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CBSE Class 11 Political Science Chapter 6 Judiciary Worksheet with Answers

The Judiciary chapter in NCERT Class 11 Political Science examines the structure, powers, and role of India's judicial system in upholding constitutional democracy. This worksheet provides structured practice across multiple question formats to reinforce understanding of the Supreme Court, High Court, judicial review, and judicial independence. Difficulty level: Moderate to Challenging. Suggested time: 90 minutes. Attempt all sections sequentially for best results.

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Key takeaways

✓The Supreme Court of India is the apex judicial body with original, appellate, and advisory jurisdiction under Articles 131-143.
✓Judicial review empowers courts to examine the constitutional validity of legislative and executive actions, a power implied in Articles 13, 32, and 226.
✓High Courts exercise jurisdiction over their respective states and Union Territories, with powers to issue writs under Article 226.
✓The independence of the judiciary is safeguarded through secure tenure, fixed salaries, appointment processes, and contempt of court provisions.
✓Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has expanded access to justice, allowing any citizen to approach courts for public welfare issues.
✓The judiciary acts as the guardian of the Constitution and fundamental rights, balancing the powers of the legislature and executive.
✓The collegium system for judicial appointments has been both praised for judicial independence and criticized for lack of transparency.

Quick Chapter Recap: The Judiciary in India

Chapter 6 of NCERT Class 11 Political Science explores how the Indian judiciary functions as an independent pillar of democracy. The Supreme Court stands at the apex of the judicial hierarchy, followed by High Courts in states and subordinate courts at district and lower levels. The Constitution grants the judiciary the power of judicial review—the authority to strike down laws and executive actions that violate constitutional provisions. This power, though not explicitly mentioned in a single article, is derived from Articles 13, 32, and 226. The chapter emphasizes judicial independence through provisions like security of tenure, fixed salaries that cannot be reduced during service, and the appointment process involving the President, Chief Justice, and collegium system. The judiciary also acts as the guardian of fundamental rights, with citizens able to directly approach the Supreme Court under Article 32 and High Courts under Article 226 for enforcement of these rights. Public Interest Litigation has democratized justice by allowing concerned citizens to file cases on behalf of marginalized groups. Understanding the balance between judicial activism and judicial restraint is crucial for students preparing for board examinations and competitive tests.

Supreme Court: Original jurisdiction (disputes between states/Centre), appellate jurisdiction (appeals from High Courts), and advisory jurisdiction (President's reference)
High Courts: One or more for each state, with powers of superintendence over subordinate courts
Judicial Review: Implied power to test constitutional validity of laws and executive orders
Independence safeguards: Security of tenure until age 65 (Supreme Court) and 62 (High Court), salaries charged on Consolidated Fund
Writ jurisdiction: Five types—habeas corpus, mandamus, prohibition, certiorari, and quo warranto

Section A: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

This section tests your factual recall and conceptual understanding of the judiciary's structure and functions. Each question has four options with only one correct answer. These MCQs cover constitutional articles, landmark judgments, and the powers of different judicial bodies. Mark your answers clearly and avoid guesswork; try to eliminate obviously incorrect options first. The questions range from direct factual recall (like retirement ages and constitutional articles) to application-based scenarios requiring you to identify the correct judicial remedy or court jurisdiction. Time allocation: 12 minutes for six questions.

Q1. The Supreme Court of India was established on which date? (a) 26 January 1950 (b) 28 January 1950 (c) 15 August 1947 (d) 26 November 1949
Q2. Under which Article can the Supreme Court issue writs for enforcement of Fundamental Rights? (a) Article 226 (b) Article 32 (c) Article 356 (d) Article 368
Q3. The retirement age of a Supreme Court judge is: (a) 60 years (b) 62 years (c) 65 years (d) 70 years
Q4. Which writ literally means 'you may have the body'? (a) Mandamus (b) Certiorari (c) Habeas Corpus (d) Quo Warranto
Q5. Judicial review in India is borrowed from the Constitution of: (a) United Kingdom (b) United States of America (c) Canada (d) Australia
Q6. The collegium system for appointment of judges consists of: (a) Chief Justice only (b) Chief Justice and two senior-most judges (c) Chief Justice and four senior-most judges (d) All Supreme Court judges
Q7. Which Article deals with the advisory jurisdiction of the Supreme Court? (a) Article 131 (b) Article 143 (c) Article 32 (d) Article 124

Section B: Fill in the Blanks

Complete each sentence with the most appropriate term or phrase from the chapter. This section assesses your grasp of key terminology and specific constitutional provisions. Write your answers clearly in the space provided. Precision matters—write exact terms as used in the NCERT textbook and Constitution. These blanks cover important concepts like types of jurisdiction, constitutional articles, judicial processes, and institutional mechanisms. Pay attention to whether the blank requires a number (like an Article number), a legal term, or a concept name. Time allocation: 10 minutes for five questions.

