Question 1.
What were the ‘Sumptuary Laws’ in France?
Answer:
From about 1294 to the time of the French Revolution in 1789, the people of France were expected to strictly follow some dress codes. These dress codes or laws related to wearing of clothes were known as ‘Sumptuary Laws’. Following were the major features of these laws:

• The laws tried to control the behaviour of those considered social inferiors, preventing them from wearing certain clothes, consuming certain foods and beverages (usually this referred to alcohol) and hunting game in certain areas.
• In medieval France, the items of clothing a person could purchase per Year was regulated, not only by income but also by social rank.
• The material to be used for clothing was also legally prescribed. Only royalty could wear ^expensive materials like ermine and fur or silk, velvet and brocade. Other classes were debarred from clothing themselves with materials that were associated with the aristocracy.

Question 2.
Give any two examples of the ways in which European dress codes were different from Indian dress codes.
Answer:
In different cultures, specific items of clothing often convey different messages. This was also true in case of European dress codes and Indian dress codes.

• Turban and hat: According to western traditions, a hat had to be removed before social superiors as a sign of respect. But in India, the turban was not just for protection from the heat but it was a sign of respectability and could not be removed at will. The British felt offended if the Indians did not take off their turbans when they met British officials.
• Use of shoes: When the British established their rule in India, they insisted that the Indians should take off their shoes as a sign of respect to the British officials. Many Indians, especially the government servants, were increasingly uncomfortable with such rule.

Question 3.
‘Though there were no formal sumptuary laws in India but it had its own strict social codes of food and dress’. Explain by giving examples.
Answer:

• During the 18th and 19th centuries the caste system in India was very rigid. The caste system clearly defined what subordinate and dominant caste Hindus should wear, eat, etc. and these codes had the force of law. No caste or community was allowed to overlook these codes. For example, when the lower caste people belonging to Shanar caste tried to cover their upper body they were attacked by Nairs, an upper caste.
• When in 1820 Shanar women tried to wear tailored blouses and clothes they‘were attacked by the Nairs. Even complaints were filed in the court against this dress change and Governor of Travancore issued a proclamation ordering Shanar women to abstain in future from covering the upper parts of the body.
• The abolition of slavery in travancore in 1855 led to even more frustration among the upper castes. In October 1859, riots broke out and Governor was forced to issue proclamation permitting Shanar women, whether Christian or Hindu to wear a jacket or cover their upper bodies in any manner whatever but not like the women of high castes.

Question 4.
Explain the reasons for the changes in clothing patterns and materials in the 18th century,
Answer:

• Revolution: There were many restrictions on the French people regarding the dress codes. These were known as sumptuary laws. But after the French Revolution of 1789 many restrictions imposed on clothes were lifted.
• Trade: There was also a change in the clothing pattern because of trade. Now people had more choices and variety of clothes.
• Spread of democratic ideas: During the 18th century democratic ideas were also spreading in different parts of the world. Democracy Jay stress on equality as a result of which all citizens were given the choice to wear whatever they like.
• War: Clothes got shorter, simpler and less colourful because of the two world wars.

Question 5.
Explain the impact of World Wars on the clothing pattern of women.
Answer:

• Women and work: Before the First World War most of the women in Europe were not working in factories.
  But by 1917, more than 7,00,000 women in Britain were employed in ammunition factories. As they were going to work they needed clothes that were comfortable and convenient. They started wearing a working uniform of blouse and trouser. Clothes became plainer and simpler. Skirts became shorter.
• No jewellery: Most of the working women stopped wearing jewellery and luxurious clothes.
• Change in school dress: Even schools started emphasising the importance of plain dressing, and. discouraged ornamentation. With the introduction of gymnastics and games women started wearing clothes that did not hamper movement.
• Change in colour: Before the war people used to wear bright coloured clothes but during the war bright colours faded from sight and only sober colours were worn. Thus clothes became plainer and simpler.

Question 6.
How did the French Revolution end all the distinctions imposed by the Sumptuary Laws? [CBSE 2015]
Answer:

• People started wearing clothing that was loose and comfortable.
• Blue, red and white colours became popular and were considered the signs of patriotism.
• Now the difference in dress was based on the earnings.
• Other political symbols too became a part of dress for example a red cap symbolised liberty.

Question 7.
Mention any three restrictions imposed on the common people of France from about 1294 to 1789.
Answer:

• Dress codes were sometimes imposed upon members of different layers of society through actual laws which were spelt out in some detail.”
• In medieval France, the items of clothing a person could purchase per year was regulated, not only by income but also by social rank.
• The material to be used for clothing was also legally prescribed. Only royalty could wear expensive materials like ermine and fur, or silk, velvet and brocade. Other classes were debarred from clothing themselves with materials that were associated with the aristocracy.

Question 8.
Why did Mahatma Gandhi’s dream of clothing the nation in Khadi became an appeal only to some sections of Indians?
Answer:
Mahatma Gandhi’s dream was to clothe the whole nation in Khadi. Though he succeeded using khadi as a source to inspire the Indian people but there were many with different opinions.

• The British machines made clothes which were much cheaper as compared to khadi. Poverty rate was very high in India, so most of the poor started adopting foreign clothes.
• The wealthy Parsis of western India: were among the first to adapt Western- style clothing because western clothes were a sign of modernity and progress.
• Though Motilal Nehru gave up his expensive Western-style suits and adopted the Indian dhoti and kurta but these were not made up of coarse material as suggested by Gandhiji.
• As the caste system in India was very rigid and the western dress style was for all, so many people adopted it for self-respect and equality.

Question 9
What were the changes that came to be seen in women’s clothing as a result of two World Wars? Explain. [CBSE March 2013]
Or
How were the two World Wars responsible in bringing changes in women’s clothing?
[CBSE March 2011, 13, 15]
Or
“Changes in women clothing came about as a result of two World Wars”. Explain the statement with examples. [CBSE March 2011]
Answer:

• Women and work: Before the First World War most of the women in Europe were not working in factories. But by 1917, more than 7,00,000 women in Britain were employed in ammunition factories. As they were going to work they needed clothes that were comfortable and convenient. They started wearing a working uniform of blouse and trouser.
  Clothes became plainer and simpler. Skirts became shorter.
• No jewellery: Most of the working women stopped wearing jewellery and luxurious clothes.
• Change in school dress: Even schools started emphasising the importance of plain dressing, and discouraged ornamentation. With the introduction of gymnastics and games women started wearing clothes that did not hamper movement.
• Change in colour: Before the War people used to wear bright coloured clothes but during the War bright colours faded from sight and only sober colours were worn. Thus, clothes became plainer and simpler.

