ICSE Class 10 History & Civics — 2026 Specimen

P and R

Reason — The Rajya Sabha has the exclusive power to declare the creation of new All India Services in accordance with national interest. Also, it is a permanent house and cannot be dissolved as each member is elected for a period of six years, which means that one-third of the total members retire after every two years.

The Parliament

Reason — The Central Government took an important political and constitutional step on August 5, 2019 by abrogating Article 370 and bifurcating Jammu and Kashmir into two separate Union Territories (UTs), i.e., Jammu and Kashmir with a Legislative Assembly and Ladakh without a Legislative Assembly.

Z

Reason — To become the President of India, one must be a citizen of India, must have completed 35 years of age, and should not hold an office of profit under the government. Thus, Person Z fulfills the eligibility criteria to become the President of India.

adjourn the house for lack of discipline.

Reason — It is the duty of the Speaker to maintain order and discipline in the Lok Sabha. He can adjourn the House for lack of discipline.

Lok Sabha

Reason — In the Indian parliamentary system, the Union ministers (including the Prime Minister) are collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha (the lower house of Parliament). This means that if the Lok Sabha passes a vote of no-confidence against the government, all ministers, including the Prime Minister, must resign.

Works on the spirit of compromise

Reason — Lok Adalat works on the spirit of compromise as shown in the given case. The counselling parties agreed to put aside their differences and came to a mutual agreement.

(A) is true and (R) is false.

Explanation — The early aim of the Congress was to promote moderate reforms, seek greater representation for Indians in the British administration, and advocate for social and economic improvements. It was only later with the growing dissatisfaction with British rule, that the Congress started demanding full independence.

3-1-2

Reason — The Simon Commission came first (1928), followed by the Dandi March (1930), and then the Second Round Table Conference (1931). Hence, the correct sequence is 3-1-2.

Follow the method of boycott

Reason — The Early Nationalists believed in moderate politics. They believed in the British government and relied on constitutional and peaceful methods to achieve their aims. They believed in patience and reconciliation rather than in violence and confrontation. So, Anand is unlikely to follow the assertive method of boycott.

Hiroshima, Nagasaki

Reason — During World War II, the United States dropped atomic bombs on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima (on August 6, 1945) and Nagasaki (on August 9, 1945). These two bombings were the most significant American military actions in terms of civilian impact and destruction, ultimately leading to Japan’s surrender and the end of World War II.

The Vernacular Press Act

Reason — The Vernacular Press Act tried to control the press and forbade vernacular papers to publish any material that might excite feelings of dissatisfaction against the British Government. This act was not applicable to English newspapers.

Dadabhai Naoroji

Reason — Lala Lajpat Rai, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, and Bipin Chandra Pal were Assertive Nationalist leaders, whereas Dadabhai Naoroji was a leader of the Early Nationalists (Moderates).

use of greased cartridges in Enfield rifles

Reason — It was rumoured that the greased cartridge had the fat of cow or pig. The sepoys felt that the introduction of greased cartridges were a deliberate move to defile Hindu and Muslim religions. So, the soldiers refused to use these cartridges and staged an uprising when they were forced to use them.

Japan

Reason — VETO power is enjoyed by the permanent members of the UN. Since, Japan is not a permanent member of the UN, it does not enjoy VETO power.

Jyotiba Phule – Women’s Education

Reason — Jyotiba Phule was a strong advocate for the education of women and the upliftment of lower castes. He and his wife, Savitribai Phule, were pioneers in setting up schools for girls in 19th-century Maharashtra.

A country maintains relations with both factions during the Cold War and does not take sides.

Reason — Non-alignment is the international policy of a sovereign state according to which it does not align itself with any of the power blocs and at the same time actively participates in the world affairs to promote international peace, harmony and cooperation.

The Speaker of the Lok Sabha has the right to allow or disallow an Adjournment motion.

An Adjournment Motion means a proposal to lay aside all other business and take up a 'definite matter of urgent importance'. Such a motion leads to the interruption of normal business of the House.

(a) Approval of bills — Legislative power.

(b) Appointment of the Supreme Court judges — Executive power.

