Power Sharing

Previous Years' CBSE Board Questions

1. Which of the following term refers to the belief in and advocacy for the
social, political and economic equality of women? (2024)
(a) Patriarchy
(b) Matriarchy
(c) Socialist
(d) Feminists
Answer. (d) Feminists
2. Why is power sharing desirable? Explain. (2024)
Answer. Why is power sharing desirable? Explain. i. Power sharing helps to
reduce the possibility of conflict between social groups. ii. Power sharing is a
good way to ensure the stability of political order. iii. It controls social
conflicts, violence and political instability. iv. It helps to unite the nation. v. A
legitimate government is one where citizens, through participation, acquire a
stake in the system. vi. Power Sharing is the very spirit of democracy. vii. Any
other relevant points.
Any two points to be explained.
3. Which of the following was the primary objective of Belgium to form the
separate government in Brussels ? (2024)
(a) Promoting cultural events.
(b) Managing international relations.
(c) Enforcing local laws.
(d) Ensuring linguistic accommodation.
Answer. (d) Ensuring Linguistic accommodation.
Belgium and Sri Lanka; Majoritarianism in Sri Lanka; Accommodation in
Belgium
MCQ
1. Two statements are given below as Assertion (A) and Reason (R). Read the
statements and choose the correct option:
Assertion (A): Sri Lanka adopted "Tamil" as the official language of the State.
Reason (R): The Govt. of Sri Lanka adopted a series of majoritarian measures.
(a) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
(b) Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
(c) (A) is true but (R) is false.
(d) (A) is false but (R) is true. (2023)
2. Which one of the following elements is NOT included in the Belgium model?
(Term-1, 2021-22)
(a) Dutch and French speaking ministers shall be equal in the government.
(b) Many powers of the central government have been given to state
governments.
(c) Brussels has a separate government in which both the communities have
equal representation.
(d) There is a community government which has special powers of
administration.
3. Two statements are given below as Assertion (A) and Reason (R). Read the
statements and choose the most appropriate option.
Assertion (A): Majority community is dominant in a few democratic states.
Reason (R): Dominance can undermine the unity of the country.
(a) Both A and R are correct, and R is the correct explanation of the A.
(b) Both A and Rare correct, but R is not the correct explanation of the A.
(c) A is correct, but R is incorrect.
(d) A is incorrect, but R is correct. (Term-1, 2021-22)
4. Two statements are given below as Assertion (A) and Reason (R). Read the
statements and choose the most appropriate option.
Assertion (A): The distrust between Sinhalese and Tamil communities turned
into widespread conflict in Sri Lanka
Reason (R): 1956 Act recognised Sinhala as the only official language.
(a) Both A and R are correct, and R is the correct explanation of the A.
(b) Both A and R are correct, but R is not the correct explanation of the A.
(c) A is correct, but R is incorrect.
(d) A is incorrect, but R is correct. (Term-1, 2021-22)
5. Which one of the following is a major caste group of Sri Lanka? (2020)
(a) Christian and Tamil
(b) Buddhist and Hindu
(c) Sinhali and Tamil
(d) Sinhali and Christian
6. Under which of the following is power shared in the 'Community
Government' of Belgium? (2020)
(a) Different social groups
(b) Different organs of government
(c) Central and State government
(d) State government and Community government
VSA (1 mark)
7. Fill in the blank:
59 percent of the total population of Belgium live in the region. (2021 C)
8. State any one step taken in Belgium to rule out the problem of regional
differences and cultural diversities. (2020)
9. The Belgium model of 'Community government' worked well because (2020
C)
10. Why was there an acute problem in Brussels during 1950s and 1960s
between the two communities? (2019 C)
11. Explain the major repercussion of passing Sinhala as the only official
language in Sri Lanka in 1956. (2019 C)
12. How and when was Sinhala recognised as the official language of Sri
Lanka? (2016)
13. Which factor is responsible for increasing the feeling of alienation among
the Sri Lankan Tamil? (2015)
14. Which type of powers does community government of Belgium enjoy?
(2015)
15. State any two measures adopted by Sri Lanka in 1956 as part of their
majoritarian policy. (2015)
OR
What measure was adopted by the democratically elected government of Sri
Lanka to establish Sinhala supremacy? (2014)
16. Who formed the majority in terms of population in Sri Lanka? (2014)
17. What is the state religion of Sri Lanka? (2014) R
18. In which city is the headquarters of the European Union located? (2014)
SAI (3 marks)
19. How did the Belgium government accommodate the social differences?
(2021 C)
OR
Describe the elements of Belgian model for accommodating diversities.
