Political Science (Senior Secondary): Constitution, Government and Political Theory
PSEB Senior Secondary Political Science tests whether you can use constitutional and theoretical vocabulary precisely: the design of the Indian Constitution, the working of parliamentary government and federalism, rights and their remedies, elections and party politics, and the concepts of liberty, equality, justice and secularism. Marks come from correct article numbers, correctly named institutions and a visible chain of reasoning - not from general commentary.
Core rules and concepts
- Constitution: the Constituent Assembly first met on 9 December 1946; the Preamble is part of the Constitution and is amendable, but the basic structure cannot be destroyed (Kesavananda Bharati, 1973).
- Rights and remedies: Fundamental Rights sit in Part III (Articles 12–35). Writ jurisdiction lies with the Supreme Court under Article 32 and with High Courts under Article 226; the five writs are habeas corpus, mandamus, prohibition, certiorari and quo warranto. Directive Principles (Part IV) are not enforceable in court.
- Executive and legislature: the President is the nominal executive; real power rests with the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers (Articles 74–75), who are answerable to the Lok Sabha. The Rajya Sabha has special powers under Articles 249 and 312.
- Federalism: three lists with residuary powers with the Union, a single constitution and citizenship, an integrated judiciary and an appointed Governor make India 'quasi-federal'.
- Elections and parties: first-past-the-post constituencies, the Election Commission under Article 324, and the Tenth Schedule on defection.
Worked example
Question: why is India called quasi-federal? Reasoning chain: (1) list federal features - two levels of government, division of powers, written constitution, bicameralism; (2) list unitary tilts - strong centre, residuary powers with the Union, single constitution and citizenship, integrated judiciary, Governor as Union's agent, emergency provisions (Articles 352–360); (3) conclude - federal in form, unitary in spirit. Each feature must be labelled 'federal' or 'unitary'; unlabelled lists score poorly.
Traps that cost marks
- Quoting Article 32 for High Court writs (it is Article 226).
- Claiming Directive Principles are enforceable.
- Describing the President as the real executive.
- Saying the Rajya Sabha can reject a Money Bill: it has 14 days and may only recommend.