Democratic Resurgence Class 12 MCQs Questions with Answers
Question 1.
Find the odd one out in the context of Proclamation of Emergency.
(A) The call for ‘Total Revolution’
(B) The Railway Strike of 1974
(C) The Naxalite Movement
(D) The Allahabad High Court Verdict
Answer:
(C) The Naxalite Movement
Explanation:
Among all these options, the Naxalites movement were the movement of the Marxist and Leninist agricultural workers of West Bengal, Bihar and adjoining areas which organized massive agitation against economic injustice and inequality. The communist in the Naxalbari region forcibly occupied lands belonging to the richer zamindars.
Question 2.
State which of the following statements about emergency is incorrect:
(A) It was declared in 1975 by Indira Gandhi.
(B) It led to the suspension of all fundamental rights.
(C) It was proclaimed due to the deteriorating economic conditions.
(D) Many opposition leaders were arrested during the Emergency.
Answer:
(C) It was proclaimed due to the deteriorating economic conditions.
Explanation:
When emergency is proclaimed the federal distribution of powers remains practically suspended and all the powers are concentrated in the hands of the Union government and the government also gets the power to restrict all or any of the Fundamental Rights during the emergency
Question 3.
The Shah Commission was headed by:
(A) Justice K C Shah
(B) Justice J C Shah
(C) Justice M C Shah
(D) Justice D C Shah
Answer:
(B) Justice J C Shah
Explanation:
In May 1977, the Janata Party government appointed a Commission of Inquiry headed by Justice J. C. Shah, retired Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of India, to inquire into several aspects of allegations of abuse of authority, excesses and malpractices committed and action taken in the wake of the Emergency proclaimed on the 25th June, 1975.
Question 4.
The elections turned into a referendum on the experience of the Emergency.
(A) 1969
(B) 1977
(C) 1979
(D) 1989
Answer:
(B) 1977
Explanation:
1977 elections turned into a referendum as since Independence it was the first time when the Congress party was defeated in the Lok Sabha elections.
Question 5.
The impact of the Emergency was felt most strongly in the ………….. part of the country.
(A) northern
(B) southern
(C) eastern
(D) western
Answer:
(A) northern
Explanation: After emergency, in Lok Sabha elections, 1977 Congress lost in every constituency in North Indian states (Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Haryana and the Punjab) and could win only one seat each in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh.
Question 6.
In the elections held immediately after Emergency, the Congress could win only seats in the Lok Sabha.
(A) 154
(B) 156
(C) 158
(D) 160
Answer:
(A) 154
Question 7.
During emergency, the relations of government and judiciary were:
(A) tensed
(B) cordial
(C) completely hostile
(D) there was no problem at all
Answer:
(A) tensed
Explanation:
This tension may be attributed to I the inability of the party system to incorporate I the aspirations of the people.
Question 8.
When did the economic situation of the country worsened?
(A) During 1966-67
(B) During 1988-90
(C) During 1980S
(D) During 1972-73
Answer:
(D) During 1972-73
Explanation:
India’s economic situation got worse during 1972-73 because of the following reasons:
- The Bangladesh crisis.
- War with Pakistan.
- The U.S government stopped all aid to India.
- Oil prices increased.
- High level of inflation.
- Low industrial growth and High unemployment
- Monsoons failed.
- Decline in agricultural productivity.
Question 9.
What was one of the possible reasons of India’s deteriorating economy?
(A) People stopped paying tax
(B) After Indo- Pak war 1971, US stopped the economic aid to India
(C) Corruption
(D) All of the above
Answer:
(B) After Indo- Pak war 1971, US stopped the economic aid to India
Explanation:
After the war with Pakistan, the U.S Government stopped all aid to India. This led to an all-round increase in prices of commodities.
Question 10.
When did the Students’ Movements start in Gujarat?
(A) 1974
(B) 1970
(C) 1980
(D) 1988
Answer:
(A) 1974
Explanation:
In January 1974 students in Gujarat started an agitation against rising prices of food grains, cooking oil and other essential commodities, and against corruption in high places.
Question 11.
Who organised a nationwide Indira Gandhi to resign?
(A) Atal Bihari Vajpayee
(B) Jay Prakash Narayan
(C) Lai Bahadur Sashtri
(D) None of the above
Answer:
(B) Jay Prakash Narayan
Explanation:
Jayaprakash Narayan organised a nationwide Satyagraha forcing Indira Gandhi to resign on the basis of verdict of the Allahabad High Court.
Question 12.
When were the general elections held after emergency?
