ICSE 2015 History and Civics Question Paper Solved for Class 10

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ICSE Class 10 History and Civics Question Paper 2015 Solved

Part – I (30 Marks)
Attempt all questions from this Part

Question 1
(a) Name the two houses of the Union Parliament. [1]
Answer:

LokSabha
Rajya Sabha

(b) How many members are nominated by the President to the Lok Sabha? Which community do they represent? [1]
Answer:
Two-Anglo Indian

(c) What is the required quorum to hold the meetings of the LokSabha? [1]
Answer:
A quorum is the minimum number of members required to be present in the Lok Sabha / Rajya Sabha before a meeting is allowed to begin. One tenth of the total members of the Lok Sabha / Rajya Sabha must be present at the beginning of a sitting of the House including the Presiding Officer.

(d) Mention one provision of the Constitution which clearly establishes the supremacy of the Lok Sabha with regard to money-bills. [1]
Answer:

A money bill can be introduced in the Lok Sabha only, not in the Rajya Sabha.
The Rajya Sabha cannot reject a money bill. It can give its suggestions and return it to Lok Sabha within 14 days.

(e) Who has the power to promulgate an Ordinance at the Centre? When can it be promulgated? [1]
Answer:
President

When the President is satisfied that immediate necessary legislative action is required.
When the Parliament is not in session.

(f) Mention any one discretionary power of the President. [1]
Answer:
In the case of no single party getting a clear majority, a coalition of parties makes its claim to form the government. The President has to use his discretionary judgement and invite such a leader to head the government as Prime Minister who can provide a stable government to the country. His judgement and decision are of crucial importance.

(g) State any one qualification necessary for the election of the President of India. [1]
Answer:

He should be a citizen of India.
He should be of 35 years of age or above.

(h) Who is the’Chairman of the Rajya Sabha? [1]
Answer:
Vice President

(i) What happens if a Vote of No-Confidence is passed against a Minister in the Lok Sabha? [1]
Answer:
The Government is constitutionally bound to resign.

(j) State one advantage of a Lok Adalat. [1]
Answer:
A Lok Adalat delivers speedy and inexpensive justice.

Advantages of a Lok Adalat are as under:

The Lok Adalats work in the spirit of compromise.
This way both the parties feel that they have been treated fairly.
The decisions passed by a Lok Adalat are final and binding on the parties. No appeal lies before any court against its decision.
A Lok Adalat reduces the workload of other courts.
A Lok Adalat delivers speedy and inexpensive justice.

Question 2.
(a) Mention two administrative changes that the British Government brought about regarding the East India Company’s rule in India. [2]
Answer:
(i) Position of Secretary of State : The Act of 1858 abolished the Company’s Board of Control and the Court of Directors. All their powers were transferred to a Cabinet Minister, known as the Secretary of State.
He was to be advised by a Council consisting of 15 members.

(ii) Position of Governor-General : The designation of the Governor-General was changed. He was designated as the Viceroy while representing the British government in England. It was his duty to run the Indian administration on behalf of the Crown. He was under the control of the Secretary of State for India.

(b) Mention any two contributions of Jyotiba Phule in preparing the ground for the National Movement. [2]
Answer:
(b) (i) In 1873, Jyotirao formed ‘Satya Shodhak Samaj’ (Society of Seekers of Truth). The main objectives of the organization were to liberate the Shudras and Ati Shudras and to prevent their ‘exploitation’ by the upper caste like Brahmans.

(ii) He opposed idolatry and denounced the caste system rejected the need for a Brahman priestly class as educational and religious leaders. This promoted the spirit of unity and belongingness among the people.

(d) Who is regarded as the political guru Mahatma Gandhi? Give a reason for him being considered as the Mahatma’s Guru. [2]
Answer:
Gopal Krishna Gokhale
In 1912, Gokhale went to South Africa where he helped Gandhiji in his fight against racial discrimination. The credit of persuading Gandhiji to return to India and join Indian public life also goes to Gokhale.

(e) Mention any two causes for the rise of Assertive Nationalism. [2]
Answer:

Repressive policies of Lord Curzon.
Failure of the moderates.

(f) Why was the Simon Commission rejected by theCongress? [2]
Answer:

It was boycotted everywhere because all its members were, Englishmen.
The government showed no inclination towards accepting the demand for Swaraj.

(g) Who founded the Forward Bloc? Mention any one of its objectives. [2]
Answer:
Subhash Chandra Bose: The main aim was the immediate liberation of India.

