CBSE Class 12 Political Science 2020 Solved Paper

Hey guys! Are you looking for the CBSE Class 12 Political Science solved question paper from 2020? Well, you've come to the right place! In this article, we'll dive deep into why solving previous year's question papers is super important, and we'll break down the 2020 paper to help you ace your exams. Let's get started!

Why Solve Previous Year Question Papers?

Solving previous year question papers is one of the smartest strategies you can adopt for exam preparation. It’s not just about memorizing answers; it's about understanding the exam pattern, the types of questions asked, and how to manage your time effectively. Here’s why it's beneficial:

• Understanding the Exam Pattern: By solving the 2020 paper, you get a clear idea of the CBSE's question paper structure. You'll see how the questions are divided into sections, the marks allotted to each section, and the overall format. This knowledge helps you prepare a strategic approach for the actual exam.
• Identifying Important Topics: Certain topics tend to appear more frequently than others. When you solve the 2020 paper, you'll notice recurring themes and concepts. This allows you to prioritize these important topics during your study sessions. Focusing on high-frequency topics ensures you're well-prepared for the most crucial parts of the syllabus.
• Assessing Preparation Levels: Solving the paper under exam conditions gives you a realistic assessment of your preparation level. You can gauge how well you can recall information, apply concepts, and manage time. It helps you identify your strengths and weaknesses, allowing you to focus on areas that need improvement. Regular assessment is key to continuous improvement.
• Improving Time Management: Time management is crucial during the exam. By solving the 2020 paper, you can practice answering questions within the stipulated time. This helps you develop strategies to allocate time to different sections and avoid spending too much time on any single question. Effective time management can significantly improve your overall performance.
• Boosting Confidence: Successfully solving the previous year's paper boosts your confidence. It gives you a sense of accomplishment and reduces exam-related anxiety. This positive mindset can have a significant impact on your performance on the actual exam day. Confidence is a powerful asset during exams.

Overview of the CBSE Class 12 Political Science 2020 Question Paper

Before we dive into the solutions, let's take a quick look at the structure of the 2020 question paper. The paper typically includes a mix of objective-type questions, short answer questions, and long answer questions. Understanding this structure will help you approach the paper strategically.

Sections

The question paper is usually divided into multiple sections, each with a different type of question. These sections include:

• Section A: Objective-type questions, including multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and fill-in-the-blanks.
• Section B: Very short answer questions, requiring answers in one or two sentences.
• Section C: Short answer questions, requiring answers in about 40-60 words.
• Section D: Long answer questions, requiring answers in about 100-150 words.
• Section E: Passage-based questions, where you need to answer questions based on a given passage.
• Section F: Map-based questions (if applicable), testing your knowledge of geographical locations related to political events.

Marking Scheme

Each section carries a different weightage of marks. Objective-type questions usually carry 1 mark each, while short answer and long answer questions carry higher marks. The marking scheme is designed to test your understanding of concepts at different levels of depth.

• Objective-type questions assess your basic knowledge and recall ability.
• Short answer questions test your understanding of concepts and your ability to explain them concisely.
• Long answer questions evaluate your analytical and critical thinking skills.

General Instructions

The question paper also includes general instructions that you should read carefully before attempting the paper. These instructions provide guidelines on how to answer the questions, the word limit for each answer, and any specific requirements for certain questions.

Detailed Solutions to the 2020 Question Paper

Now, let's get to the heart of the matter: the detailed solutions to the 2020 question paper. We'll break down each question and provide clear, concise answers to help you understand the concepts and improve your answering skills.

Section A: Objective-Type Questions

This section typically includes MCQs and fill-in-the-blanks. These questions are designed to test your basic knowledge of key concepts and events.

Example Question 1:

Which of the following events led to the end of the Cold War?

A) The Cuban Missile Crisis

B) The fall of the Berlin Wall

C) The Korean War

D) The Vietnam War

Answer: B) The fall of the Berlin Wall

Explanation: The fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 symbolized the end of the division between East and West and marked a significant turning point in the Cold War. This event paved the way for the reunification of Germany and the collapse of communist regimes in Eastern Europe.

Example Question 2:

Fill in the blank: The policy of liberalization, privatization, and globalization is known as

__________.

Answer: LPG Reforms

Explanation: The policy of liberalization, privatization, and globalization (LPG) refers to the economic reforms introduced in India in the early 1990s. These reforms aimed to open up the Indian economy to foreign investment, reduce government control over industries, and promote global trade.

Section B: Very Short Answer Questions

These questions require answers in one or two sentences. They test your ability to recall specific information and provide concise explanations.

Example Question 1:

What is meant by the term "Shock Therapy" in the context of post-communist countries?

Answer: "Shock Therapy" refers to the rapid and radical economic reforms implemented in post-communist countries, involving the abrupt transition to market economies through privatization, deregulation, and price liberalization.

Explanation: Shock therapy was a set of economic policies aimed at rapidly transitioning former communist states to market economies. It involved drastic measures such as privatization of state-owned enterprises, deregulation of prices, and opening up to international trade. While intended to quickly stabilize and modernize these economies, it often led to significant social and economic challenges.

Example Question 2:

Name any two permanent members of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).

Answer: United States and China.

Explanation: The United Nations Security Council has five permanent members, each with the power to veto substantive resolutions. These permanent members are the United States, China, Russia, the United Kingdom, and France. Their permanent status and veto power reflect the geopolitical realities at the time of the UN's founding.

