HALF YEARLY EXAMINATION (2024-25)

COMPETENCY BASED SAMPLE QUESTION PAPER

HISTORY AND POLITICAL SCIENCE
CLASS IX

Time: 3 hrs Max Marks: 80

General Instructions:

i. There are four parts:

• PART-I: History and Political Science - 40 Marks (1.5 Hrs)
• PART-II: Geography and Economics- 40 Marks (1.5 Hrs)
ii. Very Short Answer Type Questions, carrying 2 marks should not exceed 40 words.
iii. Short Answer Type Questions, carrying 3 marks should not exceed 60 words.
iv. Long Answer Type Questions, carrying 5 marks should not exceed 120 words.
v. All the questions are compulsory.

PART-I
(HISTORY AND POLITICAL SCIENCE) M.M. 40
A) Answer the following questions: (12 Marks)

1. You are a journalist reporting on the living conditions of the poor in mid-19th century
London and you come across the given image. How would you best interpret the image. (1
m).

a) The image reflects the relatively affluent conditions of the poor, consistent with the
early welfare reforms advocated by socialists in Europe.
b) The depiction shows a stark contrast to the idyllic conditions described in
contemporary socialist literature, emphasizing the ongoing struggle and deprivation
faced by the poor.
c) The image aligns with the more optimistic view of the industrial era, where the poor
were seen as benefiting from economic progress and improvements in living
standards.
d) Portrayal suggests that the conditions of the poor were significantly improved by the
early socialist movements, indicating a notable reduction in poverty.
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2. "Traditions and institutions embody the collective wisdom and experience of past
generations, offering a framework for understanding the world and guiding present actions.
Therefore, it is imperative to preserve these time-honored customs as a means of
safeguarding societal order and continuity. By respecting and upholding old traditions and
institutions, society can navigate change without sacrificing its fundamental principles or
risking chaos and upheaval."

With reference to the above extract identify and mark the correct option. (1 m)
(a) Liberalism
(b) Conservatism
(c) Radicalism
(d) Socialism

3. Directions: Read the statements given below carefully and select the correct option: (1 m)

Assertion (A): During the eighteenth century France witnessed the emergence of middle
class.
Reason (R): The middle class, emerged due to the royal patronage.
OPTIONS:
a) Both assertion and reason are true and reason is the correct explanation of
assertion.
b) Both assertion and reason are true but reason is not the correct explanation of
assertion.
c) Assertion is true but reason is false.
d) Assertion is false but reason is true.

4. Match Column-A with Column-B correctly ( 1 m)

COLUMN A COLUMN B

(A) Maximilien (i) Drafted the Declaration of the Rights of Woman

Robespierre
(B) Napoleon (ii) Published the radical newspaper "L'Ami du Peuple"
Bonaparte

(C) Olympe de Gouges (iii) Enforced the "Reign of Terror"

(D) Jean-Paul Marat (iv) Established the Civil Code of 1804

a) (A)-(ii), (B)-(iv), (C)-(iii), (D)-(i)

b) (A)-(iii), (B)-(iv), (C)-(ii), (D)-(i)
c) (A)-(iii), (B)-(iv), (C)-(i), (D)-(ii)
d) (A)-(iv), (B)-(i), (C)-(iii), (D)-(ii)

5. As a political analyst studying Zimbabwe under Robert Mugabe, which of the following factors
from the extract best explain why Zimbabwe was not a true democracy despite holding
elections? (1 m)

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a. The government often amended the constitution to expand the President’s powers, but
still respected the judiciary’s independence and decisions.
b. Media outlets were controlled by the government, ensuring only the ruling party's
perspective was broadcasted, while independent newspapers operated without any
interference or harassment.
c. Opposition party workers were harassed, their meetings disrupted, and public protests
were banned, yet regular elections were held and Mugabe remained popular.
d. The judiciary remained independent, and all government officials, including the President,
were fully accountable to the courts and the constitution.

6. The given image represents which of the following ideas: (1 m)

a) Politicians always fulfill the promises they make to voters during elections.
b) Election promises are often made to attract votes.
c) Voters do not expect politicians to make any promises during elections.
d) Elections are only about schemes, announcements and promises.

7. How does the Preamble of the Indian Constitution function in relation to the laws and
actions of the government? (1 m)

a) It provides a detailed list of all the laws and regulations that must be followed by the
government.
b) It serves as a philosophical guide, offering a standard to assess whether laws and
government actions align with the core values of democracy and justice.
c) It outlines the specific duties of each government official and their responsibilities.
d) It acts as a historical record of the events leading up to the formation of the Indian
Constitution.

8. Given the difficult circumstances during the drafting of the Indian Constitution, which of
the following decisions BEST reflects the challenges faced by its makers? (1 m)
a) Ensuring religious differences were kept at the center of all political discussions.

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 b) Creating a framework that would address the uncertainties around the future of
the country, including the merger of princely states and handling Partition-related
violence.
c) Allowing each region to maintain their separate regional identities, without a
common set of rules for the entire nation.
d) Completely avoiding any reference to past conflicts like Partition or the challenges
of uniting diverse groups.

