ICSE Class 10 History and Civics Question Paper 2020 With Solution

Solving the ICSE Class 10 History and Civics past year papers is an important part of revision. By practising the questions asked in previous years, students get an idea of important topics, marks weightage and difficulty level of exam. Also, there is a high probability that a few of the questions from last year’s papers can appear in the exam. So, students must practise the year wise ICSE Class 10 History and Civics Solved Previous Year Question Papers to boost their exam preparation. To help them in doing so, we have provided the ICSE Class 10 History and Civics Question Paper Solution 2020. By going through the article, students will find the question paper and solution pdf for free downloading as well as in text format on the page.

ICSE Class 10 History and Civics Question Paper 2020 With Solutions

The ICSE Class 10 History and Civics 2020 exam was conducted on 11th March 2020. The exam started at 11 am, and students were allotted 2 hours of time to complete the paper. They can download the ICSE Class 10 History and Civics Question Paper Solution 2020 PDF from the link below.

Students can have a look at the ICSE Class 10 History and Civics Question Paper Solution 2020 below.

Difficult Topics of ICSE Class 10 History and Civics 2020 Question Paper

Below we have listed down the topics which students found difficult while attempting the ICSE 2020 History and Civics Question Paper.

• Session and Quorum.
• Body that decides the major policies of the Government.
• Differences between the Cabinet Ministers and the Council of Ministers.
• Difference between methods adopted by the early nationalists and the aggressive nationalists.
• Objectives of the I.N.A and the Forward Bloc.
• Meaning of imperialism and how it was one of the main causes for World War I.
• Legislative powers of the Union Parliament.
• Exclusive powers of the Lok Sabha.
• The executive and the legislative powers of the President.
• The power of Judicial Review and the Revisory Power of the Supreme Court.
• Clauses of Mountbatten Plan and the Indian Independence Act 1947.
• Treaty of Versailles as a cause of World War II.

ICSE Class 10 History and Civics Question Paper 2020 With Solution

Question 1:

(a) Name the two Houses of the Indian Parliament. [1]

(b) What is meant by the term ‘Session’? [1]

(c) How is the Speaker of the Lok Sabha elected? [1]

(d) What is the term of office of a Rajya Sabha member? [1]

(e) Who is the Supreme Commander of the Armed forces of India? [1]

(f) What is the normal term of office of the Vice President of India? [1]

(g) Who appoints the Prime Minister of India? [1]

(h) State the body that decides the major policies of the Government. [1]

(i) Name the Courts that are empowered to issue Writs for the enforcement of Fundamental Rights. [1]

(j) Mention any one advantage of the Lok Adalat. [1]

Answer:

(a) Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha / House of People and Council of States / Upper House and Lower House.

(b)

− The session means a period during which the House meets to conduct its business.

− Normally three sessions.

− The House meets at least twice.

− Budget or Summer Session, Winter Session and Monsoon Session.

(c) The speaker is elected by the members of the Lok Sabha / He should be one amongst the members / by simple majority of members present and voting.

(d) 6 years. [One third of its members retire every two years.]

(e) President

(f) 5 years

(g) President

(h) Cabinet/senior ministers/senior members of the Council of Ministers

(i) Supreme Court & High Court

(j) Advantages of the Lok Adalat:

− Saves time/speedy justice/fast/quick.

− Saves money/inexpensive/cheap/economical/no court fee / the fee will be refunded if the case is settled.

− lessens the burdens on the other courts/reduces backlog.

− Works on a spirit of compromise/no ill feeling/decision is binding on both the parties.

− Can move application on a plain paper/can pass awards regarding those cases which are at pre-litigation stage.

