Solving ICSE Class 10 History and Civics Previous Year Question Papers ICSE Class 10 History and Civics Question Paper 2013 is the best way to boost your preparation for the board exams.
ICSE Class 10 History and Civics Question Paper 2013 Solved
Part – I (30 MARKS)
Attempt all questions from this Part
Question 1.
(a) Name the two types of authority in a federal set up in India. [1]
Answer:
Union and State.
(b) What is meant by the term Universal Adult Franchise ? [1]
Answer:
It refers to the enjoyment of right to vote by all the adult citizens of 18 years of age or more of India without any discrimination on the basis of caste, creed, colour, sex or education.
(c) How is the Speaker of the Lok Sabha elected? [1]
Answer:
(c) The Speaker of the Lok Sabha is elected by the members from amongst themselves.
(d) When can the Vice-President cast a vote in the Rajya Sabha ? [1]
Answer:
Generally the Vice-President does not participate in the voting. He participates only in case of tie.
(e) State one reason why the President is elected indirectly. [1]
Answer:
The makers of the Indian Constitution have deliberately chosen this path because they wanted to establish a Parliamentary form of Government in the country with the Prime Minister as the Head of the Government.
(f) ** Who is the Executive head of a State ? [1]
(g) Mention the different categories of ministers in the Union Council of Ministers. [ 1 ]
Answer:
- The Cabinet Ministers
- Ministers of State
- Deputy Ministers
(h) Explain the term ‘Collective Responsibility’. [1]
Answer:
The Council of Ministers (Cabinet) is jointly or collectively responsible to the Legislative. Once they have reached a decision in the Council of Ministers, all the ministers must defend it inside the Assembly and in the public.
(i) Name the courts that are empowered to issue writs for the enforcement of Fundamental Rights. [1]
Answer:
High Courts and the Supreme Court.
(j) Which is the highest criminal court in a district? [1]
Answer:
Court of the Session Judge.
Question 2.
(a) What was the General Service Enlistment Act? [2]
Answer:
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) What was the influence of Western education on the minds of the educated Indians in the 19th Century ? [2]
Answer:
- Western learning encouraged vernacular languages and literary works in them; aroused political awakening and led to the growth of inter regional trade and commerce.
- It gave birth to great reformers and leaders who guided the destiny of the nation. It enabled Indians to unfold and revive India’s cultural past. It gave opportunity to the Indians to study abroad (England) and leam about the working of democratic institutions there.
(c) Who exposed the economic exploitation of India through his book ‘Poverty and Un-British Rule in India ? [2]
Answer:
Dadabhai Naoroji.
(d) What was the importance of the Lucknow Pact of 1916? [2]
Answer:
- Unity: It brought the Hindu and the Muslim unity which was the need of the hour. It also brought Aggressive and Moderate leaders at the same platform.
- Strengthening of the National Movement: The unity between the Congress, the League and between the Moderates and the Aggressives demoralised the government of India. Now, the government was under pressure for constitutional reforms. This helped in strengthening the national movement.
(e) Name the leaders of the Khilafat Movement that was launched in India to champion the cause of the Caliph of Turkey. [2]
Answer:
Ali brothers-Muhammed Ali and Shaukat Ali.
(f) Why was the Simon Commission boycotted by the Indians? [2]
Answer:
- It was boycotted everywhere because all its members were Englishmen.
- The government showed no inclination towards accepting the demand for Swaraj.
(g) What were the two proposals related to the Princely States in the Mountbatten Plan ? [2]
Answer:
- The Treaties made with the Britishers would come to an end.
- They would be free to join India or Pakistan or to remain sovereign.
