CBSE Class 11 Political Science Syllabus 2024-25 (PDF Download)

CBSE Class 11 Political Science Syllabus 2024-25

COURSE STRUCTURE

Chapter No.	Chapter Name	No. of Periods	Marks Allotted
PART A- INDIAN CONSTITUTION AT WORK
1	Constitution: Why and How?	12	8
2	Rights in the Indian Constitution	8	8
3	Election and Representation	14	6
4	Executive	14	12
5	Legislature	14
6	Judiciary	14
7	Federalism	14	6
8	Local Governments	10	4
9	Constitution as a Living Document	6	4
10	The Philosophy of the Constitution	6	4
	No. of periods & marks allotted to Indian Constitution at Work	112	40
PART B-POLITICAL THEORY
1	Political Theory: An Introduction	8	4
2	Freedom	10	12
3	Equality	12	12
4	Social Justice	12	6
5	Rights	14	4
6	Citizenship	12	8
7	Nationalism	15	8
8	Secularism	16	6
	No. of periods & marks allotted for Political Theory	99	40
	Total	211	80

Chapter No. and Name	Specific Learning Objectives	Suggested Teaching Learning Process	Learning Outcomes with Specific Competencies
PART A-INDIAN CONSTITUTION AT WORK
1 Constitution: Why and How? a) Why do we need a Constitution? Constitution allows coordination and assuranceSpecification of decision- making powersLimitations on the powers of governmentAspirations and goals of a societyFundamental identity of a people b) The authority of a Constitution Mode of promulgationThe substantive provisions of a constitutionBalanced institutional design	Familiarize students with the:	Comparative Analysis: Different constitutions	After completion of the chapter, Students will be able to:
	Key aspects of the working of the Constitution.	Reading of the Preamble	Appreciate the need for a Constitution. Understand the historical processes and the circumstances in which the Indian Constitution was drafted. Critically evaluate how constitutions, govern the distribution of power in society. Analyze the ways in
	Various Institutions of the government in the country and their relationship with each other.	Group Discussions and Debates: What happens in an organization in the absence of a set of rules and regulations to run it?
	Conditions and circumstances in which the Constitution of India was made.	How far our National Movement influenced the framing of our Constitution?
	Key features of the Indian Constitution and other Constitutions of the world.	Timeline/Flowchart Question strategy
		Quiz	which the provisions of
		Quiz	the Constitution have
			worked in real political
			life.

c) How was the Indian Constitution made? Composition of the Constituent AssemblyProceduresInheritance of the nationalist movementInstitutional arrangements d) Provisions adapted from Constitutions of different countries
2 Rights in the Indian Constitution a) The importance of rights Bill of Rights b) Fundamental rights in the Indian Constitution Right to EqualityRight to FreedomRight against ExploitationRight to Freedom of ReligionCultural and Educational RightsRight to Constitutional Remedies c) Directive principles of state policy	Familiarize students with the: Fundamental Rights enshrined in the Constitution of India Manner of protection of rights Role of the Judiciary in protecting and interpreting these rights Comparison between Fundamental Rights and the Directive Principles of State Policy.	Discussion: Rights, the type of rights, why some rights are considered as fundamental? Lecture method Comparative analysis: Rights guaranteed in India and other countries Brain storming: Whether directive principles should take precedence over fundamental rights? Drama production	After completion of the chapter students will be able to: Analyze the working of the Constitution in real life Learn to respect others, think critically, and make informed decisions Identify violations of the rights to equality and freedom in the society around them

what do the directive principles contain? d) Relationship between fundamental rights and directive principles		Collage-Making: Violations of rights	Justify the need for reasonable restrictions on the rights guaranteed. Use freedom of expression to advocate for ensuring rights is given to people around them.
3 Election and Representation Elections and democracyElection system in IndiaFirst Past the Post SystemProportional RepresentationWhy did India adopt the FPTP system? Reservation of constituencies Free and fair electionsUniversal franchise and right to contestIndependent Election Commission f) Electoral Reforms	Familiarize students with the: Election process in India Structure and functions of the Election Commission of India Rationale of Free and Fair elections. Need for electoral reforms.	Conducting mock elections Comparative analysis: Election processes of different countries Reflecting on cartoons/ caricatures Group discussion: Challenges and reforms Reflective inquiry: Recapitulating known facts	After completion of the chapter, Students will be able to: Identify different types and methods of election Develop critical thinking about the role of various stakeholders in ensuring free and fair elections. Demonstrate the innate role played by Election Commission Compare election systems of different countries of the world.

