Class 12 Political Science - CBSE
Crisis of Democratic Order
The chapter 'Crisis of Democratic Order' explores one of the most turbulent phases in independent India's political history. It covers the imposition of the nationwide Emergency in 1975 by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, examining the economic context, political conflicts, and institutional friction between the judiciary and the executive that led up to it. Students will learn about civil liberties suspensions, press censorship, the role of mass movements like the JP movement, and the lessons learned regarding the resilience of Indian democracy. This is a high-scoring and critical chapter for CBSE board exams, frequently featuring analytical and source-based questions.
Start Learning FreeKey Concepts
Background to Emergency
Economic crises, student unrest in Gujarat and Bihar led by Jayaprakash Narayan, and the conflict between the judiciary and government created intense political polarization.
Declaration of Emergency
On June 25, 1975, the government declared a national emergency under Article 352, citing internal disturbances, which suspended fundamental rights and curtailed press freedom.
Controversies during Emergency
The period saw widespread preventive detention, forced sterilizations, mass displacements in Delhi, and severe restrictions on civil liberties and opposition leaders.
Lessons from Emergency
The Emergency highlighted the vulnerability of Indian democratic institutions and led to important amendments, strengthening the judicial review and constitutional safeguards.
1977 Elections and Janata Party
The Lok Sabha elections of 1977 ended Congress dominance, bringing the Janata Party to power and establishing the precedent that Indian voters fiercely protect democracy.
Important Formulas
Board Exam Info
In CBSE Class 12 Political Science, this chapter typically carries around 6 to 8 marks. Questions often include 1-mark MCQs, 2-mark short answers, 4-mark analytical questions, and 6-mark long answers or source-based case studies focusing on the causes and consequences of the Emergency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the Emergency declared in 1975?
It was declared citing internal disturbances, following severe economic crises, massive anti-government agitations led by leaders like Jayaprakash Narayan, and escalating tensions between the judiciary and the executive.
What major changes happened during the Emergency?
Fundamental rights were suspended, opposition leaders were jailed under preventive detention, press censorship was imposed, and constitutional amendments were passed to reduce judicial powers.
What was the significance of the 1977 elections?
The 1977 elections marked the first time the Congress party lost power at the Centre, leading to the formation of India's first non-Congress coalition government under the Janata Party and proving the strength of Indian democracy.
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