(A) 1978
(B) 1977
(C) 1980
(D) 1981
Answer:
(B) 1977
Explanation:
General elections were held in India between 16 and 20 March 1977 to elect the members of the 6th Lok Sabha. The elections took place during the Emergency period, which expired on 21 March 1977, shortly before the final results were announced.
Question 13.
Who became the Prime Minister after emergency?
(A) Morarji Desai
(B) Jay Prakash Narayan
(C) Lai Krishna Advani
(D) None of the above
Answer:
(A) Morarji Desai
Explanation:
After the controversial emergency was lifted in 1977, the political parties of the opposition fought together against the Congress, under the umbrella of the Janata Party, and won the 1977 election. Desai was elected Prime Minister, and became the first non-Congress Prime Minister of India.
Question 14.
Who succeeded Morarji Desai?
(A) Ram Manohar Lohia
(B) Indira Gandhi
(C) Chaudhary Charan Singh
(D) Atal Bihari Vajpayee
Answer:
(C) Chaudhary Charan Singh
Explanation:
The Janata Party Government could not bring about a fundamental change in policies from those pursued by the Congress. The Janata Party split and the government which was led by Morarji Desai lost its majority in less than 18 months. Another government headed by Charan Singh was formed on the assurance of the support of the Congress party.
Question 15.
What was the philosophy presented by Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya called?
(A) Integral Humanism
(B) Liberal Humanism
(C) One World One Nation
(D) None of the above
Answer:
(A) Integral Humanism
Explanation:
Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya was a philosopher, sociologist, economist and politician. The philosophy presented by him is called ‘Integral Humanism’ which was intended to present an ‘indigenous socio-economic model’ in which human being remains at the centre of development.
Assertion and Reason Based MCQs
Directions: In the following questions, a statement of Assertion (A) is followed by a statement of Reason (R). Mark the correct choice as:
(A) Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
(B) Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
(C) (A) is true, but (R) is false.
(D) (A) is false, but (R) is true.
Question 1.
Assertion: Fundamental rights of the citizens were suspended till the continuance of National Emergency.
Reason: Due to different viewpoints of people about the imposition of Emergency, it is the most debatable and controversial topic of Indian politics.
Answer:
(B) Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
Explanation:
In response to rapidly changing political situation and JP Movement, the Government of India on 25th June, 1975 recommended the imposition of emergency. Freedom of Press and some of the Fundamental Rights of the citizens were suspended. However, there were numerous debates going on
in the country in favour and against emergency.
Question 2.
Assertion: According to few of the political parties in India, the emergency was necessary to control the deteriorating condition of the country politics.
Reason: The Communist Party of India supported emergency due to international interference by using students as weapons for destroying democracy of the country, such bans on protest to some extent were necessary.
Answer:
(A) Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
Explanation:
Among the parties who supported 1 emergency was the Communist Party of India.
According to Communist party, there was a conspiracy to defame Indian democracy by using innocent students, making them protest and create a trouble to a democratic governance.
Question 3.
Assertion: The government suspended the Freedom of the Press and implemented press censorship during emergency.
Reason: Press used its freedom to provoke people to carry out unnecessary protests and demonstrations. Press was against the ruling government.
Answer:
(C) (A) is true, but (R) is false.
Explanation:
The final decision to impose an emergency was proposed by Indira Gandhi, agreed upon by the president of India, and thereafter ratified by the cabinet and the parliament (from July to August 1975), based on the rationale that there were imminent internal and external threats to the Indian state. Censorship on media was a part of emergency. It was not done on the basis of any allegation.
Question 4.
Assertion: National Emergency can be declared under the Article 352, whereby the security of India is threatened by war or external aggression or armed rebellion.
Reason: Denial of Fundamental rights and curtailment of freedom is not acceptable to the people of India.
Answer:
(B) Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
Explanation:
Indeed Article 352 gives right to the government to declare the emergency in the country. But, there are procedures to be followed. The President decides whether the emergency should be declared in the country or not. During emergency, people’s democratic rights are banned and they may not Ire in this favour.
Question 5.
Assertion: Morarji Desai did not complete full term of Prime Ministership and was succeeded by Chaudhary Charan Singh.
Reason: Due to lack of a common programme and a constant direction, inability to change Congress policies and splits within the party; led to mid-term elections in 1980.
Answer:
(B) Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
Explanation:
Controversial trials of prominent Congress leaders, including Indira Gandhi over Emergency-era abuses worsened the fortunes of his administration. In 1979, Raj Narain and Charan Singh pulled out of the Janata Party, forcing Desai to resign from office and retire from politics.
