CBSE Class 10 SST Board Exam 2026 - Civics Important Definitions & Key Terms

CBSE Class 10 Board Exam 2026 is scheduled for March 7. Candidates appearing for this must focus on Civics Important Definitions & Key Terms during last-time revision. This includes the most important concepts from chapters like Power Sharing, Federalism, Gender, Religion and Caste, Outcomes of Democracy, and Political Parties. 

These definitions help students understand core ideas such as democracy, federalism, power sharing, secularism, majority rule, political parties, and decentralisation. Preparing these key terms properly is essential for writing accurate answers and scoring high marks in the board exam.

CBSE Class 10 SST Board Exam 2026 - Civics Important Definitions & Key Terms

This resource provides a concise overview of key concepts across selected Economics and Civics chapters from the CBSE Class 10 curriculum. It aims to deliver a thorough understanding of foundational topics, emphasizing important definitions and comparative analyses essential for board exam preparation.

Civics - Chapter 1: Power Sharing

This chapter illustrates power sharing's importance using Belgium and Sri Lanka.

Why is Power Sharing Desirable?

• Prudential Reason: Reduces conflict between social groups, ensuring political stability.

• Moral Reason: It is the spirit of democracy, giving citizens a stake in the system.

Forms of Power Sharing

1. Horizontal Power Sharing: Among government organs (Legislature, Executive, Judiciary). Creates checks and balances.

2. Vertical Power Sharing (Federalism): Among different levels of government (Central, State, Local).

3. Power Sharing among Social Groups: Among religious/linguistic groups (e.g., Belgium's Community Government, India's Reserved Constituencies).

4. Power Sharing among Political Parties, Pressure Groups, and Movements: Competition among parties, coalition governments, and influence from pressure groups.

Civics - Chapter 2: Federalism

Federalism divides power between a central authority and various constituent units. It's vertical power sharing with at least two government levels.

Key Features of Federalism

1. Two or more levels of government.

2. Different tiers govern the same citizens, each with its own jurisdiction.

3. Jurisdictions specified in the Constitution.

4. Sources of revenue specified for financial autonomy.

5. Constitutional provisions cannot be unilaterally changed.

6. Courts interpret the Constitution and powers.

7. Dual objective: safeguard unity and accommodate regional diversity.

Types of Federations

There are mainly two types of federations:

1. Coming Together Federation
   In this type, independent states join together to form a larger country. All states have equal powers, and the central government is not stronger than the states.
   Example: USA, Switzerland.
   
   

2. Holding Together Federation
   In this type, a large country divides power between the central and state governments. The central government is usually more powerful.
   Example: India, Belgium.
   
   

What Makes India a Federal Country?

India's Constitution, though not using "Federation," is federal. It provides a three-fold distribution of legislative powers via the Union List, State List, and Concurrent List. The Supreme Court acts as an umpire in disputes.

How is Federalism Practiced in India?

1. Linguistic States: States formed based on language.

2. Language Policy: No national language. Hindi is official, but not imposed. 22 other languages are recognized as Scheduled Languages.

3. Centre-State Relations: Rise of coalition governments post-1991 strengthened federalism by fostering respect for State autonomy.

Decentralization in India

Decentralization transfers power from Central/State governments to local governments. The 1992 constitutional amendment was a major step.

Key Provisions of 1992 Amendment:

1. Mandatory regular elections for local bodies.

2. Reserved seats for SCs, STs, and OBCs.

3. At least one-third positions reserved for women.

4. State Election Commission was created for local elections.

5. State governments must share powers and revenue with local bodies.

Structure of Local Government:

• Rural (Panchayati Raj): Gram Panchayat, Block Samiti, Zila Parishad.

• Urban: Municipalities, Municipal Corporations.

Civics - Chapter 3: Gender, Religion and Caste

This chapter examines how gender, religion, and caste create social divisions and manifest in politics.

Gender and Politics

Gender is a social construct, not biological, leading to a sexual division of labour where women primarily do domestic work and men work outside.

Feminist Movements emerged globally, demanding equality for women.

Forms of Exploitation Faced by Women:

• Sex-selective practices (e.g., female foeticide).

• Lack of safety (domestic violence).

• Lower literacy rates.

• Unequal remuneration for equal work, necessitating the Equal Remuneration Act.

While women have achieved 1/3 representation at the local government level, national Parliament representation has been addressed by the recent Women's Reservation Bill.

Religion, Communalism, and Politics

When religion enters politics, communalism arises. It's the ideology that one's religion is superior and the principal basis of social community.

Four Forms of Communalism in Politics:

1. Ideological Prejudice: Belief that one's religion is superior.

2. Majoritarian Dominance & Separatism: Majority seeks dominance, minorities advocate separatism.

3. Political Mobilization on Religious Lines: Using religious symbols, leaders, and emotional appeals for political support.

