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POLITICAL SCIENCE
Classes XI & XII (2025-2026)
Rationale
A discipline of Social Science, Political Science deals with understanding the social structures and methods used to manage a government or State. It also encompasses the historical, philosophical, constitutional, and legal foundation of the political system. It further provides scope to identify the political values and ideas, governing institutions and their policy making process.
Aims and Objectives
Indian Constitution at Work:
- Understand the historical circumstances and the processes in which the Constitution was drafted.
- Be familiar with the diverse perspectives that guided the makers of the Indian Constitution.
- Analyse the working of the three pillars of democracy: Legislature, Executive, and Judiciary and their role with changing times.
- Identify the key features of the Indian Constitution and compare these to other constitutions in the world.
Political Theory:
- Recognise the ideas, concepts, and values inherent in the political life of a citizen.
- Systematic reflection and critical analysis of the political phenomenon.
- Provide clarity on what is 'political' in relation to 'social', 'economic', 'moral', and the like.
- Augment the ability of students to build a good state in a good society, and create processes, procedures, institutions, and structures which could be rationally achievable.
CLASS XI - COURSE STRUCTURE
PART A: INDIAN CONSTITUTION AT WORK
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Chapter 1: Constitution: Why and How? 8 Marks
Learning Outcomes:
- Appreciate the need for a Constitution.
- Understand the historical processes and the circumstances in which the Indian Constitution was drafted.
- Critically evaluate how constitutions govern the distribution of power in society.
- Analyse the ways in which the provisions of the Constitution have worked in real political life.
Topics: • Constitution: Why and How?
• Why do we need a Constitution?
• Constitution allows coordination and assurance
• Specification of decision-making powers
• Limitations on the powers of government
• Aspirations and goals of a society
• Fundamental identity of a people
• The authority of a Constitution
• Mode of promulgation
• The substantive provisions of constitution
• Balanced institutional design
• How was the Indian Constitution made?
• Composition of the Constituent Assembly
• Procedures
• Inheritance of the nationalist movement
• Institutional arrangements
• Provisions adapted from Constitutions of different countries -
Chapter 2: Rights in the Indian Constitution 8 Marks
Learning Outcomes:
- Analyse the working of the Constitution in real life
- Learn to respect others, think critically, and make informed decisions
- Identify violations of the rights to equality and freedom in the society around them
- Justify the need for reasonable restrictions on the rights guaranteed.
Topics: • Rights in the Indian Constitution
• The importance of rights
• Bill of Rights
• Fundamental rights in the Indian Constitution
• Right to Equality
• Right to Freedom
• Right against Exploitation
• Right to Freedom of Religion
• Cultural and Educational Rights
• Right to Constitutional Remedies
• Directive principles of state policy
• What do the directive principles contain?
• Relationship between fundamental rights and directive principles -
Chapter 3: Election and Representation 6 Marks
Learning Outcomes:
- Identify different types and methods of election
- Develop critical thinking about the role of various stakeholders in ensuring free and fair elections.
- Demonstrate the innate role played by Election Commission
- Compare election systems of different countries of the world.
Topics: • Election and Representation
• Elections and democracy
• Election system in India
• First Past the Post System
• Proportional Representation
• Why did India adopt the FPTP system?
• Reservation of constituencies
• Free and fair elections
• Universal franchise and right to contest
• Independent Election Commission
• Electoral Reforms -
Chapter 4: Executive 12 Marks
Learning Outcomes:
- Recognise the meaning of Executive.
- Compare and contrast the Parliamentary and Presidential Executive.
- Analyse the composition and functioning of the executive.
- Know the significance of the administrative machinery.
Topics: • Executive
• What is an executive?
• What are the different types of executives?
• Parliamentary executive in India
• Power and position of President
• Discretionary Powers of the President
• Prime Minister and Council of ministers
• Permanent Executive: Bureaucracy -
Chapter 5: Legislature 12 Marks
Learning Outcomes:
- Describe the law- making process in India.
- Differentiate between the powers and functions of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.
- Examine the parliamentary control over the Executive.
- Analyse the role of Parliamentary committees for the success of Indian democracy.
Topics: • Legislature
• Why do we need a parliament?