Question 6.
Assertion: In the elections of 1971, Congress had given the slogan of “Garibi Hatao” (remove poverty).
Reason: The social and economic condition in the country did not improve much after 1971-72.
Answer:
(B) Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
Explanation:
“Garibi Hatao” slogan was given by congress but it could never been achieved in real sense. Because after that, the economy has gone through rapid downfalls and the condition of the poor never improved.
Question 7.
Assertion: Lohia’s dynamic and uninhibited approach to various problems distinguished him from other political leaders.
Reason: Lohia’s ideology was largely copied by the communist party of China. He had nothing original of himself.
Answer:
(C) (A) is true, but (R) is false.
Explanation:
Ram Manohar Lohia has been one of the main proponents of socialism in India. He championed the idea of ‘Democratic Socialism’ while associating his socialism with democracy. Lohia showed great originality in his enunciation of socialism.
Question 8.
Assertion: Upadhyaya identified nationalism, democracy and socialism as three principal ‘isms’ that affected the west.
Reason: Among these three ‘isms’ nationalism was the oldest and the strongest.
Answer:
(B) Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
Explanation:
Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya was one of the most eminent philosopher, sociologist, economist and politician. The philosophy presented by him is called ‘Integral Humanism’ which was intended to present an ‘indigenous socio-economic model’ in which human being remains at the centre of development.
Case-Based MCQs
I. Study tht carton cerrfully and give the answer to the question that follows
Question 1.
What does this picture depict?
(A) Military rule as the only sulution to the problems of the Country
(B) Deimxracy cannot go perallel with milllary rule
(C) Pliticians Supporting military rule
(D(None of the above
Answer:
(B) Deimxracy cannot go perallel with milllary rule
Explanation:
The military serves as a special government agency, which is supposed to implement, rather than formulate, policies that require the use of certain types of physical force. The purpose of the military is to defend society, not to define it.
Question 2.
Choose the correct option of the following to save democracy.
(A) At times military rule should be imposed to curb the violent crisis
(B) By focusing more on people’s fundamental rights, with the strong opposition in the parliament as well as in legislative assembly against the undemocratic practices
(C) By giving complete power to the President of the country
(D) All of the above
Answer:
(B) By focusing more on people’s fundamental rights, with the strong opposition in the parliament as well as in legislative assembly against the undemocratic practices
Explanation:
A good democracy is defined as an institutional structure that understands the liberty and equality of citizens through the correct functioning of the government and its method. Also, it is a regime that should completely satisfy the citizens with its result.
Question 3.
What are the problems faced by the democratic government?
(A) Corruption and inefficiency, role of anti social elements, growing economic and social inequalities, casteism and communalism
(B) Pressure from the non-democratic powerful nations to restrict the democratic rights of the citizens
(C) Pressure from the communist parties within the nation to impose socialism to eradicate the differences of economic distribution
(D) People despite of the differences, united and protesting against governments against the laws passed by them
Answer:
(A) Corruption and inefficiency, role of anti social elements, growing economic and social inequalities, casteism and communalism
Question 4.
Military rule and democracy can’t work together:
(A) because both give unnecessary freedom to people.
(B) because military and politicians keep on creating disputes for the nation.
(C) because, military rule imposes such restrictions wherein people’s fundamental rights are curbed.
(D) none of the above
Answer:
(C) because, military rule imposes such restrictions wherein people’s fundamental rights are curbed.
II. Read the following paragraph and answer the questions that follows:
Students’ protests in Gujarat and Bihar, both of which were Congress ruled States, had far reaching impact on the politics of the two States and national politics. In January 1974 students in Gujarat started an agitation against rising prices of food grains, cooking oil and other essential commodities, and against corruption in high places. The students’ protest was joined by major opposition parties and became widespread leading to the imposition of President’s rule in the state.
The opposition parties demanded fresh elections to the state legislature. Morarji Desai, a prominent leader of Congress (O), who was the main rival of Indira Gandhi when he was in the Congress, announced that he would go on an indefinite fast if fresh elections were not held in the State. Under intense pressure from students, supported by the opposition political parties, assembly elections were held in Gujarat in June 1975. The Congress was defeated in this election.
Question 1.
When did the students start the protest in Gujarat?
(A) November 1974
(B) December 1974
(C) January 1974
(D) None of the above
Answer:
(C) January 1974
Question 2.
What was the implication of the Gujarat protest?