− Decisions are final and binding/No appeal in any court against decision / Promotes social justice or justice for weaker sections. (Any one point)

Question 2:

(a) Mention any two contributions of Bipin Chandra Pal in promoting Nationalism. [2]

(b) State any two methods adopted by the Early Nationalists in the National Movement. [2]

(c) Why is October 16, 1905 regarded as an important day in the history of the Indian

National Movement? [2]

(d) Name any two leaders of the Khilafat Movement. [2]

(e) State any two causes for the Non-Cooperation Movement. [2]

(f) Mention any two objectives of the Forward Bloc. [2]

(g) What was meant by the term ‘Imperialism’, as a cause for World War I? [2]

(h) Give any two reasons for the rise of Fascism. [2]

(i) Name the two International Organisations that were formed, one as a consequence of

World War I and the other after World War II. [2]

(j) Give the full form of UNICEF and WHO. [2]

Answer:

(a) Any two contributions of Bipin Chandra Pal:

− Role of journalist

− worked for Bengal Public Opinion.

− The Tribune / New India to propagate nationalism.

− Founder of Vande Mataram.

− Wrote New Economic Menace to India.

− Wrote the Spirit of Indian Nationalism.

− Advocated National Education.

− aroused nationalistic passions or patriotism.

− wanted National Education to be the basis of the freedom movement.

− Opposed the Caste system/worked for social progress.

− Advocated widow remarriage.

− Educated women.

− participated in several Congress Sessions.

− Pleaded for Arms Act to be repealed.

− contributed to promote national consciousness.

− played an active role in the anti-partition movement.

− participated in the Swadeshi movement.

− proposed remedies to eradicate poverty.

− wanted Swadeshi and Boycott to become means of freedom.

− was against only the Non-Cooperation Movement / wanted more action or aggressive measures.

− Was called The Father of Revolutionary thought in India. (Any two points)

(b)

− Held meetings

− Speeches were made

− Made use of the press, newspapers and journals

− Criticized government policies.

− Sent memorandums

− sent petitions to government officials and the British parliament.

− Petitions, prayers, and protest through constitutional methods. / 3Ps

− peaceful propaganda

− adopted constitutional means

− held discussions

− held processions

− passed resolutions

− United public opinion

− sent deputations and delegations

− distribution of leaflets and pamphlets. (Any two points)

(c) Partition of Bengal led to communal disharmony, Congress felt it was a scheme of divide and rule policy.

(d) Ali brothers -/Mohammad Ali and Shaukat Ali. (Any two names)

(e)

− Khilafat movement.

− Rowlatt Act/Black Act or Black Bill.

− Jallianwala Bagh tragedy/Massacre at Amritsar. (Any two points)

(f) Objectives of Forward Bloc:

− Liberation of India /freedom of India

− With the help of youth workers, peasants and radical organizations

− Reorganization of agriculture and industry on socialist lines

− Abolition of the zamindari system

− Introduction of a new monetary and credit system

− Establishment of a socialist society

− Social ownership and control of both production and distribution (Any two points)

(g)

− A system by which a powerful nation used to establish its control over another country

− By political pressure

− Infiltration and annexation

− By outright wars.

− Supremacy over weaker countries

− Establish colonies

− Mad scramble among European nations for new territories in Asia and Africa

− Morocco Crisis/Any other example of conquests. (Any one point)

(h) Rise of fascism:

− Discontentment after the Treaty of Versailles/Italy got nothing from the spoils of the war

− Economic crisis

− Political instability/Inefficient government/weak government/failure of democracy

− Class conflicts

− Threat of socialism or communism

− Failure of the league of nations

− Leadership provided by Mussolini. (Any two points)

(i)

− League of Nations

− United Nations Organisation/UNO/UN

(j) UNICEF: United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund

WHO : World Health Organisation

Question 3: With reference to the Union Legislature, answer the following questions:

(a) Explain any three Legislative powers of the Union Parliament. [3]

(b) State any three exclusive powers of the Lok Sabha that is not enjoyed by the other House. [3]

(c) List any four functions of the Speaker of the Lok Sabha.

Answer:

(a) Legislative powers of the union parliament:

− To make laws in the union list /97 subjects

− Matters in the concurrent list/47 subjects

− Residuary powers/matters not mentioned in 3 lists

− Matters in the state list

− during an emergency

− approved by 2/3 majority by the Rajya Sabha

− when two or more states ask

− President’s Rule

− Ordinances must be approved

− Powers during emergency/67 subjects in the state list. (Any three points)

(b)

− Motions of No-Confidence against the government can only be introduced and passed in

the Lok Sabha/answerable to the Lok Sabha only/ enjoy power only until they enjoy the

trust of the house

− Money bills can be introduced only in the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha cannot reject or

amend it. /budget is passed/controls the national purse/has complete control over finance

− In case of a deadlock between the two houses, the will of the Lok Sabha prevails due to its higher numerical strength.

