ZNOTES.

ORG

UPDATED TO 2020-21 SYLLABUS

CBSE CLASS X
POLITICAL
SCIENCE (087)
SUMMARIZED NOTES ON THE SYLLABUS
CBSE CLASS X POLITICAL SCIENCE (087)
1. Power Sharing
1.1. Terms
Majoritarianism: a belief that the majority of the
population is
entitled to rule a country in accordance with Dutch-speakers
their wishes, needs
and priorities, disregarding the 59 percent of the total population.
minority communities.
Civil War: a violent conflict between citizens from
organized
groups in the same country. 40 percent of the total population.
1.2. Majoritarianism in Sri Lanka
Location: a few kilometers off the Southern coast of Tamil
Nadu
Population: about two crores (similar to that of Haryana)
Emerged as an independent country in 1948.
Diversity: divided primarily on the basis of language.
Sinhala-speakers
74 percent of total population.
Mostly Buddhists.
Tamil-speakers
18 percent of total population.
Mostly Hindus or Muslims.
Concentrated in the north and east of the country.
Natives are called ‘Sri Lankan Tamils’ and the rest
time between 1970 and 1993 so as to work
who came from India during the colonial period to
work on plantation are called ‘Indian Tamils.’
7 percent of the population is Christian (belonging
from both
linguistic communities.) speaking ministers should be equal.
Majoritarian Measures: divided primarily on the basis of
language.
The ‘Sinhala Only Act’ was passed in 1956, recognizing
Sinhala as the official language.
Preferential policies were followed due to which
Sinhala applicants were favourite in university
positions and government jobs.
According to a new constitution, the State was to
foster and protect Buddhism.
Consequences:
The Sri-Lankan Tamils felt alienated as
none of the political parties were sensitive to their
needs and interests.
they were discriminated against and denied equal
access to jobs and opportunities.
They launched parties and struggles for the following
demands.
Recognition of Tamil as an official language.
Regional autonomy, and an independent Tamil
Eelam (state) in the northern and eastern parts of
Sri Lanka.
Equality of opportunity.
The widespread distrust soon turned into a civil war.
Thousands of people-from both communities-
were killed.
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Many more lost their livelihoods.
Many were forced to leave the country as
refugees.
1.3. Accommodation in Belgium
Diversity: divided primarily on the basis of language.
Living in the Flemish region.
French-speakers
Living in the Wallonia region.
German-speakers
1% of the total population.
In Brussels, the capital city.
French-speakers: 80%
Dutch-speakers: 20%
Therefore, the minority community enjoyed
majority in the capital of the country.
Original tensions due to the following:
Despite being the minority, the French-speaking
population was richer and more powerful.
The Dutch-speaking people got the benefits of
education and economic development much later.
Constitutional arrangements: the constitution was
amended four
out a suitable arrangement.
At the centre
The number of Dutch-speaking and French-
Some special laws require the majority of
members from each linguistic group. So, no
community can make decisions without the
consent of the other.
At the state-level
The state governments are not subordinate to the
Central government due to a federal structure.
Equal representation to both major linguistic
communities in Brussels.
Community-government
Elected by people belonging to one language
community irrespective of where they live.
Power regarding issues related to language,
education and culture.
1.4. Why Do We Need Power Sharing?
Prudential Reasons
Helps reduce the possibility of social conflicts.
Ensures stability of political order (since conflicts lead
to instability.)
Prevents majoritarianism and fosters unity.
Moral Reasons
In alignment with the spirit of democracy.
CBSE CLASS X POLITICAL SCIENCE (087)
People have a right to be consulted as to how they
wish to be governed.
states due to their small size, but could not
Ensures legitimacy of a democratic government as
the existing states.
citizens, through participation, acquire power.
1.5. Forms of Power Sharing
Horizontal Distribution of Power
Power is shared among organs placed at the same
and legislation specified in the
level (legislature, executive, judiciary) exercising
different functions.
Prevents the exercise of unlimited power as each
consent of both the levels of the
organ checks the others.
Vertical Distribution of Power
Power is shared among organs placed at different
on the constitution.
levels (at the Centre, at the state-level, and the local
government bodies,)
specified.
In a unitary system, however, powers reside with the
Unitary government.
Power Among Social Groups
Due to a complex amalgamation of socio-historical
circumstances, certain groups in society sustain
systems of privilege, enjoying advantage over other
sections.
Many countries have constitutional and legal
arrangements to combat such systems. For example:
One-third of seats are reserved for women in both
urban as well as rural local government bodies.
Reservation in educational institutions for SCs, STs,
and OBCs.