Question 10.
Explain the ‘shoe respect’ controversy. [CBSE March 2013]
Answer:

• In different cultures, specific items of clothing often convey contrary meanings. This frequently leads to misunder-standing and conflict.
• At the beginning of the nineteenth century, it was customary for British officials to follow Indian customs and traditions and to remove their footwear in the courts of ruling kings or chiefs.
• In 1824-1828, Governor General Amherst insisted that Indians take their shoes off as a sign of respect when they appeared before him, but this was not strictly followed.
• By the mid-nineteenth century, when Lord Dalhousie was Governor-General, ‘shoe respect’ was made stricter, and Indians were made to take off their shoes when entering any government institution; only those who wore European clothes were exempted from this rule.
• Many Indian government servants were increasingly uncomfortable with these rules.

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Question 1.
Describe the basic factors affecting the population of India.
Answer:
The basic factors affecting the population of India are as under :

• Birth Rate: It is the number of live births per 1,000 individuals of a population per annum. It increases both population size and population density.
• Death or Mortality Rate: It is expressed as the number of death per 1,000 individuals of a population per year. It decreases both population size and population density.
• Migration: Migration is the movement of the people across regions and territories. Migration can be internal or international.

Question 2.
What is meant by population growth and how do you calculate it?
Answer:
Growth of population refers to the change in the number of inhabitants of a country/territory during a specific period or time as an instance, during the last 10 years. Such a change can be expressed in two ways: in terms of absolute numbers and in terms of percentage change per year.

It is obtained by simply subtracting the earlier population from the later population. It is referred to as absolute increase.

Question 3.
Distinguish between Total Population and Average Density of Population.
Answer:

Question 4.
What are the push and pull factors of internal migration in India?
Answer:
In India, most migrations have been from rural to urban areas because of the ‘push’ factor in rural areas. These are adverse conditions of poverty and unemployment in the rural areas and the ‘pull’ of the city in terms of increased employment opportunities and better living conditions.

Question 5.
Why do we need high literacy rate in a country? Who is a literate person?
Answer:
Literacy is a very important quality of a population. Only an informed and educated citizen can make intelligent choices and undertake research and development projects.
Low levels of literacy are a serious obstacle for economic improvement.
According to the Census 2011, a person aged 7 years and above, who can read and write with understanding in any language, is treated as literate.

Question 6.
What are the factors that influence the population distribution in India?
Answer:
Factors that influence the population distribution are :

• Type of Climate: Areas having moderate climate have more population than the areas having extreme climatic conditions. Leh and Ladakh in Jammu and Kashmir and western Rajasthan have extreme type of climate. Therefore, these regions have less or sparse population.
• Type of Soil: India’s northern plains and coastal plains are made up of alluvial soil which is very fertile. So, these areas are densely populated. On the other hand, hilly areas and deserts are thinly populated.
• Opportunity for Jobs: The areas which have more opportunities of jobs are thickly populated, whereas areas which do not provide people with job opportunities are sparsely populated. Urban areas are thickly populated because of this factor.
• Religious and Historical Places like Allahabad, Varanasi, Rameshwaram, Agra etc. are also thickly populated. (any three points)

Question 7.
How do you classify occupations?
Answer:
Occupations are, generally, classified as primary, secondary and tertiary activities.

• Primary activities include agriculture, animal husbandry, forestry, fishing, mining, quarrying, etc.
• Secondary activities include manufacturing industry, building and construction work, etc.
• Tertiary activities include transport, communications, commerce, administration and other services.

Question 8.
Write a short note on adolescent population.
Answer:
The most significant feature of the Indian population is the size of its adolescent population. It constitutes one-fifth of the total population of India. Adolescents are generally, grouped in the age-group of 10 to 19 years. They are the most important resource for the future. Nutrition requirements of adolescents are higher than those of a normal child or adult. Poor nutrition can lead to deficiency and stunted growth. But in India, the diet available to adolescents is inadequate in all nutrients. A large number of adolescent girls suffer from anaemia. Their problems have so far not received adequate attention in the process of development. The adolescent girls have to be sensitised to the problems they confront. Their awareness can be improved through the spread of literacy and education among them.

Question 9.
What are the improvements made in the health status of people of India?
Answer:
Health is an important component of population composition, which affects the process of development. Sustained efforts of government programmes have registered significant improvements in the health conditions of the Indian population. Death rates have declined from 25 per 1000 population in 1951 to 7.2 per 1000 in 2011 and life expectancy at birth has increased from 36.7 years in 1951 to 67.9 years in 2012.

The substantial improvement is the result of many factors including improvement in public health, prevention of infectious diseases and application of modern medical practices in diagnosis and treatment of ailments.

Question 10.
Categorize the population of a nation into three broad categories based on age composition.
Answer:
The population of a nation is generally grouped into three broad categories :

• Children (below 15 years): This group is economically unproductive. They need to be provided with food, clothing, education and medical care.
• Working Age (15 to 59 years): They are economically productive and biologically reproductive. This group bears the burden of children and aged people.
• Aged (above 59 years): They can be economically productive through they may have retired.

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Question.1

• Sarpagandha: It is used to treat blood pressure. It is found only in India.
• Jamun: The juice from ripe fruit is used to prepare vinegar, which is carminative and diuretic, and has digestive properties.
• Arjun: The fresh juice of leaves is a cure for earache. It is also used to regulate blood pressure.

Question 2.
Write a short note on Mangrove Forests.
Answer:
The mangrove tidal forests are found in the areas of coasts influenced by tides. Mud and silt get accumulated on such coasts. Dense mangroves are the common varieties with roots of the plants submerged under water. The deltas of the Ganga, the Mahanadi, the Krishna, the Godavari and the Kaveri are covered by such vegetation. In the Ganga-Brahmaputra delta, sundari trees are found, which provide durable hard timber. Palm, coconut, keora, agar, etc., also grow in some parts of the delta.

Royal Bengal Tiger is the famous animal in these forests. Turtles, crocodiles, gharials and snakes are also found in these forests.

Question 3.
Distinguish between the moist and dry deciduous forests.
Answer:

Question 4.
Write a short note on thorny forests and scrubs.
Answer:
The thorny forest and scrubs are found in regions with less than 70 cm of rainfall, the natural vegetation consists of thorny trees and bushes. This type of vegetation is found in the north-western part of the country, including semi-arid areas of Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana. Acacias, palms, euphorbias and cacti are the main plant species. Trees are scattered and have long roots penetrating deep into the soil to get moisture. The stems are succulent to conserve water. Leaves are mostly thick and small to minimise evaporation. These forests give way to thorn forests and scrubs in arid areas. In these forests, the common animals are rats, mice, rabbits, fox, wolf, tiger, lion, wild ass, horses and camels.

