Team Vardaan

CIVICS MASTER NOTES

Exam-Targeted Detailed Notes • Class 10 CBSE (2025-26)

Created by Team Vardaan & Vardaan Learning Institute

⚠️ SYLLABUS & EXAM PATTERN ALERT:

Weightage: 20 Marks.
Chapters: 1. Power Sharing, 2. Federalism, 3. Gender, Religion & Caste, 4. Political Parties, 5. Outcomes of Democracy.
No Map Work: Unlike History/Geography, Civics has NO map work for Boards.
Trend: Focus on "Justify the statement", "Case Studies", and "Differentiate" type questions.

Chapter 1: Power Sharing

1. Case Study: Belgium (Accommodation Policy)

Geography: Small European country, borders France, Netherlands, Germany, Luxembourg. Population slightly over 1 crore (half of Haryana).

Ethnic Composition (Complex):

Country Level: 59% Dutch (Flemish region), 40% French (Wallonia region), 1% German.
Capital (Brussels): 80% French (Majority in capital), 20% Dutch (Minority in capital).
The Conflict: The minority French-speaking community was relatively rich and powerful. This was resented by the Dutch-speaking community who got economic development benefits much later. Tension peak: 1950s-1960s.

The Solution: Accommodation (1970-1993)

The Constitution was amended 4 times to work out an arrangement:

Central Government: Constitution prescribes that the number of Dutch and French-speaking ministers shall be equal. No single community can make decisions unilaterally.
State Powers: Many powers of the Central Government have been given to State Governments. State Governments are not subordinate to the Central Government.
Brussels Government: A separate government where both communities have equal representation. (French accepted this because Dutch accepted equality at the Central level).
Community Government: Elected by people belonging to one language community (Dutch, French, German) - no matter where they live. Has power regarding Cultural, Educational, and Language issues.

Result: Peace maintained; country avoided division. Brussels chosen as European Union Headquarters.

2. Case Study: Sri Lanka (Majoritarianism)

Geography: Island nation, south of Tamil Nadu. Independent in 1948.

Ethnic Composition:

Sinhala (74%): Mostly Buddhists.
Tamils (18%): Hindus/Muslims. Subgroups:
- Sri Lankan Tamils (13%): Concentrated in North/East.
- Indian Tamils: Forefathers came as plantation workers during colonial period.
Christians (7%): Both Tamil and Sinhala.

Act of 1956 (Majoritarian Measures):

Recognised Sinhala as the only official language (disregarding Tamil).
Followed preferential policies favoring Sinhala applicants for university positions and government jobs.
New Constitution stipulated that the state shall protect and foster Buddhism.

Consequences: Increased feeling of alienation among Tamils → Demand for regional autonomy & Tamil Eelam (Separate State) → CIVIL WAR (ended in 2009). Thousands killed, economy ruined.

3. Why is Power Sharing Desirable? (Most Repeated Question)

                
                        Prudential Reason (Calculation of Gains/Losses)
                        Moral Reason (Based on Intrinsic Value)
                    
                            It helps to reduce the possibility of
                                        conflict between social groups.
Social conflict leads to violence and political instability, so power sharing
                                    ensures the stability of political order.
                                
Tyranny of the majority is not just oppressive for the minority; it brings ruin to
                                    the majority as well.

                            Power sharing is the very spirit of
                                        democracy.
A democratic rule involves sharing power with those affected by its exercise.
People have a right to be consulted on how they are to be governed.
Legitimate Government: One where citizens
                                    acquire a stake in the system through participation.

Prudential Reason (Calculation of Gains/Losses)	Moral Reason (Based on Intrinsic Value)
It helps to reduce the possibility of conflict between social groups. Social conflict leads to violence and political instability, so power sharing ensures the stability of political order. Tyranny of the majority is not just oppressive for the minority; it brings ruin to the majority as well.	Power sharing is the very spirit of democracy. A democratic rule involves sharing power with those affected by its exercise. People have a right to be consulted on how they are to be governed. Legitimate Government: One where citizens acquire a stake in the system through participation.