4 Executive What is an executive?What are the different types of executives?Parliamentary executive in IndiaPower and position of PresidentDiscretionary Powers of the PresidentPrime Minister and Council of ministersPermanent Executive: Bureaucracy	Familiarize students with the: Meaning of Executive Distinction between Parliamentary and Presidential forms of Executive Power and position of the President of India. Composition, powers and functioning of the Council of Ministers and the importance of the Prime Minister Importance and functioning of the administrative machinery.	Comparative Analysis: Different forms of Executive Interpretation of Cartoons/ caricatures Discussion and Debate: Powers and functions of the Real and Nominal Executive Quiz	After completion of the chapter the student will be able to: Recognize the meaning of Executive. Compare and contrast the Parliamentary and Presidential Executive. Analyze the composition and functioning of the executive. Know the significance of the administrative machinery.
5 Legislature Why do we need a parliament?Why do we need two houses of parliament?Rajya SabhaLok Sabha c) What does the parliament do? Powers of Rajya Sabha	Familiarize the students with the: Importance of Legislature. Types of Legislatures- Unicameral and Bicameral. Powers and functions of the Indian Parliament	Comparative Analysis: Powers and functions of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha Passing of a Bill-Class activity/Mock Parliament Map activity: Identification of states with bicameral legislatures Cartoon Interpretation	After completion of the chapter, Students will be able to: Describe the law- making process in India. Differentiate between the powers and functions of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.

Special Powers of Rajya SabhaHow does the parliament make laws?How does the parliament control the executive?What do the committees of parliament do?How does the parliament regulate itself?	Law-making process and the different types of bills in India Instruments of parliamentary control over the executive. Composition, powers and functions of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.		Examine the parliamentary control over the Executive. Analyze the role of Parliamentary committees for the success of Indian democracy.
6 Judiciary a) Why do we need an independent judiciary? Independence of JudiciaryAppointment of JudgesRemoval of JudgesStructure of the Judiciary Jurisdiction of supreme CourtOriginal JurisdictionWrit JurisdictionAppellate JurisdictionAdvisory JurisdictionJudicial ActivismJudiciary and RightsJudiciary and Parliament	Familiarize the students with the: Need of an independent Judiciary. Different jurisdictions of the Supreme Court Distinction between Judicial Activism, Judicial Review and Judicial Over-reach Conflicts between Judiciary and Parliament.	Constructivist approach: The importance of India’s Judicial System. Moot Courts Discussion: Enhancing assertiveness of the Indian Judiciary. Debates: How far separation of Powers is practiced?	After completion of the chapter, Students will be able to: Identify the different aspects which makes the Judiciary independent Compare and contrast the different jurisdictionsAnalyze the reasons why Judiciary has become proactive. Examine the reasons for the conflicts between the judiciary and parliament with respect to Constitutional Amendments.

7 Federalism What is Federalism?Federalism in the Indian ConstitutionDivision of PowersFederalism with a strong central governmentConflicts in India’s federal systemCentre-State RelationsDemands for AutonomyRole of Governors and President’s RuleDemands for New StatesInterstate Conflicts e) Special provisions Jammu and Kashmir	Familiarize the students with the: Key ideas & basic concepts of federalism. Provisions of the Indian Constitution regarding federalism. Need to have a strong central government in India owing to its diversity and size. Issues involving relations between Centre and States.	Cartoon interpretation Textual reading Group Discussion/Debate: Prevailing issues in Centre-state relations. Map activity	After completion of the chapter Students will be able to: Explain the basic features of a federation. Identify the different levels of the government &subjects on which the union and state governments can make laws. Discuss the various constitutional provisions that led to a strong Centre in India.
8 Local Governments Why local governments?Growth of Local Government in IndiaLocal Governments in Independent India73rd and 74th amendments73rd AmendmentThree Tier Structure	Familiarize the students with the: Importance and need for local government. Functions and responsibilities of local government bodies Significance of the 73rd and 74th Amendments	Recapitulation of definitions Timeline: Depicting the emergence of local government. Flowcharts: On the structural arrangement of Panchayati Raj. Concept maps: The functions of local government bodies at the rural and urban level	After completion of the chapter, students will be able to: Understand the Panchayati Raj system of local government in India, its emergence and significance Identify the objectives, functions and sources of income of rural and urban local government