(2020)
20. Explain the three measures taken by Sri Lanka, as per the Act passed in
1956. (2017)
21. How is the ethnic composition of Belgium very complex? Explain. (2016)
22. How did Sri Lanka and the Belgium government try to solve the ethnic
problem? (2016)
23. "Attempts at forced integration often sow the seeds of disintegration".
Support the statement with suitable arguments. (2016)
24. Describe the power-sharing arrangement made in Belgium. (2015, 2014)
LA (5 marks)
25. Compare the situation of Belgium and Sri Lanka considering their location,
size and cultural aspects. (2019)

Why Power-sharing is Desirable?

MCQ
26. Two statements are given below as Assertion (A) and Reason (R). Read the
statements and choose the correct option.
Assertion (A): Elections are the spirit of democracy.
Reason (R): Elections expand Political participation.
(a) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
(b) Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
(c) (A) is true but (R) is false.
(d) (A) is false, but (R) is true (2023)
27. Consider the following statements on Power Sharing and choose the
correct option.
I. It deepens democracy.
II. It helps to reduce conflicts among social groups.
III. It is a way to ensure political stability.
IV. It brings socio-economic struggles.
(a) I, II and III
(b) II, III and IV
(c) I, III and IV
(d) I, II and IV (2023)
28. Consider the following statements on Power Sharing and choose the
correct option: (2023)
(I) Majoritarianism is the real spirit of democracy.
(II) It creates balance and harmony in different groups.
(III) It reduces the possibility of conflict among social groups.
(IV) Power sharing is the essence of democracy.
(a) I, II and III
(b) II, III and IV
(c) I, III and IV
(d) I, II and IV
29. Two statements are given below as Assertion (A) and Reason (R). Read the
statements and choose the most appropriate option.
Assertion (A): Power-sharing is good.
Reason (R): It helps to reduce the possibility of conflicts between social
groups.
(a) Both A and R are correct, and R is the correct explanation of the A.
(b) Both A and Rare correct, but R is not the correct explanation of the A.
(c) A is correct, but R is incorrect.
(d) A is incorrect, but R is correct. (Term-1, 2021-22)
VSA (1 mark)
30. Explain any one benefit of 'Power-Sharing'. (Al 2019)
31. What is the prudential reason behind power-sharing? (2014)
SAI (3 marks)
32. "Sharing of powers makes a country more powerful and united." Do you
agree with this statement and why? (2016)
33. Give reasons why power-sharing is desirable. (2015)
34. What is power-sharing? Why power-sharing is important in democracy?
(2014)
LA (5 marks)
35. Why is power-sharing necessary in democracy? Explain. (2016)
Forms of Power-Sharing
MCQ
36. Identify 'Horizontal power-sharing' arrangements among the following in
modern democracies.
(a) Different organs of government
(b) Governments at different levels
(c) Different social groups
(d) Different parties, pressure groups and movements (Term-1, 2021-22)
37. What is NOT an integral part of the government? (Term-1, 2021-22)
(a) Office of the Prime Minister
(b) Legislature
(c) Executive
(d) Judiciary
VSA (1 mark)
38. What does 'the system of checks and balances' ensure in power-sharing?
(2016)
39. Mention any one characteristic of power-sharing. (2016)
40. What system of power-sharing is called "Checks and Balances"? (2015)
SAI (3 marks)
41. Describe the horizontal power-sharing arrangements. (2020)
42. How can power be shared among governments at different levels? Explain.
(2014)
LA (5 marks)
43. How is the idea of power-sharing emerged? Explain different forms that
have common arrangements of power-sharing. (Delhi 2019)
CBSE Sample Questions
Belgium and Sri Lanka; Majoritarianism in Sri Lanka; Accommodation in
Belgium
MCQ
1. Consider the following statements regarding power sharing arrangements
in Belgium and identify the incorrect one from the following: (2022-23)
(a) Equal number of members from Dutch and French community in the
central government.
(b) Separate government for Brussels with equal representation of
communities.
