VELAMMAL BODHI CAMPUS – THANJAVUR

Civics – Chapter 1
Power Sharing
Grade : X
STUDY MATERIAL - I

3 marks Questions
1. How Belgian government solved its ethnic Problem?
The Path of accommodation adopted in Belgium.
a). Dutch and French speaking ministers shall be equal in the central govt.
b). Many Powers of the central government have been given to state govt. The state govt are not
subordinate to the central govt.
c). Brussels has a separate govt in which both the communities have equal representation.
d). There is a third kind of govt called community govt elected by the people belonging to
Dutch, French and German no matter where they live.
2. What is majoritarianism? How it has led to alienation of majority community in Sri
Lanka?
The dominance of majority community to rule the country in whichever way it wants totally
disregarding the wishes and needs of minority community is known as majoritarianism.
a). In srilanka mainly there are two communities- Sinhala and Tamils the leaders of the sinhala
community sought to secure dominance over the govt by virtue of their majority. Sinhala has
been recognized as the official language of the country by disregarding
b). Government followed a preferential policy favouring sinhalased in university portions and
govt jobs.
c). The govt encouraged and protected BuddhismThe distrust has turned into a civil war that has
caused a set back to social cultural and economic lifeof Srilanka.
3. Describe three demands of Sri Lankan Tamils. How did they struggle for their
independence?
a).Recognition of Tamil as an official language.
b). Regional autonomy
c). Equal opportunity in securing jobs and education.
They formed several political organizations, but when the government tried to suppress their
activities by force, this led to civil war

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4. How is power shared among different organs of the government, I.e.,
a).This type of power sharing is known as horizontal power sharing as well as all the organs is
placed at the same level and each organ can check the other.
b). For example even through ministers and government officials exercise power, they are
responsible to the parliament.
5. How is federal government better than a unitary government? Explain with examples of
Belgium and Sri Lanka.
Federalism is a system of government under which power is divided between a central authority
and its various constituent units.
a). In federal government power is shared among the different levels of government but in
unitary government all powers are in the hands of a single unit.
b). The Belgium leaders tried to solve the ethnic problem by respecting the feeling and interest
if different committees and regions by establishing a federal government, where as the Sri
Lankan Government tried to solve the problem through Majoritarianism.
6. Write down the features of Horizontal division of power sharing.
Horizontal Division of power, in which power is shared among different organs of the
government like legislature, Executive and Judiciary.
a). Different organs of the government exercise the power.
b). It specifies the concept of check and balance.
c). It ensures the concept of the expansion of the democracy.
d). Examples: Legislature, Executive and Judiciary are the organs Government of India
7. Write Down the features of Vertical division of power sharing.
In vertical division of Power Sharing power is shared among the different levels of the
government like Union Government, state government and Lower levels.
a). Different levels of the government exercise the power of the government.
b). No specification of the system of checks and balance.
c). It ensures the concept of deepening of democracy.
d). Central Government, State Government and Panchayat Raj are the example of the Vertical
division of Power Sharing.
8. Give a comparative analysis between Belgium and India in the sphere of area.
a).Area wise Belgium is a small country in Europe. It is smaller in area than that of Haryana in
India.

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b). It has borders with Netherlands, France and Germany.
c). Regarding population it has a population over one crore, about half of the population of
Haryana.
d). It has a very complex ethnic composition comprising various language speaking
communities than India which is a secular and integrated country.
9. What is the reason for tension in Belgium?
a). The Dutch form 59%, the French form 40% and the German about 1% comprises the
population of Belgium.
b). The French community is in majority in the capital of Belgium, Brussels.
c). They are rich and powerful and this is not liked by the Dutch.
d). The Dutch speaking community got the benefit of economic development and education
much later showed the resentment.
e). This led to conflict between French and Dutch speaking people.
10. What was the background of Sri Lankan Tamils?
a). Their forefathers came from India as plantation workers during colonial period.
b). Tamils who are brought as indentured laborers from India by British colonists to work in
estate plantation are called Indian Origin Tamils re 5%.
c). Sri Lankan Tamils live in the north eastern part of the country.
11. What do you mean by good democratic front? Explain.
People rule through the representatives elected by them self.
a). Due respect is given to different groups and views that exist in the country.
b). Everyone has right to vote and value of each vote is equal.
c). Everyone has a voice in the shaping of public policies and as many people as possible should
share power.
12. Describe the diverse composition of Sri Lanka.
The Sinhala community forms the majority of population 74% with Tamils who are mostly 18%
concentrated in the north and east of the country.
a). Tamil natives of the country are called Sri Lankan Tamil are 13%.
b). Tamils who are brought as indentured laborers from India by British colonists to work in
estate plantation are called Indian Origin Tamils re 5%.
c). There are about 7% percent Christians, who are both Tamils and Sinhala.