9. Select the correct option: (1 m)

1) Republic A) The Supreme Court’s ruling in the 2008

NALSA case (National Legal Services Authority
vs. Union of India), which recognized
transgender persons as a "third gender" and
granted them equal rights under the law.
2) Democracy B) The Supreme Court’s 2020 judgment on
the Women’s Reservation Bill, which
supported increased reservation for women in
Parliament and State Legislatures to promote
gender equality and justice.

3) Justice C) Election of the President Draupadi Murmu by

an electoral college, not by hereditary
succession.

4) Socialism D) General Elections of 2024, where millions of

citizens participated in choosing their
representatives and forming the government,
reflecting the will of the people.

5) Equality E) Implementation of the Mahatma Gandhi

National Rural Employment Guarantee Act
(MGNREGA), which aims to reduce poverty by
providing employment.

a) 1-A, 2-B, 3-C, 4-D, 5-E

b) 1-B, 2-A, 3-E, 4-C, 5-D
c) 1-E, 2-C, 3-A, 4-B, 5-D
d) 1-A, 2-E, 3-D, 4-C, 5-B

(b) A city council is trying to create a plan for public transportation that benefits all citizens.
Which of the following approaches would best reflect the broader meaning of democracy? (1
m)
I. The members of city council should take the final decision on their own because they
are the elected representatives of the people and have been entrusted with making
decisions for the entire city.

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 II. The city council should encourage citizens to participate in discussions and decisions, as
democracy requires public involvement to remain accountable and evolve.
III. Democracy is only relevant in the political sphere, so it’s unnecessary for local
organizations and families to use democratic methods in their decision-making
processes.
IV. While the city council represents the people, it should also recognize that no democratic
system is perfect and should keep evolving by involving more citizens in decision-making
processes at every level, including in family and community life.

a) Statements (I) and (III)

b) Statements (II) and (IV)
c) Statements (I) and (IV)
d) Statements (II) and (III)

11. Rewrite the statement correctly: (1 m)

Every person who wishes to contest an election has to fill a ‘voter registration form’ and
give some money as ‘security deposit’.

12. Based on this information identify the correct statements: (1 m)

I. In Uttar Pradesh, citizens voted to elect Members of Parliament (MPs) to represent
them in the national government. This election is called general election.
II. In Karnataka, citizens voted to elect Members of Legislative Assembly (MLAs) to
represent them in the state government. This election is called local body election.
III. In Kerala, a seat in a specific constituency became vacant after the death of an MLA,
so a by-election was held to fill that vacancy. This election is called by-election.
IV. In Rajasthan, citizens voted for representatives in their municipal wards to govern
local affairs. This election is called assembly election.

a) Statements (I) and (III)

b) Statements (II) and (IV)
c) Statements (I) and (IV)
d) Statements (II) and (III)

B) Very Short Answer Based Questions: (3x2=6 Marks)

13. John is a worker during the Old Regime in France. What challenges would he face due to the
rapid increase in population?
OR

If you were a French politician in the Jacobin regime, what reasons would you give to defend
the abolition of slavery despite its economic impact on cities like Bordeaux? (2 m)

14 Imagine a country where the government can do anything it wants, and people don't know
their rights. State any two reasons why is it important for this country to have a constitution?
(2 m)

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15. Harmony is a newly formed democratic country and it wants to establish a democratic
electoral process. As a political expert provide any two conditions to ensure democratic
conduct of elections. (2 m)

C) Short Answer Based Questions: (2x3=6 Marks)

16. "To be a conservative is to prefer the familiar to the unknown, to prefer the tried to the
untried."’ Elucidate the given statement with reference to 19th century conservatism in
Europe. (3 m)

17. ‘Even now the seven decade old India constitution remains relevant in addressing the needs of
the people and guiding.’ Elucidate the statement. (3 m)

D) Long Answer Based Questions: (5x5=10 Marks)

18. As a member of the Society of Revolutionary and Republican Women, you are tasked with
drafting a proposal for the Assembly. What key demands would you include to address the
needs of women, particularly those from the third estate
OR
‘Political instability of the Directory created an opportunity for Napoleon Bonaparte to rise to
power.’ Critically analyse the statement. (5 m)

19. "Democracy is more than a ballot box; it requires a system of checks and balances,
transparency, and accountability." –With reference to the statement discuss the features of
democracy along with relevant examples.
OR
Highlight any five unfair practices used by PRI in Mexico to win the Presidential Elections. (5 m)

E) Case Based Type Questions (4 Marks)

20. Read the source given below and answer the following questions:

The 1905 Revolution and Its Aftermath

In 1905, Russian workers faced a 20% decline in real wages due to rising prices and went
on strike demanding better working conditions and pay. The strike led to Bloody Sunday,
where over 100 workers were killed. Following the revolution, the Tsar dismissed the
Dumas quickly and altered voting laws to his favour, limiting democratic reforms.

a) What was the primary demand of the workers who went on strike in St Petersburg?
(1m)
b) What changes did the Tsar make to the Third Duma after the 1905 Revolution? (1 m)
c) Describe the impact of the events of Bloody Sunday on the Russian political landscape.
(2 m)

F) Map Based Type Questions (2 Marks)

21. On the given outline political map of the world locate and mark any two countries that were
part of the Allied Powers during the First World War. (2 m)

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