(h) What is the meaning of ‘Fascism ’? [2]
Answer:
Fascism is drawn from the Latin word ‘Fasces’, meaning a bundle of rods tied together, signifying unity, strength and authority.
The Triple Entente was formed between Britain, France and Russia.

(i) Name the two rival blocs formed in Europe before World War I. [2]

(j) What is meant by the term ‘Non-AlignedMovement’? [2]
Answer:
Non-Alignment is the international policy of a sovereign state according to which it does not align itself with any of the power blocks and at the same time actively participates in the world affairs to promote international peace, harmony and cooperation.

Part – II (50 Marks)
Section-A
Attempt any two questions from this Section

Question 3.
The Rajya Sabha is the second chamber of the Indian Parliament and represents the interest of the States. In this context explain the following:
(a) Its composition. [3]
Answer:
The strength of the Rajya Sabha is fixed at 250 members. There are two categories of members: First, the elected members; and second, the nominated members.

Elected Members:
There are 238 elected members, who represent the 28 States and the Union Territories, including the National Capital Territory, Delhi. Seats are allotted to them on the basis of their population. For example, Uttar Pradesh, with a population of nearly 16 crores is represented in the Rajya Sabha by 31 members, which is die largest. Goa, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, Tripura send only one member each to the Rajya Sabha.

Nominated Members:
The President nominates 12 members to the Rajya Sabha. These are eminent persons from the fields of Literature, Science, Art and Social Service. They are nominated for six years, with a provision that one-third (i.e., 4 out of 12) shall retire after every two years. These nominations are made by the President on the advice and recommendations of the’Prime Minister.

(b) Qualifications for membership. [3]
Answer:
In order to become a member of the Rajya Sabha, a person must possess the following qualifications:

He should be a citizen of India.
He should be at least of 30 years.
He should have such other qualifications as may be prescribed by law from time to time.

All Bills, except Money Bills, can originate in the Rajya Sabha. No Bill can become a law, unless it is passed by both the Houses of the Parliament.
The Rajya Sabha can impeach the President on the charge of violating the constitution.

Question 4.
The makers’of our constitution adopted the Parliamentary and the Cabinetform of Government With reference to this, answer the following questions:
(a) (i) Who is the Constitutional Head of the Union Government? [3]
(ii) What is meant by the Collective and Individual Responsibility of the members of the Cabinet?
Answer:
(i) Prime Minister.

(ii) Collective or Joint Responsibility: The Council of Ministers (Cabinet) is jointly or collectively responsible to the Parliament. Once they have reached a decision after full and frank discussion in the meeting of the Council of Ministers (Cabinet) under Prime Minister’s chairmanship, all the Ministers must defend it inside the Parliament and in the public. They must not criticise it or go against it They may, however, resign if there is serious difference of opinion. The Council of Ministers and the Cabinet must sink and swim together. This is called Collective. or Joint responsibility. The concept of collective responsibility of the Cabinet is the most important aspect of Cabinet system.

Individual Responsibility: If, however, a Minister has taken a departmental decision independently in the best interest of the department, then he is individually responsible to the President, practically to the Prime Minister who can ask him to resign from his office. The concerned Minister acts accordingly.

(b) Explain briefly the position and powers of the Prime Minister in relation to the Cabinet. [3]
Answer:
In relation to the Cabinet or the Council of Ministers, the Prime Minister possesses the following powers :
(i) He forms the Council of Ministers and determines its size. He decides about the categories of Ministers and their portfolios. The Prime Minister holds tremendous power in this respect. His decision is final in such matters.

(ii) The Prime Minister can remove a Minister from the Council of Ministers by asking him to give his resignation from it. He can reallocate portfolios.

(iii) The Prime Minister summons the meetings of the Council of Ministers, and presides over them. He decides the agenda of the meetings and the order of discussion of the items of the agenda. After open discussion in the Cabinet, the Prime Minister concludes the discussion and gives his decision. This decision is considered as the decision of the whole Cabinet / Council of Ministers. Under the principle of Collective Responsibility, all are bound by this decision.

(iv) The Prime Minister has the power to co-ordinate the policies and the working of die different departments of the government In this way, it is Prime Minister’s function to ensure that all departments work in co-ordination with each other, according to the set policies and decisions of the Cabinet.

The Council of Ministers	The Cabinet
(a) It consists of all the four ranks of Ministers the Cabinet Ministers, the Ministers of State, the Deputy Ministers and Parliamentary Secretaries.	(a) The Cabinet generally consists of sehior Ministers holding Cabinet rank and important portfolios.
(b) The Council of Ministers is a large body, it meets occasionally.	(b) The Cabinet is a small and cohesive group which meets regularly.