(c) The state government to be subordinate to the central government.
(d) Community government elected by people belonging to one language
community.
2. Which one of the following countries adopted majoritarianism in its
constitution? (Term-1, 2021-22)
(a) Nepal
(b) India
(c) Sri Lanka
(d) Bangladesh
3. Two statements are given below as Assertion (A) and Reason (R). Read the
statements and choose the most appropriate option.
Assertion (A): Sri Lanka adopted Sinhala as the only official language of the
state.
Reason (R): The government of Sri Lanka wanted to foster their culture,
language and religion.
(a) Both A and R are correct, and R is the correct explanation of the A.
(b) Both A and R are correct, but R is not the correct explanation of the A.
(c) A is correct, but R is incorrect.
(d) A is incorrect, but R is correct. (Term-1, 2021-22)
4. Population of Sri Lankan Tamils is concentrated in region of Sri Lanka.
(2020-21)
(a) North and South
(b) North and East
(c) East and West
(d) South and East
VSA (1 mark)
5. Define majoritarianism. (2020-21)
6. Define ethnicity. (2020-21)
Why Power-sharing is Desirable?
MCQ
7. Consider the following statements on power-sharing and select the answer
using the codes given below:
I. It is good for democracy.
II. It creates harmony in different groups.
III. It brings transparency in the governance.
IV. It brings socio-political competition among parties.
(a) I, II & III
(b) II, III & IV
(c) I, III & IV
(d) I, II & IV (Term-1, 2021-22)
8. Identify the significant reason of power-sharing from the following options.
(a) Reduces socio-economic conflicts
(b) Provides ethnic-cultural development
(c) Allows people to enjoy specific rights
(d) Restricts supremacy of one party (Term-1, 2021-22)
LA (5 marks)
9. 'Power-sharing is the essence of a democratic government: Examine the
statement. (2020-21)
Forms of Power-sharing
MCQ
10. Apart from the Central and the State Government, Belgium has a third kind
of government as well. Identify this third kind of government from the
following options.
(a) Democratic Government
(b) Socialist Government
(c) Community Government
(d) Liberal Government (Term-1, 2021-22)
11. Why is the power shared amongst different organs of government called as
horizontal distribution of power? Identify the correct reason.
(a) It gives judiciary more power than legislature and executive.
(b) It allows different organs of government to be placed at the same level.
(c) It gives representation to different ideologies at political level.
(d) It influences and coordinates in the decision- making process. (Term-1,
2021-22)

ANSWERS
Previous Years' CBSE Board Questions
1. (d): (A) is false but (R) is true. Sri Lanka adopted 'Sinhala' as the official
language.
2. (d): Community government in Belgium has the power regarding cultural,
educational and language related issues.
3. (b): There are some countries in which majority community is dominant,
like Sri Lanka. Reason is also correct, but they do not relate.
4. (b): 1956 Act recognised Sinhala as the only official language further the
government also followed the preferential policies that favoured Sinhala
applicants for jobs. Different government measures coming one after the other
gradually, led to distrust between Sinhalese and Tamil communities, which
turned into widespread conflict in Sri Lanka.
5. (b): Buddhist and Hindu.
6. (a): Different social groups.
7. 59% of total population of Belgium lives in Flemish region.
8. Equal representation in the centre.
9. belonging to one language community.
10. In Belgium, the minority French speaking community was richer than the
Dutch speaking people. This was resented by the Dutch speaking community.
This led to acute problem in Brussels during 1950s and 1960s between these
two communities.
11. Major repercussion of passing Sinhala as the only official language is Sri
Lanka in 1956 is it increase the feeling of alienation among the Sri Lanka on
Tamils. They launched parties and struggles for the recognition of Tamil as an
official language.
12. Sinhala was recognised as the official language of Sri Lanka by passing an
Act in 1956.
13. Majoritarianism Sri Lanka shows us a contracting example: it show us that
if a majority community wants to force its dominance over others and refuses
to share power, it can undermine the unity of the country.
14. The government has power regarding cultural, educational and issues
related to language.
15. Majoritarianism measures adopted in Sri Lanka are:-
(i) They declared Sinhala as an official language.
(ii) They tried to promote their religion Buddhism.
(iii) In order to gain control over Tamil speakers they changed constitution
and made new constitution in their own favour.