(A) Imposition of President’s rule
(B) Re-elections in Gujarat
(C) Students were arrested
(D) None of the above
Answer:
(A) Imposition of President’s rule
Question 3.
Which party did Morarji Desai belong?
(A) Congress
(B) Janata Dal
(C) Bhartiya Janata Party
(D) Congress
Answer:
(C) Bhartiya Janata Party
Question 4.
When did the assembly elections in Gujarat took place after the pressure of the protests?
(A) July 1975
(B) June 1975
(C) March 1973
(D) April 1974
Answer:
(B) June 1975
III. Read the following excerpt and answer the questions that follows:
In 1967 a peasant uprising took place in the Naxalbari police station area of Darjeeling hills district in West Bengal under the leadership of the local cadres of the Communist Party of India (Marxist). Beginning from the Naxalbari police station, the peasant movement spread to several states of India and came to be referred broadly as the Naxalite Movement.
In 1969, they broke off from the CPI (M) and a new party, Communist Party (Marxist-Leninist) (CPI-ML), was formed under the leadership of Charu Majumdar. It argued that democracy in India was a sham and decided to adopt a strategy of protracted guerrilla warfare in order to lead to a revolution. Currently, about 75 districts in nine States are affected by Naxalite violence. Most of these are very backward areas inhabited by Adivasis.
Question 1.
In which area peasant uprising took place in 1967?
(A) Naxalbari police station
(B) Gujarat
(C) Haryana
(D) None of the above
Answer:
(A) Naxalbari police station
Explanation:
Naxalbari uprising was an armed peasant revolt in 1967 in the Naxalbari block of the Siliguri subdivision in Darjeeling district, West Bengal, India.
Question 2.
What was this peasant movement called later?
(A) Maoist Movement
(B) Communist Movement
(C) Naxalite Movement
(D) Green Revolution
Answer:
(C) Naxalite Movement
Explanation:
The Naxalite-Maoist insurgency is an ongoing conflict between Maoist groups known as Naxalites or Naxals; a group of far- left radical communists, supportive of Maoist political sentiment and ideology and the Indian government.
Question 3.
Which party was formed under the leadership of Charu Majumdar?
(A) CPI – ML
(B) Communist Regime
(C) Socialist Party
(D) Janata Dal
Answer:
(A) CPI – ML
Question 4.
How many states are currently affected by the Naxalite Movement?
(A) Seven states
(B) Nine states
(C) Eleven states
(D) Ten states
Answer:
(B) Nine states
III. Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follows:
Normally, it should have been held more than a year earlier. But in the summer of 1975, Indira Gandhi had imposed the Emergency, suspending Indian democracy and making fundamental rights inoperative. During the 19-months nightmare, she had postponed elections not once, but twice. And then, as abruptly and unexpectedly as she had issued the Emergency proclamation, on January 18, 1977, she announced that the Lok Sabha elections would take place in March.
For this purpose, she relaxed the rules of the Emergency, lifted press censorship, permitted public meetings and released from jail tens of thousands of members of the political opposition. Some of her inveterate critics believe to this day that she opted for the elections because she believed, or was persuaded by her intelligence agencies to believe, that she would win. Even if this were so-which is doubtful because, for all her faults, she was not so naive-two major and unexpected events immediately after the announcement of the poll must have shattered any illusion.
Question 1.
When was the Emergency imposed in India?
(A) 1974
(B) 1975
(C) 1980
(D) 1979
Answer:
(B) 1975
Explanation:
On 12 June 1975, Justice lagmohan Lai Sinha of the Allahabad High Court passed a judgment declaring Indira Gandhi’s election to the Lok Sabha invalid. The opposition political parties pressed for Indira Gandhi’s resignation and organised a massive demonstration. I he response of the government was to declare a state of emergency. On 25 June 1975. the government declared emergency that there was a threat of internal disturbances.
Question 2.
When was the Lok Sabha elections date announced?
(A) 19th January
(B) 20th January
(C) 18th January
(D) None of the above
Answer:
(C) 18th January.
Question 3.
For what purpose the rules of emergency were relaxed?
(A) In response of the public and political pressure
(B) For the elections of 1977
(C) To revoke emergency
(D) All of the above
Answer:
(B) For the elections of 1977
Question 4.
Who persuaded Indira Gandhi to believe that she will win 1977 elections?
(A) Her party
(B) Exit polls
(C) Her intelligence agencies
(D) Her self-instincts
Answer:
(C) Her intelligence agencies
Explanation:
It is commonly believed that Indira Gandhi called for elections because the Intelligence Bureau told her that she would win 330 seats.