(h) What was the immediate cause of the First World War ? [2]
Answer:
The Sarajevo Incident : In June 1914, the Archduke Franz Ferdinand, the Heir-Apparent to the throne of Austria went on an official visit to Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia. There, on June 28,1914, he and his wife were shot dead. The assassin, Gavrilo Princep, was a nineteen year old Bosnian. This dual murder had been planned in Serbia by a secret society of patriotic terrorists, called the “Black Hand”. The Austrians blamed the Serbians for this crime, as the assassin and the fellow conspirators had received their guns and bombs in the Serbian capital, with the help of Serbian officials. Presuming this to be true,
Austria made eleven demands and sent a stiff ultimatum to Serbia on 23rd July, to apprehend the criminals and hand them over to the Austrian government. Austria also sought a ban on anti-Austrian publications, anti-Austrian meetings and institutions in Serbia.
(i) What is meant by the term Cold War ? [2]
Answer:
It is situation where there is no armed struggle, but the rivals continue to maintain their peace time diplomatic relations along with their hostility.
(j) Name the two architects of NAM. [2]
Answer:
- Pt Jawaharlal Nehru.
- Marshall Jospeh Broze Tito.
Part – II (50 Marks)
Section-A
Attempt any two questions from this Section
Question 3.
Discuss the relationship between the two houses of a State Legislature with reference to the following:
(a) Money Bills. [3]
(b) Non-Money Bills. [3]
(c) Control over the Executive. [4]
Question 4.
At the head of the Council ofMinisters in a State is the Chief Minister, who is the real Executive Head of the State. In this context explain the following:
(a) The appointment of the Chief Minister. [3]
(b) His relationship with the Council of Ministers. [3]
(c) His relations with the Governor. [4]
Question 5.
The country’s Judicial System has a Supreme Court at its apex. In this context discuss the following:
(a) Manner of appointment ofjudges. [3]
Answer:
Every judge of the Supreme Court is appointed by the President in consultation with the Chief Justice and such other Judges of the Supreme Court or High Courts as he may deem necessary for this purpose.
(b) Term of office and removal of judges. [3]
Answer:
A Judge of the Supreme Court, including the Chief Justice, remains in office until he attains the age of sixty-five years.
The procedure for impeachment or removal of Judges is as under:
- The resolution to impeach the Judge may be moved in either House of the Parliament after a notice of 14 days has been given. A list of charges must be supported by one-fourth of the total members of the House.
- Such a resolution must be passed by a 2/3rd of the total majority of the members of that House.
- Then the charges levelled against the Judge are investigated by the other House. The Judge can appear in person or through a counsel to defend himself.
- If the charges are approved by 2/3rd of the total majority, the impeachment is finalised and the Judge is removed from the day the impeachment resolution is passed.
(c) Its power of ‘Judicial Review. ’ [4]
Answer:
Judicial Review is the power of the Supreme Court to examine laws passed by the independent and the executive orders of the Centre and State governments in order to find whether these are in accordance with the Constitution or not. This is called Judicial Review. If an order or a law is found to be contrary to the Constitution, the Supreme Court declares it null and void.
Section-B
Attempt any three questions from this Section
Question 6.
The early Congressmen were liberal in their views and programmes. This led to the rise of Assertive Nationalists who demanded more forceful action against the British. In this context discuss the following:
(a) Reasons why the early Congressmen were called Moderates. [3]
Answer:
- The period from 1885 to 1905 was called the Moderate phase because the movement was confined to a handful of educated middle class who was inspired by western education and liberal thinkers.
- All of the demands of the Congress were of moderate character.
- The methods of struggle during that period were of moderate character. The leaders carried their agitation through petitions and resolutions.
(b) How did Moderates differ from the Assertive Nationalists in realizing their objectives? [3]
Answer:
| Moderates (Early Nationalists) | Assertive Nationalists |
| (i) The Early Nationalists believed in petitions, constitutional-ism, prayers, passive resistance, resolutions and meetings. All these were peaceful methods. | (i) 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. |
| (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. | (ii) 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. |
| (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. | (iii) The Assertive Nationalists on the other hand demanded ‘Purna Swaraj’-self-government as it existed in the United Kingdom. |
(c) How did Tilak bring a new wave in Indian politics that was distinct from the early Congressmen ? [4]
Answer:
- Tilak was one of the most prominent leaders of the extremists who taught people to rely on their own strength. He instilled among the people love and pride for the country. He was an agitator and a fighter in the true sense of the term.
