraha and Non-Cooperation on wider scale.
Question 8.
With reference to the National Movement from 1930 to 1947, answer the following:
(a) State any three features of the Programme of the Civil Disobedience Movement launched in 1930. [3]
(b) What was the significance of the Second Round Table Conference held in 1931 ? [3]
(c) State any four clauses of the Cabinet Mission Plan of 1946. [4]
Answer
(a) (i) Mahatma Gandhi found in salt a powerful symbol that could unite the nation. Salt was something consumed by the rich and the poor alike, and it was one of the most essential items of food.
(ii) The Civil Disobedience Movement caused a tide of patriotic fervor in the country. People became fully aware of their responsibilities and the Movement succeeded in creating political awakening among the masses.
(iii) The Movement had a healthy impact upon the social conditions. The ‘Harijan Sevak Sangh’ was established which helped the untouchables to obtain the basic rights. The depressed classes were given entry into churches, temples.
(b) The Second Round Table Conference was held in London in September, 1931. Gandhiji was chosen as the sole representative of the Congress. All sections of the Indian society were represented at the Conference.
Gandhiji demanded a responsible Government and Independence for India and immediate Dominion Status for India.
Cause of the Failure : The representatives of other groups like Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, etc. were more concerned about safeguarding their own rights and their narrow interests. The Conference could not arrive at any agreement regarding communal representation and ended inconclusively.
(c) (i) Division of the Country : The country would be divided into two Dominions i. e., India and, Pakistan.
(ii) The Constituent Assembly : The existing Constituent Assembly would continue to work, but the Constitution framed by it would not be applied to Pakistan. A separate Constituent Assembly would be constituted for those parts which decided in favour of partition.
(iii) The Princely States : The Princely States would be free to choose their own option, and treaties signed with them would soon come to an end.
(iv) A Boundary Commission: A Boundary Commission would be set up to decide about the boundary disputes.
Question 9.
With reference to the Rise of Dictatorships and the Second World War, answer the following:
(a) Sate any three reasons for the Rise of Fascism in Italy. [3]
(b) Explain any three consequences of World War II. [3]
(c) Name the two rival blocs that fought against each other during World War II and state its signatory countries. [4]
Answer
(a) 1. First World War: The war had caused a great economic strain on Italy’s economy
- Thousands of soldiers, discharged from army, were unemployed after the war.
- There was a steep price rise and inflation in the country.
- There were frequent strikes as the workers were dissatisfied which led to reduction in production.
2. Political instability : In 1919, a Parliamentary Government, based on male adult franchise, was introduced in Italy for the first time. But the electorates failed to give a clear majority to any political party. There came series of short-lived coalition governments in Italy, with neither consistency nor continuity in the policies. These governments were unable to deal effectively with the frequent strikes and riots in the country.
3. Mistreatment after the War : Italy had joined the First World War on the side of Britain and France in 1915. She hoped to get large territories such as Trentino, Trieste, Istria, Fiume, Coastal regions of Dalmatia, Albania and some parts of Germany and Turkey after their victory. But the Paris Peace Treaties gave her nothing from the defeated German and Turkish empires. So among the Italians a feeling developed that they “had won the war, but lost the peace”. Italians felt badly cheated by their War-time Allies.
(b) (i) Though England and France were victors, their status and economic position was lowered. The large scale production, minimum loss during the war and possession of atom bomb made the USA as one of the Super Powers of the world. Another Super Power was the Soviet Union.
(ii) The USA : By using the atom bomb to crush Japan, she emerged as a super military and economic power.
(iii) The Soviet Union : The Russian empire was greatly expanded. It included half of Poland, Ethunia, Latavia, Lithuania, Finland and many parts of Germany. It also emerged as a dominant power in world politics and occupied position of a leader of the Communist Bloc. Two Power Blocs emerged after the Second World War. They were:
- The American Bloc
- The Soviet Bloc
(iv) The horrors of the two World Wars and failure of the League of Nations forced the Allied powers to create another body by the name of the United Nations Organisation. The United Nations was established on October 24, 1945 with its headquarters at the New York, the USA to save the coming generation from the scourge of another War.
(c) American bloc and Soviet bloc
Countries :
- American Bloc: USA, British, France
- Soviet Bloc: Poland, Hungary, Bulgaria and Romania
Question 10.
The necessity to maintain International peace led to the establishment of the United Nations Organisation. With reference to the statement, answer the following:
(a) Write any three functions of UNESCO that preserves our ‘Cultural Heritage’. [3]
(b) State the Composition of the Security Council. [3]
(c) Write any four functions of the General Assembly. [4]
Answer
(a) (i) It helps a number of countries in the preservation of their cultural heritage and also protects monuments of artistic or historic symbolic interests.
For example : The Asian Temple of Abu has been saved with the help of the UNESCO.
(ii) It promotes the free-flow of information, freedom of expression, press-freedom and media- independence. To increase the scope and quality of the press, film and radio-service throughout the world is another objective of the UNESCO.
(iii) It encourages cultural interchange. It provides travel grants to writers and artists.
(b) (i) It is the executive body of the UNO with 15 members. It has five permanent members:
(a) China
(b) France
(c) Russia
(d) Great Britain
(e) United States of America .
The 10 non-permanent members are elected by the General Assembly by two-thirds majority for a two year term. A retiring member is not eligible for immediate re-election. States which are not the members of the Security Council but are party to a dispute may participate in its . deliberations with no voting right. Each member of the Security Council is its President in turn for a month.
(c) (i) Financial Functions : The General Assembly considers and approves the budget of the UNO and also determines the amount of funds to be contributed by the different members in accordance with their capacities.
(ii) Electoral Functions : It elects the non-permanent members of the Security Council and the members of Trusteeship, Economic and Social Council. It also elects the judges of International Court of Justice and to appoint on the recommendations of the Security Council, the Secretary General of the United Nations.
(iii) Supervisory Functions : The General Assembly regulates the working of other organs and agencies of the UNO. It can bring changes in the working of any of its agencies, if required.
(iv) Other Functions : The General Assembly makes recommendations to promote international co-operation, human rights and fundamental freedom for all. It also helps in promoting international cooperation and friendship. Under the Uniting for Peace Resolution, if the Security Council is unable to reach a decision the General Assembly can deal with the problem.