4. Forms of Power Sharing (Modern Democracies)

Horizontal Distribution (Organs): Power shared among Legislature, Executive, and Judiciary.
- Placed at the same level to exercise different powers.
- Checks and Balances: Each organ checks the others (e.g., Judges appointed by Executive but can check Executive/Laws).
Vertical Distribution (Levels): Power shared among governments at different levels (Union, State, Local).
- This is called Federalism.
- Lower levels are NOT subordinate to higher levels in a federal system.
Social Groups: Power shared among religious/linguistic groups (e.g., Community Government in Belgium, Reserved Constituencies in India for SC/ST/Women). Used to give minority communities a fair share in power.
Political Parties & Pressure Groups:
- Coalition Govt: Two or more parties form an alliance to contest elections. If elected, they share power.
- Interest Groups: Traders, farmers, workers influence decision-making.

Chapter 2: Federalism

1. What is Federalism?

Definition: A system of government in which the power is divided between a central authority and various constituent units of the country.

7 Key Features of Federalism (Must Memorize):

There are two or more levels (tiers) of government.
Different tiers govern the same citizens, but each tier has its own JURISDICTION in legislation, taxation, and administration.
The jurisdictions are specified in the Constitution (Constitutionally guaranteed).
Fundamental provisions of the constitution require the consent of both levels of government to change (Rigid).
Courts have the power to interpret the constitution. The Highest Court acts as an umpire in disputes.
Sources of revenue for each level are clearly specified to ensure financial autonomy.
Dual Objective: To safeguard and promote the unity of the country, while at the same time accommodating regional diversity.

2. Routes of Federation Formation

Coming Together Federations	Holding Together Federations
Independent states come together on their own to form a bigger unit.	A large country decides to divide its power between the constituent States and the National Government.
Objective: Increase security by pooling sovereignty.	Objective: Accommodate diversity within a unified framework.
States usually have equal power and are strong vis-à-vis the federal government.	The Central Government tends to be more powerful vis-à-vis the States. States may have unequal powers.
Examples: USA, Switzerland, Australia.	Examples: India, Spain, Belgium.

3. What makes India a Federal Country? (Legislative Powers)

Union List (97 Subjects*): National importance (Defense, Banking, Foreign Affairs, Currency, Communications).
Authority: Only Union Govt can make laws.
State List (66 Subjects*): Local/State importance (Police, Trade, Commerce, Agriculture, Irrigation).
Authority: Only State Govt can make laws.
Concurrent List (47 Subjects*): Common interest (Education, Forest, Trade Unions, Marriage, Adoption).
Authority: Both can make laws. If conflict arises, Union law prevails.
Residuary Subjects: Subjects that came up after the Constitution (e.g., Computer Software, E-commerce).
Authority: Union Govt.

*Note: Numbers refer to original constitution count often cited in exams.

Special Status: Some states like Assam, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, and Mizoram enjoy special powers under Article 371 (Protection of land rights, culture). UTs (Delhi, Chandigarh) have less power.

4. Decentralisation in India (1992 Amendment)

Rationale: India is vast; local people have better knowledge of local problems; democratic participation.

                Major Steps in 1992 (73rd & 74th Amendments):
                It is constitutionally mandatory to hold regular elections to local government
                        bodies.
Reservation: Seats are reserved for SC, ST, and OBCs.
Women: At least 1/3rd of all positions are reserved for women.
                    
State Election Commission: An independent institution created in each state to
                        conduct Panchayat/Municipal elections.
Power Sharing: State governments are required to share some powers and revenue
                        with local government bodies.

            

Structure of Rural Local Government (Panchayati Raj):

Level 1 (Village): Gram Panchayat (Decision-making body) headed by Sarpanch. Works under Gram Sabha (All voters).
Level 2 (Block/Mandal): Panchayat Samiti. Elected by Panchayat members.
Level 3 (District): Zilla Parishad. Members: MLAs, MPs. Head: Zilla Parishad Chairperson.

Urban Areas: Municipalities (Towns) / Municipal Corporations (Big Cities - Head is Mayor).