Question 5.
Write three measures to conserve ecosystem.
Answer:
The measures to conserve ecosystem are :

• Deforestation has disturbed our ecosystem. It must be stopped forthwith.
• Indiscriminate killing of wild animals has distorted our ecosystem. Hence, killing of
  animals should be stopped immediately.
• Ecosystem can be conserved by developing more wildlife sanctuaries, national parks and biosphere reserves.

Question 6.
Why is conservation of wildlife very essential? Explain.
Answer:
The government has taken many special efforts to preserve endangered species of birds and animals. Periodic census is undertaken to find out the latest position and trends in this regard. The Project Tiger has been a great success. We have many tiger reserves in various parts of the country. Likewise, the Project Rhino is being implemented in Assam. The Indian Bustard of Rajasthan and Malwa Plateau are yet another endangered species. Even the number of lions had been dwindling for long. Conservation of wildlife is essential in order to protect the endangered species of birds and animals and also to maintain the ecological balance. The Government of India has so far set-up eighteen biosphere reserves.

Question 7.
How do the forests play both a productive and protective role?
Answer:
Productive Role of Forests :

• The forests supply us wood, pulp, cellulose, packaging material etc. to run a number of industries like paper industry, packaging industry etc.
• We obtain a number of consumer goods like fuel wood, timber, medicinal herbs, resins, gums, lac and honey from our forests.
• Forests control the wind force and temperature and cause rainfall.

Protective Role of Forests :

• Forests help in maintaining the ecological balance and providing pollution free air.
• These help in checking soil erosion and raising the water table which receding presently at a faster rate.
• These provide humus to the soil and make it fertile.
• These provide manure to the plants as their leaves and stems after they die, decompose in a natural way.

Question 8.
What are the different steps taken by the government to protect flora and fauna?
Answer:
The different steps taken by the government to protect flora and fauna are :

• Eighteen biosphere reserves have been set up in the country to protect flora fauna.
• The Sunderbans in the West Bengal, Nanda Devi in Uttarakhand, the Gulf of Mannar in Tamil Nadu and the Nilgiris have been included in the world network of biosphere reserves.
• Financial and technical assistance is provided to many botanical gardens by the government since 1992.
• Project Tiger, Project Rhino, Project Great Indian Bustard and many other eco-developmental projects have been introduced by the government.
• 103 National Parks, 535 Wildlife Sanctuaries and Zoological Gardens are set up to take care of natural heritage.

Question 9.
Write a short note on wildlife in India.
Answer:
India is also rich in its fauna. It has approximately 90,000 animal species. The country has about 2,000 species of birds. They constitute 13% of the world’s total. There are 2,546 species of fish, which account for nearly 12% of the world’s stock. It also shares between 5 and 8 per cent of the world’s amphibians, reptiles and mammals.

The elephants are the most majestic animals among the mammals. They are found in the hot wet forests of Assam, Karnataka and Kerala. One-horned rhinoceroses are the other animals, which live in swampy and marshy lands of Assam and West Bengal. Arid areas of the Rann of Kachchh and the Thar Desert are the habitat for wild ass and camels respectively. Indian bison, nilgai (blue bull), chousingha (four-horned antelope), gazel and different species of deer are some other animals found in India. It also has several species of monkeys.

India is the only country in the world that has both tigers and lions. The natural habitat of the Indian lion is the Gir forest in Gujarat. Tigers are found in the forests of Madhya Pradesh, the Sundarbans of West Bengal and the Himalayan region.

Question. 10

• Preserving plant and animal species of the area in natural forms.
• To protect flora and fauna from their overexploitation.
• To save endangered species and prevent extinction of valuable species.
• To undertake research and experimentation in forestry

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Question 1.
“ Despite an overall unity in the gen¬eral pattern of climate of India,there are perceptible regional variations in climatic conditions within the country.” Justify.
Or
“India has diverse climatic conditions”Support this statement by giving examples, each of tempera¬ture and precipitation.
Answer:

• The mercury occasionally touches 50°C in the western deserts, and it drops down to as low as -45°C in winter around Leh.
• The annual precipitation is less than 10 cm in the north-west Himalayas and the western desert. It exceeds 400 cm in Meghalaya.
• Most parts of the country receive rainfall from June to September, but some parts like the Tamil Nadu coast get most of its rain during October and November.

Question 2.
Explain the factors affecting India’s climate. [CBSE 2015]
Answer:

• Latitude : The Tropic of Cancer passes through the middle of the country from the Rann of Kuchchh in the west to Mizoram in the east. Almost half of the country, lying south of the Tropic of Cancer, belongs to the tropical area. All the remaining area, north of the Tropic, lies in the sub-tropic. Therefore, India’s climate has characteristics of tropical as well as subtropical climates.
• Altitude: India has mountains to the north which have an average height of about 6,000 metres. India also has a.vast coastal area where the maximum elevation i% about 30 metres. The Himalayas prevent the cold winds from Central AsiafrQm entering the subcontinent. It is because of these mountains that this subcontinent experiences comparatively milder winters as compared to central Asia.
• Pressure and Winds: The pressure and wind conditions over India are unique. During winter, there is a high-pressure area north of the Himalayas. Cold dry winds blow from this region to the low-pressure areas over the oceans to the south. In summer, a low-pressure area develops over interior Asia as well as over northwestern India. This causes a complete reversal of the direction of winds during summer. Air moves from the high-pressure area over the southern Indian Ocean, in a south¬easterly direction, crosses the equator, and turns right towards the low-pressure areas over the Indian subcontinent. These are known as the Southwest Monsoon winds. These winds blow over the warm oceans, gather moisture and bring widespread rainfall over the mainland of India.

Question 3.
Mention any three characteristics of the Monsoon’.[CBSE 2011,12,14 ]
Answer:

• The Monsoons are pulsating in nature.
• These are affected by different atmospheric conditions prevailing in the region.
• The duration of the monsoon is between 100 – 120 days.

Question 4.
What is “October Heat”?
Answer:
The months of October-November form a period of transition from a hot rainy season to dry winter conditions. The retreat of monsoons is marked by clear skies, and rise in temperature. The land is still moist. Owing to the condition of high temperature and humidity, the weather becomes rather oppressive. This is commonly known as ‘October Heat’.

Question 5.
Explain development of Monsoon Trough and its influence over rainfall distribution. [CBSE 2014]
Answer:

• It is a region of low atmospheric pressure which develops because of excessive heat.
• It brings a remarkable change in rainfall pattern.
• It is responsible for diy and wet spells of monsoon.

