Class 12 Political Science - ANDHRA-PRADESH
Crisis of Democratic Order
The chapter 'Crisis of Democratic Order' in Class 12 Political Science explores one of the most turbulent phases in independent India's history. It covers the background leading to the imposition of the nationwide Emergency in 1975 by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Students will learn about economic hardships, student agitations like the Gujarat and Bihar movements, the conflict between the judiciary and the executive, and the Jayaprakash Narayan-led Total Revolution. The chapter critically examines the suspension of fundamental rights, press censorship, the lessons learned about the resilience of Indian democracy, and the return of democracy through the 1977 elections.
Start Learning FreeKey Concepts
National Emergency (1975)
A period of 21 months declared by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi citing internal disturbances, which suspended fundamental rights and curtailed democratic freedoms.
Total Revolution
A movement led by Jayaprakash Narayan (JP) calling for social, economic, and political transformation against corruption and misrule in Bihar and nationwide.
Shah Commission
A commission appointed by the Janata Party government in 1977 to investigate the abuses of authority, political detentions, and excesses committed during the Emergency.
Janata Party Government
The coalition of opposition parties that came to power after defeating the Congress in the 1977 Lok Sabha elections, forming India's first non-Congress government at the Centre.
42nd Amendment
A major constitutional amendment passed during the Emergency that made wide-ranging changes to the Constitution, many of which were later reversed by the 44th Amendment.
Important Formulas
Board Exam Info
In the Andhra Pradesh (BSEAP) Class 12 Political Science board exams, this chapter is a high-weightage topic, typically carrying around 6 to 8 marks. Questions frequently appear as 2-mark very short answers, 4-mark short answers, and 8-mark essay-type questions focusing on the causes of the Emergency, lessons learned from it, and the significance of the 1977 elections.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were the main reasons for declaring the Emergency in 1975?
The Emergency was declared due to severe economic crises (inflation, unemployment), student agitations in Gujarat and Bihar, escalating political tensions, the conflict between the judiciary and government, and the Allahabad High Court verdict setting aside Indira Gandhi's election.
What is meant by the 'Basic Structure' of the Constitution?
Established in the Kesavananda Bharati case (1973), it means Parliament cannot amend certain fundamental features of the Constitution, such as secularism, federalism, and democracy.
How did the 1977 elections change Indian politics?
The 1977 elections ended the uninterrupted rule of the Congress party at the Centre for the first time, bringing the Janata Party to power and proving the deep democratic commitment of the Indian electorate.
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