ISC Class 12 Sample Paper Political Science

isc
specimen paper
2025
ISC Study Material

POLITICAL SCIENCE

Maximum Marks: 80
Time Allotted: Three Hours
Reading Time: Additional Fifteen Minutes

Instructions to Candidates

➢ You are allowed additional fifteen minutes for only reading the question
paper.
➢ You must NOT start writing during reading time.
➢ This question paper has 6 printed pages.
➢ There are 13 questions in the paper. All questions are compulsory.
➢ It is divided into three sections: A, B and C.
➢ Section A has sixteen subparts which are very short answer questions.
Each question carries 1 mark.
➢ While attempting Multiple Choice Questions in Section A, you are required
to write only ONE option as the answer.
➢ Section B has eight questions which are short answer questions.
Each question carries 4 marks.
➢ Section C has four questions which are long answer questions.
Each question carries 8 marks.
➢ Internal choices have been provided in two questions in Section B and in
one question in Section C.
➢ The intended marks for questions are given in brackets [ ].

Instructions to Supervising Examiner
➢ Kindly read aloud the Instructions given above to all the candidates present
in the examination hall.

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ISC SPECIMEN QUESTION PAPER 2025
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SECTION A – 16 MARKS
Question 1

(i) Secessionist Violence can be described as a violent advocacy of complete [1]
segregation of a particular ethnic or religious from the nation.
Which one of the following scenarios is the correct representation of this form of
violence? (Application)
(a) An extremist group protests in a public space demanding complete
autonomy over its region.
(b) A women’s organisation protests against the government and demands
complete autonomy and non-interference by the government.
(c) An organisation demands a separate region outside of the country and
protests against the government in a violent way.
(d) A trade union group demands a separate space within the company and
protests against the management.
(ii) From the citizen’s point of view, the judiciary is the MOST important organ of [1]
the government because (Evaluate)
(a) the judges give judgement in specific and complex cases.
(b) judges interpret the real meaning of law.
(c) the judiciary settles disputes.
(d) it acts as the protector from possible excesses of the other two organs of the
government.
(iii) Given below are two statements marked Assertion and Reason. Read the two [1]
statements carefully and choose the correct option.
Assertion: The concept of ministerial responsibilities is the backbone of a
Parliamentary form of Government.
Reason: The legislature exercises continuous control over the executive.
(Analysis)
(a) Both Assertion and Reason are true and Reason is the correct explanation
of Assertion.
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are true but Reason is not the correct
explanation of Assertion.
(c) Assertion is true and Reason is false.
(d) Both Assertion and Reason are false.

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(iv) Given below are two statements marked Assertion and Reason. Read the two [1]
statements carefully and choose the correct option.
Assertion: A flexible constitution is very often a source of instability.
Reason: A flexible constitution demands an honest and mature leadership to
control the exercise of sovereign powers.
(Analysis)
(a) Both Assertion and Reason are true and Reason is the correct explanation
of Assertion.
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are true but Reason is not the correct
explanation of Assertion.
(c) Assertion is true and Reason is false.
(d) Both Assertion and Reason are false.
(v) The age of voting in India before 1989 was __________. [1]
(Recall)
(vi) Observe the relation between the first two words/phrases and then fill in the [1]
fourth word / phrase. (Analysis)
Implementation of law: Executive :: Interpretation of law: ______________
(vii) The ______________feature of the Indian state aims at establishing the goal of [1]
equitable distribution of resources. (Understanding)
(viii) The responsibility of conducting elections for Panchayati Raj institutions resides [1]
with the ______________. (Recall)
(ix) State whether the following are True or False.
(a) The rules governing the administration of judicial services are framed by [1]
the central government of the nation. (Understanding)
(b) Conviction by the Senate in an impeachment is beyond the President’s [1]
power to grant pardon. (Understanding)
(c) The Lok Sabha has the power to regulate its own debate. (Recall) [1]
(d) The British Parliament enjoys the power to amend the constitution by a
simple majority of votes of the members of its two houses.
(Recall)
(x) Answer the following questions in one word / phrase.
(a) A type of political system in which limited and controlled pluralism is [1]
tolerated. (Recall)
(b) A device of obstruction occasionally carried to the point of veto in the U.S [1]
Senate. (Recall)
(c) This person is the Chairman of the Niti Ayog. (Recall)
(d) A type of social structure which divides people based on inherited social [1]
status. (Recall)
ISC SPECIMEN QUESTION PAPER 2025
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SECTION B - 32 MARKS

Question 2 [4]
According to Gettell,“Presidential government is that government in which the chief
executive is independent of the legislature as to his tenure and to an extent as to his
policies and acts. In this system the head of the state is the real executive.”
In the light of the given statement, discuss the features of a Presidential form of
government. (Understanding)

Question 3 [4]
Contrast a flexible constitution from a rigid constitution on the basis of process of
Amendment. Cite an example to bring out the contrast between the two. (Analysis)

Question 4 [4]
Observe the picture given below and answer the question that follows it.

