CLASS 10 CIVICS; CHAPTER 1 – POWER-SHARING

QUESTION AND ANSWER

Exercises Page No. 10

1. What are the different forms of power-sharing in modern democracies? Give an

example of each of these.

Ans.
In modern democracies, the different forms of power sharing are given below with an
example of each :
(1) Power sharing among different organs of government

1. Power sharing among different organs of government such as the legislature, executive
and judiciary.

2. It is called horizontal distribution of power

3. For example, in India Parliament enacts laws. Executive executes or implements them
and judiciary checks the functioning of executive or laws made by the leg statures.

(2) Power sharing among governments at different levels:

1. There are governments at the National, State and Local levels.

2. Powers are divided among these governments. For example in India, there is a division
of powers between Centre and the States. There are three lists i.e., Union list, State list
and Concurrent list. The residuary powers which have not been included in the three
lists are with the Central Government.

(3) Power sharing among different social groups:

1. Sometimes religious and linguistic groups to share power as is the case in Belgium
where there is a “community government” which is elected by people belonging to one
language community no matter where they live.

2. Such government enjoys power regarding cultural, educational and language related
issues.

(4) Power sharing among political parties, pressure groups and movements: In democracy
political parties, pressure groups and movements control or influence those in power.
Sometimes power is shared by different political parties having different ideologies. Such
alliances form coalition government.

2. State one prudential reason and one moral reason for power-sharing with an example
from the Indian context.

Answer.
While prudential reasons stress that power-sharing will bring out better outcomes. In India, the
power is shared horizontally among various organs of government. The Legislature, Executive
and Judiciary are responsible for administering India. Reservation is applicable in India, where
various sections are given benefits over others to avoid conflicts.

Moral reasons emphasise the very act of power-sharing as valuable. In India, citizens are
conferred with fundamental rights and directive principles of state policies are implied on the
government.

3. after reading this chapter, three students drew different conclusions. Which of these do
you agree with and why? Give your reasons in about 50 words. Thomman – Power
sharing is necessary only in societies which have religious, linguistic or ethnic divisions.
Mathayi – Power sharing is suitable only for big countries that have regional divisions.
Ouseph – Every society needs some form of power sharing even if it is small or does not
have social divisions.

Answer.

Ouseph’s conclusion is the right one. Every state should have some or the other form of power-
sharing. Power-sharing ensures an optimum balance between different sections in the society.
The chances of conflict lessen, and so does the injustice. Hence, power-sharing becomes the
value of democracy. Also, power-sharing is a good way to ensure the stability of political order

4. The Mayor of Merchtem, a town near Brussels in Belgium, has defended a ban on
speaking French in the town’s schools. He said that the ban would help all non-Dutch
speakers integrate into this Flemish town. Do you think that this measure is in keeping
with the spirit of Belgium’s power-sharing arrangements? Give your reasons in about 50
words.

Answer.

The measure of Mayor of Merchtem to ban on French-speaking in the town’s schools near
Brussels is unfair. It does not keep with Belgium’s power-sharing arrangement. Power-sharing
helps maintain a balance between different sections of society, and in Belgium, there is a need to
maintain the power-sharing between Dutch and French to avoid civil unrest. Banning French
will promote the tendency of civil unrest. To promote peace among different communities, the
Mayor should promote bilingual education system in the town’s schools.

5. Read the following passage and pick out any one of the prudential reasons for power
sharing offered in this. “We need to give more power to the Panchayats to realise the
dream of Mahatma Gandhi and the hopes of the makers of our Constitution. Panchayati
Raj establishes true democracy. It restores power to the only place where power belongs
in a democracy – in the hands of the people. Giving power to Panchayats is also a way to
reduce corruption and increase administrative efficiency. When people participate in the
planning and implementation of developmental schemes, they would naturally exercise
greater control over these schemes. This would eliminate the corrupt middlemen. Thus,
Panchayati Raj will strengthen the foundations of our democracy.”

Answer.
The prudential reason in the given passage is – “Giving power to Panchayats is also a way to
reduce corruption and increase administrative efficiency.”

(b) Increasing administrative efficiency by delegating the decision-making function to the

people affected by it.
(c) Improving the efficiency of the system by reducing the number of middlemen, and
transferring the planning and implementation to the people concerned through the Panchayats.

6. Different arguments are usually put forth in favour of and against power-sharing.
Identify those which are in favour of power-sharing and select the answer using the codes
given below? Power-sharing:

A. reduces conflict among different communities

B. decreases the possibility of arbitrariness

C. delays the decision-making process

D. accommodates diversities

E. increases instability and divisiveness

F. promotes people’s participation in government

G. undermines the unity of a country

(a) A B D F

(b) A C E F

(c) A B D G

(d) B C D G

Answer.

(a) A B D F

7. Consider the following statements about power-sharing arrangements in Belgium and

Sri Lanka.

A. In Belgium, the Dutch-speaking majority people tried to impose their domination

on the minority French-speaking community.

B. In Sri Lanka, the policies of the government sought to ensure the dominance of the
Sinhala-speaking majority.
 C. The Tamils in Sri Lanka demanded a federal arrangement of power-sharing to
protect their culture, language and equality of opportunity in education and jobs.

D. The transformation of Belgium from unitary government to a federal one

prevented a possible division of the country on linguistic lines.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) A, B, C and D

(b) A, B and D

(c) C and D

(d) B, C and D

Answer.