- To spread national movement in rural areas, he revived the Shivaji festival in 1895 and organised ‘Lathi Clubs ’ and ‘Akharas
- He along with Bipin Chandra and Lajpat Rai transformed the anti-partition movement into a movement for Swaraj.
- He started the Home Rule Movement in 1916. With his own ideas and weapons he infused a new life in the national movement and brought about a change in its character.
Question 7.
The reasons for the formation of the Muslim League were many. In this context explain:
(a) Any three factors that led to the formation of the Muslim League in India. [3]
Answer:
(i) After the revolt of 1857 and the partition of Bengal, the Britishers saw the unity between the Hindus and Muslims. To check the growth of nationalism, they encouraged the formation of Muslim League.
(ii) The working of Indian National Congress also gave a setback to the British government. They wanted to create an organisation which could check the popularity of the Congress.
(iii) Sir Syed Ahmed Khan was a great social reformer and an educationist. He worked as a guiding force for the Muslims to form a separate organisation.
(b) Any three demands made by the Muslim Deputation in 1906 to the Viceroy Lord Minto. [3]
Answer:
(i) Separate Electorate: The delegation demanded separate electorate for the Muslims.
(ii) Weightage in Representation: The Muslim representation should be determined not on the basis of their total population but on political importance and services rendered to the British empire.
(iii) Adequate Representation: The delegation demanded a greater representation of the Muslims in all services civil and military.
(iv) Demand for Muslim University: The delegation further wanted to establish a Muslim University with the help of the government. The University would be the centre of religious, cultural and intellectual activities.
(c) What were the aims and objectives of the Muslim League? [4]
Answer:
(i) To promote amongst the Muslims of India, the feeling of loyalty to the British Government and to remove any misconception that may arise as to the intentions of the government with regard to any of its measures.
(ii) To protect and advance the political rights and interests of the Muslims of India and to represent their needs and aspirations to the government.
(iii) To prevent the rise among Muslims of India of any feelings of hostility towards other communities without adversely affecting the objects of the League.
Question 8.
The Congress Working Committee passed the famous ‘Quit India’resolution at Wardha in July 1942. With reference to this, answer the following questions:
(a) What were the reasons for the passing of this resolution? [3]
Answer:
(i) Failure of the Cripps Mission: The failure of the Cripps Mission left no meeting ground between the Congress and the government. It was clear from the proposals that the government was not willing to grant independence in the near future. The Indians were also not happy at the proposals of Cripps Mission because proposals contained within them provisions which could divide India into hundreds of independent provinces.
(ii) War Situation : There was every possibility that India might be attacked by Japan and the Indians
were helpless because they had no power or means to resist the attack. So, the Indian leaders felt that the situation called for complete independence. Gandhiji also felt that an orderly and peaceful withdrawal of the British could save India from internal anarchy and external aggression.
(iii) Internal Anarchy : The communal situation was worsening day by day. The Muslim League was demanding a separate state i.e., Pakistan. This had spoiled the communal situation.
(b) What was the British Government s reaction to the ‘Quit India ’Movement ? [3]
Answer:
The government used police and army to suppress the movement. Hundreds of persons were killed and over 70,000 arrested in less than five months. Even armed aircrafts were used in Bhagalpur and Monghyr in Bihar. Mobs were dispersed by lathi charge, rifle, pistol and occasionally by machine guns. Even women and children were not spared. The main objective of the government was to terrorize the people.
(c) What was the impact and significance of this movement? [4]
Answer:
(i) Demonstrated the depth of the national feelings: The movement showed the depth of the national will and convinced the Britishers that the days of their domination in India were numbered. People from all parts of India fought together against the Britishers.