The Mountbatten Plan was accepted by the Congress because of following two key reasons:

1. Large-Scale Communal Riots — The large-scale communal riots that engulfed the whole country convinced the Congress leaders that the only solution to the communal problem lay in the Partition of India.
2. Avoidance of Civil War — The leaders felt that any further delay in the transfer of power could lead to a civil war in India. They believed that it was better to have a smaller India with a strong central authority than a larger state with a weak center.

The economic exploitation at the hands of the British made my life very difficult as an artisan in the year 1856. Some of the difficulties I faced were:

1. British rule had a damaging effect on Indian handicrafts. Heavy duties were imposed on goods exported into England from India. On the other hand, the cheaper machine-made products were imported from Britain almost duty free. This forced me into unemployment.
2. Due to British economic policies, India became a source of raw material for the British industries and a market for its finished products. This destroyed the business of Artisans like me.

The person shown in the picture is Bal Gangadhar Tilak, an assertive nationalist leader.

One key contribution of Bal Gangadhar Tilak:

• Demand for Swaraj: Tilak was the first to openly declare the demand for Swaraj. "Swaraj is my birth right," he said, "and I shall have iť".

Two objectives of the League of Nations were:

1. All States were to refer their mutual disputes, if any, to the League of Nations for a peaceful settlement.
2. The member-States were to take necessary action as directed by the League against any state which tried to disturb world peace and order.

Two ideologies of the dictators are:

1. Dictators supported one party and one ruler.
2. They led stress on nationalism and not on individual institutions.

(i) The Lok Sabha has special powers which make it more powerful than the Rajya Sabha. These special powers are:

1. Motions of No-confidence against the government can only be introduced and passed in the Lok Sabha. If passed by a majority vote, the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers resign collectively. The Rajya Sabha has no power over such a motion, and hence no real power over the executive.
2. Money bills can only be introduced in the Lok Sabha, and upon being passed, are sent to the Rajya Sabha, where it can be deliberated on for up to 14 days.
3. In case of a deadlock between the two Houses over a non-financial (ordinary) bill, the will of the Lok Sabha normally prevails, as its strength is more than double that of the Rajya Sabha.

(ii) The Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, who is the Vice President of India, has the authority to adjourn a Rajya Sabha session.

Composition of the Rajya Sabha — The maximum strength of the Rajya Sabha can be 250 members, out of which-

1. 12 members are nominated by the President from among persons having special knowledge or practical experience in matters such as literature, science, art and social service.
2. 238 members are elected by the States in the Union. Seats are allocated to the States and the Union Territories on the basis of their population.

(iii) Four legislative powers of the Union Parliament are-

1. Matters in the Union List — The Parliament has exclusive powers to make laws on all the subjects mentioned in the Union List, including important subjects like Defence, Banking, Communications, Foreign Affairs, etc.
2. Matters in the Concurrent List — Parliament and State Legislative Assemblies can both make laws on Concurrent List subjects like education, forests, succession, etc. In case of a conflict, the Union law overrides the State law.
3. Residuary Powers — Parliament can make laws on subjects not listed in the Union, State, or Concurrent Lists.
4. Powers during Emergency — When a State faces a breakdown of Constitutional machinery, Parliament takes over its legislative and financial powers, including passing the State budget.

(i) Three legislative powers of the President which justifies his/her nominal position are:

1. Dissolve the Lok Sabha: He/She can dissolve the Lok Sabha and order fresh elections.

2. Assent to Bills: Once a Bill is passed by both the Houses, it is sent to the President for his/her approval. The President may give his/her assent, or withhold the Bill or send it back to the House concerned with recommendations. If the same bill is passed again, the President has to give his/her assent.

3. Promulgate Ordinances: The President can promulgate an Ordinance, which has the same status as an Act of Parliament when:

   1. Certain circumstances need immediate action.
   2. Both Houses of Parliament are not in session.
   3. All Ordinances must be put up before both the Houses for their approval. Ordinances cease to operate after six weeks from the re-assembly of Parliament, unless they are approved by the Houses.
   4. The Ordinance lapses if it is replaced by an Act of Parliament.

