Class 12 Political Science - WEST-BENGAL
Crisis of Democratic Order
The chapter 'Crisis of Democratic Order' in Class 12 Political Science (WBBSE) explores one of the most turbulent phases in independent India's history. It details the declaration of the nationwide Emergency in 1975 by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, examining the economic context, institutional conflicts between the judiciary and the executive, and student movements led by Jayaprakash Narayan. The chapter highlights the suspension of fundamental rights, press censorship, and the subsequent restoration of democracy through the 1977 general elections. It is crucial for board exams as it tests critical thinking regarding constitutional limits, civil liberties, and democratic resilience in India.
Start Learning FreeKey Concepts
Internal Emergency (1975)
Declared on June 25, 1975, citing 'internal disturbances' under Article 352, leading to the suspension of fundamental rights and centralized state control.
Total Revolution
A movement led by Jayaprakash Narayan (JP) in Bihar and Gujarat calling for social, economic, and political transformation against government corruption.
Shah Commission
A commission appointed by the Janata Party government in 1977 to inquire into allegations of abuse of authority, malpractices, and excesses committed during the Emergency.
Forty-Second Amendment
A major constitutional amendment passed during the Emergency in 1976 that brought widespread changes, including altering the preamble and limiting judicial review.
Janata Party Experiment
The coalition of opposition parties that won the 1977 general elections, forming India's first non-Congress government at the Centre under Morarji Desai.
Important Formulas
Board Exam Info
In the West Bengal Council of Higher Secondary Education (WBBSE) Class 12 Political Science examinations, this chapter typically carries around 6 to 10 marks. Questions frequently appear as Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), Short Answer Type Questions (SAQ) worth 1-2 marks, and Long Answer Type Questions (LAQ) worth 8 marks, often focusing on the causes of the 1975 Emergency, its lessons for Indian democracy, or the significance of the 1977 elections.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the Emergency declared in India in 1975?
The Emergency was officially declared due to 'internal disturbances', following severe economic crisis, student agitations led by JP Narayan, and the Allahabad High Court ruling invalidating Indira Gandhi's election.
What were the major consequences of the 1975 Emergency?
Key consequences included the suspension of fundamental rights, strict press censorship, detention of opposition leaders without trial, forced sterilizations, and the ultimate defeat of the Congress party in the 1977 elections.
What is the significance of the 1977 general elections?
The 1977 elections were historic because they resulted in the defeat of the ruling Congress party for the first time at the national level and established the Janata Party coalition government.
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