Power Sharing Among Parties, Pressure Groups and
Movements
Power is shared among political parties representing
diverse ideologies, the role of which increases in a
coalition government.
Pressure groups and movement hold the power to
influence public opinion and actions of political
leaders.
2. Federalism
2.1. Terms
distinct lists of the Indian Constitution divides
Centre and the states.
Federalism: a system of governance in which power is
divided
between the Central authority and the
constituent units of a nation
independent of one another.
Unitary System: a system of governance in which either
only one
level of government exists or the sub-units or
subordinate to the
central authority.
Jurisdiction: the area-defined by either geographical
boundaries
or certain subjects-over which someone
exercises authority
legitimately.
Residuary Subjects: the subjects/matters that have not
been
specified in any of the lists of the Indian
Constitution that the
Union Government has the power
to legislate upon.
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Union Territories: the areas that cannot become
independent
be merged with any of
2.2. Features of Federalism
Two/more levels of a government.
Each tier has jurisdiction in matters of taxation,
administration,
constitution.
Amendment to fundamental constitutional provisions
requires the
government.
The powers of both the levels can be interpreted by the
court based
For financial autonomy, sources of revenue for each level
are also
Has two primary objectives:
Protecting and promoting the nation’s unity.
Preserving the respect for diversity.
Balance of powers varies depending on historical
contexts.
Coming together federations
Independent states come together to form a
larger unit.
They increase their security by pooling sovereignty
while retaining their identity.
Mostly, all states have equal power and are strong
with regard to the central authority.
Examples: USA, Australia.
Holding together federations
A large country divides power between
constituent units.
Mostly, distribution of power various from state to
state, and the central authority tends to be more
powerful than the state governments.
Examples: India, Belgium.
2.3. What Makes India a Federal
Country?
The three-fold distribution of legislative power given in
three
power between the
Union List:
Includes subjects of national importance (defence,
finance, currency, etc.)
The Central government makes laws for these.
State List:
Includes subjects of state and local importance
(police, trade, agriculture, etc.)
The State governments make laws for these.
Concurrent List:
Includes subjects of common interest (education,
forest, marriage, etc.)
Both levels can make laws for these.
CBSE CLASS X POLITICAL SCIENCE (087)
The view of the centre prevails in cases of
disagreement.
Both levels are involved for amendment to the
arrangement of
power-sharing. Independent states come together to form a
Have to be passed by both Houses of the Parliament
with atleast two-thirds majority.
Have to be ratified by atleast half of the total states.
Both levels can levy taxes for raising resources.
The judiciary oversees the implementation of the power-
sharing
arrangement. government
more effective.
2.4. Linguistic States
In 1947, the boundaries of several old states were
changed.
To try having members of one linguistic community in
the same state.
To accommodate cultural, ethnic and geographical
differences.
Independent states come together to form a
larger unit.
Political leaders feared disintegration in response to the
demands
for linguistic states. Gram sabha
Consequences:
Made administration efficient.
Strengthened unity.
2.5. Language Policy
Hindi
Was identified as the official language.
Mother tongue of about 40 percent Indians.
English
Use for official purposes was to stop in 1965.
Non-Hindi speaking states expressed dissent.
A violent movement occurred in Tamil Nadu.
Post that, the use of English-along with Hindi-was to
continue for official purposes.
Linguistic diversity
22 languages recognized as Scheduled Languages.
States have their official languages and inter-state
work, usually, takes place in that language.
2.6. Centre-State Relations
Before 1990s
Generally, the same party ruled at both levels.
States could not exercise their rights as autonomous
units.
State governments were regularly dismissed by the
Centre.
Undermined the spirit of federalism.
After 1990
Rise of regional parties in many states.
Lack of clear majority in the Lok Sabha compelled the
coming in of coalition governments.
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Supreme Court judgment made it difficult for the
Centre to dismiss State governments arbitrarily.
Upheld the spirit of federalism.
larger unit.
2.7. Decentralization in India
Constitutional changes in 1992 made the third-tier of
Mandatory and regular elections to local government
bodies.
Elections conducted by an independent body in each
state (State Election Commission.)
Reserved seats (in government bodies and executive
heads) for SCs, STs, and OBCs.
One-third of seats reserved for women.
State governments to share powers and revenue with
local government bodies.