Q1. The power of _____________ allows courts to examine whether a law or executive action is in accordance with the Constitution.
Q2. Article _______ provides the right to constitutional remedies and is called the 'heart and soul' of the Constitution by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.
Q3. A _____________ is a formal written order issued by a court commanding a specific action.
Q4. The _____________ system refers to the procedure by which senior judges recommend appointments to the higher judiciary.
Q5. _____________ litigation allows any individual or organization to file a case in the interest of public welfare.
Q6. The Supreme Court exercises _____________ jurisdiction in disputes between the Government of India and one or more states.

Section C: Match the Following

Match the items in Column A with the most appropriate items in Column B. Write the correct letter corresponding to each number. Each item in Column B should be used only once. This exercise tests your ability to connect related concepts, constitutional articles with their provisions, and writs with their purposes. Read both columns completely before attempting to match. Look for direct relationships first (like specific articles with their subjects), then work on the more nuanced connections. Time allocation: 8 minutes.

Column A: 1. Article 124 2. Mandamus 3. Public Interest Litigation 4. Article 226 5. Certiorari 6. Original Jurisdiction
Column B: (a) Writ power of High Courts (b) Command to perform a public duty (c) Establishment of Supreme Court (d) S.P. Gupta case, 1982 (e) Quashing of orders of lower courts (f) Disputes between Centre and states

Section D: Short Answer Questions (3-4 marks each)

Answer the following questions in 80-100 words each. These questions require you to explain concepts, compare institutions, or describe processes covered in the Judiciary chapter. Structure your answers with a clear opening statement, 2-3 supporting points, and a brief conclusion if appropriate. Use proper terminology from the NCERT textbook. Where possible, cite relevant constitutional articles to strengthen your answer. Marks are awarded for accuracy, clarity, and coverage of key points. Underlining or highlighting key terms can help examiners quickly identify that you have covered essential elements. Time allocation: 25 minutes for five questions.

Q1. Explain the concept of judicial review. How is it different from judicial activism?
Q2. What are the qualifications required for appointment as a judge of the Supreme Court?
Q3. Describe any three measures that ensure the independence of the judiciary in India.
Q4. Distinguish between the original and appellate jurisdiction of the Supreme Court.
Q5. What is Public Interest Litigation? How has it expanded access to justice in India?

Section E: Long Answer and HOTS Questions (6 marks each)

Answer the following questions in 150-200 words each. These questions demand deeper analysis, critical thinking, and the ability to present balanced arguments. Structure your answers in clear paragraphs with an introduction, body (covering multiple dimensions), and conclusion. Where the question asks you to evaluate or critically examine, present both sides before giving a reasoned conclusion. Use examples from Indian judicial history, landmark cases, or contemporary issues to illustrate your points. Higher-Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) questions reward students who can go beyond textbook reproduction to demonstrate understanding, application, and evaluation. Time allocation: 35 minutes for three questions.

Q1. 'The judiciary is often described as the guardian of the Constitution and fundamental rights.' Critically examine this statement with reference to the Indian judicial system.
Q2. Discuss the system of appointment of judges in India. Do you think the collegium system ensures judicial independence? Give reasons for your answer.
Q3. Analyse the role of Public Interest Litigation in promoting social justice in India. What are some criticisms leveled against PIL?

Section F: Case Study Question

Read the following case carefully and answer the questions that follow. This case-study tests your ability to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios. Case studies in Political Science often present a situation involving constitutional provisions, institutional conflicts, or rights issues. Your task is to identify the relevant concepts, apply appropriate constitutional articles, and reason toward a solution. Read the case twice—once for overall understanding and once to identify key details. Then answer each sub-question precisely, referring back to the case details. Time allocation: 15 minutes.