Section C: Short Answer Questions

These questions require answers in about 40-60 words. They test your understanding of concepts and your ability to explain them in a structured manner.

Example Question 1:

Explain the concept of "Hegemony" in international relations.

Answer: Hegemony in international relations refers to the dominance of one state over others, often through a combination of economic, military, and cultural influence. A hegemonic power shapes the international system, sets the rules of the game, and influences the behavior of other states. This dominance can be exercised through hard power (military force) or soft power (cultural appeal and ideological influence).

Explanation: Hegemony is a key concept in understanding power dynamics in the international arena. A hegemonic state possesses significant advantages that allow it to exert influence and control over other states. This influence can manifest in various forms, such as setting international norms, controlling economic institutions, and providing security to its allies. The United States, for example, has been described as a hegemonic power due to its economic and military strength.

Example Question 2:

What were the main outcomes of the Rio Earth Summit held in 1992?

Answer: The Rio Earth Summit in 1992 resulted in several significant outcomes, including the adoption of Agenda 21, a comprehensive plan for sustainable development; the establishment of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC); and the Convention on Biological Diversity. These agreements aimed to address environmental issues and promote sustainable development at the global level.

Explanation: The Rio Earth Summit was a landmark event in the history of environmental diplomacy. It brought together world leaders, policymakers, and environmental activists to address pressing environmental challenges. The agreements reached at the summit laid the foundation for international cooperation on issues such as climate change, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable development. Agenda 21, in particular, provided a roadmap for countries to integrate environmental considerations into their economic and social policies.

Section D: Long Answer Questions

These questions require answers in about 100-150 words. They test your analytical and critical thinking skills.

Example Question 1:

Discuss the major challenges faced by the European Union (EU) in recent years.

Answer: The European Union has faced several significant challenges in recent years, including the Eurozone crisis, the refugee crisis, Brexit, and internal divisions over policy issues. The Eurozone crisis exposed vulnerabilities in the EU's economic governance structure, while the refugee crisis strained the EU's border control and asylum policies. Brexit, the departure of the United Kingdom from the EU, has raised questions about the future of European integration. These challenges have tested the EU's resilience and its ability to maintain unity and solidarity among its member states.

Explanation: The European Union is a complex and multifaceted organization that has played a crucial role in promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in Europe. However, it has also faced numerous challenges that have threatened its cohesion and effectiveness. The Eurozone crisis, triggered by sovereign debt problems in several member states, highlighted the need for stronger economic coordination and financial regulation. The refugee crisis, driven by conflicts and instability in the Middle East and Africa, exposed divisions among member states over burden-sharing and border control. Brexit, the result of a referendum in the United Kingdom, has not only weakened the EU economically and politically but has also emboldened nationalist and populist movements across Europe.

Example Question 2:

Analyze the reasons for the end of the Cold War.

Answer: The end of the Cold War was a result of several interconnected factors, including the economic stagnation of the Soviet Union, the rise of reformist leaders like Mikhail Gorbachev, the growing discontent within the Eastern European countries, and the assertive foreign policy of the United States under President Ronald Reagan. Gorbachev's policies of perestroika (economic restructuring) and glasnost (openness) weakened the Soviet system, while Reagan's military buildup and support for anti-communist movements put pressure on the Soviet Union. The fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 symbolized the collapse of the communist bloc and the end of the Cold War.

Explanation: The Cold War was a period of intense geopolitical rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union, characterized by ideological conflict, arms race, and proxy wars. The end of the Cold War marked a significant turning point in world history, leading to the collapse of the Soviet Union and the emergence of a unipolar world order dominated by the United States. The economic stagnation of the Soviet Union, caused by its inefficient centrally planned economy, made it difficult for the country to compete with the United States in the arms race. Gorbachev's reforms, while intended to revitalize the Soviet system, inadvertently unleashed forces that led to its disintegration. The growing discontent within Eastern European countries, fueled by economic hardship and political repression, created an environment ripe for revolution. Reagan's assertive foreign policy, including his Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI) and support for anti-communist rebels in Afghanistan and Nicaragua, put additional pressure on the Soviet Union.

Tips for Exam Preparation

To excel in your Class 12 Political Science exam, here are some valuable tips:

• Thoroughly Understand the Syllabus: Make sure you have a clear understanding of the syllabus and the topics covered in each chapter. This will help you prioritize your study efforts and focus on the most important areas.
• Make Notes: Prepare concise notes for each chapter, highlighting key concepts, events, and personalities. These notes will be useful for quick revision before the exam.
• Practice Regularly: Solve previous year question papers and sample papers regularly to assess your preparation level and improve your time management skills.
• Stay Updated with Current Affairs: Keep yourself updated with current political events and developments, both at the national and international levels. This will help you answer questions that require you to analyze contemporary issues.
• Improve Your Writing Skills: Practice writing clear and concise answers, focusing on the key points. Use proper grammar and vocabulary to express your ideas effectively.

Conclusion

So, there you have it! A comprehensive guide to the CBSE Class 12 Political Science 2020 solved question paper. Remember, practice makes perfect. Keep solving previous year papers, understand the concepts, and stay confident. You've got this! Good luck with your exams, and feel free to reach out if you have any more questions. Happy studying!