Parties In India

(Source: Quora.com)
How does the party system depicted above benefit a modern democracy?
(Understanding)

Question 5 [4]
(i) The two houses of the Union Parliament do not share equal powers. Justify the
statement with the help of four reasons. (Evaluate)
OR

ISC SPECIMEN QUESTION PAPER 2025
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(ii) Few powers were given to the Senate by the constitution framers with a view of
making it the constitutional watchdog over President’s executive powers. Justify
this empowerment of the Senate. (Evaluate)

Question 6 [4]
How can judicial independence be maintained in a democratic state? (Understanding)

Question 7 [4]
(i) Preamble is the key to the Constitution of India. With reference to this statement,
discuss its importance in contemporary times. (Understanding)
OR
(ii) Explain the position of the Indian Prime Minister in relation to the powers shared
with the Parliament and the Council of Ministers. (Understanding)

Question 8 [4]
The top-tier of the Panchayati Raj System operates at the district level. Elaborate on its
composition. (Understanding)

Question 9
The picture given below shows the workers of two rival political groups clashing during
Panchayat Elections.

(Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com)
(i) How does the picture shown above depict a challenge to Indian democracy? [2]
(Analysis)
(ii) With the help of a relevant example, outline any other significant form of the [2]
challenge that has emerged in India in recent times. (Interpretation)

ISC SPECIMEN QUESTION PAPER 2025
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SECTION C – 32 MARKS

Question 10 [8]
(i) Compare a Totalitarian system of government to an Authoritarian form of
government. (Analysis)
OR
(ii) Several jurists hold the view that the original and appellate jurisdiction of the
Supreme Court of India is wider than that of the USA. Justify the given statement.
(Evaluate)

Question 11 [8]
Explain any four rights given in the Right to Equality as a Fundamental right.
(Understanding)

Question 12 [8]
Discuss any four forms of regionalism as a challenge to the Indian democracy.
(Understanding)

Question 13
Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow.
“If there is one feature of our constitution, which is basic and fundamental to the
maintenance of democracy and the rule of law, it is the power of judicial review and it is
unquestionably, to my mind, part of the basic structure of the Constitution. Of course,
when I say this, it should not be taken to suggest that however effective alternative
institutional mechanisms or arrangements for judicial review cannot be made by
Parliament. But what I wish to emphasise is that judicial review is a vital principle of
our constitution, and it cannot be abrogated without affecting the basic structure of the
constitution.”
Source: Justice P.N. Bhagwati (Supreme Court)
Minerva Mills Ltd. & Others vs Union of India & Others [1981]
(i) Describe the feature which is part of the basic structure of the constitution, as [2]
referred to in the passage given above. (Understanding)
(ii) State four principles of this feature. (Recall) [4]
(iii) What is the basis to establish it in India? How is it different from that of the [2]
USA? (Understanding)

ISC SPECIMEN QUESTION PAPER 2025
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POLITICAL SCIENCE
ANSWER KEY
SECTION A – 16 MARKS

Question 1
In answering Multiple Choice Questions, candidates have to write either the
correct option number or the explanation against it. Please note that only ONE
correct answer should be written.
(i) (c) An organisation demands a separate region outside of the country and [1]
protests against the government in a violent way.
(ii) (d) the judiciary acts as the protector of possible excesses of the other two [1]
organs of the government.
(iii) (a) Both Assertion and Reason are true and Reason is the correct explanation of [1]
Assertion.
(iv) (b) Both Assertion and Reason are true but Reason is not the correct explanation [1]
of Assertion.
(v) 21 years [1]
(vi) Judiciary [1]
(vii) Socialist [1]
(viii) State Election Commission [1]
(ix)
(a) False [1]
(b) True [1]
(c) False [1]
(d) True [1]
(x)
(a) Authoritarian form of government [1]
(b) Filibuster [1]
(c) Prime Minister [1]
(d) Caste System

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ISC SPECIMEN ANSWERKEY 2025
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SECTION B - 32 MARKS

Question 2 [4]
The features of the Presidential form of government as referred to in the above passage
are:
• Single Unified Executive
• Separation of powers between the Legislature and Executive
• Fixed and stable tenure of the President and the Congress
(Candidates are required to discuss those features of a presidential form of
government that are indicated in the given statement. The general features of this
form of government should not be discussed.)

