CBSE Set Qa3 Social Science Sample Test Papers For Class 10th for students online

Social Science Class - X  (CBSE)
You are on answers of 11 to 16 of Set I

Section `B' - Civics

Q11. Giving two examples of minorities, mention why minorities should be protected in a democracy? (2)
Ans. 11 Democracy works on majority principle, however, it is a government based on tolerance and consensus. The second principle is the basis of minority rights. Our constitution makes provision for such minority rights which can not be abridged. Therefore, it becomes important to protect the minorities in order to make them feel secure been in a majority rule. Examples of minorities may be Sikhs and Christians.

Q 12. Mention any two features of a nation? (2)
Ans. 12 (i) A nation is a community held together by different ties like language, common tradition and culture and common heritage.

(ii) It should be an independent state with a definite territorial boundary.

Q 13. Describe in brief the problems faced by Indian Villagers? (3)
Ans. 13 Poverty in villages has a pattern quite different from that exist in cities. One of the major problems of villagers relates to land ownership and absentee landlords. Land reforms have been defied in many cases. Poverty among landless rural folks, unemployment during lean season of agriculture, low wages, lack of basic amenities like schools, hospitals, electricity, transport facilities etc., illiteracy are some of the problems faced by the Indian villagers.

Q 14. How is democracy based on majority rule and minority rights? (3)
Ans. 14 Democracy works on two principles. First, it is a government based on the majority principle. Only those decisions which the majority supports are implemented. Second, it is a government based on tolerance and consensus. It does not make people do things by force. This second principle of democracy is the basis of minority rights. Our constitution makes provision for such minority rights which can not be abridged. Hence, democracy is based on majority rule and minority rights.

Q 15. Analyse India's relations with the U.S.A. ? (4)
Ans. 15 The relations between India and USA were not as close as they should be expected to be till a few years back. India's non-aligned stand and later "special friendship' with erstwhile USSR made Indo-US relations not so cordial.

However, the collapse of Soviet Union and the end of Cold War kindled hopes of closer ties between US and India. The relations which kept on improving through the 90's took a sharp about turn with the Pokhran tests in 1998. Economic sanctions were slapped on India and assistance except humanitarian assistance ended.

The year 1999 saw the short scale limited Kargil conflict between India and Pakistan. India's restrain was appreciated the World over and Pakistan's claim of non-involvement was never believed. The US stand now was more of parity between the two rather than a tilt towards Pakistan.

However, the Clinton visit in March 2000 was highly successful. Signing of vision statement, understanding on CTBT and recognition of India as having the potential of becoming an IT Superpower are major steps forward in established good relations between the two nations . Now a joint working group has been established by US and India to tackle the problem of terrorism in the world.

Q 16. Why is the Prime Minister called `First among equals'? What are his/her functions? (6)
Ans. 16 The Prime Minister is the leader of the party which has the support of the majority of members in the Lok Sabha. He, therefore, enjoys a position of pre-eminence. He is called the first among the equals because though all the other candidates are elected just like him, he because of his position as a leader of the party, enjoys an important position. All the important decisions are taken by and him and the members of his council enjoy advisory powers.

The Prime Minister decides about the size of cabinet, distributes portfolios, can reshuffle the ministries and ask any Minister to resign. He can even keep on or more portfolios with himself. After the formation of the Cabinet, the Prime Minister also has the responsibility to co-ordinate its activities - dates for meetings and agenda to be discussed. He also appoints the cabinet committees and presides over them.

The Prime Minister also plays an important part in the process of legislation. No important bill can be introduced in the Lok Sabha without his consent. The budget and other important money bills are prepared under his strict scrutiny. Being the Chairman of the Planning Commission he formulates the Five Year Plans and other economic programmes for the country.

Barring this, the Prime Minister represents the country in international conferences, pays official visits to foreign countries, maintains relations with the UN and other international organisations, negotiates with the heads of the states and signs treaties and agreements.

The Indian Prime Minister occupies a position of exceptional and over whelming authority and is for all purposes, the real chief executive. The powers listed are, by far, a modest appreciation of the PM's position.

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Q 16. Explain a Money Bill. How is it passed in the Indian Parliament? (6)
Ans. 16 The annual budget of the country or that of a state and every bill that envisages levy of taxes and/or some expenditure by the government is called a Money Bill. The decision of the Speaker, whether a particular bill is a Money Bill or not is always taken as final. A Money Bill cannot be initiated in the Rajya Sabha. The following is the procedure for the passage of a Money Bill :-

(1) Prior Presidential Approval :- A money bill can be introduced only when it has been accorded the approval of the President. Constitutionally speaking, it is the President himself who gets a Money Bill introduced through the Government.

(2) Introduction :- A money bill is generally introduced in the Lok Sabha by the Finance Minister. He makes policy statement regarding finance at that occasion. The opposition is also free to speak on these matters.

(3) Second Reading :- Here an item wise discussion on the Bill takes place. Amendments are proposed and voted in respect of each item. In this way, the whole bill is cleared.

(4) Third Reading :- The third reading is only a formality. Members can recommend or criticise the policy matters and provisions of the Bill, as a whole. A majority vote decides the passage or rejection of the Bill [Rejection of the Money Bill amounts to no-confidence of the government].

(5) Money Bill in the Rajya Sabha :- After its clearance in the Lok Sabha, a Money Bill is sent to the Rajya Sabha which is allowed 14 days. During this period, the Rajya Sabha may pass it, reject it, may propose amend- ments to it and return to the Lok Sabha or may just sit over it.

If amendments are proposed, the Lok Sabha reviews them. But it is not binding upon it to accept them. In case of a difference, there is no provision for a joint session. The opinion of the Lok Sabha prevails in such a situation. After the lapse of 14 days, the Bill is deemed to be passed and sent for the President's assent. The assent of the President is never withheld as a Money Bill has a prior approval of the President.

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