Question 5.
With reference to our Judiciary, discuss the following:
(a) Why is the Judiciary kept independent of the control of the Executive and the Legislature? [3]
Answer:
(i) It is essential for the functioning of a democratic constitution, i.e., to be neutral and impartial in dispensation of justice, even if its judgements go against the Government of India (to order punishment of officials of the Government for failure to implement its judgements or orders) and annul laws made by legislature on the grounds of their being ultra vires (exceeding the powers granted by law) of the Constitution.

(ii) To safeguard the dignity of the judges or the court.

(b) What do we mean when we refer to the Supreme Court and the High Court as a court of Record’? [3]
Answer:
The Supreme Court of Record means:
Its decisions and decrees are recorded for evidence. These are used as precedents, i.e. the High Court and other courts are bound to give a similar decision ina similar case.

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 die authority to punish him.

(c) Name the Writs that the High Courts are empowered to issue. What is meant by the Advisory Jurisdiction of the High Court? [4]
Answer:
All the High Courts can issue Writs e.g., the Writs of Habeas Corpus, Mandamus, Prohibition, Quo-warranto and Certiorari to protect the Fundamental Rights.

The President may seek Supreme Court’s opinion or advice on a question of law or fact, which is of public importance in the opinion of the President, whether it has actually arisen or is likely to arise. The Supreme Court may give its opinion, after such hearing as it may think fit. It is done by a Bench of five Judges, by a majority vote. The opinion of the Supreme Court is pronounced in the open’court. But the opinion of the Supreme Court is not binding on the President, as it is not a judicial decision . or pronouncement. It is only a consultative view. It must be noted that the Supreme Court is also not bound to give its advisory opinion when a reference is made to it by the President. The Supreme Court can decline to give its opinion. Usually, its opinion is rejected by all courts and tribunals.

Section-B
Attempt any three questions from this Section

Question 6
With reference to the growth of National consciousness in India explain each of the following:
(a) The immediate objectives of the Indian National Congress. [3]
Answer:

Promotion of close relations between nationalist workers from different parts of the country.
Development of the feeling of national unity, irrespective of caste, religion or region.
The formulation of popular demands on main Indian problems and their presentation before the Government.
To train and organise public opinion in the country.

(b) Two contributions of Dadabhai Naoroji. [3]
Answer:
(i) Dadabhai Naoroji was a great economic thinker. His views on Indian economy can be gathered from his classic work ‘Poverty and Un-British Rule in India’. Through his famous ‘Drain Theory’ he explained how India’s wealth was being taken away to England in various forms like:

(ii) Eli was one of the foremost leaders of the Congress for over 20 years. Thrice he presided over the Sessions of the Congress.

(c) The impact of the Swadeshi and the Boycott Movement. [4]
Answer:
(i) Impetus to Indian Industries : Boycott was mainly directed against British cloth, salt, shoes etc. This gave an impetus to Indian industries, as there was an increase in demand for the Indian goods.

(ii) Decline in Imports : Swadeshi means ‘of one’s own country’. After the movement people started using indigenous products. This helped in increasing the demand of Indian products. So, on the whole, both Swadeshi and Boycott movements helped in accelerating the growth of Indian industries.

Question 7.
In 1930 Mahatma Gandhi’s demands were rejected by the British, as a result of which he launched the Civil Disobedience Movement. In this context explain the following:

(a) Name the famous march undertaken by Gandhiji. Where did he begin this march? State two of its features. [3]
Answer:
Dandi March – 12th March 1930.

Features:

He began his march from his ashram in Sabarmati (Gujarat). He launched the movement to break the Salt Laws. It was a symbol of defiance of the laws made by the Government.
Another objective was to transform the national movement into a mass movement.

(b) The Gandhi-Irwin Pact as a consequence of this Movement. [3]
Answer:
Due to large scale participation of the people government came under pressure and signed Gandhi-Irwin pact in 1931. Under the pact government agreed to release all political prisoners whereas Congress agreed to participate in the Second Round Table Conference.

(c) Significance of the Second Round Table Conference. [4]
Answer:
The Second Round Table Conference was held in London on the 7th September, 1931 to 1st December, 1931, and Mahatma Gandhi participated in it as the sole representative of the Congress. The Second Round Table Conference discussed the federal concept, autonomous provinces, the communal question and the representation to the minorities – Muslims, Sikhs Anglo-Indians and Christians.