Question 3 [4]
• Amendment: A Flexible constitution can be easily amended; A Rigid
constitution cannot be easily amended.
• Procedure for Amendment for Flexible: Laws amended by a simple majority of
both houses of Parliament, Amendment is passed by a specific and large
majority of 2/3rd or 3/4th or an absolute majority of votes.
• Great Britain is a classic example of Flexible Constitution while the USA can
be referred to as a rigid constitution. In Britian, any law can be passed by a
simple majority of both the houses while in the USA two third majority and
three fourth of the state legislature are prerequisites to amendment.
• There is no difference between ordinary law and constitutional law as it can be
passed by a simple majority of Parliament in Great Britain. However, in the
USA the law has to pass through Proposal and Ratification stages.
The process of amendment is cumbersome in the USA but is simple in Britain.
(Candidates are required to write the differences between the two types of
constitutions on the common criteria given in the question. The meaning of the two
should not be given to bring out the contrast.)

Question 4 [4]
The image shows multiparty system in India.
Benefits
• Suitable for a modern society with socio-economic and cultural diversities
• Ensures democratic representation of all the groups existing in a modern society.
• Presents more choices to the voters.
• Compels the political parties to cooperate and form alliances.
• Several alternative governments can be formed.
(Candidates have to provide substantial reasons to show how a multi-party system
benefits a modern democracy.)

ISC SPECIMEN ANSWER KEY 2025
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Question 5 [4]
(i) The two houses of the Union Parliament are the Lok Sabha (lower house) and
Rajya Sabha (upper house). They do not share equal powers for the following
reasons.
Reasons
• Money bills can only be introduced in the Lok Sabha and never in the Rajya
Sabha. The Rajya Sabha can only delay a money bill for fourteen days. The
final decision on a money bill is always taken by the Speaker of the Lok
Sabha.
• The ministers are collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha and not to the
Rajya Sabha.
• A No Confidence motion can be passed only by the Lok Sabha and not by
the Rajya Sabha.
• The decision of the Lok Sabha always prevails in a Joint Session that is
called to resolve a deadlock that occurs in case of an ordinary bill.
• The National treasury lies with the Lok Sabha and not the Rajya Sabha.
(Candidates are required to reason why the two houses do not share equal
powers. They should NOT provide generic differences that do not suit the
question but address the question by providing those reasons that substantiate
the given statement.)
OR
(ii) The Senate’s powers as the watchdog over the President’s executive powers can
be justified in the following ways.
• The President of USA cannot sign any treaty without the approval of the
Senate. The treaties must be approved by two- thirds of the Senators.
• The President of USA cannot make any appointments without the Senate’s
approval. This also applies to the appointment of the officials in the states.
• The President must seek the advice of the two senators of that particular state
where he / she wishes to appoint officials. If he/she fails to do so, all the
senators in the Senate irrespective of which political party they belong to
would unanimously stand against the President.
(Candidates have to provide at least two reasons, each explained in brief, to
validate the powers of the Senate over the President.)

Question 6 [4]
An independent judiciary is necessary to maintain the rights and liberties of the people
from all possible interferences from the other organs of the government, private
organisations and citizens. The judiciary must be able to give its judgements without
fear or favour.

ISC SPECIMEN ANSWER KEY 2025
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Two ways by which independence of judiciary can be maintained are:
• Long and stable tenure
• Sound method of appointment of judges
• High qualifications
• Difficult method of removal of judges
• High salary
• Healthy service conditions
• After-retirement benefits
• Separation of judiciary from other organs of the government
• No practice or service after-retirement
(Candidates are required to write at least four ways, in complete sentences and not
phrases, by which the independence of judiciary can be maintained.)

