REHEARSAL EXAMINATION 2020-2021

CLASS X
HISTORY AND CIVICS
TOTAL MARKS: 80 TOTAL TIME: 2 HOUR 45 MINS
DOWNLOADING AND EMAILING TIME: 30 MINS
READING TIME: 15 MINS
WRITING TIME: 2 HOURS
[Students must not write during Reading, Downloading and Emailing time.]

Attempt all questions from Part I (Compulsory). A total of five questions are to be
attempted from Part II, two out of three questions from Section A, and three out of five
questions in Section B.
The intended marks for questions or parts of questions are given in the brackets ( )

PART I (30 marks)

QUESTION 1. [1x10]
a) State one feature of the Indian Constitution that resembles a federal structure.
b) What is the maximum strength of the Lok Sabha? How many members are nominated to
the Lok Sabha?
c) Who is the presiding officer of the Joint Sitting of both the Houses of the Parliament?
d) ‘The opposition wants the important Farmers’ Bill to be discussed in the Lok Sabha’
Identify the motion that needs to be initiated in the House to discuss this matter.
e) The term of a Rajya Sabha member is different from that of a Lok Sabha member. Explain.
f) Which Fundamental Right can be suspended during emergency?
g) Who is responsible for the administration of Union Territories?
h) What is individual responsibility of a minister?
i) Why is the advisory opinion of the Supreme Court not binding on other courts?
j) Name any one writ that restricts the inferior courts from exceeding their jurisdiction.
QUESTION 2 [10×2=20]

a) What was the impact of the heavy duties imposed on Indian exports of cotton and silk to
Britain?
b) Why were the Indian sepoys unhappy with the British authorities?
c) Name two newspapers that were founded in the 19th century and are in circulation today.
d) Who founded the Servants of India Society? What was its main purpose?
e) What were the methods adopted by Tilak to instil patriotic feelings among the masses?
f) What is the significance of the Chauri Chaura incident in the national movement?
g) Who was the President of the Lahore session of the Congress? How did the goal of the
Congress change after this session?
h) Subhas Chandra Bose’s socialist beliefs and revolutionary ideas were reflected in the
objectives of the Forward Bloc. Mention any two of these objectives.
i) What did Germany do to prevent Soviet Union from helping Poland in August 1939?
j) What is the full form of UNESCO?

PART II (50 Marks)

SECTION A (Attempt any two questions from this section)
QUESTION 3
Parliament is the national legislature of the Indian Union. It is a bicameral legislature that
performs important functions. In this context answer the following questions.
a) ‘Members of the Rajya Sabha represent the entire country.’ Explain the statement.
(3)
b) What are the ways in which the Parliament can exercise control over the Executive?
(4)

c) What are the exclusive powers enjoyed by the Rajya Sabha? (3)
QUESTION 4
With reference to the powers of the President and the Prime Minister of India answer the
following questions:
a) ‘On 20th April, 2020, the President of India had promulgated an ordinance to amend the
‘Epidemic Diseases Act’
What is an ordinance? What circumstances prompted the president to issue such an
ordinance? (1+2=3)

b) Explain two instances when the President can explore the possibility of forming an
alternative government when the Prime Minister fails to continue in his office. (4)
c) ‘Prime Minister is the key stone of the cabinet arch.’ To what extent do you support this
statement? Explain your views with three examples. (3)

QUESTION 5
Supreme Court of India is the highest court of appeal in India and has the power of
interpreting the Constitution of India. Keeping this in mind answer the questions that
follow:
a) What is meant by ‘Original jurisdiction’? Give two examples of Original Jurisdiction.
(1+2=3)
b) Explain the different kinds of appeals that can be made to the Supreme Court under civil
and criminal cases. (4)

c) Do you think the Supreme Court has an important role to play in protecting the rights of
the citizens of India? Explain with three examples. (3)

SECTION B
(Attempt any three questions from this section)
QUESTION 6
The Nineteenth century was a period of turmoil in Indian society. Many social evils
were practised and followed. The conquest of India by the British exposed these evils
and drawbacks of Indian social institutions. Keeping this mind, answer the following
questions:
a) In what ways did the British interfere with the social and religious customs and traditions
of India? (3)

b) What were the religious views advocated by Raja Rammohan Roy? (3)

c) Compare and contrast the efforts made by Raja Rammohan Roy and Mahatma Jyotiba
Phule in bringing about a change in the condition of women in our society.

(4)

QUESTION 7
Mahatma Gandhi played an important role in the national movements against the British
Government. In this context answer the following questions:
a) How did the people of India show their support for Gandhi ‘s call for the Non-Cooperation
Movement? (3)
c) Imagine that you are a follower of Mahatma Gandhi who had participated in the historic
Dandi March. Describe your experience of being a part of this March and how Gandhi began
the Civil Disobedience Movement.
(4)
d) Why was the INC concerned with the Japanese presence in Burma? What was the
significance of the Quit India Movement? (Give two reasons)
(1+2=3)
QUESTION 8
With reference to the last phase of Indian National Movement, answer the following
questions:
a) In what way was Subhas Chandra Bose successful in fulfilling the objectives of INA? (3)
b) Why was Lord Mountbatten sent to India? Why did the Congress accept the proposals of
the Mountbatten Plan? (Give any two reasons) (1+2=3)

c) The Indian Independence Act,1947 proposed the division of India into two dominions.
Mention any four provisions that were mentioned in this Act. (4)
QUESTION 9
The First World War was not a sudden occurrence but a culmination of a number of
developments and forces that had been brewing in Europe in the latter half of the 19 th
century. In this context answer the following questions:
a) Show how Europe was divided into two rival camps before the beginning of the First
World War. Why were these armed camps formed?
(3)
b) Mention three ways in which Kaiser Wilhelm II made Germany into a major power in
Europe. (3)
c) ‘The Treaty of Versailles completely ruined Germany by depriving her of important
territories.’ How did the loss of these territories affect Germany?
(4)

QUESTION 10 (Picture Study)

https://alphahistory.com/nazigermany/hitler-and-mussolini/
Look at the picture carefully and answer the questions that follow:
a) ‘Mussolini and Hitler showed acts of aggression that resulted in the outbreak of the
Second world War.’ How far do you agree with the statement? Explain with two examples
for each leader. (4)
b) In what ways was the League of Nations responsible in escalating the differences
between Japan and China in the 1930’s?
(3)
c) The United Nations Organisation was formed to establish peace, security and
international cooperation. Mention the objectives of UN that reflects these principles. (3)

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