ElectionsReservationsTransfer of SubjectsState Election CommissionersState Finance Commission74th AmendmentImplementation of 73rd and 74th Amendments	Merits and demerits of decentralization Challenges faced by local government bodies	Group presentation: Amendments Debate/group discussion: The merits and demerits of decentralization	bodies Justify the significance of 73rd and 74th constitutional amendments Acknowledge and examine the significance of decentralization Introspect and realize the need to empower local government bodies
9 Constitution as a Living Document Are constitutions static?How to amend the constitution?Why have there been so many amendments?Contents of amendments made so farDiffering InterpretationsAmendments through Political ConsensusControversial Amendments	Familiarize students with the: Working of the Indian Constitution Response of the Indian Constitution to the changing circumstances Process of amending the Indian ConstitutionDifferent types of amendments	Brainstorming: To assess the achievements and drawbacks of our Constitution Debate: Should the Judiciary have the power to determine the validity of amendments? Discussion: Are the amendments in the Constitution as per the needs and circumstances or guided by the whims and fancies of the ruling party?	After completion of the chapter, Students will be able to: Analyze the working of the Constitution. Know the various amendments that have taken place and the controversies raised. Appreciate why the Constitution is called a Living Document.

Basic structure and evolution of the constitutionConstitution as a Living DocumentContribution of the JudiciaryMaturity of the Political Leadership	Role of the Judiciary in protecting and interpreting the Constitution
10 The Philosophy of the Constitution a) What is meant by philosophy of the constitution? Constitution as Means of Democratic Transformation Why do we need to go back to the Constituent Assembly? What is the political philosophy of our constitution?Individual freedomSocial JusticeRespect for diversity and minority rightsSecularism	Familiarize students with the:	Group discussion: Guiding philosophy of the Indian Constitution	At the completion of the chapter, students will be able to:
	Meaning and need for a political philosophy approach to the Constitution.	Question Strategy Quiz	Appreciate the philosophical vision of our Constitution.
	Intentions and concerns of those who framed the Constitution.	Reading the work of Great thinkers	Recognize the core features of the Indian Constitution.
	Philosophy of Indian Constitution.		Evaluate the strengths and limitations of the Constitution.
	Strengths and limitations of the Constitution.		Evaluate the strengths and limitations of the Constitution.

Universal franchiseFederalismNational identityProcedural AchievementsCriticismsLimitations
PART B- POLITICAL THEORY
1 Political Theory: An Introduction What is politics?What do we study in political theory?Putting Political theory into practiceWhy should we study political theory?	Familiarize students with the: Meaning and importance of political theory in Political Science.	Collecting political cartoons from various newspapers and magazines and discussing the issues raised Reading the works of great thinkers	After completion of the chapter, Students will be able to: Define the term politics and identify various political principles. Explain the innate ideas of various Political theories. Appreciate the contribution of Political Thinkers (example: Jean Jacques Rousseau).
	Various political concepts	Quiz
	Contribution of Political Thinkers	Quiz
	Basic questions:
	How should society be organized?Why do we need a government?
2 Freedom a) The Ideal of freedom	Familiarize students with the: Struggle of Nelson Mandela and Aung San Suu Kyi against the unjust Political System.	Discussion: Individual freedom Debate: Does dress code curtail individual freedom? Comparative Analysis: Negative and positive liberty	After completion of the chapter, Students will be able to: Appreciate the ideal of freedom.

The sources of Constraints-Why do we need constraints?The Harm PrincipleNegative and Positive liberty	Concept of ‘Freedom’. Sources of Constraints and need for Constraints Importance of freedom for Individuals and the society in general. Differentiate between the Negative and Positive liberty. Harm Principle as advocated by J.S Mill	Examine current case studies related to the topic. Quiz	Critically evaluate the dimensions of negative and positive liberty.Demonstrate spirit of enquiry Explain the ideas introduced by J.S. Mill in Harm Principle. Assess the possible limitations on freedom resulting from the social and economic structures of society.
3 Equality a) Why does equality matter? Equality of opportunities Natural and Social InequalitiesThree dimensions of equalityFeminism, SocialismHow can we promote equality?	Familiarize students with the: Concept of Equality. Different dimensions of equality—political, economic, and social Various ideologies of Socialism, Marxism, Liberalism and Feminism. Different methods to promote equality.	Discussion and debate: Promotion of equality Reading the works of great thinkers. . Reflective Enquiry and Recapitulation Skit on Equality Role play	After completion of the chapter, Students will be able to: Understand the moral and political ideals of equality. Assess how equality is perceived through different ideologies Recognize the means and methods to promote equality.