Question 7 [4]
(i) Importance of the Preamble:
• It lays down the main objectives which the legislation intends to achieve.
• It contains ideals that the Constitution seeks to achieve.
• It gives direction and purpose to the Constitution.
• It also enshrines the grand objectives and socio-economic goals which are
to be achieved through constitutional processes.
(Candidates have to discuss the significance of the Preamble and give reasons
in support of their view.)
OR
(ii) Role of the Prime Minister of India with reference to the Parliament
• Leader of the house- He is the leader of the majority party/coalition.
• Representative of the executive - The Prime Minister represents the
executive in the legislature, announces important legislation, and
responds to the opposition's concerns.
• He advises the President with regard to summoning and postponing of the
sessions of the Parliament.
• He can recommend dissolution of the Lok Sabha to President at any time.
• He announces government policies on the floor of the House.

Role of the Prime Minister of India with reference to the Council of Ministers:
• Chairman of the cabinet - The Prime Minister is the chairman of the
cabinet and presides over the meetings of the Cabinet.
• Head of the government - The Prime Minister is the head of the
government and leader of the Council of Ministers.
• He recommends persons who can be appointed as ministers by the
president. The President can appoint only those persons as ministers who
are recommended by the Prime Minister.
• Distributing and reshuffling portfolios among the Council of Ministers.
ISC SPECIMEN ANSWER KEY 2025
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• The link between the President and the Cabinet: The Prime Minister acts
as the link between President and cabinet. He communicates all decisions
of the Cabinet to the President which is related to the administration of
the affairs of the Union and proposals for legislation.
(Candidates have to explain the powers of the Prime Minister in relation to the
above. The explanation should not focus on the general powers of the Prime
Minister.)

Question 8 [4]
Composition of Zila Parishad
• 10 to 25 directly elected members from all the constituencies falling within the
area covered by the Zila Parishad. Approximately 50,000 people elect one
representative.
• All Chairmen of Panchayat Samitis falling within the area of Zila Parishad.
• MPs and MLAs representing the area.
• MPs and MLAs whose names stand registered as voters in any constituency
ofthe area of Zila Parishad.
(Candidates have to detail on the composition of the Zila Parishad.)

Question 9
(i) The picture depicts Political Violence that poses a challenge to the healthy [2]
functioning of democracy. It decimates the relevance of a smooth process of
elections and narrows it down to selfish political goals.
(ii) Other forms of violence [2]
• Linguistic Violence
• Secessionist Violence
• Terrorist violence
• Caste based Violence
• Violent agitations/ Protests
• Social Violence
• Political Violence
• Electoral Violence
(Candidates have to give an overview of any other form of violence that
challenges Indian democracy and support the same by citing an example. Any
other relevant form of violence that undermines or challenges Indian
democracy will be accepted. )

ISC SPECIMEN ANSWER KEY 2025
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SECTION C – 32 MARKS

Question 10 [8]
(i) Similarities
Both Totalitarian and Authoritarian forms of regime are quite similar. The power in
both the forms is concentrated in a central figure or group. Both are characterised by
emphasise citizens’ submission to state. The difference is of degree of submission
and not of kind. Both States have dictatorial tendencies and are known for taking
quick and timely decisions. Both are good for emergencies.
There are however several differences between the two systems.
Basis Totalitarian State Authoritarian State
No. of It has a group of people running An authoritarian state
People the government. generally has one ruler.
Basis of rule The ruler rules on the basis of The ruler imposes fear over
his/her charisma over the people. the people.
Freedom The state does not allow for any The state allows for some
civil liberties or expression. form of freedom but regulates
and controls the freedom
given.
Corruption The chances of corruption are The chances of corruption are
low in Totalitarian Govt. high.
Power Powers are clearly defined and Power is arbitrary and not
vests with the central political defined clearly.
group.
(Candidates have to analyse the similarities as well as the differences between the
two forms of government. There should be a common basis for analysing the
differences between the two.)
OR
(ii) Powers of the Supreme Court in the USA
Original Jurisdiction of USA
• In cases concerning ambassadors and foreign agents.
• In cases where the state is a party.
• In cases of centre-state disputes.
Appellate Jurisdiction of USA
• From a state court, in cases where a law is in dispute under the constitution.
• Directly from federal district courts when it invalidates a federal statute, and
the government appeals against it.
• Through petitions against the decisions given by the Federal Court of
Appeals.