Questions.6.
Compare the hot weather season of India with that of cold weather season.
Answer:

Questions.7.
How will you differentiate between the summer and winter monsoons?
Or
Differentiate between South-West and North-East trade winds.
Answer:

Question 8

Answer:

Questions.9.
“Monsoon acts as a unifying bond”. Explain. [CBSE March 2013,15]
Answer:

• The seasonal alteration of the wind systems and the associated weather conditions provide a rhythmic cycle of seasons. Even the uncertainties of rain and uneven distribution are very much typical of the monsoons.
• The Indian landscape, its animal and plant life, its entire agricultural calendar arid the life of the people, including their festivities, revolve around this phenomenon. Year after year, people of India from north to south and from east to west, eagerly await the arrival of the monsoon.
• These monsoon winds bind the whole country by providing water to set the agricultural activities in motion. The river valleys which carry this water also unite as a single river valley unit.

Question 10.

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Question.1

• River Indus rises in Tibet near Mansarovar lake.
• Its total length is 2,900 km and is one of the longest rivers of the world.
• Majority flows through Pakistan and help in agricultural activities.
• The main tributaries of Indus are Nubra, Hunza, Sulley, Beas, Ravi, Chenab, Jhelum. (any two)

Question 2.
Write a short note on the Brahmaputra river system.
Or
Describe the three main features of river Brahmaputra.
Answer:

• The Brahmaputra originates in Tibet where it is known as Tsangpo.
• It flows eastwards parallel to the Himalayas, but it takes a U-tum around the Namcha Barwa and enters India in Arunachal Pradesh.
• It is responsible for creating a havoc of floods in Assam and Bangladesh.
• This river receives less volume of water and has less silt in Tibetan part, but it carries a large volume of water and silt in India.
• It has a braided channel in most of its length in Assam with a few large islands within the channel.

Question 3.
Describe any three features of Ganga-Brahmaputra delta.
Or
Describe the features of the Ganga plain.
Answer:

• The Sundarban Delta derived its name from the Sundari tree which grows well in marshland.
• It is formed by the rivers Ganga and the Brahmaputra.
• It is the world’s largest and fastest growing delta.
• It is also the home of Royal Bengal Tiger.

Question 4.
Why do the Himalayan rivers get flooded every year? What are its advantages?
Answer:

• The Himalayan rivers receive water from the melted snow from the lofty mountains as well as from rain.
• During monsoons, due to heavy rainfall, these rivers get flooded every year.

Advantages:

• The Himalayan rivers flood parts of the northern plains enfiching the soil for the extensive agricultural lands.
• Various food crops and cash crops are grown in these fertile lands.

Question 5.
What progress has been made in the Ganga Action Plan?
Answer:

• Sixty-nine schemes have been completed with positive results.
• Trees have been planted in badly eroded portions.
• Check dams have been repaired in the upper reaches of the river.
• Interception and diversion of several major drains carrying sewage and industrial wastes to the river in some cities like Varanasi, Kanpur, Patna have reduced the pollution level.
• Turtles and the Gangetic dolphins which had disappeared for several years have now reappeared in Varanasi and other places.

Question 6.
Why are most of the Peninsular rivers draining into the Bay of Bengal? Give reasons. Name the two rivers draining into the Arabian Sea.
Answer:
(i)
(a) The main water divide in Peninsular India is formed by the Western Ghats, which runs from north to south close to the western coast..
(b) The Deccan Plateau is higher in the west and slopes gently eastwards.
Thus, most of the peninsular rivers such as Mahanadi, the Godavari, the Krishna and the Kaveri flow eastwards and drain into the Bay of Bengal.
(ii) The river Narmada and river Tapi drain into the Arabian Sea.

Question 7.
Describe the four drainage patterns.
Answer:
The four drainage patterns are as follows:

• Dendritic: The dendritic patterns develop where the river channels follows the slope terrain. The stream with its tributaries resembles the branches of a tree, thus the name dendritic.
• Trellis: A river joined by its tributaries, at approximately right angles, develops a Trellis pattern. A Trellis drainage pattern develops where hard and soft rocks: exist parallel to each other.
• Rectangular: A rectangular drainage pattern develops on a strongly-jointed rocky terrain.
• Radial: The radial pattern develops when streams flows in different directions from a central peak or dome-like structure.

Question 8.
“Rivers constitute the most useful natural resources.” Support the statement with five suitable examples. HOTS
Answer:
Rivers are the most important natural resources because

• Rivers provide water for survival and growth of all organisms.
• Rivers provided ideal conditions for the early man to lead a settled life.
• Rivers have built flood plains, deltas and provide fertile soil for agriculture.
• Water from rivers is used for drinking, irrigation and for generating hydro- electricity.
• Man is able to supplement his food supply with the fish in the rivers. Rivers also serve as natural waterways.
• World’s earliest civilization developed in the river valleys, e.g., Nile Valley civilization, Indus Valley civilization etc. River Valleys are the world’s best agricultural lands, and are densely populated regions.

Question 9.
Explain the main features of the rivers originating from the Himalayas.
Answer:

• Most of the Himalayan rivers are perennial. It means that they have water throughout the year.
• The Himalayan rivers have long courses from their source to the sea.
• These perform intensive erosional activity in their upper courses and carry huge loads of silt and sand.
• They have cut through the mountains making gorges.
• They also have well-developed deltas.

Question.10

• Sewage flowing into the river is to be diverted to other locations for treatment and conversion into energy source.
• Steps have been taken to supply safe drinking water by constructing electric crematoriums and separating bathing Ghats.
• The diversion of several major drains carrying wastes into the river has been completed in cities like Varanasi, Patna and Kanpur and pollution level has been decreased.
• Infrastructure capable of diverting and treatment 835 million litres per day of domestic waste or sewage has been created.
• Ganga Action Plan has been merged with National River Conservation Plan. It now covers 152 towns located along 27 Inter-state rivers in over 16 states.

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Question 1.
Explain the theory of Plate Tectonics. HOTS
Answer:
According to this theory, the crust of the earth has been formed out of seven major and some minor plates. The movement of these plates led to folding, faulting and volcanic activity. These are classified in three categories:

• Convergent Boundary: When plates come .towards each other, also called folding movement.
• Divergent Boundary: When plates move away from each other, also called faulting movement.
• Transform Boundary: In the event of coming together, they may collide or may slide under each other.

Question 2.
What is the difference between a tributary and a distributary?
Answer:
A Tributary: A tributary is that river which joins the main river, and increases the volume of water. It is generally found in the upper or the middle course of a river. For example, the Yamuna is the main tributary of the river Ganga.

A Distributary: It is that river which originates from a main river. It is formed near the river’s mouth before it falls into the sea. It is found in the lower course of the river. For example, the Hooghly is the main distributary of the Ganga.