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13. Briefly explain the ways in Which power sharing between different organs of the
government results in the maintenance of balance of power.
Power is shared among different organs of government like the legislature, executive and
judiciary.
a). Each organ is equally important in a democracy and they exercise different powers.
b). Separation of powers ensures that all organs exercise their power within limits.
c). Each organ checks the others. This results in the maintenance of balance of power among
various institutions.
14. Mention any three provisions of the Act which passed in Sri Lanka in 1956 to establish
Sinhala Supremacy.
a). In 1956, an act was passed under which English was replaced as the country’s official
language not by Sinhala and Tamil but Sinhala only.
b). The state shall protect and foster Buddhism.
c). Denial of citizenship to estate Tamils.
15. Give reason for which power sharing is desirable?
a). Power sharing is desirable because it reduce the possibility of conflict.
b). It ensures the stability of political order.
c). It strengthens the unity of the country.
16. What is power sharing?
a). Power sharing is a strategy wherein all the major segments of the society are provided with a
permanent share of power in governance of the country.
b). It is a means for sharing practices and established rule and roles to facilitate broad based
decision-making, controlling and leading.
c). It is potential tool for solving disputes on the society.
17. Is it necessary for a country to be big in size to follow power sharing solutions? What
are the other factors involved in it?
a). No. it is not necessary for a country to be big in size to follow power sharing solutions.
b). Other factors like multi-ethnicity, racial, cultural, linguistic, regional differences play and
equally important role in devising power sharing solutions.
c). Power sharing is sought for deeply divided societies where there are varied social interests of
various groups and it is required to share power among them to avoid civic strife and social
unrest.

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d). Some form of power sharing is always needed to give voice and representation to all the
members of the country and involve them in the working of the system.
18. What is Majoritarianism?
a). Majoritarianism is a political philosophy which asserts that a majority of the population has
the right to take the decisions affecting the society.
b). It means submission of the majority group for all the decisions affecting their lives.
c). It often results in preferential policies being followed, favoring the majority group in
university positions and government jobs and other opportunities and interests, thus denying the
minority equal rights and opportunities.
19. What’s wrong with a Majoritarianism?
a). In Majoritarianism the voice of the minority group will not be given due preference.
b). The majority group makes preferential policies favoring their majority.
c). Majority denies the minority group in equal representation in the governance and equal
political rights.
d). This results in the tyranny of the majority which breeds the feeling of alienation among the
minority group.
e). For Example in Sri Lanka Due Dignity is not given by the Majority Sinhala Group to the
minority Tamils.
20. Does a country get more power by actually dispersing the power?
a). Power Sharing unites a country as every group gets the representation in the government.
b). It ensures that every group’s interests would be taken care of and everybody, irrespective of
his community would be provided with equal political rights and opportunities.
c). It discards discrimination based on caste or creed. It also infuses a spirit of belongingness
and trust among the citizens who feel that they have a stake in the system.
d). It therefore reduces political tensions and helps in the smooth functioning and stability of the
system.
21. What are the different forms of power sharing in modern democracies? Give example
of each.
a). Power is shared among different organs of the government as legislature, executive and
judiciary. Example: The constitution of India divides powers between the executive, legislature
and judiciary.

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b). Power is shared among government at different levels. Example: Indian constitution
establishes a duel policy in which the powers are divided between state and union government.
c). Power is shared among various social groups. Example: Community government style as
followed in Belgium.
d). Power is shared among various political parties, pressure groups and movements. Example:
The multi-party system as followed in India.
22. State the prudential reason of power sharing.
a). These reason are based on the careful calculations of gains and losses occurring due to the
adoption of a particular style of governance. Power sharing reduces the possibility of conflict
between the social groups and the violent upheavals that may happen otherwise.
b). It is seen as a compromise that is sought among the various groups to ensure the stability of
the political leaders.
c). Power sharing is a strategy for resolving disputes over who should have the most powerful
position in the social hierarchy.
23. State the moral reason of power sharing.
a). Power sharing is the basic spirit of democracy. A Democratic rule involves giving voice and
representation to all the people who would be affected by the policies and the rule made.
b). A Democratic government is legitimate government which is chosen by the people so they
have the right to be consulted on how they are to be governed.
c). A legitimate government is one where people, through participation, acquire a stake in the
system.
d). The moral reason emphasis the intrinsic worth of power sharing.
24. Describe any three demands of Sri Lankan Tamils.
a). Their language that the Tamil should be given equal status with that of Sinhala language.
b).There should be no discrimination between them and the Sinhala residents of Sri Lanka in
government jobs and university admissions.
c). Their religion whether Hinduism and Christianity should be given equal respect with that of
Buddhism.
d). They should be given equal political rights.
25. What is community government?
a). A community government is one in which different social groups are given the power to
handle the affairs related to their communities.

