Political Science – Class XII – Student Support Material (SSM 2025–26)

SECTION A – Objective Type Questions (1 Mark)

Section A includes:

MCQs (Multiple Choice Questions)

Assertion–Reason Questions

Case-Based Questions

This section checks your basic conceptual clarity and factual understanding.

For example, in Chapter 1: The End of Bipolarity, Section A asks questions like:

What is Shock Therapy?

What is CIS?

Which country witnessed peaceful separation?

What is bipolarity?

These questions test:

Important dates (1989 – Fall of Berlin Wall, 1991 – USSR collapse)

Key terms (Perestroika, Glasnost, Unipolar World)

Basic understanding of political events

Similarly, in Chapter 2: Contemporary Centres of Power, Section A focuses on:

Maastricht Treaty (European Union)

ASEAN Way

Open Door Policy of China

WTO entry of China

Japan and South Korea as economic powers

In Chapter 4: International Organisations, Section A tests:

Structure of UN

Security Council members

Veto power

WHO, UNESCO, UNICEF

India’s demand for permanent membership

Section A mainly tests:

Definitions

Important facts

Direct concepts

Simple reasoning

Students must revise key terms, dates, treaties, and organizations carefully.

SECTION B – Very Short & Short Answer Questions (2–4 Marks)

Section B checks your understanding and explanation ability. You must write answers clearly but in paragraph form.

For example:

From Chapter 1 (End of Bipolarity)

Questions include:                                            What is bipolarity?

What were Gorbachev’s reforms?                     Why did USSR disintegrate?

Here you must explain reasons like:                 Economic stagnation

Nationalism                                                       Military burden

Failure of reforms                                              From Chapter 2 (Centres of Power)

Questions include:                                             Features of ASEAN

Achievements of European Union                     Nature of India–China relations

You must explain:                                               Economic cooperation

Political integration                                            Trade relations

Border disputes

From Chapter 3 (Contemporary South Asia)

Section B includes:                                       What is SAARC?

What is SAFTA?                                            Causes of weak democracy in Pakistan

Ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka

Here you explain:                                         India–Pakistan conflicts

Bangladesh independence                           Nepal’s transition to democracy

Regional cooperation challenges

From Chapter 4 (International Organisations)

Short answers include:                                 Why UN reforms are needed?

What is veto power?                              What steps were taken in 2005 reforms?

You must explain:                                   Security Council imbalance

Representation issues                           India’s justification for permanent seat

Section B tests:

Concept clarity                                     Cause–effect explanation

Analytical thinking                               Ability to connect facts

Answers must be structured and logically explained.

SECTION C – Long Answer Questions (6 Marks)

Section C checks deep understanding, analysis, comparison, and evaluation skills.

These answers must be written in detailed paragraph form with proper structure.

Example 1: Political and Economic Consequences of USSR Collapse

You must explain:                                            End of Cold War

Emergence of Unipolar World                        Rise of USA dominance

Spread of capitalism                                       Creation of 15 new countries

Shock Therapy impact

You should link global political change with economic transformation.

Example 2: Evolution of European Union

Explain:                                                            Post-WWII cooperation

Marshall Plan                                                  ECSC → EEC → Maastricht Treaty

EU institutions                                                Economic power

Challenges like Brexit

This shows development over time.

Example 3: India–China Relations

Explain both:

 Areas of cooperation:

Trade                                          BRICS                              Climate talks

 Areas of conflict:

Border disputes                         CPEC                                Galwan clash

Balanced answers are important.

Example 4: UN Reforms & India’s Role

You must analyse:                                      Need for Security Council reform

Veto power debate                                    India’s eligibility

Democratic representation

This requires evaluation and justification.

Example 5: Traditional vs Non-Traditional Security

You must compare:                                   Traditional Security:

Military threats                                          Balance of power

Alliances                                                    Non-Traditional Security:

Human security                                         Poverty

Climate change                                         Terrorism

This tests comparative analysis.