− Can pass an Adjournment Motion.

(c) Functions of the Speaker of Lok Sabha:

− Regulate the proceedings of the house

− Certifies a bill as money bill

− Maintains discipline in the house

− Puts issues to vote and announces results

− Does not vote in the house except when there is a tie /casting vote

− Presides over the joint session of the parliament.

− presides over meetings

− recognises a member on the floor of the house

− asks a member to yield the floor

− preserves order in the house

− expunges unparliamentary words

− receives all petitions

− decides the order of speeches

− decides which questions to admit

− communicates the decision of the house to the authorities

− can adjourn the house

− decides whether there is any breach of privilege or contempt of house

− regulates the press and visitors

− appoints chairman of various parliamentary committees

− disqualifies members under anti defection law

− all bills are signed by him

− interprets the rules of the house (Any four points)

Question 4: The Executive Power of the Indian Union is vested in the President. In this context, answer the following:

(a) How is the President of India elected? State the composition of the Electoral College that

elects him. [3]

(b) Explain any three Discretionary Powers of the President. [3]

(c) Mention any four Executive Powers of the President. [4]

Answer:

(a)

1. President is elected indirectly by the members of an electoral college. /single transferable vote/proportional representation.

2. Composition of Electoral college:

− Elected members of both houses [LS and RS] of parliament

− Elected members of the legislative assemblies of the states including the national capital territory of Delhi and the union territory of Puducherry.

− OR MPs and MLAs

(b) The discretionary powers:

− Where he uses his wisdom and judgement.

− Dissolution of Lok Sabha during constitutional crisis

− Explore possibilities of alternative government at the centre

− Dismissal of ministers when the government collapses due to No confidence.

− Appointment of the PM where no single party commands

− Appointment of PM in case of death

− May withhold assent to an ordinary bill or send it back for reconsideration

− No time limit within which he is to declare his assent/refusal of the bill. (Any three points)

(c) The Executive powers:

− Head of the Union administration/administration of the country runs in his house/All orders are issued in his name

− Appointment of officials of the state

– Appoints the

• Attorney General

• Auditor General

• Ambassador

• Members of UPSC

• Judges of High Court and Supreme Court

• Members of the Planning Commission

• Election Commissioner

• Governors of State

• PM and the Council of Ministers

− Control over state governments during emergency

− And Union territories and border areas/exercises power through an administrator appointed by the President. (Any four points)

Question 5: With reference to the Supreme Court as the Apex Court in our Indian Judiciary, explain the following:

(a) Any three cases that come under the Original Jurisdiction of the Supreme Court. [3]

(b) Power of Judicial Review. [3]

(c) Supreme Court as a Court of Record. [4]

Answer:

(a) Original Jurisdiction

− Centre state

− interstate disputes

− Union and state on one side and other states on other side

− Protection of Fundamental rights

− Transfer of cases from lower courts

− Interpretation of the Constitution (Any three points)

(b) Power of Judicial Review:

− The Supreme Court is the interpreter of the Constitution

− It has the power to review laws passed by the union or state legislatures or executive.

− The Supreme Court can declare a law ultra vires or null and void, if it is against the letter and spirit of the Constitution or contravenes any provision of the constitution.

(c) The court of record has two implications:

− Its judgement and orders are preserved as a record.

− This can be produced in any court as precedents.

− future references

− testimony

− If a person commits a contempt of court, the court has the authority to punish contempt.