Detailed Answer Key with Explanations

This comprehensive answer key provides correct answers along with brief explanations to help you understand why each answer is correct. Use this section for self-assessment after completing the worksheet. For MCQs, the explanation clarifies why the correct option is right and why others are incorrect. For descriptive answers, model responses are provided showing the key points that should be covered. If you scored less than 60% in any section, revisit the corresponding chapter portion in your NCERT textbook before attempting more practice questions. CBSETUTOR.ai offers 24×7 doubt-solving support where you can upload a photo of any question and receive step-by-step explanations at a flat fee of just ₹999 per month across all subjects for Classes 6-12, with a three-day free trial to experience AI-powered personalized learning.

Section A Answers: 1.(b) 28 January 1950 - The Supreme Court began functioning two days after the Constitution came into force. 2.(b) Article 32 - Called the 'heart and soul' of the Constitution by Dr. Ambedkar, it guarantees the right to constitutional remedies. 3.(c) 65 years - Supreme Court judges retire at 65; High Court judges at 62. 4.(c) Habeas Corpus - Latin for 'you may have the body,' used to prevent illegal detention. 5.(b) United States of America - Judicial review is a feature borrowed from the US Constitution. 6.(c) Chief Justice and four senior-most judges - The collegium evolved through Supreme Court judgments in the 1990s. 7.(b) Article 143 - Allows the President to seek the Supreme Court's opinion on questions of law or fact.
Section B Answers: 1. judicial review 2. 32 3. writ 4. collegium 5. Public Interest 6. original
Section C Answers: 1-c, 2-b, 3-d, 4-a, 5-e, 6-f
Section D Model Answers: Q1. Judicial review is the power to examine constitutional validity of laws and executive actions; judicial activism is when courts take proactive role in social issues. Q2. Must be Indian citizen; either (a) five years as High Court judge, or (b) ten years as advocate of High Court, or (c) distinguished jurist in President's opinion. Q3. (i) Security of tenure until retirement age (ii) Salaries cannot be reduced during service (iii) Appointment by President on recommendation of collegium (iv) Contempt of court provisions protect judicial dignity. Q4. Original jurisdiction covers disputes between Centre and states (Art 131); appellate jurisdiction covers appeals from High Courts on constitutional, civil, and criminal matters. Q5. PIL allows any citizen to file cases for public interest, especially for marginalized groups; initiated by Justice P.N. Bhagwati in 1980s; expanded access to justice for poor and disadvantaged who cannot approach courts themselves.
Section E Model Points: Q1. Cover: judicial review power, Article 32 enforcement, independence safeguards, basic structure doctrine, also mention limitations like judicial delays and accessibility issues. Q2. Discuss: appointment by President, collegium role, arguments for independence vs. transparency concerns, mention NJAC judgment 2015. Q3. Explain: origin in 1980s, examples like Bandhua Mukti Morcha, benefits for marginalized groups, criticisms include judicial overreach and frivolous cases.
Case Study Answers: (a) Article 19(1)(b) - Right to assemble peacefully and without arms. (b) Article 226 - High Courts have writ jurisdiction. (c) Yes, through Public Interest Litigation (PIL), any concerned citizen can file cases for public welfare even without direct personal injury. (d) Judicial review - the power to examine constitutional validity of legislative acts.

How to Use This Worksheet Effectively for Board Exam Preparation

This worksheet is designed to mirror the question pattern and difficulty level of CBSE Class 11 Political Science board examinations and term tests. Begin by attempting the worksheet under timed conditions without referring to your textbook or notes—this simulates actual exam pressure and helps identify weak areas. After completion, use the answer key to score yourself honestly, giving partial marks for partially correct answers in descriptive questions. If you score below 70%, it indicates gaps in conceptual understanding that need focused revision. For questions you answered incorrectly, go back to the specific section in NCERT Chapter 6 and make concise notes. The judiciary chapter often appears in board exams through 4-mark or 6-mark questions on judicial review, independence, or PIL. Practice writing answers within word limits: 80-100 words for 3-4 markers and 150-200 words for 6 markers. Underlining key terms and citing constitutional articles (like Article 32, 124, 226) adds precision and earns better marks. Students in metros like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru often complement school teaching with coaching, but those in smaller towns can bridge any gap using quality worksheets like this combined with NCERT-focused self-study and online doubt resolution platforms.