Chapter 3: Gender, Religion & Caste

1. Gender and Politics

Sexual Division of Labour: A system where work is divided based on gender stereotypes (Women = Inside home/unpaid; Men = Outside/paid). This is social, not biological.
Feminist Movements: Radical movements aiming for equality in personal/family life as well as public life.
Disadvantages faced by Women in India (Patriarchy):
- Literacy Rate: Women 54% vs Men 76%. High dropout rate for girls.
- Unpaid Work: On average, Indian women work 1 hour more than men daily but get no payment/recognition.
- Equal Remuneration Act, 1976: Mandates equal pay for equal work, but women are still paid less in sports, cinema, factories.
- Sex Ratio: Declined due to sex-selective abortion. Child Sex Ratio is 919.
- Violence: Domestic violence, harassment, unsafe urban areas.
Political Representation:
- Lok Sabha: Very low (reached 14.36% in 2019 for the first time).
- State Assemblies: Less than 5%.
- Local Bodies: Very high (More than 10 lakh elected women) due to 1/3rd reservation.
- Women's Reservation Bill (2023): Passed (Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam) for 33% reservation in LS/State Assemblies.

2. Religion, Communalism and Politics

Communalism: The belief that religion is the principal basis of social community. It involves thinking that followers of a particular religion must belong to one community with the same interests, distinct from others.
Forms of Communalism:

Everyday Beliefs: Religious prejudices, stereotypes, belief in superiority of one's religion.
Quest for Dominance: Majoritarian dominance (majority) or desire for separate state (minority).
Political Mobilization: Use of sacred symbols, religious leaders, emotional appeal, fear.
Communal Violence: Riots and massacre (e.g., Partition of India/Pakistan).

India as a Secular State (Constitutional Provisions):

No Official Religion: Unlike Sri Lanka (Buddhism), Pakistan (Islam), or England (Christianity).
Freedom of Religion: All individuals have freedom to profess, practice, and propagate any religion.
Non-discrimination: The Constitution prohibits discrimination on grounds of religion.
State Intervention: Allowed to ensure equality within religious communities (e.g., Article 17 banning Untouchability).

3. Caste and Politics

Caste System: Hereditary occupational division sanctioned by rituals. Unique to India due to "Untouchability".

Caste in Politics	Politics in Caste
Tickets: Parties choose candidates based on the caste composition of the constituency. Government: Political parties take care that representatives of different castes find a place in the cabinet. Campaigning: Parties appeal to caste sentiments ("Vote Bank").	Expansion: Caste groups try to become bigger by incorporating sub-castes. Coalitions: Different caste groups enter into a dialogue/negotiation. New Groups: New kinds of caste groups like "Backward" and "Forward" have emerged.

                Why Caste alone cannot determine elections?
                No parliamentary constituency has a clear majority of one single caste.
No party wins the votes of all the voters of a caste.
Rich and poor within the same caste vote differently.
Voters have strong attachment to political parties too.

            

Chapter 4: Political Parties

1. Definition & Functions

Definition: A group of people who come together to contest elections and hold power in the government. They agree on some policies for the collective good.
Components: 1. The Leaders 2. The Active Members 3. The Followers.

7 Main Functions:

Contest Elections: Put up candidates (In India by top leaders; in USA by members).
Put forward policies & programmes: Parties reduce a vast multitude of opinions into a few basic positions (Partisanship).
Make Laws: Laws are formally debated/passed in legislature, but members follow party directions.
Form and Run Government: They recruit leaders, train them, and make them ministers.
Role of Opposition: Parties that lose mobilize opposition to the government, criticize failures.
Shape Public Opinion: Through activists and pressure groups (extensions of parties).
Access to Machinery: Provide people access to government machinery and welfare schemes.

2. Party Systems

One-Party System: Only one party allowed to control/run govt (e.g., China - Communist Party). Not democratic.
Two-Party System: Power usually changes between two main parties (e.g., USA, UK).
Multi-Party System: Several parties compete, and more than two have a chance to win. Leads to Coalition Governments.
- Merit: Allows a variety of interests/opinions.
- Demerit: Often leads to political instability.
- Example: India (NDA, UPA, Left Front).