− The Supreme Court acts as the Guardian of the constitution. (Any two points)

Question 6: By 1857, conditions were ripe for a mass uprising in the form of the Great Revolt of 1857. In this context, explain the following:

(a) Any three Economic causes for the revolt of 1857. [3]

(b) Any three Military causes. [3]

(c) Any three Political causes of the revolt. [4]

Answer:

(a)

− Exploitation of economic resources

− Drain of wealth

− Decay of cottage industries and handicrafts

− Economic decline of peasantry

− Growing unemployment

− Inhuman treatment of indigo cultivators

− Poverty and famines

− Decline of landed aristocracy

− Heavy duties on Indian goods like silk and cotton

− British imports with no nominal duty

− Impoverishment of peasants/different revenue system

− India was reduced to an agricultural colony

− Annexation of rent-free lands and estates/Inam Commission

− Drain of wealth to England

− Spinning and weaving became extinct

− Loss of livelihood. (Any three points)

(b)

− Ill treatment of Indian soldiers/treated as servants/social distance between officers and Indian soldiers

− General service enlistment act

− Large proportion of Indians in the British army

− Bleak prospects of promotions

− Deprivation of allowances

− Faulty distribution of troops

− Poor performance of British troops.

− Lower salaries

− Introduction of Enfield Rifles

− Loss of prestige in Afghan War

− Disbanding of troops [Awadh]. (Any three points)

(c)

− Policy of expansion

− Subsidiary Alliance

− By outright wars/Sind/Punjab/Buxar/Anglo Maratha/Anglo Mysore/Anglo Sikh

− By using the doctrine of lapse/Explanation of the policy/States affected like Satara/Jhansi

− On the pretext of alleged misrule [Awadh]

− Disrespect shown to Bahadur Shah

− Absentee sovereignty of the British/India was governed from foreign land.

− Treatment given to Nana Sahib and Rani Lakshmi Bai. (Any four points)

Question 7: With reference to the Mass Phase of the National Movement under the leadership of Gandhi, answer the following:

(a) Briefly explain the Dandi March of 1930. [3]

(b) State any three reasons for the launching of the Quit India Movement. [3]

(c) Explain any four significant effects of the Quit India Movement. [4]

Answer:

(a)

− On 2nd March 1930, Gandhi wrote a letter to the Viceroy

− communicating his decision to start the Civil Disobedience Movement.

− On 12th March began Mahatma Gandhi’s historic march from Sabarmati Ashram to Dandi, a village on the Gujarat seacoast

− 78 people followed him.

− He reached Dandi on 5th April.

− On the morning of 6th of April, Gandhi violated the salt-laws by picking up some salt left by the sea-waves.

− Gandhi’s signal to disobey the government law (Any three points)

(b) Reasons for launching the Quit India Movement:

− Failure of the Cripps Mission

− Worsening of Communal Problem

− Japan posed a serious threat to India. (Any two points)

(c) Significant consequences of the Quit India Movement

− Important landmark – It saw disturbances practically all over India.

− It warned the British that they were not wanted in India/days were limited/collapse of authority

− Demand from Indians that they could have nothing short of Independence

− Quit India Movement strengthened the Congress Socialist Party.

− In the Quit India Movement, the Indian Revolution reached its climax.

− Led to political awakening

− Indian problem attracted the attention of the world especially USA

− Symbolic of new confidence among Indians

− Demonstrated nationalistic feelings

− Mass movement/last mass movement

− United young and old and people of different religions and regions

− No political activity till after the war ended in 1945 (Any four points)

Question 8: With reference to the Partition Plan, answer the following:

(a) (i) Name the last Viceroy of India. [3]

(ii) State any two reasons for him to come to India.

(b) Mention any three proposals under his plan. [3]

(c) State any four reasons for the Congress to finally accept the Plan. [4]

Answer:

(a) (i) Lord Mountbatten

(ii) He came to India for the purpose of taking necessary steps for the transfer of power to

the Indians. /To restore peace among the two sections of Congress and the League. /To

present a plan for the partition.

(b) Three proposals under his Plan:

− Partition – into two dominions

− Relations between the two new Dominions – to decide what relation to have between each other and the commonwealth

− A Boundary Commission – to settle the boundaries

− Princely States – treaties would end, and they could decide to join either of the dominions or remain independent

− Bengal & Punjab – legislative assemblies to decide

− Sindh – legislative assembly to decide

− N.W. Frontier Province – to decide by a referendum

− District of Sylhet – to decide by a referendum

− Constituent Assembly – separate Constituent assembly for both the parties

− Transfer of Power – would take place before 1948. (Any three points)

(c) Acceptance of Plan:

− Large scale communal riots

− League joined Interim government to obstruct and not to cooperate.