Question 8.
With reference to the transfer of power to India, answer the following:
(a) Explain the Cabinet Mission s proposals regarding the setting up of a Constitution making body. [3]
Answer:
Constituent Assembly : A Constituent Assembly consisting of 389 members – 292 members from provinces, 4 from the territories governed by Chief Commissioner and 93 from Indian Princely States would draft the Constitution of India.

(b) Mention any two clauses of the India Independence Act 1947. [3]
Answer:
(i) Two New Dominions: It provided for the setting up of two independent Dominions of India and Pakistan with effect from 15th of August, 1947, and demarcated the territories of each. Pakistan comprised of East Bengal, West Punjab, Sindh, Baluchistan, NWFP and Sylhet district of Assam. India was to comprise all the remaining territories of British India.

(ii) Each Dominion to have a Governor-General: Each of the Dominions was to have a separate Governor- General of its own to represent His Majesty’s Government. But he was to be only a constitutional head, and act on the advice of the ministers in all respects.

(c) Why did the Congress accept the Mountbatten Plan? [4]
Answer:
(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.

(iii) To get rid of undemocratic Procedures : The leaders felt that constitution of separate electorate and other undemocratic procedures would weaken the democracy. So to get rid of these, partition was a must.

(iv) Immediate end of the British rule : All the people and leaders were so fed up with the British rule that they wanted to get rid of their rule immediately and were ready to pay any price. Hence, partition was a price for immediate independence.

Question 9.
The War that broke out in 1914 was different from the previous wars in many ways. In this context discuss the following points briefly:
(a) Militant Nationalism as a cause of the War. [3]
Answer:
(i) Militant Nationalism and Mutual Rivalries: Nationalism in the 19th century had become competitive and aggressive. Love for one’s nation meant hatred towards other nations. The whole atmosphere was charged with narrow militant atmosphere and inter-state rivalries.

(ii) Militant and Armament Race: There was an armament race between the European nations, each one producing arms and ammunition for one’s security.

(b) How did the treaty of Versailles seek to cripple Germany s military strength? [3]
Answer:

The German army was disbanded. She was allowed to keep only one lakh soldiers. The air force and sub marines were also banned. Her navy was limited to 15,000 men and 36 ships.
Germany had to cede to the Allies her merchant ships as compensation.

(c) What was the territorial re-arrangement of Europe as a result of this War? [4]
Answer:
The political map of the world, especially that of the Europe, was transformed after the Peace Treaties.

The old empires like German, the Austrian, Ottoman and Russia were shattered.
Many new states such as Poland, Finland, Latavia, Lithunia, Czechoslovakia, Romania and Yugoslavia were created.

Before World War I, empires of Russia, Germany, Turkey, Austria etc. were ruled by the royal dynasties. But after the War, democratic governments were established in these areas.

The German Emperor William II fled away and a democratic government was set up there.
People’s Republic was set up in Russia after the Revolution of 1917.
Republic was set up in Italy too.

Thus, after the end of War began a democratic era, with the people given more political rights, justice and opportunities of participation in the decision making.

Question 10.
The United Nations was established to be an effective peace keeping international organization. In this context explain the following:
(a) ‘Its objectives and purposes. [3]
Answer:
(a) To save the world from any other world war.
(b) To promote respect for Human Rights and Fundamental Freedom.
(c) To establish such a condition under which justice and respect for international law and treaties can be maintained.
(d) To promote social, economic and political justice.
(i) International Peace: This is one of the most important purposes of establishing the UNO. It should take effective measures for the removal of threats to the peace.

(ii) Friendly Relations: Its second most important purpose is to develop friendly relations among nations, based on respect for the principle of equal rights and self determination of people.

(ii) International Cooperation : Its third most important purpose is to promote international cooperation in solving international problems on economic, social, cultural or humanitarian charter.

(b) The meaning of Human Rights as incorporated in the Human Charter. [3]
Answer:
On 10th December, 1948, the General Assembly of the United Nations adopted and proclaimed the Universal Declaration of the Human Rights. The Articles 1 and 2 are the most important.
Article 1 : All human beings are bom free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another with spirit of brotherhood.

Article 2 : Everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration, without distinction of any kind, such as race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status. Furthermore, no distinction should be made on the basis of the political, jurisdiction or international status of the country or territory to which a person belongs, whether it be independent, bust, non-self governing or under any other limitation of sovereignty.

(c) Name the agency that the UN set up to deliver relief to children and mothers after World War II. State any three of its functions. [4]
Answer:
UNICEF : United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund

To assist countries in providing protective food like milk, meat, fish, fats, etc. to the children and to train nutritionists.
To take care of the women and pregnant mothers.
To provide funds for training of health and sanitation workers and creche workers.