Question 3.
Name the three major divisions of Himalayas from the north to south.
Answer:
The three major divisions of Himalayas from north to south are:

• The northernmost range which is known as the Great Himalayas or Inner Himalayas or Himadri. It is the most continuous range consisting of the loftiest peaks. It has an average height of 6000 meters. It consists of all the prominent Himalayan peaks.
• The southern range of Himadri which is known the Himachal or the lesser Himalayas lies to the South of Himadri. It forms the most rugged mountain system. The ranges are mainly composed of highly compressed and altered rocks. The altitude varies between 3700 and 4500 meters and its average width is 50 kms.
• The outermost range of the Himalayas is known as Shiwaliks. Its height varies between 900 meters and 1100 meters. This range is composed of unconsolidated sediments brought down by rivers from the main Himalayan ranges. These are also called foothill ranges. They represent the southernmost divison of Himalaya.

Question 4.
Name the southernmost range of Himalaya. Mention any four features of this range.
Answer:
The southernmost range of Himalayas is called Shiwaliks.
Features:

• The outermost range of the Himalayas is called the Outer Himalayas or Shiwaliks.
• They extend over a width of 10-15 km.
• Their altitude varies between 900-1100 metres.
• They are discontinuous ranges and are composed of unconsolidated sediments, gravel and alluvium brought down by the rivers from main Himalayan ranges located farther north.
• Longitudinal valleys known as Duns lie between the lesser Himalayas and Shiwaliks. e.g., Dehradun, Kote Dun, Path Dun. (any four)

Question 5.
How is Himadri range different from Himachal range? Mention any three differences.
Answer:

Question 6.
Differentiate between Western Himalayas and Eastern Himalayas.
Answer:

Question 7.
Write about the main features of the Shiwaliks.
Answer:

• It is the outermost range of the Himalayas.
• The average altitude of the Shiwalik range varies between 900 m and 1,100 m above the sea level, and extends over a width of about 10-50 km.
• This range is made of unconsolidated material such as mud, silt and soft rocks and is prone to earthquakes and landslides.
• Some narrow valleys are found between the Shiwaliks and the Himachal. They are called ‘duns’. For example, Dehradun, is situated in one such valley.

Question 8.
How did the northern plains come to existence? Write two points briefly. Also mention two features of these plains.
Answer:
(i) The northern plains have been formed by the interplay of the three major river systems, i.e., the Indus, the Ganga and the Brahmaputra.
(ii) The northern plain is formed of the alluvial soil brought by these rivers.
Features:

• These plains are very fertile.
• These are densely polulated.

Question 9.
Why are Northern Plains agriculturally productive parts of India? Explain.
Answer:

• The deposition of alluvium in a vast basin lying at the foothills of the Himalaya over millions of years, formed this fertile plain. It spreads over an area of 7 lakh sQuestion km.
• The plain being about 2400 km. long and 240 to 320 km. broad, is a densely populated physiographic division.
• With a rich soil cover combined with adequate water supply and favourable climate, it is agriculturally a very productive part of India.

Question 10.
Which three river systems form the northern plains of India? Mention main features.
Answer:
The northern plain has been formed by the interplay of the three major river systems—the Indus, the Ganga and the Brahmaputra.
Features:

• The river Indus and its tributaries form the western part of the northern plain which is referred to as the Punjab plains. The larger part of this plain lies in Pakistan.
• The Ganga plain extends between Ghaggar and Teesta rivers. It spreads over the states of North India; Haryana, Delhi, U.P., Bihar, partly Jharkhand and West Bengal.
• The Brahmaputra plain particularly lies mainly in Assam. It forms the largest riverine islands in the world.

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Question 1.
Explain the major dimensions of food security.
Answer:
Food security has the following dimensions:

• Availability of food: It means food production within the country, food imports and the previous years stock stored in government granaries.
• Accessibility: It means food is within reach of every person.
• Affordability: It implies that an individual has enough money to buy sufficient, safe and nutritious food to meet one’s dietary needs.

Question 2.
Mention the major features of Public Distribution system of India.
Answer:

• The PDS has proved to be the most effective instrument of government policy over the years in stabilising prices and making food available to consumers at affordable prices.
• It has been instrumental in averting widespread hunger and famine by supplying food from surplus regions of the country to the deficit ones.
• The system, including the minimum support price and procurement has contributed to an increase in foodgrain production and provided income security to farmers in certain regions.
• It has minimized hoarding and black marketing.

Question 3.
What are the limitations of the public distribution system?  [CBSE 2015]
Answer:

• Failed to remove hunger: The PDS has been working for many years but still hunger is prevailing in the Indian society.
• Overflowing godowns: The FCI godowns are overflowing with foodgrains. In 2012 the stock of wheat and rice was 82.3 million tonnes which was much more than the minimum stock. There is a general consensus that high level of buffer stock of foodgrains is very undesirable and can be wasteful.
• Poor foodgrain quality: As most of godowns have more stock than their capacity, this leads to deterioration in grain quality.
• Adverse impact on the environment: Due to incentive by the government most of the states are producing only rice and wheat. The intensive utilization of water in the cultivation of rice has led to environmental degradation and fall in the water level, threatening the sustain- ability of the agricultural development in many states.

Question 4.
How is food security ensured in India?
Answer:
Food security in India has two components:
(a) Buffer stock
(b) Public distribution system.
(a) Buffer Stock: Buffer Stock is the stock of foodgrains, namely wheat and rice procured by the government through Food Corporation of India (FCI). The FCI purchases wheat and rice from the farmers in states where there is surplus production.

The purchased foodgrains are stored in granaries. This is done to distribute foodgrains in the deficit areas and among the poorer strata of society at a price lower than the market price, also known as Issue Price. This helps in resolving the problem of shortage of food.

(b) Public distribution system: The stored food is distributed to the poor people through ration shops. The items are sold to the poor people at a price lower than the market price.
Other schemes: Over the years, several new programmes have been launched like mid-day meal, Antyodaya Ana Yojana, etc. for food security.

Question 5.
Why is buffer stock created by the Government?
Answer:

• Food security: The main objective of the buffer stock is to distribute the foodgrains in the deficit areas and among the poorer strata of society at a price lower than the market price.
• Disaster or Calamity: The second objective of the buffer stock is to resolve the problem of shortage of food during adverse weather conditions or during the period of calamity.
• To save the farmers from the ups and downs of the market: The third important objective of the buffer stock is to save the farmers from ups and downs of the market. Under this farmers are paid a preannounced price for their crops. This price is declared by the government before the sowing season to provide incentives to the farmers.
• Uninterrupted supply of foodgrains: Buffer stocks are also created by the government to maintain uninterrupted supply of foodgrains throughout India and throughout the year.