			Evaluate the possible solutions to minimize inequality.
4 Social Justice a) What is Justice? Equal Treatment for EqualsProportionate JusticeRecognition of Special NeedsJust distributionJohn Rawls Theory of JusticePursuing Social JusticeFree Markets versus State Intervention	Familiarize students with the: Meaning of Justice Principles of justice followed in different societies Concept of distributive and proportionate justice Arguments of John Rawls ‘on fair and just society. Advantages and limitations of free market	Debate: Free Markets versus State Intervention Quiz Comparative Analysis: Dimensions of justice	After completion of the chapter, Students will be able to: Classify the different dimensions of justice. Appreciate the measures taken by the government of India to secure social justice. Enlist the basic minimum requirements of people for living a healthy and productive life. State John Rawls’ theory of veil of ignorance.
5 Rights What are Rights?Where do rights come from?Legal rights and the stateKinds of rightsRights and responsibilities	Familiarize students with the: Definition and significance of rights. Rights as guaranteed to all the citizens	Discussion: Importance of rights Collaborative Learning- Assigning task for acquiring information on different types of rights. Comparative analysis: Different type of rights	After completion of the chapter, Students will be able to: Define rights Identify the need for rights and its importance to mankind.

	Importance of Human Rights Different kinds of rights- Political, Civil, Socio- Economic, Cultural and Educational.		Explain why rights need to be sanctioned by law. Describe the features of different kinds of rights.
6 Citizenship IntroductionFull and equal membershipEqual RightsCitizen and NationUniversal CitizenshipGlobal Citizenship	Familiarize students with the: Debates associated with citizenship Relationship between the citizen and the nation; and different criteria of citizenship adopted by various countries.	Discussion: Norms of granting citizenship put forth by different countries Debate: Should India grant dual citizenship? Interpretation of newspaper articles	After completion of the chapter, Students will be able to: Explain the meaning of citizenship. Contribute to meaningful discussion on ways of granting citizenship.
	Issues about refugees or illegal migrants Concept of Global Citizenship		Discuss the probable solutions or alternatives to solve citizenship issue.
			Analyze the problems to be surmounted to strengthen links
			between the people and governments
7 Nationalism a) Introducing Nationalism	Familiarize students with the: Emergence and phases of nationalism	Recapitulation of definitions. Group interaction: The factors that help in creating the sense of	After completion of the chapter, students will be able to:

b) Nations and Nationalism Shared BeliefsHistoryShared National IdentityNational self-determinationNationalism and Pluralism	Distinction between state, nation, and nationalism Concept of National self- determination Difference between Nationalism and Pluralism	collective identity Textual explanation Debate: Can identity claims lead to social divisions or will it strengthen and recognize multiple identities?	Understand the concepts of nation and nationalism Assess the strengths and limitations of nationalism. Identify and build an understanding on the factors related to creation of collective identities Examine the concept of national self- determination Acknowledge the need to make nations more democratic and inclusive
8 Secularism a) What is Secularism? Inter-religious DominationIntra-religious DominationSecular StateThe western model of secularismThe Indian model of secularism	Familiarize students with the: Meaning of Secularism Inter-religious and Intra- Religious Domination. Characteristics of a Secular State	Discussion and Debate: On Indian Secularism Inquiry based learning Comparative Study: The Western model and the Indian model of secularism.	After completion of the chapter, student will be able to: Define Secularism. Differentiate between Inter-religious and Intra-Religious Domination.

e) Criticisms of Indian secularism Western ImportMinoritismInterventionistVote Bank Politics

Western and Indian Model of Secularism. Limitations of Indian Secularism

Recognize the concept of a Secular State. Compare Western and Indian Model of Secularism. Make an appraisal of Indian Secularism.

Prescribed Textbooks:

Indian Constitution at Work, Class XI, Published by NCERT
1. Political Theory, Class XI, Published by NCERT
1. Added Reference Material available with the document in the Annexure

Note: The above textbooks are also available in Hindi and Urdu versions.

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