4. Communal Violence: The most ugly form, leading to violent clashes and riots.

India is a secular state, meaning the state and religion are separate. The state can interfere in religious matters if practices cause harm. Individuals have freedom to practice or not practice any religion.

Civics - Chapter 4: Outcomes of Democracy

This chapter assesses democracy's performance against expectations.

1. Accountable, Responsive, and Legitimate Government

Democracies aim for responsiveness and accountability. Performance is mixed. However, democratic governments are highly legitimate as they are chosen by the people.

2. Economic Growth and Development

Dictatorships show a slightly better record (1950-2000). But democracy's economic outcomes depend on factors like population, global conditions, and cooperation.

3. Reduction of Inequality and Poverty

Democracy ensures political equality (equal voting rights) but often fails to deliver economic equality, with the rich-poor gap widening.

4. Accommodation of Social Diversity

Democracy offers mechanisms to resolve conflicts. It succeeds if:

• Majority and minority communities are willing to cooperate, and the government represents a general view.

• Rule of the majority remains rule of majority opinion, not majority community (avoiding Sri Lanka's situation).

5. Dignity and Freedom of the Citizens

Democracy is the most superior form of government for providing dignity and freedom. The ability to criticize the government signifies its success. It elevates individuals from subjects to citizens.

Civics - Chapter 5: Political Parties

Meaning, Functions, and Necessity

A political party is a group of people united to contest elections and hold government power. (Memory Tip: Think of a political party as a G-C-P: Group of people, Contest elections, Hold Power).

• Partisanship: Strong support for one party, hindering balanced views.

• Components: Leaders, Active Members, Followers.

Functions of a Political Party:

1. Contest Elections: Parties select candidates.

2. Put Forward Policies and Programs: Offer choices to voters.

3. Form and Run Governments: Winning party implements its policies.

4. Make Laws for the Country: Majority party influences legislation.

5. Play the Role of the Opposition: Criticize ruling party's policies.

6. Shape Public Opinion: Raise and highlight issues.

7. Provide Access to Government Machinery and Welfare Schemes: Easier for citizens to approach local party leaders.

Necessity of Political Parties

Without them, independent candidates would be accountable 

National and State Parties

All parties register with the Election Commission of India. Special status is granted based on specific criteria.

Criteria for a National Party:

A party is national if it meets either condition:

1. Secures at least 6% of total votes in Lok Sabha elections AND 4 Lok Sabha seats.
   OR

2. Secures at least 6% of total votes in four State Assembly elections AND 4 Lok Sabha seats.

Recognized National Parties (and their ideologies):

1. Indian National Congress (INC): Founded 1885; centrist, emphasizes secularism, welfare of weaker sections and minorities.

2. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP): Formed 1980; based on Integral Humanism, Antyodaya, Hindutva (Cultural Nationalism), supports Uniform Civil Code, J&K integration, ban on forced religious conversions.

3. Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP): Formed 1984; seeks interests of 'Bahujan Samaj' (Dalits, Adivasis, OBCs, religious minorities).

4. Communist Party of India - Marxist (CPI-M): Formed 1964; believes in Marxism-Leninism, supports socialism, secularism, democracy, opposes imperialism, communalism.

5. National People's Party (NPP): Formed 2013; first from North-East to gain national status. Focuses on diversity protection, regional development, education, employment.

6. Aam Aadmi Party (AAP): Recent addition; emerged from anti-corruption movement.

Focuses on accountability, clean administration, transparency, good governance.

Criteria for a State Party:

Secures at least 6% of total votes in a State Legislative Assembly election AND wins 2 seats.

Challenges to Political Parties

1. Lack of Internal Democracy: Power concentrated in few leaders; no regular elections for members.

2. Dynastic Succession: Leadership passed to family, hindering deserving members.

3. Growing Role of Money and Muscle Power: Dependence on wealthy candidates; criminal connections influence candidate selection.

4. Lack of Meaningful Choice for Voters: Reduced ideological differences between major parties.

How Can Parties Be Reformed?

Measures Already Taken by Law:

1. The Anti-Defection Law: Prevents elected representatives from changing parties.

2. Affidavit Requirement: Candidates must file affidavits disclosing assets, property, and criminal cases to reduce money/muscle power influence.

3. Mandatory Filings: The Election Commission requires parties to hold organizational elections and file income tax returns.

Suggestions for Further Reform:

1. Law to regulate internal affairs for internal democracy.

2. Mandate a minimum number of tickets (e.g., one-third) for women candidates.

3. State funding of elections to reduce reliance on private donations.

4. Citizen pressure through direct participation or movements influences policies.