− Only alternative to Partition was a Federation with a weak centre.

− Any further continuation of British rule would mean a greater calamity for India. /People and leaders were fed up with their rule in India/wanted to get rid of the British rule by paying any price.

− Further delay could find India in a Civil War.

− Leaders felt that partition would aid the Constitutions of separate electorates. /and other undemocratic procedures.

(Any four points)

Question 9:

(a) Name the organization associated with the above Emblem. Mention any two of its objectives. [3]

(b) Mention any three functions of WHO, as its agency. [3]

(c) Name the Principal Judicial Organ of this organization and explain its composition. [4]

Answer:

(a) United Nations

Objectives:

− Maintain international peace and security.

− To develop friendly relations among nations.

− To achieve international cooperation among nations.

− Solving problems of economic, social, cultural & humanitarian character.

− To be a centre for harmonizing the actions of nations.

− To disarm

− Decolonize

− And develop

− Create faith in human rights.

− Establish conditions to maintain International law and international treaties.

− Save from the scourge of war.

(Any three points)

(b) Functions of WHO:

− Direct and coordinate health work on an international scale.

− Works in fields of communicable diseases

− Maintains child health

− Mental health

− Cancer

− Diabetes

− Eradicate scale /smallpox was eradicated by a global campaign by WHO.

− Promote the provision of good health and living conditions of the people.

− To set international standards with regard to food and medicines.

− To provide safe drinking water.

− Vaccination/immunization against six major diseases like, measles, diphtheria, tetanus, TB, polio and whooping cough/diarrheal deaths have reduced

− Promote research, to cure and prevent diseases.

− Organizes conferences, research, seminars, etc.

− Publishes health journals/ bulletins/magazines

− Set international standards for biological products and pharmaceutical products such as rugs, medicines, vaccines

− Bring about improvement in nutrition

− Housing

− Sanitation

− Work conditions

− Hygiene

− Built medical sciences library in Geneva

− Infant mortality rate has dropped

− Organised malaria and polio eradication programmes globally.

(Any three points)

(c) The International Court of Justice

Composition:

− Consists of 15 judges.

− Elected for a period of 9 years.

− Elected by the General Assembly and the Security Council.

− Each judge is from a different country.

− Elects its President and Vice President for a period of 3 years.

− Appoints a registrar.

− Retiring judge may be elected.

(Any three points)

Question 10: With reference to the Second World War and the Non-Aligned Movement, answer the following:

(a) Explain briefly three reasons for the Dissatisfaction with the Treaty of Versailles. [3]

(b) State any three consequences of the Second World War. [3]

(c) Mention any four chief architects of the Non-Aligned Movement. [4]

Answer:

(a)

− Demanded annexation of German territories and creation of many states.

− Germans felt humiliated and helpless.

− Sowed the seeds of bitterness and conflict.

− All the German colonies were forcibly taken away and were divided into two parts for the benefit of Poland.

− Burdened with huge war indemnity which could never be paid.

− This humiliation gave rise to the spirit of revenge and Germany started looking for an

opportunity to do away with the Treaty.

− This was not possible without aggressive policy and armaments. War became inevitable.

− Germany had to pay 33 billion dollars.

− It had to cede large territories to France, Belgium, Poland, and Denmark.

− Italians felt they won the war but lost the peace.

− Allies deserted her and she received no valuable addition to her territories.

− Germany was crippled.

− Danzig was internationalized. (Any three points)

(b)

− Defeat of the Axis powers.

− Formation of the UN.

− Cold war/rise of communism.

− Germany was defeated and divided into four zones.

− Nazism came to an end.

− Japan lost all territories acquired or seized by Japan were taken away.

− Italy defeated and surrendered.

− France was liberated/Germany’s army in Paris surrendered. (Any three points)

(c) The four architects of NAM are:

− Jawaharlal Nehru of India,

− Joseph B. Tito of Yugoslavia

− Nasser of Egypt

− Sukarno of Indonesia

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