• Why do we need two houses of parliament?
• Rajya Sabha
• Lok Sabha
• What does the parliament do?
• Powers of Rajya Sabha
• Special Powers of Rajya Sabha
• How does the parliament make laws?
• How does the parliament control the executive?
• What do the committees of parliament do?
• How does the parliament regulate itself? -
Chapter 6: Judiciary 12 Marks
Learning Outcomes:
- Identify the different aspects which makes the Judiciary independent
- Compare and contrast the different jurisdictions
- Analyse the reasons why Judiciary has become proactive.
- Examine the reasons for the conflicts between the judiciary and parliament with respect to Constitutional Amendments.
Topics: • Judiciary
• Why do we need an independent judiciary?
• Independence of Judiciary
• Appointment of Judges
• Removal of Judges
• Structure of the Judiciary
• Jurisdiction of Supreme Court
• Original Jurisdiction
• Writ Jurisdiction
• Appellate Jurisdiction
• Advisory Jurisdiction
• Judicial Activism
• Judiciary and Rights
• Judiciary and Parliament -
Chapter 7: Federalism 6 Marks
Learning Outcomes:
- Explain the basic features of a federation.
- Identify the different levels of the government & subjects on which the union and state governments can make laws.
- Discuss the various constitutional provisions that led to a strong Centre in India.
Topics: • Federalism
• What is Federalism?
• Federalism in the Indian Constitution
• Division of Powers
• Federalism with a strong central government
• Conflicts in India’s federal system
• Centre-State Relations
• Demands for Autonomy
• Role of Governors and President’s Rule
• Demands for New States
• Interstate Conflicts
• Special provisions
• Jammu and Kashmir -
Chapter 8: Local Governments 4 Marks
Learning Outcomes:
- Understand the Panchayati Raj system of local government in India, its emergence and significance
- Identify the objectives, functions and sources of income of rural and urban local government bodies
- Justify the significance of 73rd and 74th constitutional amendments
- Acknowledge and examine the significance of decentralization
Topics: • Local Governments
• Why local governments?
• Growth of Local Government in India
• Local Governments in Independent India
• 73rd and 74th Amendments
• 73rd Amendment
• Three Tier Structure
• Elections
• Reservations
• Transfer of Subjects
• State Election Commissioners
• State Finance Commission
• 74th Amendment
• Implementation of 73rd and 74th Amendments -
Chapter 9: Constitution as a Living Document 4 Marks
Learning Outcomes:
- Analyse the working of the Constitution.
- Know the various amendments that have taken place and the controversies raised.
- Appreciate why the Constitution is called a Living Document.
Topics: • Constitution as a Living Document
• Are constitutions static?
• How to amend the constitution?
• Why have there been so many amendments?
• Contents of amendments made so far
• Differing Interpretations
• Amendments through Political Consensus
• Controversial Amendments
• Basic structure and evolution of the constitution
• Constitution as a Living Document
• Contribution of the Judiciary
• Maturity of the Political Leadership -
Chapter 10: The Philosophy of the Constitution 4 Marks
Learning Outcomes:
- Appreciate the philosophical vision of our Constitution.
- Recognise the core features of the Indian Constitution.
- Evaluate the strengths and limitations of the Constitution.
Topics: • The Philosophy of the Constitution
• What is meant by philosophy of the constitution?
• Constitution as Means of Democratic Transformation
• Why do we need to go back to the Constituent Assembly?
• What is the political philosophy of our constitution?
• Individual freedom
• Social Justice
• Respect for diversity and minority rights
• Secularism
• Universal franchise
• Federalism
• National identity
• Procedural Achievements
• Criticisms
• Limitations
PART B: POLITICAL THEORY
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Chapter 1: Political Theory: An Introduction 4 Marks
Learning Outcomes:
- Define the term politics and identify various political principles.
- Explain the innate ideas of various Political theories.
- Appreciate the contribution of Political Thinkers
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Chapter 2: Freedom 12 Marks
Learning Outcomes:
- Appreciate the ideal of freedom.
- Critically evaluate the dimensions of negative and positive liberty.
- Demonstrate spirit of enquiry
- Explain the ideas introduced by J.S. Mill in Harm Principle.