16. Sinhala community
17. Buddhism
18. Brussels
19. Belgium model for the accommodation of diversities:
(i) Though the Dutch were in majority in the country, the French and Dutch
speaking population was given equal representation in the central
government.
(ii) Belgium was declared as a Federal state and thus state governments were
given important powers.
(iii) The state governments did not act as a subordinate to the central
government.
20. The measures taken by Sri Lanka are:
(i) Goverment adopted majoritarian measure to establish Sinhala Supremacy.
In 1956, an Act was passed to recognise Sinhala as the only official language
thus disregarding Tamil.
(ii) The governments followed preferential politics that favoured Sinhala
applicants for university positions and government jobs.
(iii) A new Constitution stipulated that the state shall protect and foster
Buddhism.
21. (i) Out of the country's total population, 59 per cent live in the Flemish
region and speak Dutch language.
(ii) Another 40 per cent people live in the Wallonia region and speak French.
(iii) Remaining one per cent of the Belgians speak German.
(iv) In the capital city Brussels, 80 per cent people speak French while 20 per
cent are Dutch speaking.
22. (i) The Belgium leaders tried to solve the ethnic problem by respecting the
feelings and interests of different communities and regions, whereas the Sri
Lankan government tried to solve the problem through majoritarianism.
(ii) Belgian leaders established a federal structure under which power was
shared between the Union Government and its other constituent units
whereas Sri Lankan leaders adopted Unitary Government structure.
(iii) The Belgium solution helped in avoiding civic strife whereas the
majoritarianism in Sri Lanka led to the civil war.
23. It is true that forced integration of communities very often bring in a lot of
feelings of grudge and disagreement among the regions. This has been seen in
Sri Lanka between the Sinhalese and Tamils. The problem arises during
integration of two regions in division of power and sharing of resources. Each
side
is afraid that the other party or region will dominate over their region. They
are afraid of going backwards. And, in today's world no one wants to be
pushed aside by others. An important example is the breakdown of erstwhile
USSR into different countries of East Europe. That is why integration should
be on a harmonious, cordial and amical terms and not by force.
24. The Power-sharing arrangement made in Belgium are-
(i) 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. Thus, no single
community can make decisions unilaterally.
(ii) Many powers of the Central Government have been given to State
Governments of the two regions of the country. The State Governments are not
subordinate to the Central Government.
(iii) Brussels had a separate government in which both the communities have
equal representation. The French- speaking people accepted equal
representation in Brussels because the Dutch-speaking community has
accepted equal representation in the Central Government.
(iv) Apart from the central and the state government, there is a third kind of
government called the community government.
(v) This community government is elected by people belonging to one
language community such as - Dutch, French and German speaking. This
government has the power regarding cultural, educational and language
related issues.
26. (d): Power sharing is the spirit of democracy.
27. (a): I, II and III
28. (b): II, III and IV
29. (a) Power-sharing is good for democracy as it helps to reduce the
possibility of conflicts between social groups.
30. Power-sharing helps to reduce the possibility of conflicts between
different social groups. A social conflict often leads to violence and political
instability. Power- sharing helps to ensure the stability of political order.
31. Power-sharing helps in reducing the conflicts between various social
groups. Hence, power-sharing is necessary for maintaining social harmony
and peace.
32. (i) The first reason is power-sharing helps to reduce the possibility of
conflict between social groups.
(ii) Power-sharing is a good way to ensure the stability of political order as
social conflict often leads to violence and political instability.
(iii) Imposing the will of the majority community over others may look like an
attractive option in the short run, but in the long run it undermines the unity
of the nation.
(iv) Tyranny of the majority is not only oppressive for the minority but it also
brings ruin to the majority.
(v) Another important reason is that the very spirit of democracy is power-
sharing. A democratic rule involves sharing power with those affected by its
exercise, and who have to live with its effects. People have a right to be
consulted on how they are to be governed. A legitimate government is one
where citizens, through participation, acquire a stake in the system.
33. Power-sharing is desirable in democracy because:
(i) Prudential reasons:
(a) It helps to reduce the possibility of conflicts between social groups. Since
social conflict often leads to violence and political instability.
(b) It is a good way to ensure the stability of political order.
(c) Imposing the will of majority Community over others may look like an
attractive option in the short run, but in the long run it undermines the unity
of the nation.