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b). They are expected to work jointly for the benefit of the common masses without
undermining any one community.
c). To solve the dispute, in Belgium community government is elected by people belong to one
language community-Dutch, French and German speaking.
26. What is coalition government?
a). The making of coalition government is possible only in those countries where multi-party
system is prevailing.
b). A coalition government is a cabinet of parliament government in which several parties
cooperate.
It generally happens when no party gets majority in the parliament and several parties join
together to form a government.
27. What is civil war? Name the country and two social groups between which civil war
broke out due to Majoritarianism.
a). Civil war is a violent conflict between the opposing groups within the country that becomes
so instance that is appears like a war.
b). Sri Lanka.
c). Sinhalese and Tamils
30. Why is it very difficult to make changes to the power sharing arrangement between
the union Government and state governments? Explain with examples.
It is very difficult to make changes to the power sharing arrangements between the union
government and state governments due to the following reasons:
a). There is clear distinction of power between state and centre through three list system.
b). In this arrangement constitution clearly lays down the division of powers between Union
and State. So for any changes, it has to go through the amendment procedures which is difficult.
c). The centre has a general authority, but the regional or state governments are given
autonomy. Therefore interference in each other’s jurisdiction for any change is difficult.
31. Write Down the features of Vertical division of power sharing.
a). In vertical division of Power Sharing power is shared among the different levels of the
government like Union Government, state government and Lower levels.
b). Different levels of the government exercise the power of the government.
c). No specification of the system of checks and balance.
d). It ensures the concept of deepening of democracy.

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e). Central Government, State Government and Panchayat Raj are the example of the Vertical
division of Power Sharing
32. What do you mean by good democratic front? Explain.
a). People rule through the representatives elected by them self.
b). Due respect is given to different groups and views that exist in the country.
c). everyone has right to vote and value of each vote is equal.
d). everyone has a voice in the shaping of public policies and as many people as possible should
share power.
33. Give reason for which power sharing is desirable?
a). Power sharing is desirable because it reduce the possibility of conflict.
b). It ensures the stability of political order.
c). It strengthens the unity of the country

5 marks Questions
1. How are the ethnic problem solved in Belgium? Mention any four steps which were
taken by the governments to solve the problem?
a). Equal no of Ministers for both the groups: The Belgium constitution prescribes that the
number of Dutch and French speaking ministers shall be equal in the central government. Some
special laws require the support of majority of members from each linguistic group.
b). More powers to the state government: Under the proper power sharing arrangement many
powers of the central government were given to state government for the two regions of the
country. The state governments were not subordinate to the central government.
c). Equal representation at state and the central level: A separate government has been set up at
Brussels in which both the communities have equal representation.
d). Formation of community government: A third kind of government was made that is
community government. This community government is elected by the people belonging to one
language community. Dutch, French and German speaking people have their own community
government.
2. Explain the power sharing arrangement among the different political parties, pressure
groups and movements.
a). In a democracy power is also shared among the different political parties, pressure groups
and movements.

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b). Democracy provides the citizens a choice to choose their rulers. This choice is provided by
the various political parties, who contest elections to win. Such competition ensures that power
does not remain in one hand.
c). In the long run power is shared among different political parties that represent different
ideologies and social groups.
d). Sometimes this kind of sharing can be direct, when two or more parties from an alliance to
contest elections. If their alliance is elected, they form a coalition government and thus share
power.
e). In a democracy, various pressure groups and movements also remain active. They will also
have a share in governmental power, either through participation in governmental committees
or bringing influence on the decision making process.
3. Explain the power sharing arrangement among the different organs of the government.
a). In a democracy power is shared among the different organs of the government such as
Legislature, Executive and Judiciary. This is also called as the horizontal distribution of power
sharing.
b). Legislature is lawmaking body, Executive is law implementing body and Judiciary is dispute
solving body of the Government.
c). Because it also allows different organs of government placed at the same level to exercise
different power.
d). Under this kind of power sharing arrangements, no organ of the government can exercise
unlimited powers.
e). Each organ has its own power and checks the powers of other.
f). This results in the in a balance of power among various institutions.
4. Explain the power sharing arrangement among the different social groups.
a). In a democracy, especially in multiethnic society, power is also shared among social groups
such as the religious and linguistic groups.
b). Community government in Belgium is a good example of this arrangement.
c). In some countries, there are constitutional and legal arrangements whereby socially weaker
sections and women are represented in the legislatures and administration.
d). In India to provide share in power to backward and other classes, a system of reserved
constituencies in assemblies and the parliament is followed.