(ii) Set back to the Britishers: Now the British officials had realized that the British would not be able to retain their hold on India.
(iii) Parallel Government : A significant feature of the Quit India Movement was the emergence of parallel governments in Ballia in Uttar Pradesh, Midnapur in Bengal and Satara in Maharashtra.
(iv) Strengthening of the Congress Socialist Party: The Quit India Movement helped in strengthening the Congress Socialist Party because of its magnificent and heroic role in the movement. Its socialist ideas had an impact on the Indian National Congress.
Question 9.
Study the picture given and answer the questions that follow:
(a) Identify the leader in the picture. [2]
Answer:
Adolf Hitler.
(b) State any four factors that led to the rise of dictatorships in Germany and Italy. [4]
Answer:
(i) Economic Factors: The politico-economic conditions of both the countries were almost identical; e.g., there prevailed political instability in both the countries; and both the governments failed to solve the common problems of the people like unemployment, price-rise, inflation, industrial and economic slump; etc.
(ii) Peace Treaties: The Peace Treaties signed after the First World War were dissatisfactory and humiliating for both.
(iii) Communist Threat: The Facist and the Nazi parties were supported mainly by industrialists, big businessmen and the landlords. The economy was in a shambles and the workers were agitating for higher wages and better conditions of work. Both Italy and Germany seemed to be heading towards a communist revolution. The industrialists viewed the growing strength of the labour unions with alarm.
(iv) Reaction to the humiliating Treaty of Versailles : The Treaty of Versailles imposed very humiliating terms on Germany, like paying huge war penalties to the victors, ceding chunks of German territory to them including her overseas colonies and disbanding German armies. The Treaty of Versailles was signed by the officers of the German Democratic Republic in Paris in 1919 A.D. The People began to look upon the Weimar Republic (which accepted the terms and conditions of the humiliating Treaty of Versailles) as a symbol of national disgrace and an act of betrayal of the German people.
(c) Why did he invade Poland? State two similarities between Fascism and Nazism. [4]
Answer:
Danzing corridor was the main cause of tension between Germany and Poland. Danzing was part of Germany until the Versailles Treaty gave it to Poland.
Similarities :
- Fascism and Nazism were totally against democracy. They laid stress on duties and obligations unlike democracy. They laid stress on rights and liberties of the people.
- Rule of single party and a single leader, with full authority.
Question 10.
The United Nations Organization was established to maintain peace and ‘promote social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom. ’ With reference to this, explain the following:
(a) The composition of the Security Council. [3]
Answer:
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 Stated 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.
(b) The functions of the Security Council related to maintaining World Peace. [3]
Answer:
- To maintain international peace and security.
- To investigate any dispute or situation which may lead to friction.
- To recommend methods of settling such disputes.
- To formulate plans for the regulation of armaments.
- To determine the existence of a threat to peace or act of aggression and to recommend action against such a threat.
- To call upon members to apply economic sanctions and other measures to stop aggression.
(c) The role of UNESCO in the development of Science and Technology. [4]
Answer:
1. To provide financial assistance and promote research in mathematics, geology, physics, oceanography, engineering and technology in developing countries.
2. To organize seminars, regional and world conferences of scientists, engineers and technologists.
3. To inform all countries about the progress in science through bulletins, exhibitions and journals.
“Courier” is the official monthly magazine of the UNESCO.
4. To encourage the study of social sciences with special reference to the study of the topics like factors causing violence and conflict, violation of human rights, the future of the human race, improving the status of women, helping the youth in solving their problems, methods of coflict-resolution and tolerance- promotion techniques. The 1998 UNESCO Prize for Tolerance Promotion was awarded jointly to India’s Narayan Desai and Pakistan’s Committee for Peoples rights.
It helps in correcting the imbalance in scientific and technological manpower that exists because 90% of the trained manpower is concentrated in the industralised countries.