Question. 6

• British Rule: Britishers ruled India more than 100 years. Prior to the British rule, traditional industries, for instance, textiles, flourished in India. During the British rule, the government adopted policies to discourage such industries. This left millions of weavers poor. Even after fifty years of independent India, we can find a major section of the people engaged handicraft industries as downtrodden.
• Lack of industrialisation: India is very backward from the industrial point of view. Hardly 3 per cent of the total working population is engaged in the large- scale industry.
• Over dependence on agriculture: Even after more than 60 years of independence more than 60 per cent of our total population still depends on agriculture for its livelihood. Due to shortage of inputs, our agriculture is backward.
• Inflationary pressure: Upward trend in prices adversely affects the poor sections of the society.
• Unemployment: Due to lack of job opportunities, more than 90 lakhs of our total working force is unemployed.

Question 7
Explain the major limitations of Public Distribution System.
Answer:

• Stock higher than buffer norms: The actual stock has always remained higher than the buffer. There is a general consensus that high level of buffer stocks of food- grains is very undesirable and can be wasteful. The storage of massive food stocks has been responsible for high carrying costs, in addition to wastage and deterioration in grain quality.
• High burden on the economy: The Minimum Support Price for food grains has risen very sharply in the recent years leading to a very high burden on state exchequer.
• Threat to sustainability of agriculture: The intensive utilisation of water in the cultivation of rice has also led to environmental degrada-tion and fall in the water level, threatening the sustainability of the agricultural development in many states.
• Marked ineffectiveness: Another major area of concern is the marked ineffectiveness of PDS, which is apparent from the fact that the average consumption of PDS grain at the all-India level is only 1 kg per person per month. The average consumption figure is as low as less than 300 gm per person per month in the states of Bihar, Orissa and Uttar Pradesh.
• Corrupt dealers: PDS dealers are sometimes found resorting to malpractices like diverting the grains to open market to get better margin, selling poor quality grains at ration shops, irregular opening of the shops, etc. It is common to find that ration shops regularly have unsold stocks of poor quality grains left.

Question 8.
Distinguish between chronic and seasonal hunger.
Answer:

Question 9.
Study the graph and answer the following questions:

(i) In which recent year foodgrain stock with the government was maximum?
(ii) What was the minimum buffer stock norm in 2012?
(iii) Why were the FCI granaries overflowing with foodgrains?
(iv) What is buffer stock?
(v) Why is there general consensus that high level of buffer stock of foodgrains is very undesirable?
Answer:

• July, 2012.
• 33 million tonnes.
• The PDS or the Public Distribution System has failed to distribute foodgrains through the fair price shops.
• A stock of foodgrains procured by the government to distribute in deficit areas and among the poor strata of society.
• The higher level of buffer stock can be wasteful. The storage of massive food stock has been responsible for high carrying costs in adition to wastage and deterioration in grain quality.

Question 10

• Stock higher than buffer norms: The actual stock has always remained higher than the buffer. There is a general consensus that high level of buffer stocks of food- grains is very undesirable and can be wasteful. The storage of massive food stocks has been responsible for high carrying costs, in addition to wastage and deterioration in grain quality.
• High burden on the economy: The Minimum Support Price for food grains has risen very sharply in the recent years leading to a very high burden on state exchequer.
• Threat to sustainability of agriculture: The intensive utilisation of water in the cultivation of rice has also led to environmental degrada-tion and fall in the water level, threatening the sustainability of the agricultural development in many states.
• Marked ineffectiveness: Another major area of concern is the marked ineffectiveness of PDS, which is apparent from the fact that the average consumption of PDS grain at the all-India level is only 1 kg per person per month. The average consumption figure is as low as less than 300 gm per person per month in the states of Bihar, Orissa and Uttar Pradesh.
• Corrupt dealers: PDS dealers are sometimes found resorting to malpractices like diverting the grains to open market to get better margin, selling poor quality grains at ration shops, irregular opening of the shops, etc. It is common to find that ration shops regularly have unsold stocks of poor quality grains left.

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Question 1.
What are the indicators used by social scientists to understand poverty?
Answer:
The indicators used by social scientists to understand poverty are :

• Levels of income and consumption
• Lack of general resistance due to malnutrition
• Lack of access to healthcare
• Lack of job opportunities
• Lack of access to safe drinking water, sanitation, etc.

Question 2.
What do you understand by vulnerability to poverty?
Answer:
Vulnerability of poverty means some communities or social groups are more prone to poverty than other sections of the society. Members of a backward caste or individuals such as a widow or a physically handicapped person of becoming, or remaining, poor in the coming years. Vulnerability is determined by the options available to different communities for finding an alternative living in terms of assets, education, health and job opportunities. Further, it is analysed on the basis of the greater risks these groups face at the time of natural disasters (earthquakes, tsunami), terrorism, etc.

Question 3.
How were the British policies responsible for the increase in poverty in India?
Answer:
There were a number of causes for the widespread in India. One of the historical reasons is the low level of economic development under the British colonial administration. The policies of colonial government ruined traditional handicrafts and discouraged development of industries like textiles. The low rate of growth persisted until the nineteen-eighties. This resulted in less job opportunities and low growth rate of incomes. This was accompanied by a high growth rate of population. The two combined to make the growth rate of per capita income very low. The failure at both the fronts : promotion of economic growth and population control perpetuated the cycle of poverty.

Question 4.
What does social exclusion mean?
Answer:

• According to this concept, poverty must be seen in terms of the poor having to live only in poor surrounding with other people, excluded from enjoying social equality of better-off people in better surroundings.
• Social exclusion can be both a cause as well as a consequence of poverty in the usual sense.
• Broadly, it is a through in which individuals or groups are excluded from facilities, benefits and opportunities that others enjoy.

Question 5.
How is economic growth linked with poverty reduction in India?
Answer:
Till the early eighties, there were little per capita income growth and not much reduction in poverty. Afterwards the growth rate jumped from the average of about 3-5 percent a year in the 1970s to 6 per cent during the 1980s and 1990s. The higher growth rates have helped significantly in the reduction of poverty. There is a strong link between economic growth and poverty reduction. Economic growth widens opportunities and provides the resources needed to invest in human development. This also encourages people to send their children, including the girl child, to schools in the hope of getting better economic returns from investing in education.

Question 6.
How are socio-cultural and economic factors responsible for poverty?
Answer:
Many socio-cultural and economic factors are responsible for poverty. In order to fulfil social obligations and observe religious ceremonies, people in India, including the very poor, spend a lot of money. Small farmers need money to buy agricultural inputs like seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, etc. Since poor people hardly have any savings, they borrow. Unable to repay because of poverty, they become victims of indebtedness. So, the high level of indebtedness is both the cause and effect of poverty.

Question 7.
Explain the principle measures taken in Punjab, Kerala and Andhra Pradesh to reduce poverty.
Answer:
The measure taken in Punjab, Kerala and Andhra Pradesh to reduce poverty are :

• The principal measures taken in Punjab to reduce poverty is increasing the agricultural growth rates.
• Kerala has focused more on human resource development to reduce poverty.
• Andhra Pradesh focused on public distribution of food grains to reduce poverty.