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e). This type arrangement is meant to give proper share in the government and administration to
diverse social groups who otherwise would feel alienated from the Government.
5. Explain the power sharing arrangement among the different levels of the government.
a) Under this people choose separate government at separate levels for example a general
government for the entire country and governments at the provincial, sub-national or regional
level.
b). Such a general government for the entire country is usually called a federal government.
c). In India we refer to it as the union government. The governments at the provincial or
regional level are called by different names in different countries.
d). In India these are known as state governments. This system is not followed in all the
countries of the world.
e). The division of power is more important under such type of Governments. A government at
different levels enjoys different powers which are given to them by the constitution.
f). The divisions of power involving higher and lower levels of government are called vertical
division of power.
6. What are advantages enjoyed by the Sinhala Community in Sri Lanka? Describe the
consequences.
(a) The leaders of the Sinhala community tried to ensure the dominance of their community
over the other communities of Sri Lanka after independence.
(b) The adopted a series of majoritarian measures to establish Sinhala supremacy.
(c) In 1956, an act was passed to recognize Sinhala as the only official language.
(d) Sinhala people were given special preference in government jobs and university admissions.
(e) Buddhism was declared the national religion.
(f) Consequences: All these government measures increased the feeling of alienation among the
other Communities. They felt that their language and culture were not given due importance.
They also felt that the constitution and the policies of the government denied them to give equal
political powers. As a result their relations with the Sinhala community worsened.
7. Describe the population composition of Sri Lanka and the reasons for the formation of
Majoritarian government in 1948.
(a) It is an Island nation south of India. Tamil natives are called Sri Lankan tamils and formed
13% population.

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(b) The Indian Tamils whose forefathers had come from India as planatation workers formed
5% population.
(c) The Sinhala Buddhist, who was 74% of the population, formed the majority government
after independence in 1948.
(d) Tamils are either Hindus or Muslims, 7% of the people are Christian who are both Tamil
and Sinhala.
(e) Sinhalese enjoy majority and can impose their will on the entire country.
8. What measures were adopted by the Belgium government to accommodate regional and
cultural diversities?
(a) In 1970-193, the constitution of Belgium was amended for times to accommodate linguistic,
cultural and regional differences.
(b) The Dutch and French speaking ministers were equal number in the central government.
(c) Special laws required the support of majority of members from each linguistic group.
(d) Many powers of the central government had been given to state governments of the two
regions of the country.
(e) Brussels had a separate government where both communities were given equal
representation.
(f) Community government of each section was also introduced.
9. What are the outcomes and the lessons we learnt from the style of governance in Sri
Lanka and Belgium?
(a) We realize that the two countries, Sri Lanka and Belgium, are similar in respect of linguistic
and ethnic diversity, yet both of them followed opposite policies to resolve the differences.
(b) The Majoritarianism measures as followed in Sri Lanka created feeling of alienation among
the Tamils leading to tensions in the region. It led to civil war waged by the Tamils who fight to
create an independent state named Tamil Elam in the North and east of the Island. It is
estimated that the war has claimed the lives of more than 68000 people since 1983 and it has
caused significant harms to the population and the economy of the country.
(c) The accommodation policies followed in Belgium have worked well so far. They are
complicated but nevertheless, have been able to prevent any outbreak of civil war. The policies
helped the leaders of the country in creating an enabling environment for everyone to live
together with unity without disturbing the social fabric of the country. The policies of the
government gave equal representation to the different sections of the society.

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(d) Therefore it is clear that to be able to hold the country together, it is indispensable to
recognize and regard the culture and other identifying differences of various groups and create
mutually acceptable policies for sharing power.
10. Differentiate between Horizontal division of power sharing and Vertical division of
power sharing?

Horizontal Division of Power Sharing Vertical Division of Power Sharing

A. Horizontal Division of power, in which A. In vertical division of Power Sharing power is
power is shared among different organs of shared among the different levels of the
the government like legislature, Executive government like Union Government, state
and Judiciary. government and Lower levels.
B. Different organs of the government B. Different levels of the government exercise the
exercise the power. power of the government.
C. It specifies the concept of check and C. No specification of the system of checks and
balance. balance.
D. It ensures the concept of the expansion of D. It ensures the concept of deepening of
the democracy. democracy.
E. Examples: Legislature, Executive and E. Central Government, State Government and
Judiciary are the organs Government of Panchayat Raj are the example of the Vertical
India. division of Power Sharing.

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