Time yourself: Complete the full worksheet in one 90-minute sitting to build exam stamina
Self-assess honestly: Award yourself marks based on the model answers provided, noting partial credit where applicable
Identify patterns: If you struggle with MCQs, focus on factual recall; if long answers are weak, practice structuring arguments
Revise weak areas: Go back to NCERT for topics where you scored poorly and make fresh notes
Repeat practice: Attempt the worksheet again after one week to check retention and improvement
Peer discussion: Exchange answers with classmates to gain different perspectives on long-answer questions

Common Mistakes Students Make in Judiciary Questions

Many Class 11 students lose marks in judiciary questions not because they lack knowledge but due to avoidable errors in presentation and conceptual clarity. One frequent mistake is confusing the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court and High Courts—remember that both can issue writs for fundamental rights enforcement, but Article 32 applies to the Supreme Court while Article 226 applies to High Courts, and High Courts have broader writ jurisdiction covering non-fundamental rights too. Another error is using vague language like 'the court can cancel a law' instead of the precise term 'judicial review' or 'strike down a law as unconstitutional.' Students often mix up the retirement ages: 65 for Supreme Court judges, 62 for High Court judges. In questions on judicial independence, many students list only one or two safeguards instead of covering tenure security, salary protection, appointment process, and contempt provisions. When explaining Public Interest Litigation, avoid just defining it—give an example like the Bandhua Mukti Morcha case or Vishaka Guidelines case to demonstrate understanding. In case studies, students sometimes provide theoretical answers without applying the concept to the specific scenario given. Finally, many lose marks by exceeding or falling far short of prescribed word limits, suggesting poor exam time management and planning.

Confusing Article 32 (Supreme Court writs) with Article 226 (High Court writs)—know that HC has wider writ power
Writing 'judge' without specifying Supreme Court or High Court when the question demands precision
Not citing constitutional articles when explaining powers or processes—articles add authenticity
Giving one-sided answers to 'critically examine' or 'evaluate' questions instead of balanced arguments
Forgetting to define technical terms like 'judicial review,' 'writ,' or 'collegium' before explaining them
Ignoring the case-study context and writing generic textbook answers instead of applied analysis

Connecting the Judiciary Chapter with Current Affairs and Real Life

The Judiciary chapter is not just about constitutional articles and theoretical powers—it comes alive when connected with contemporary issues and landmark judgments. The 2015 Supreme Court judgment striking down the National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC) and reaffirming the collegium system is a recent example of judicial review in action, showing how the court protects judicial independence even against constitutional amendments. The 2017 Right to Privacy judgment (Justice K.S. Puttaswamy case) demonstrated the Supreme Court's role in expanding fundamental rights beyond the explicit list in Part III of the Constitution. Public Interest Litigation has been instrumental in cases like the Vishaka Guidelines for workplace sexual harassment and the Swachh Bharat initiatives, showing how the judiciary can drive social change. However, the judiciary also faces criticism—pending cases in Indian courts exceeded 4.4 crore in 2023, raising questions about access to timely justice. The recent debates around live-streaming of court proceedings, the use of technology in courts post-COVID, and the Collegium vs. NJAC debate all reflect the dynamic nature of judicial functioning. When writing exam answers, referencing one or two such real examples—without lengthy details—demonstrates deeper engagement with the subject and often earns appreciation from examiners who value application over rote learning.

NJAC judgment 2015: Supreme Court struck down a constitutional amendment to protect judicial independence
Right to Privacy (2017): Expanded fundamental rights through judicial interpretation, affecting Aadhaar implementation
Triple Talaq judgment (2017): Demonstrated judicial review of personal laws for constitutional validity
COVID-19 and judiciary: Introduction of virtual courts and e-filing systems accelerated judicial digitization
Pendency crisis: Over 4.4 crore cases pending across Indian courts highlight challenges in judicial efficiency
Contempt cases: Recent instances show how courts protect their authority and dignity

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between Article 32 and Article 226 writs?+

Article 32 empowers the Supreme Court to issue writs only for enforcement of fundamental rights and is itself a fundamental right. Article 226 empowers High Courts to issue writs for fundamental rights as well as other legal rights, making it broader in scope. However, Article 32 is available throughout India while Article 226 is limited to the jurisdiction of the respective High Court.