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Chapter 3: Equality 12 Marks
Learning Outcomes:
- Understand the moral and political ideals of equality.
- Assess how equality is perceived through different ideologies
- Recognise the means and methods to promote equality.
- Evaluate the possible solutions to minimise inequality.
-
Chapter 4: Social Justice 6 Marks
Learning Outcomes:
- Classify the different dimensions of justice.
- Appreciate the measures taken by the government of India to secure social justice.
- Enlist the basic minimum requirements of people for living a healthy and productive life.
- State John Rawls' theory of veil of ignorance.
-
Chapter 5: Rights 4 Marks
Learning Outcomes:
- Define rights
- Identify the need for rights and its importance to mankind.
- Understand why rights need to be sanctioned by law.
- Describe the features of different kinds of rights.
-
Chapter 6: Citizenship 8 Marks
Learning Outcomes:
- Explain the meaning of citizenship.
- Contribute to meaningful discussion on ways of granting citizenship.
- Discuss the probable solutions or alternatives to solve citizenship issue
- Analyse the problems to be surmounted to strengthen links between the people and governments
-
Chapter 7: Nationalism 6 Marks
Learning Outcomes:
- Understand the concepts of nation and nationalism
- Assess the strengths and limitations of nationalism.
- Identify and build an understanding on the factors related to creation of collective identities
- Examine the concept of national self-determination
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Chapter 8: Secularism 6 Marks
Learning Outcomes:
- Define Secularism.
- Differentiate between Inter-religious and Intra-Religious Domination.
- Recognise the concept of a Secular State.
- Compare Western and Indian Model of Secularism.
CLASS XII - COURSE STRUCTURE
PART A: CONTEMPORARY WORLD POLITICS
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Chapter 1: The End of Bipolarity 6 Marks
Learning Outcomes:
- Identify the basic features of the Soviet System.
- Discuss the background and outcome of disintegration of the Soviet Union.
- Examine the consequences of unipolar world
- Assess the features of Shock Therapy
Topics: The Soviet System, Gorbachev and the disintegration, Causes and Consequences of disintegration of Soviet Union, Shock Therapy and its Consequences, New entities in world politics, India's relations with Russia and other post-communist countries
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Chapter 2: Contemporary Centres of Power 6 Marks
Learning Outcomes:
- Compare and contrast the importance of European Union and ASEAN.
- Evaluate the extent of rise of Chinese economy and its impact on world politics.
- Summarise India's relations with China.
Topics: European Union, Association of Southeast Asian Nations, Rise of China as an economic power, Japan and South Korea as emerging powers
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Chapter 3: Contemporary South Asia 6 Marks
Learning Outcomes:
- Identify & locate the seven countries of the South Asian region.
- Appreciate the mixed record of democracy in the South Asian region.
- Examine the role of Political leaders
- Reflect upon the causes of various conflicts and movements in this region.
-
Chapter 4: International Organizations 6 Marks
Learning Outcomes:
- Define International Organisation
- Appreciate the role of United Nations and its agencies
- Reflect on the events taking place in the post-cold war era
- Understand the need for reforms in the United Nations
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Chapter 5: Security in the Contemporary World 6 Marks
Learning Outcomes:
- Recognise the causes of security threats
- Enhance analytical skills to provide solutions to security concerns.
- Develop critical thinking about the role of various stakeholders in ensuring security today.
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Chapter 6: Environment and Natural Resources 6 Marks
Learning Outcomes:
- Enlist and explain the facts related to global environmental issues
- Recognise and understand the need to conserve critical resources
- Demonstrate knowledge and appreciation towards India's responsibility in protecting environment
- Realise the need to conserve resources and exhibit responsibility towards prudential use
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Chapter 7: Globalisation 4 Marks
Learning Outcomes:
- Appreciate the significance of Globalisation
- Elucidate the political, economic, and cultural dimensions of Globalisation.
- Critically evaluate the impact of globalisation on India.
- Draw attention to resistance movements to Globalisation and envisage its future trends.
PART B: POLITICS IN INDIA SINCE INDEPENDENCE
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Chapter 1: Challenges of Nation Building 6 Marks
Learning Outcomes:
- Analyse the challenges which Independent India faced.