(ii) Three financial powers of the President are:

1. Money Bills can be introduced only on the recommendation of the President.

2. The President can authorise withdrawal of advances from the Contingency Fund of India to meet unforeseen expenditure. Such expenditure should be subsequently approved by Parliament.

3. Every five years, the President appoints a Finance Commission comprising a Chairman and four other members to give recommendations on financial matters.

(iii) PROCEDURE FOR IMPEACHMENT OF THE PRESIDENT

1. In case of violation of the Constitution or grave misconduct, either House may frame charges against the President as follows:

   1. Resolution which is moved after at least fourteen days' notice in writing signed by not less than one-fourth of the total number of members of the House; and
   2. The resolution is passed by a majority of not less than two-thirds of the total membership of the House.

2. The other House investigates the charges and the President has the right to appear and to be represented at such an investigation.

3. If the President is found guilty, a resolution is passed by a majority of not less than two-thirds of the total membership of the investigating House, and the President is removed from his/her office.

(i) The President of India appoints the judges of the Supreme Court.

COMPOSITION OF THE SUPREME COURT —

The Supreme Court of India consists of a Chief Justice of India and not more than 33 other judges, until Parliament by law prescribes a larger number of judges.

(ii) Under Article 129, the Supreme Court is called a Court of Record. This can be justified in the following ways—

1. Permanent Records of Judgments – The Supreme Court maintains records of its decisions and proceedings. These serve as legal references for future cases and cannot be questioned in any court.
2. Power to Punish for Contempt – As a Court of Record, the Supreme Court has the authority to punish individuals for contempt of court if they disobey its orders or show disrespect.
3. Precedent Value – The decisions of the Supreme Court act as precedents. Lower courts are bound to follow its judgments, helping maintain uniformity in the application of law.

(iii)
(a) Revisory Jurisdiction — The Supreme Court has the power to review its own judgments to correct any mistakes, as its decisions are treated as laws.

(b) Original Jurisdiction — Original Jurisdiction means the power to hear and determine a dispute in the first instance; i.e., those cases which cannot be moved in any court other than the Supreme Court.

(i) The British tried to expand their political power in India by many ways, such as:

1. By outright wars
2. By the system of Subsidiary Alliance
3. By adopting the Doctrine of Lapse.

(ii) The uprising of 1857 ended the Mughal and Peshwa rule in India. The Mughal dynasty came to an end with the death of Bahadur Shah II and Nana Saheb, the last Peshwa, fled to Nepal after the failure of the uprising.

(iii) The India army was reorganised after 1858, to prevent the reoccurrence of another uprising, in the following manner:

1. The strength of European troops in India was increased. The ratio of European to Indian troops was fixed at 1:2 (Bengal army) and 2:5 (Madras and Bombay armies). Practically the same ratio was maintained till the First World War. The general principle adopted was that the number of Indian sepoys should not exceed twice that of the European troops.
2. European troops were kept in key geographical and military positions.
3. To desist the Indian soldiers from rising again against the British rule, the sophisticated weapons and ammunition were never placed under the charge of Indians. All Indian artillery units, with the exceptions of a few mountain units, were disbanded.
4. Newspapers, journals and nationalist publications were prevented from reaching the soldiers to keep the Indian army separated from the life of the rest of the population.

(i) The first President of the Indian National Congress was W.C. Bonnerjee. Two objectives of the Indian National Congress are given below:

1. To promote friendly relations between nationalist political workers from different parts of the country.
2. To formulate popular demands and present them before the government.

(ii) The press played an important role in the growth of Indian Nationalism in the following ways:

1. The press helped spread the ideals of patriotism, modern liberal ideas of liberty, freedom, and equality.
2. The Press criticised the British policies, and made the Indians aware of the happenings in the world.
3. The Press helped Indians exchange views, and played an important role in the Indian freedom struggle.

(iii) Two repressive policies enforced by Lord Lytton that led to the rise of nationalism were:

1. Vernacular Press Act (1878) – This Act banned Indian-language newspapers from publishing anti-British content, curbing freedom of expression. English newspapers were exempt.
2. Indian Arms Act (1878) – Indians were prohibited from possessing arms without a licence, while Europeans faced no such restriction, highlighting racial discrimination.