(ii) Moral reasons:
(a) Power-sharing is the very spirit of democracy. A democratic rule involves
sharing of power with those affected by its exercise and who have to live with
its effect.
(b) People have a right to be consulted on how they are to be governed.
(c) A legitimate government is one where citizens through participation,
acquire a stake in the system.
34. (i) When the power does not rest with any one- organ of the state rather it
is shared among legislature, executive and judiciary it is called power-sharing.
(ii) Power-sharing is important in a democracy because:
(a) It helps to reduce the possibility of conflicts between social groups.
(b) It is the very spirit of democracy.
(c) It is a good way to ensure the stability of the political order.
35. (i) The first reason is power-sharing helps to reduce the possibility of
conflicts between social groups.
(ii) Power-sharing is a good way to ensure the stability of political order as
social conflict often leads to violence and political instability.
(iii) Imposing the will of the majority community over others may look like an
attractive option in the short run, but in the long run it undermines the unity
of the nation.
(iv) Tyranny of the majority is not only oppressive for the minority but it also
brings ruin to the majority.
(v) Another important reason is that the very spirit of democracy is power-
sharing. A democratic rule involves sharing of power with those affected by its
exercise, and who have to live with its effects. People have a right to be
consulted on how they are to be governed. A legitimate government is one
where citizens, through participation, acquire a stake in the system.
36. (a): The power that is shared among different organs of government
equally is known as horizontal power-sharing.
37. (a): Office of the Prime Minister.
38. The system of checks and balances ensures that no one branch of the
national government gains too much power.
39. Power-sharing is a system of governance where all the communities in the
society participate in the policy making.
40. The system of horizontal power distribution is called "checks and
balances".
41. Arrangements of power in horizontal power-sharing are as follows:
(i) Power is shared among different organs of the government, such as the
legislature, executive and judiciary.
(ii) Different organs of the government exercise different powers.
(iii) This arrangement is called a system of checks and balances.
42. Vertical division of power: Vertical division of power means sharing of
power among governments at different levels. In India, there are three levels
of the government:
(i) For the entire country: Central Government/Union Government.
(iii) At the provincial level: State Governments.
(iii) At the local level (ie., rural and urban): Local self governments like
panchayats and municipal councils. Horizontal power-sharing is:
(i) Power is shared among different organs of the government, such as the
legislature, executive and judiciary.
(ii) Different organs of the government exercise different powers
(iii) This arrangement is called a system of checks and balance.
CBSE Sample Questions
1. (c): Many powers of the central government has been given to the state
governments. The state governments are not subordinate to the central
government. (1)
2. (c): Sri Lanka adopted majoritarianism in its constitution. (0.80)
3. (a): In 1956, an act was passed to recognise Sinhala as the only official
language of the state. The government followed preferential policies. A new
constitution stipulated that the state shall protect and foster Buddhism.
4. (b) : North and East (0.80) (1)
5. A belief that the majority community should be able to rule a country in
whichever way it wants, by disregarding the wishes and needs of the minority.
(1)
6. A social division based on shared culture. People belonging to same ethnic
group believes in their common descent. (1)
7. (a): Power-sharing is good for democracy as it helps to reduce the
possibility of conflict between different social groups and brings transparency
in the government. (0.80)
8. (a): Power-sharing is good because it helps to reduce the possibility of
conflict between socio-economic groups. (0.80)
9. (i) Power is shared among different organs of government, such as the
legislature, executive and judiciary also called as horizontal power-sharing.
Example - India.
(ii) Power can be shared among governments at different levels - a general
government for the entire country and governments at the provincial or
regional level. Example - India (Union Government & State Government).
(iii) Community government - Power may also be shared among different
social groups such as the religious and linguistic groups. Example - Belgium.
(iv) Power-sharing between political parties, pressure groups and movements
- Such competition ensures that power does not remain in one hand.
(v) In the long run, power is shared among different political parties that
represent different ideologies and social groups. (5×1)
10. (c): This is community government. It is elected by people belonging to
one language community- Dutch, French and German-speaking, no matter
where they live. (0.80)
11. (b): Power is shared among different organs of the government such as
legislature, executive and judiciary. It allows different organs of government
placed at the same level to exercise different powers. (0.80)