- Describe the factors that led to the partition of India.
- Explain the circumstances under which different princely states signed the Instrument of Accession.
- Assess how language became the basis of reorganisation of the states.
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Chapter 2: Era of One-Party Dominance 4 Marks
Learning Outcomes:
- Appreciate the sustenance of democratic politics in the country.
- Evaluate the electoral politics post-Independence
- Assess the dominance of the Indian National Congress from 1952 to 1967.
- Evaluate the role of Opposition parties
-
Chapter 3: Politics of Planned Development 2 Marks
Learning Outcomes:
- Identify the varied option considered by the government to balance growth and socio-economic justice.
- Know the difference between Left and Right Ideology
- Understand the need for the formation of the Planning Commission.
- Appreciate the need for strategic long-term development programme and policies
-
Chapter 4: India's External Relations 6 Marks
Learning Outcomes:
- Recognise the significance of NAM
- Interpret, compare and contrast multi-lateral aspects of Indo-China relationship
- Demonstrate knowledge on Indo-Pak wars
- Appreciate the steps taken by Indian government to develop military capacity
-
Chapter 5: Challenges to and Restoration of the Congress System 4 Marks
Learning Outcomes:
- Understand the challenges of political succession after Nehru.
- Evaluate the opposition unity and the Congress split as a challenge to Congress dominance.
- Compare and contrast the new Congress and the old Congress.
- Summarise the initiatives taken by Indira Gandhi to overcome the challenges faced by her
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Chapter 6: The Crisis of Democratic Order 4 Marks
Learning Outcomes:
- Understand the causes and consequences of Emergency
- Examine the lessons of Emergency
- Evaluate the rule of Janata Government
-
Chapter 7: Regional Aspirations 6 Marks
Learning Outcomes:
- Discuss the implications of regional demands.
- Analyse the importance of integrity in India.
- Appreciate the initiatives taken by the government in dealing with regional aspirations
-
Chapter 8: Recent Developments in Indian Politics 8 Marks
Learning Outcomes:
- Understand momentous changes taking place in the nation since 1989
- Trace the rise and growth of BJP.
- Identify the areas of growing consensus
Question Paper Design - Classes XI & XII
Competency-Based Assessment
Knowledge and Remembering
Exhibit memory of previously learned material by recalling facts, terms, basic concepts.
Understanding
Understanding of facts and ideas by organizing, comparing, explaining, describing, and stating main ideas.
Applying
Solve problems by applying acquired knowledge, facts to interpret a situation/ cartoon/ clippings/ sources/ Map.
Analysis and Evaluation
Classify, compare, contrast, or differentiate between pieces of information; organise and/ or integrate from a variety of sources; Examine, synthesize information into parts and identify motives or causes.
Note: Competency based questions for the examinations to be conducted in the academic year 2025-26 will be 50% in class XII.
Project Work - 20 Marks
Class XI Suggested Topics
- Making of the Constitution.
- Elections in India.
- Working of the Indian Judiciary System.
- Social Justice: Are ethics followed in Indian Politics
- Human Rights Act and its gratification in India.
- Political impact on Indian Legislation.
Class XII Suggested Topics
- NAM- 1961 to present times.
- Division of Germany with special focus on the construction and dismantling of the Berlin Wall.
- CIS-Central Asian Republics
- Disintegration of USSR with special focus on Gorbachev.
- Arab Spring
- Relationship between India and Russia/China/Pakistan/Bangladesh
- ASEAN, European Union and BREXIT
- BRICS, SAARC
- India's Nuclear Policy
- United Nations with focus on India's candidature in Security Council.
Assessment Criteria
- Introduction/Overview - 2 Marks
- Variety Of Contents - 3 Marks
- Presentation - 3 Marks
- Conclusion - 1 Mark
- Bibliography - 1 Mark
- Viva-Voce - 10 Marks
Prescribed Textbooks
- Class XI: Indian Constitution at Work, Published by NCERT
- Class XI: Political Theory, Published by NCERT
- Class XII: Contemporary World Politics, Published by NCERT
- Class XII: Politics in India since Independence, Published by NCERT
Note: The above textbooks are also available in Hindi and Urdu versions.
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