Rural local government is known as Panchayati Raj.
Council consisting of five ward members, headed by
the ‘sarpanch.’
Consists of the entire adult population of an entire
village.
Supervises the rural local government.
Meets at-least twice/thrice a year to review the
Panchayat’s performance and to approve the
annual budget.
Panchayat samiti/block/mandal
A group of a few gram panchayats.
Elected by all the panchayat members of that
area.
Zilla (district) parishad
A group of all mandals of a district.
Most members are elected.
Some officials, Lok Sabha members, and MLAs
also form a part.
Political head: zilla parishad chairperson.
Urban local government
Municipalities
Set up in towns.
Political head: municipal chairperson.
Municipal Corporations
Set up in larger cities.
Political head: mayor.
Both are controlled by elected bodies consisting of
people’s representatives.
Benefits:
Deepening of democracy (36 lakh representatives in
the local government bodies.)
Increased representation of women.
Drawbacks:
Irregular gram sabhas.
Inadequate transfer of power and resources by the
State governments.
CBSE CLASS X POLITICAL SCIENCE (087)
3. Gender, Religion and Caste
3.1. Terms
Feminist: someone who believes in equal rights and
opportunities
for all genders. 3.3. Religion and Politics
Patriarchy: a social structure in which men hold power
and
occupy a dominant position compared to people of Even when people belong to the same religion,
other genders
(literally, rule by father.) differences may arise
in terms of practicing (e.g.:
Sexual Division of Labour: the delegation of tasks based
on
gender-specific roles and stereotypes with women
responsible for
undertaking/organizing domestic work. politics explicitly.
Secularism: separation of the state and its affairs from
religion and its institutions.
Caste-hierarchy: A social stratification system wherein all
the
caste groups are placed from the ‘highest’ to the
‘lowest’ castes.
3.2. Gender and Politics
Women face oppression and discrimination in various
ways. Some
examples from the Indian context. Religion is considered the basis of social community.
Education
Literacy rate among women (54%) is less than that
among men (76%)
Smaller proportion of women go for higher
education.
Parents prefer spending more on the education of
their sons.
Unpaid work
On an average, an Indian woman works for one
hour more than an Indian man. Much of her work
is unpaid and unvalued.
Proportion of women among valued jobs remains
low.
Unequal pay for equal work
The Equal Wages Act provides for equal pay for
equal work.
Practically, however, women are paid less in all
areas.
Sex-selective abortion
Parents find ways to have a female child aborted
despite the ban on sex determination before birth.
Led to a decline in child sex ratio to merely 927
i.e., 927 female children per 100 male children.
Regular reports of harassment, violence and
exploitation.
Women’s political representation
Elected women members in Lok Sabha: less than 10%.
Elected women members in state assemblies: less
than 5%.
Women’s movements argue that issues concerning
women won’t get the emphasis they need without
women holding power.
Reserved seats for women to ensure representation:
state.
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One-third in local government bodies, leading to
about ten lakh women representatives.
A bill with the proposal to implement the same in
the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies has been
pending with the Parliament for decades.
Northern Ireland)
Religion intersects with many issues, and is related to
Gandhi believed that politics must be guided by
ethics drawn from religion.
As argued by human rights groups and activists,
most of the victims of communal riots are from
religious minorities.
As posed by feminists, family laws of all religions
discriminate against women.
Communalism
Religion is seen as the basis of the nation.
Assumes that followers of one religion have the
same fundamental interests and any differences
are irrelevant.
Further assumes that followers of different
religion are bound to conflict, and any similarities
are superficial.
Followers of one religion are pitted against another.
Interests of one religion are seen as superior.
Demands of one religion are formed in opposition
to another.
State power is used to establish domination of
one religious group over the rest.
Could lead to the belief that followers of different
religions cannot live together in the same country
harmoniously.
Forms of communalism
Everyday beliefs
Religious prejudices and stereotypes.
Belief in the superiority of one’s religion over
others.
Desire for religion-based political dominance
Could lead to majoritarianism.
For minority communities, may shape the desire
to form a separate political unit/country.
Religion-based political mobilization
Sacred symbols and religious leaders.
Evoking fear or appealing emotionally, especially
pre-elections.
Violence
Riots and massacres.
Example: The communal riots between India and
Pakistan post-Partition.
The Indian Constitution establishes the model of a
secular
No official religion for the Indian state.
CBSE CLASS X POLITICAL SCIENCE (087)

