ICSE Class 10 History and Civics: Civics — Union Government — Important Questions with Answers 2026

Short Answer Questions (2-3 Marks)

• Q: Describe the composition and powers of the Lok Sabha.
  Ans: Composition: Maximum 552 members — 530 from states, 20 from UTs, 2 Anglo-Indians nominated by President (now discontinued). Elected by universal adult suffrage (18+ years). Term: 5 years. Powers: (1) Legislative — passes ordinary and money bills. (2) Financial — money bills can ONLY be introduced in Lok Sabha. (3) Executive — Council of Ministers responsible to Lok Sabha; can pass no-confidence motion. (4) Electoral — participates in election of President and Vice-President.
• Q: What are the Fundamental Rights? Name all six.
  Ans: Fundamental Rights (Part III, Articles 14-32): (1) Right to Equality (Art 14-18) — equality before law, abolition of untouchability. (2) Right to Freedom (Art 19-22) — speech, assembly, movement, profession, etc. (3) Right against Exploitation (Art 23-24) — prohibition of forced labour, child labour. (4) Right to Freedom of Religion (Art 25-28). (5) Cultural and Educational Rights (Art 29-30) — minorities can establish educational institutions. (6) Right to Constitutional Remedies (Art 32) — right to approach Supreme Court. Dr. Ambedkar called it the 'heart and soul of the Constitution'.
• Q: Explain the emergency powers of the President of India.
  Ans: Three types of emergency: (1) National Emergency (Art 352) — due to war, external aggression, or armed rebellion. Fundamental Rights (except Art 20, 21) can be suspended. (2) State Emergency/President's Rule (Art 356) — when state constitutional machinery fails. State assembly dissolved/suspended, Governor rules on President's behalf. (3) Financial Emergency (Art 360) — when financial stability of India is threatened (never imposed so far). All emergencies must be approved by Parliament.

Exam Tips for This Chapter

• Revise all definitions and laws from Civics — Union Government — they are commonly asked as 1-2 mark questions
• Practice diagrams related to Civics — Union Government — neat labelled diagrams carry 2-3 marks
• For numericals, always show formula → substitution → answer with correct units
• Previous year analysis shows Civics — Union Government carries 8-12 marks in the board exam