ISC SPECIMEN ANSWER KEY 2025
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Powers of the Supreme Court in India
Original Jurisdiction (Art 131)
• Cases of dispute between between the centre and states or b/w two or more
states.
• Cases related to violation of fundamental rights.
Appellate Jurisdiction
• Civil cases when they involve a question of law and high court certifies
them to be fit for appeal (art 133).
• Criminal cases when the high court certifies it or in case where a death
sentence is reversed (art 134).
• Constitutional cases when the high court certifies that the case involves
interpretation of the constitution and is fit for appeal.
Comparison between Supreme Court in India and the Supreme Court in
the U.S.A.
• Indian Supreme Court has broad original jurisdiction over disputes between
the central government and one or more states, or between states themselves
(Article 131), be India’s federal structure with unitary spirit. The U.S.
Supreme Court also has original jurisdiction in disputes between states but
is limited in scope compared to the Indian Supreme Court.
• Indian Supreme Court has broad appellate jurisdiction, allowing any case
involving a substantial constitutional question to be appealed directly to it.
While in the U.S.A. the Supreme Court can hear constitutional cases but not
all constitutional matters automatically reach it. It chooses which cases to
review through writs of certiorari, limiting the number of constitutional
cases it addresses.
(Candidates have to first discuss the powers of the two Supreme Courts and
then draw up an analysis of the two, thereby, justifying the wider scope of
Indian Supreme Court.)

Question 11 [8]
Right To Equality (Article 14-18)
Article 16 (Equality of Opportunity)
Article 16 clearly state that no citizen shall on grounds of religion, race, sex, caste,
descent, place of birth, residence or any of them be ineligible for or discriminated
against in respect of any employment or office under state.
Article 17 (Abolition of Untouchability)
Article 17 abolishes untouchability in India and makes its practice in any form an
offence punishable under the law. Two acts Untouchability offences act (1955) and the
Protection of civil rights act (1977) are provisions which guarantee this right.
No citizen can be conferred titles except honours for military or academic distinctions.
These include Bharat Ratna, Padma Bhushan, doctor etc. These can be suspended for

ISC SPECIMEN ANSWER KEY 2025
7

public order and unity of nation.
(Candidates have to explain any four rights embedded in Right to Equality that make
it a fundamental right.)

Question 12 [8]
Various forms of regionalism that challenge Indian democracy are as follows.
• Language Issues
Language has remained a formidable basis of regionalism. Many regions or states in
India stress upon establishing one language as the primary medium in all walks. This
imposition negates the existence of diverse groups. This policy has been
instrumental in setting the stage for the emergence of small states in the Indian
Union. Often it has led to the outbreak of riots in some states.
• Sons of the soil principle
This ideology holds that the natives of a place have a legitimate right over its
resources and are entitled to some benefits. This principle has a constitutional basis
as it empowers the legislature to make residence within their respective states a
qualification for employment. It often leads to conflict between the ethnic groups
and the migrants and threatens the basis of democracy that is predicated on equal
opportunities for all.
• Inter-state disputes (River Disputes)
Regional disparities are visible in inter-state river water disputes. Those states that
share a common source of water often clash over its consumption with each state
priortising the needs and requirements of its people. Often these disputes are
exaggerated by the political groups for their personal gains. Such conflicts hamper
the cooperative spirit that Indian democracy stands for.
• Demands for new states
A popular brand of regional aspiration/ regionalism is the demand for separate
statehood within the Indian Union. Though the constitution gives provision for
formation of new states, such demands are now premised on linguistic and ethnic
differences that have led to the formation of new states. It leads to division of the
country into smaller fragments and results in new kinds of disparities.
• Secessionist Demand
In several areas of India, several secessionist groups are working to break from the
mainland of India. This is the most threatening form of regional aspiration as the
groups advocating it use fear and terror as a potent weapon to achieve their aims. It
threatens the unity and sovereignty of the country.
(Candidates are required to discuss any four forms of regionalism and show how they
threaten Indian democracy. They may give examples to substantiate their answer. Any
other form of regional aspiration relevant to the question, besides the ones given
above, will be accepted.)

ISC SPECIMEN ANSWER KEY 2025
8

Question 13
(i) Judicial review: Meaning to be given [2]
(ii) • Equality before law [4]

Maxims/Principles:
• While conducting judicial review, the judiciary has to establish and give
grounds for rejecting any law as unconstitutional.
• Judicial Review is conducted by a judicial bench and not by a single judge.
The decision is always taken by a majority.
• The judiciary has the power to invalidate any law or a part of the law which
is held to be unconstitutional.
• The judiciary refrains from giving decisions on political issues.
(iii) In India, the basis of judicial review is ‘Procedure established by law’. In the [2]
USA, it is ‘Due process of law.’

ISC SPECIMEN ANSWER KEY 2025
9

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