Everyone has the freedom to profess, practice and allegiance.

propagate any religion, or not to follow any. Alliance/Front: Coming together of parties for the
Prohibition of religious-based discrimination. purpose of
contesting elections and winning power.
The State may intervene in religious matters in order (Example: Left Front, United
Progressive Alliance, National
to ensure equality (e.g.: banning of untouchability.) Democratic Alliance.)
Recognized political parties: established parties given a
3.4. Caste and Politics unique
symbol (that can be used by only the official
candidates of that
party) by the Election Commission due
The process of annihilation of caste has so far been to recognition.
guided by: Affidavit: A signed sworn-by written document submitted
Efforts of caste-reformists such as Periyar, B.R. to an
officer regarding the individual’s personal
Ambedkar and Jotiba Phule. information.
Economic development and large-scale urbanization. Defection: Changing allegiance from one party (usually,
Growth of literacy and education. the one
a person is elected from) to another.
Occupational mobility and the weakening of the
position of landlords. 4.2. Parties (An Introduction)
Caste inequalities and norms continue to persist.
Deliberately marrying within one’s own caste. Components of a political party:
Practicing of untouchability despite constitutional Leaders
prohibition. Active members
Links with access to modern education and economic Followers
status. Functions:
Caste in politics Contesting elections.
Parties choose candidates and form governments Forming and running the government.
keeping caste composition in mind. Putting forward policies and programmes.
Parties and candidates appeal to caste sentiment to Harmonizing different views.
gather votes. Reflecting diversity of thought in the policy
Universal adult franchise has compelled political direction.
leaders to mobilized and secure support of castes Making Laws.
considered inferior and low. Debated and passed in the legislature.
However, politics is more than just about caste. However, most members belong to the ruling
No parliamentary constituency has a clear majority of party.
one single caste. Mobilizing opposition and criticizing in cases of losing
No party wins the votes of all the voters of a caste or majority.
community. Providing access to welfare schemes and government
Many political parties may put up candidates from the machinery.
same caste and voters then choose without caste Shaping public opinion.
biases. Raising issues.
The ruling party and the sitting MP/MLA frequently Launching movements.
lose elections. In the form of those pressure groups that are
Politics in caste extensions of political parties.
Regular attempts for caste groups to become bigger Number: 750 parties are registered with the Election
by incorporating sub-castes and neighboring castes. Commission
of India.
Entering into a coalition with other caste-groups. Party systems:
Coming up of new kinds of caste groups (‘forward’ and One-party system:
‘backward’ groups.) Only one party forms and runs the government.
Others may contest elections but don’t stand a fair
chance of coming to power.
4. Political Parties Example: Communist Party in China.
Two-party system:
4.1. Terms Power changes between two parties.
Others may contest elections but don’t stand a fair
Political Party: a group of people who come together to chance of coming to power.
contest
elections and hold power in the government with Example: United Kingdom (Conservative Party and
an aim to promote
collective good in society. Labour Party).
Partisan: someone adhered firmly to a party, group or Multi-party system:
faction;
often marked by a biased and unreasonable More than two parties compete and stand a
chance of coming to power.

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CBSE CLASS X POLITICAL SCIENCE (087)