(i) The march being discussed in the given excerpt is known as the Dandi March. This march led to the beginning of the Civil Disobedience Movement of 1930.

(ii) The Civil Disobedience Movement made a considerable impact on the social and political surroundings of the country, in the following ways:

1. It widened the base of freedom struggle by mobilising various social groups like merchants, peasants, tribals, and workers across the country.
2. It inspired the youth to follow Gandhi's path of non-violence in the freedom struggle instead of using violence as a political weapon.
3. It marked greater participation of women in politics, inspiring many to step out and join the freedom struggle.

(iii) Four clauses of Gandhi Irwin Pact were:

1. The government agreed to release all political prisoners, except those guilty of violence.
2. The government agreed to permit the free collection or manufacture of salt by persons near the sea coast.
3. The Congress agreed to suspend the Civil Disobedience Movement.
4. The Congress agreed to participate in the second session of the Round Table Conference.

(i) The incident depicted in the cartoon is known as the Sarjevo Crisis, which was the immediate cause of the World War I.
Archduke Francis Ferdinand was assassinated on June 28, 1914, in Sarajevo by members of the Serbian secret society 'Union of Death'. Austria sent an ultimatum with 11 demands to Serbia; Serbia accepted most but rejected those affecting its sovereignty. Austria declared war on Serbia on July 28, 1914, marking the start of the First World War.

(ii) The World War I gave a serious blow to the autocratic monarchial system and led to the development of democracy in Europe.

1. Austria and Hungary became separate independent States. Czechoslovakia and Yugoslavia emerged as independent States.

2. European supremacy came to an end. The United States surpassed Europe economically and militarily. Ruling dynasties of Europe were destroyed, the Hohenzollern in Germany and the Hapsburg in Austria-Hungary.

3. The political instability and economic crisis in post-war Europe led to the rise of dictatorships in countries like Germany and Italy, where people turned to totalitarian rule for stability and national revival.

(iii) The Treaty of Versailles was signed to prevent Germany from going to war again. So, its terms were extremely harsh and humiliating towards Germany.

1. Germany was declared guilty of aggression and had to pay war reparation of 33 billion dollars.
2. The Saar coal mines were given to France for 15 years and the area was to be governed by the League of Nations.
3. The area of the Rhine valley was demilitarized and the German territory west of Rhine was to be occupied by the Allied troops for 15 years.
4. The German Army was restricted to a force of 1,00,000 soldiers and the Navy was limited to 15,000 men and 24 ships. The Air Force and submarines were banned.

(i) Composition of the International Court of Justice —

1. The Court is composed of 15 judges, each of different nationality elected to nine-year terms of office by the United Nations General Assembly and Security Council sitting independently of each other. Elections are held every three years for one-third of the seats, and retiring judges may be re-elected.

2. The Members of the Court do not represent their governments but are independent magistrates. The judges must possess the qualifications required in their respective countries for appointment to the highest judicial offices, or be jurists of recognised competence in international law. The composition of the Court has also to reflect the main forms of civilisation and the principal legal systems of the world.

3. The Court elects its President and Vice-President for a three-year term. They may, when their term expires, be re-elected. The Court has the power to appoint its Registrar.

(ii) Three functions of the General Assembly are:

1. To consider and make recommendations on the principles of cooperation, in the maintenance of international peace and security.
2. To consider and approve the budget of the United Nations and to apportion the contributions among members.
3. To elect the non-permanent members of the Security Council, the Economic and Social Council and the Trusteeship Council, and to elect the judges of the International Court of Justice.

(iii) The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is the agency authorized to designate intangible cultural heritage tag.
Three contributions of UNESCO in the preservation of culture are:

1. UNESCO provides technical advice and assistance, equipment and funds for the preservation of monuments and other works of art. It has prepared a World Heritage List to identify the monuments and sites which are to be protected.
2. It aims to protect the world inheritance of books, works of art and rare manuscripts.
3. It gives encouragement to artistic creations in literature and fine arts.