.

Question 8.
How does rapid growth rate of population increase poverty in a country?
Answer:

• Rapid growth of population in comparison to the rate of growth of resources hampers the process of economic development.
• Increase in population reduces the per capita income and lowers the standard of living in an economy.
• In India, rapid growth of population has put in more stress on its economic and social infrastructure and thereby, aggravating the problem of poverty and unemployment.
• Due to enormous population, a large portion of national income is used on consumption and less is left for saving which, in turn, reduces the capital formation.
• As a result of low capital formation, enough employment opportunities cannot be created which further aggravate the problem of poverty. Poor people in India are ignorant, illiterate and has very less means of entertainment. So, they end up adding more to the population.

Question 9.
What is poverty? What are the dimensions of poverty?
Answer:
Poverty is a situation in which a person is unable to get the minimum necessities of life.
Due to poverty poor people are in a situation in which they are ill-treated at almost every place.
The dimensions of poverty are :

• Poverty means hunger and lack of shelter.
• It is a situation in which parents are not able to send their children to school or a situation where sick people cannot afford treatment.
• Poverty also means lack of clean water and sanitation facilities.
• It also means lack of a regular job at a minimum decent level. :
• Poor people are in a situation in which they are ill-treated at almost every place, in farms, factories, government offices, hospitals, railway stations etc.

Question 10 How can poverty be reduced in future in India?
Answer:
Poverty can be reduced in the following ways :

• Increasing stress on universal free elementary education
• Increasing empowerment of the women and the economically weaker sections of society.
• Declining population growth.
• Avoiding caste and gender discrimination.
• Improving healthcare, education and job security.
• Removing inequality of wealth among people.

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Question 1.
Write any four features of the Right to Equality as a Fundamental Right.
Answer:

• According to this law, the government shall not deny to any person in India equality before the law or the equal protection of the laws.
• The government shall not discriminate against any citizen on the grounds of religion, caste, ethnicity, sex or place of birth.
• All citizens shall have equality of opportunity in matters relating to any position in the government.
• The principle of non-discrimination extends to social life as well.

Question 2.
Write a short note on the following fundamental rights:
(а) Right to Freedom of Religion.
(b) Cultural and Educational Rights.
Answer:
(a) Right to Freedom of Religion: Right to freedom of religion provides religious freedom to all the citizens of India. All religions are equal before the state and no religion will be given preference over the other. Citizens are free to practise their respective religions. Foremost objective of this right is to sustain the principle of secularism in the country. No state-run institution can give religious education. Religious communities can set up charitable institutions of their own.

(b) Cultural and Educational Rights: India is multi-religious, multi-lingual and multi-cultural, each having its own identity and characteristics. To preserve these diversities, it is natural to grant the following Cultural and Educational Rights to the minorities and other communities.

• Right to Conserve the Language, Script and Culture Under this Right minorities have the right to conserve their distinct language, script or culture and to join state-owned or state-aided institutions without discriminations.
• Right to Establish Educational Institutions: Under this each minority group has a right to establish and administer educational institutions of its choice. The State shall not discriminate between minorities, while granting aid to their educational institutions.

Question 3.
“Right to Constitutional Remedies is a very special right”. What is so special about this right?
Or
Dr Ambedkar called the Right to Constitutional Remedies, “the heart and soul of our constitution”. Give reason.
Answer:

• It is through this Right that all other Fundamental Rights are safeguarded and arbitrary action of the state is checked.
• Under this Right, a citizen is entitled to move the Supreme Court or any High Court or any other courts so authorised, if his/ her Fundamental Right (or Rights) is encroached upon, abridged or snatched away by the State, an individual or a body of persons. The courts are empowered to issue orders, directions and writs to the concerned to protect the rights of the complainant.

Question 4.
Mention three major Constitutional provisions for the protection of women and children in India.
Or
Write three Constitutional provisions for the protection of women and children in India. [CBSE March 2011]
Answer:

• The Right to Equality: Under this the State can make special provisions for women and children.
• Right Against Exploitation: Under this traffic in human beings, especially women and children, shall be an offence punishable in accordance with the law.
• Right Against Exploita-tion: Under this no child below the age of 14 years shall be employed to work in any factory or mine or engaged in any other hazardous employment.

Question 5.
‘The Right to Freedom is actually a cluster of several rights.’ Discuss.[CBSE 2015]
Answer:

• Freedom to live in any part of India: All citizens are free to live in any part of India but State can put restrictions keeping in mind the welfare of local people.
  Freedom to practice any profession or occupation: All citizens have the right to practice any profession or to carry on any occupation, trade or business.
• Right to Free Movement: Every citizen of India has been granted freedom to move throughout the Indian territory.
• Freedom to Assemble Peace¬fully: Indian citizens have been given the right to assemble without arms.
• Freedom of Speech and Expression: Democracy is a government by citizens. Freedom of speech and expression works as a barometer of public opinion.
• Right to Form Associations or Unions: The Constitution guarantees the right to form associations and unions to every citizen of India.

Question 6.
What was the Amnesty International’s report regarding the prisoners in Guantanamo Bay? State the condition of prisoners according to the report of Amnesty International in Guantanamo Bay.[CBSE March 2013]
Answer:
Amensty International which is an international human rights organisation, collected information in Guantanamo Bay and reported:

• Families of prisoners, media or even UN representatives were not allowed to meet these prisoners. The US army arrested them, interrogated them and decided whether to keep them there or not.
• There was no trial before any magistrate in the US. Nor could these prisoners approach courts in their own country.
• The prisoners were being tortured in ways that violated United States Laws.
• They were being denied the treatment that even prisoners of war must get as per international treaties.
• Prisoners were not released even after they were officially declared not guilty.

Question 7.
“Saudi Arabia is not a democratic country”. Justify. Mention any two rights which are enjoyed by the Indian citizens but not by citizens of Saudi Arabia.
Or
Compare the situation of India and Saudi Arabia in terms of right to freedom in both the countries.
Answer:

• The country is ruled by a hereditary king and the people: have no role in electing or changing
  their rulers.
• The king selects the legislature as well as the executive. He appoints the judges and can change any of their decisions.
• Citizens cannot form political parties or any political organisations.

Rights enjoyed by Indians but not by Saudi Arabians-

• There is no freedom of religion. Every citizen is required to be Muslim. Non-Muslim residents can follow their religion in private, but not in public.
• Women are subjected to many public restrictions. The testimony of one man is considered equal to that of two women.