3. National Parties (ECI Criteria 2023)

Criteria: Secure at least 6% of total votes in Lok Sabha elections OR Assembly elections in 4 States AND win at least 4 seats in the Lok Sabha.

Party	Founded	Symbol	Key Details/Ideology
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)	1980	Lotus	Revived from Jana Sangh (Syama Prasad Mukherjee). Ideology: Integral Humanism, Antyodaya, Cultural Nationalism (Hindutva). Ruling party.
Indian National Congress (INC)	1885	Hand	One of the oldest. Ideology: Centrist, Secularism, Welfare of weaker sections/minorities. Supports economic reforms with a human face.
Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP)	1984	Elephant	Founder: Kanshi Ram. Represents 'Bahujan Samaj' (Dalits, Adivasis, OBCs). Inspired by Ambedkar, Phule, Periyar. Base: UP.
Communist Party of India - Marxist (CPI-M)	1964	Hammer, Sickle & Star	Believes in Marxism-Leninism. Supports socialism, secularism, democracy. Opposes imperialism. Strong in West Bengal, Kerala, Tripura.
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)	2012	Broom	Born from anti-corruption movement. Ideology: Accountability, clean administration. Govt in Delhi & Punjab.
National People's Party (NPP)	2013	Book	Leader: PA Sangma. First National Party from North East. Focus on tribal interests.

4. Challenges to Political Parties

Lack of Internal Democracy: Power concentrated in top leaders. No membership registers, no internal elections. Ordinary members ignored.
Dynastic Succession: Top positions controlled by members of one family. Unfair to other workers. Inexperienced people come to power.
Money and Muscle Power: Parties focus only on winning. They field rich candidates or criminals who can win. Corporate influence on policy.
Lack of Meaningful Choice: Ideological differences among parties have declined globally. They agree on economic policies, differ only on details.

5. How can Parties be Reformed?

Recent Efforts:

Anti-Defection Law: Constitution amended to prevent MLAs/MPs from changing parties. If they do, they lose their seat.
Affidavit (Supreme Court): Every candidate must file an affidavit giving details of property and criminal cases.
ECI Order: Mandatory for parties to hold organizational elections and file Income Tax returns.

Suggestions:

State funding of elections.
Regulate internal affairs of parties by law.
Mandatory 1/3rd tickets for women.

Chapter 5: Outcomes of Democracy

                🔥 Analytical Focus: Questions here ask you to "Justify" or "Analyze". Use the headings
                below as your answer points.
            

1. Political Outcomes

Accountable: Democracy produces a government that is accountable to the citizens and responsive to their needs. Citizens have the right to choose rulers and participate in decision-making.
Responsive: It promotes the idea of deliberation and negotiation. Though slow, its decisions are more acceptable and effective than dictatorships (which are quick but maybe unpopular).
Legitimate: A democratic government is a people's own government. This is its biggest success. People wish to be ruled by representatives elected by them.

2. Economic Outcomes

Economic Growth: Dictatorships have slightly higher rates of economic growth (1950-2000), but the difference is negligible in poor countries. Since democracy guarantees rights, it is preferred.
Inequality and Poverty: Democracy has FAILED to reduce economic inequality. A small number of ultra-rich enjoy a highly disproportionate share of wealth. The poor struggle for basic needs (food, clothing, health).

3. Social Outcomes

Accommodation of Social Diversity:

No society can fully resolve conflicts, but democracy allows us to negotiate differences. It develops mechanisms to conduct competition, reducing the chance of violence (e.g., Belgium vs Sri Lanka).
Conditions for success: 1. Majority must work with minority. 2. Rule by majority must not become rule by majority community (religion/race).

Dignity and Freedom of Citizens:

Democracy stands much superior to any other form of government in promoting dignity.
Examples:

Women: The principle of equal treatment is now a legal/moral force. In non-democracies, this unacceptability would not have legal basis.
Caste: Democracy strengthens the claims of disadvantaged castes for equal status and opportunity.

"The examination of democracy never gets over. As it passes one test, it produces another." (People complain = Democracy is successful because they are aware).