May appear messy due to instability. Communalism

Accommodates diverse opinions and interests. Nationalist Congress Party (NCP):
Example: India. Formed in 1999 following a split in INC.
Wants high offices in government to be confined to
4.3. National Political Parties natural born citizens of the country.
Claims to espouse:
Parties that are present in all or several political units of Democracy
the
Indian federation. Gandhian secularism
Conditions for being recognized as a national party: Equity
At least 6% of total votes in the Lok Sabha or social justice
assembly elections in four states. federalism
At least 4 seats in the Lok Sabha.
Indian National Congress (INC): 4.4. State Parties
Founded in 1885.
Ruling party at the Centre until 1977 and then from Conditions for being recognized as a state party:
1980-89. At least 6 per cent of the total votes in the Legislative
Centrist ideologies. Assembly of a State.
Claims to espouse: At least 2 seats in the assembly.
Secularism The rise of coalitions and alliances had uplifted state
Welfare of weaker sections and minorities parties and
strengthened federalism.
New economic reforms Example: Samajwadi party, Mizo National Front etc.
Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP):
Founded in 1980 by reviving Bhartiya Jan Sangh. 4.5. Challenges to Political Parties
Came to power in 1988 as the leader of the National
Democratic Alliance. Lack of internal democracy
Stands for: Concentration of power in one or few leaders at the
Full territorial and political integration of Jammu top.
and Kashmir with India. Irregular internal elections.
Cultural nationalism (or ‘Hindutva’.) Absence of membership registers and organizational
Ban on religious conversions. meetings.
A uniform civil code. Dynastic succession
Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP): Lack of transparency.
Founded in 1984 under Kanshi Ram. Makes it unfair for other party members.
Represents and secures power for Bahujans (Dalits, Threatens democracy as those without
Adivasis, OBCs, religious minorities.) experience/support occupy powerful positions.
Follows the ideas of Periyar, Ambedkar, Phule etc. Increasing role of money and muscle power
Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M): Influence of rich people and companies who give
Founded in 1964. funds to the parties.
Remained in power in West-Bengal for about 30 years Voter intimidation and suppression.
continuously. Parties tend to support criminals who can win
Believes in elections.
Socialism Lack of meaningful choices in elections.
Marxism-Leninism
Secularism
Democracy
4.6. Reforms in Political Parties
Opposes
Implemented Reforms:
Imperialism
Indulging in defection now leads to losing seat in the
Communalism
legislature.
Communist Party of India (CPI):
Mandatory for every candidate to submit an affidavit
Founded in 1925.
with details of property and criminal cases pending
Became weak after split in the party in 1964 led to the
against them.
formation of CPI-M.
Mandatory for political parties to hold organizational
Believes in
elections and file income tax returns.
Marxism-Leninism
Suggested Reforms:
Secularism
Parties to reserve party tickets for women.
Democracy
State funding of elections.
Opposes
Secessionism

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CBSE CLASS X POLITICAL SCIENCE (087)

Inter-country cooperation
5. Outcomes of Democracy
5.4. Reduction of Inequality and Poverty
5.1. Expectations from Democracy
Despite the principle of political equality, inequality exists
Promotion of equality. in
the economic sphere.
Enhancement of dignity. The gap between the rich and the poor is widening.
Improvement in decision-making quality. The lowest sections of society struggle to meet basic
Provision of a conflict-resolution method. needs whereas
the rich live luxuriously.
Provision of space for error-correction. Despite the poor constituting a major proportion of
Due to the expected outcomes, democracy is preferred voters, their
needs are ignored.
over
dictatorship in all countries in South Asia except
Pakistan. 5.5. Accommodation of Social Diversity
5.2. Accountability, Responsiveness and Majority opinion reflected in political representation, but
minority
opinions need to be taken into account.
Legitimacy Rule by majority should turn into majoritarianism/rule by
majority
in terms of race, ethnicity etc.
Norms and procedures
All differences can not be resolved and conflicts are
Based on negotiations and deliberations.
bound to
occur.
Need for majorities in assemblies and assimilation of
Democracy provides a way to accommodate diversity and
public opinion.
negotiate
differences.
Following these takes time but could lead to efficient
and acceptable results.
Increases transparency, as an individual could find 5.6. Dignity and Freedom of Citizens
out if a decision was taken using the appropriate
steps. Recognition of citizens as equal makes them feel dignified
Boosts accountability. and
prevents conflicts.
Expectations Strengthened the claim of disadvantaged groups for
Regular, free, and fair election. equal status and
opportunity.
Open public debate on legislations and policies. Legal recognition does not lead to equality altogether but
Citizens’ right to information about the government creates
conditions for the same.
and its functioning. The constitution provides political equality
Acceptance despite corruption irrespective of gender.
Democracies don’t show a transparent track record. Women’s representation and participation remains
Not always attentive to the needs of the people. low.
Routine accounts of corruption. But it is easier to wage a struggle for something
However, elected by the people, giving them the considered legally valid.
power to replace it through elections; makes it Empowers people to express dissent.
legitimate. Gives them the ability to look at power-holders
critically.
Public expression of criticism and dissatisfaction.
5.3. Economic Growth and
Development 5.7. Weakness of Indian Democracy
Dictatorships have a slightly better rate of economic Regular occurrences of corruption.
growth than
democracies. Prevalence of caste-based atrocities and gender-based
Cannot alone be a factor to reject democracies due to violence
despite legal prohibition.
several other
positive outcomes. Ignorance towards the demands and needs of people.
Economic growth depends on: Lack of adequate efforts to reduce poverty and ensure
Population size. economic
equality.
Global situation. Happens to be good on paper but not in practice.
Economic priorities of a country.

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CBSE CLASS X
Political Science (087)

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