Question 8.
State any three rights guaranteed by the Constitution of South Africa.[CBSE 2014 March]
Answer:

• Right to privacy, so that citizens or their home cannot be searched, their phones cannot be tapped, their communication cannot be opened.
• Right to an environment that is not harmful to their health or well being.
• Right to have access to adequate housing.

Question 9.
Which fundamental right is being violated under the following circumstances.
(a) A student belonging to SC category is not being allowed to use a public park.
(b) Citizens are not being allowed to hold a meeting.
(c) A women was sold to a rich landlord.
(d) You are being denied admission to a government college on the basis of your religion.
Answer:
(a) Right to Equality.
(b) Right to Freedom.
(c) Right against Exploitation
(d) Cultural and Educational Right

Question 10. Why do we need rights in a democracy? [CBSE March 2011,13,15]
Answer:

• Fundamental Rights provide the conditions which are essential for the development of the inherent qualities in man and to secure his all round growth.
• These are necessary to preserve human dignity and promote social progress in an atmosphere of freedom.
• These provide civil liberties, without which democracy cannot be even conceived.
• These are a significant check on the arbitrary use of power by the government.
• Rights protect minorities from the oppression of majority.

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Question 1.
Why is there a need for political institutions? [CBSE 2014,15]
Answer:

• To take decisions : Countries need political institutions to take decisions regarding the welfare of the people. Institutions formulate various policies and programmes.
• Implementation : The decisions which have been taken are to be implemented. So countries need institutions to implement the decisions.
• To solve the disputes : Institutions are also needed to solve the disputes between various institutions.
•  To take right decisions : Institutions help the governments to take the right decisions.

Question 2.
Distinguish between political executive and permanent executive.
Answer:

Question 3.
Compare the power, tenure and working of both the Houses of the Indian Parliament. [CBSE March 2011]
Or
The Lok Sabha is more powerful than the Rajya Sabha. Explain by giving three reasons. [CBSE March 2012,13]
Or
Which house of the Parliament is more powerful in India? Give reasons.[CBSE March 2011,2012]
Or
Our Constitution does give the Rsgya Sabha some special powers over the states, but Lok Sabha exercises supreme power. How? Explain. [CBSE March 2012]
Answer:

Question 4.
Why do the political executives have more power than the permanent executives? [CBSE March 2014]
Answer:

• In a democracy, the will of the people is supreme, and the political executive is elected by the people.
• All the political executives are answerable to the people. The people can change them if they don’t work according to the wishes of the people.
• The non-political executives are the experts in their field but political executives have to see the welfare of all.
• The experts can tell the route, but the political executives have a larger view so they decide the destination.

Question 5
Explain the major powers and functions of the Prime Minister.
Answer:

• Link : The Prime Minister is the link between the Cabinet and the President. The decisions of the Cabinet are conveyed to the President through the Prime Minister. It is he who keeps him informed on all matters of government.
• Formation of the Cabinet: The Prime Minister prepares the list of his Council of Ministers and sends it to the President. He can reshuffle hi? Council of Ministers whenever he likes. He can also ask any minister to resign if he is not satisfied with his working.
• Leader of the Lok Sabha : The Prime Minister presides over the meetings of the Cabinet. He maintains co-ordination between different departments of the government.
• Foreign Affairs : The Prime Minister plays an important role in the management of foreign affairs. He formulates the internal and external policies of the country.
• Leader of the Party: The Prime Minister has the main say in framing the policy of his party.
• Leader of the Nation: The Prime Minister is the most important leader of the nation. People always eagerly hear his views. His views related to any internal or external policy are heard more carefully.

Question 6.
Explain the major powers and functions of the Parliament.
Answer:

• Legislative Powers : The Parliament can make laws on all those subjects which have been given in the Union List and the Concurrent List. Under certain cases, it can also make laws on those subjects which have been given in the State List.
• Control over Finance : The annual budget of the Central Government is passed by Parliament. Without Parliament’s approval, the government cannot impose any tax or incur any expenditure.
• Control over the Executive: The Parliament can seek information regarding administration. It can pass a resolution of no confidence against the ministry and ask it to resign. Question hours are also quite effective in keeping the government and its ministers under control.
• Amendment or New Law : No amendment can be made in the Constitution without the approval of the Parliament.
• Functions related to Elections : The Parliament elects the President, the Vice-President, Speaker of the Lok Sabha and the Deputy Speaker. Members of the Rajya Sabha elect the Vice-Chairman.

Question 7
Explain briefly the powers and functions of the Supreme Court.
Answer:

• Original Jurisdiction : The original jurisdiction extends to those cases which the Supreme Court has the authority to hear and decide in the first instance.
  • Between citizens of the country;
  • Between citizens and government;
  • Between two or more state governments; and
  • Between governments at the union and state level.
• Appellate Jurisdiction: It is the highest court of appeal in civil and criminal cases. It can hear appeals against the decisions of the High Courts.
• Advisory Jurisdiction : As the highest court in the country, the Supreme Court gives legal advice to the President of India on any legal or constitutional matter referred to it. However, the advice is not binding on the Supreme Court.
• Guardian of the Constitution: The Supreme Court acts as the guardian and final interpreter of the Constitution. If the government passes any law or issues any order which is in violation of the Constitution, the Supreme Court has the power to declare the law or order unconstitutional.
• Guardian of Fundamental Rights: The Supreme Court also acts as a guardian of the fundamental rights of the citizens. When a fundamental right of any citizen is violated by the government or any individual he can seek the protection of the Supreme Court.

Question 8
Explain the composition of the Council of Ministers.[CBSE March 2011,12,13,15]
Or
What is meant by council of Ministers? Explain the different categories of ministers.[CBSE March 2013]
Answer:
The Council of Ministers is a large body, it consists all the three ranks of ministers. The Council of Ministers comprises of the three categories of ministers. These are:

• Cabinet Ministers : Constitute the inner ring of the council of ministers. These are the top-level leaders of the ruling party / parties who are incharge of the important ministries. They usually meet to take decisions in the name of the council of ministers.
• Ministers of State with Independent Charge : They are usually in charge of smaller ministries. They participate in the cabinet meetings only when they are invited.
• Ministers of State : They are attached to and are required to assist the Cabinet ministers.

Question 9
Give any three functions (or responsibilities) of the government.[CBSE March 2011,12,13]
Answer:

• Government collects taxes and uses it for administration, defence and development programmes.
• Government ensures security to the citizens and provides facilities for education and health.
• It formulates and implements several welfare schemes.

Question 10 Which House has more power regarding the money bill? Give reason.
Answer:
The Lok Sabha exercises more powers in money matters. Once the Lok Sabha passes the budget of any other money related law, the Rajya Sabha cannot reject it. The Rajya Sabha can only delay it by 14 days or suggest changes, in it. The Lok Sabha may or may not accept these changes.

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