How many marks does the Judiciary chapter typically carry in CBSE Class 11 Political Science exams?+

The Judiciary chapter typically features in one 4-mark or 6-mark long-answer question and may appear in 2-mark or 1-mark questions in the objective or short-answer sections. Overall, expect 6-10 marks from this chapter directly, with concepts like judicial review and fundamental rights potentially appearing in integrated questions worth additional marks.

What is the collegium system and why is it important?+

The collegium system is the process by which the Chief Justice of India and the four senior-most Supreme Court judges recommend appointments and transfers of judges to the higher judiciary. Established through Supreme Court judgments in the 1990s, it aims to ensure judicial independence by preventing executive dominance in appointments. Critics argue it lacks transparency and accountability.

Can you explain judicial review in simple terms with an example?+

Judicial review is the court's power to check whether laws passed by Parliament or state legislatures, or actions by the government, follow the Constitution. If they do not, courts can declare them invalid. For example, if a state passes a law banning all protests, courts can strike it down as violating Article 19's freedom of speech and assembly.

What are the five types of writs and their purposes?+

The five writs are: (1) Habeas Corpus—prevents illegal detention and secures release; (2) Mandamus—commands public officials to perform their duty; (3) Prohibition—stops lower courts or tribunals from exceeding jurisdiction; (4) Certiorari—quashes orders of lower courts for jurisdictional errors; (5) Quo Warranto—challenges a person's right to hold public office.

How can CBSETUTOR.ai help with Political Science preparation?+

CBSETUTOR.ai provides 24×7 AI-powered doubt resolution where you can upload a photo of any question from the Judiciary chapter or any other topic and receive detailed, step-by-step explanations. At just ₹999 per month for all subjects across Classes 6-12, with a three-day free trial, it offers affordable, personalized learning support without the need for expensive coaching classes.

What is Public Interest Litigation and how has it helped common citizens?+

Public Interest Litigation (PIL) allows any concerned citizen or organization to file a case in court on behalf of those who cannot access the legal system themselves, such as the poor, marginalized, or oppressed groups. Introduced in the 1980s by Justice P.N. Bhagwati, PIL has led to landmark judgments on bonded labour, environment protection, women's rights, and right to education, significantly expanding access to justice.

Is it necessary to memorize all the constitutional articles related to the judiciary?+

While complete memorization is not mandatory, knowing key articles adds precision and credibility to your answers. Focus on Article 32 (Supreme Court writs), Article 226 (High Court writs), Article 124 (establishment and appointment of Supreme Court judges), Article 143 (advisory jurisdiction), and Article 131 (original jurisdiction). Citing these in answers demonstrates thorough preparation.

How should I structure a 6-mark answer on judicial independence?+

Start with a one-sentence definition of judicial independence. Then present 4-5 concrete measures: (1) security of tenure until retirement age, (2) salaries and allowances charged on Consolidated Fund and cannot be reduced, (3) appointment process involving collegium, (4) prohibition on practice after retirement in lower courts, (5) contempt of court provisions. Conclude with why independence is vital for constitutional democracy. Aim for 150-180 words.

What are some recent Supreme Court judgments I should know for exams?+

While detailed case knowledge is not required for Class 11, mentioning these adds value: (1) NJAC judgment 2015 on judicial appointments, (2) Right to Privacy 2017 (Puttaswamy case), (3) Triple Talaq 2017, (4) Sabarimala case 2018 on religious practices. Use them sparingly as examples when relevant—one well-placed example is better than listing multiple cases without context.

How is this worksheet different from sample papers?+

This worksheet focuses exclusively on Chapter 6 Judiciary, providing in-depth practice on this single topic with varied question types and detailed explanations. Sample papers cover the entire syllabus with a few questions per chapter. Use worksheets for focused topic mastery and sample papers for full-syllabus revision and exam simulation before board exams or term tests.

Should I write answers in points or paragraphs in the exam?+

For 1-2 mark questions, concise point-form answers work well. For 4-6 mark questions, write in short, clear paragraphs. Use a combination: start with a brief introductory sentence, then present your main points as numbered sub-points or as separate short paragraphs, and conclude if space permits. This format is easy for examiners to evaluate and ensures you cover all required elements.

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