(d) B, C and D

8. Match List I (forms of power-sharing) with List-II (forms of government) and select the
correct answer using the codes given below in the lists:

List I List II

1. Power shared among different organs of A. Community government

government

2. Power shared among governments at B. Separation of powers

different levels

3. Power shared by different social groups C. Coalition government

4. Power shared by two or more political D. Federal government

parties

Answer.

List I List II

1. Power shared among different organs of Separation of powers

government

2. Power shared among governments at Federal government

different levels
 3. Power shared by different social groups Community government

4. Power shared by two or more political Coalition government

parties

9. Consider the following two statements on power-sharing and select the answer using
the codes given below:

A). Power-sharing is good for democracy.

B). It helps to reduce the possibility of conflict between social groups.

Which of these statements are true and false?

(a) A is true but B is false

(b) Both A and B are true

(c) Both A and B are false

(d) A is false but B is true

Answer.

(b) Both A and B are true

Multiple Choice Questions

Previous Year’s Questions:-

1. Choose the correct option: [CBSE (CCE) 2011]
Power sharing is desirable because it helps :
(a) To increase pressure on government.
(b) To reduce possibilities of conflicts.
(c) To generate awareness among people.
(d) To increase percentage of voters.

2. Which major social group constituted the largest share in population of Sri Lanka? [CBSE
(CCE) 2011]
(a) Sinhalas
(b) Sri Lankan Tamils
(c) Indian Tamils
(d) Muslims

3. Which of the following is an example of horizontal sharing of power? [CBSE (CCE) 2011]
(a) Power sharing between different states.
(b) Power sharing between different organs of the government.
(c) Power sharing between different levels of the government.
(d) Power sharing between different political parties.

4. Which of the following statements is NOT true? [CBSE (CCE) 2011]

(a) In Belgium, leaders realised that unity of the country is possible only by sharing power.
(b) In Sri Lanka, the majority community wants to force domination over others.
(c) In Sri Lanka, the demand for more autonomy to provinces populated by Tamils has been
granted.
(d) Division of Belgium along linguistic lines was averted due to power sharing.

5. Who elects the communist government in Belgium? [CBSE (CCE) 2011]

(a) People belonging to one language community only.
(b) By the leader of Belgium.
(c) The citizens of the whole country.
(d) The community leaders of Belgium.

NCERT Questions

6. Consider the following statements about power sharing arrangements in Belgium and Sri
Lanka :
A. In Belgium the Dutch-speaking majority people tried to impose their domination on the
minority French speaking community.
B. in Sri Lanka the policies of government ensured the dominance of the Sinhala speaking
majority.
C. the Tamils in Sri Lanka demanded a federal arrangement of power sharingto protect their
culture, language and equality of opportunity in education and jobs.
D. The transformation of Belgium from unitary government to a federal one prevented a
possible division of the country on linguistic lines.
Which of the statements given are correct?
(a) A, B, C and D
(b) A, B, and D
(c) C and D
(d) B, C and D

7. Match List I (forms of power- sharing) with List II (forms of government) and select the
correct answer using codes given below the lists :

List I List II

(i) Power shared among different organs of

A. Community government
government

(ii) Power shared among governments at different

B. Separation of Powers
levels

(iii) Power shared by different social groups C. Coalition government

(iv) Power shared by two or more political parties D. Federal government

(a) (i) – D, (ii) – A, (iii) – B, (iv) – C
(b) (i) – B, (ii) – C, (iii) – D, (iv) – A
(c) (i) – B, (ii) – D, (iii) – A, (iv) – C
(d) (i) – C, (ii) – D, (iii) – A, (iv) – B

Additional Questions

8. The Community Government signifies:

(a) The powers of government regarding community development.
(b) The powers of the government regarding law making for the community.
(c) The powers of the government regarding cultural, educational and language related issues.
(d) The government enjoys privileges to safeguard the interest of a particular community.

9. System of ‘checks and balances’ means:

(a) Horizontal distribution of powers.
(b) Separation of powers.
(c) Put a check on the exercise of unlimited powers of the organs of government by maintaining
a balance of power among various institutions.
(d) Federal division of powers.

10. A belief that the majority community should be able to rule a country in whichever way it
wants is
(a) Community Government
(b) Federal Government
(c) Majoritarian
(d) Prudential

11. Power sharing is :

(a) the very spirit of democracy.
(b) separation of powers at different levels.
(c) system of checks and balances.
(d) a type of balancing powers.

12. Vertical division of power is :

(a) a system in which each organ of government checks the others.
(b) a type of distribution in which power is shared among different organs of government.
(c) a type of distribution of power which involves the higher and lower levels of government.
(d) a type of government elected by people.

13. Coalition government is the government:

(a) based on prudential and moral reasons.
(b) government of the majority community.
(c) the government elected by the people.
(d) an alliance government formed by two or more parties, if no single party gets a majority in
the election.

14. The word ‘ethnic’ signifies :

(a) different religions.
(b) social division on shared culture.
(c) a violent conflict between opposite groups.
(d) a careful calculation of gains and losses.

15. Which are the important features of prudential reason ?

(i) Emphasises intrinsic worth of power sharing.
(ii) Based on careful calculation of gains or losses.
(iii) Based on moral consideration.
(iv) Stresses on beneficial consequences.
(a) (ii) and (iii)
(b) (i) and (iv)
(c) (ii) and (iv)
(d) (i) and (iii)

16. Which statement justifies the ethnic complexity of Sri Lanka?

(a) Sinhalese – 80%, Tamils – 20%
(b) Sinhalese – 60%, Tamils – 40%
(c) Sinhalese – 74%, Tamils – 18%
(d) Sinhalese – 76%, Tamils – 18%

17. Consider the statements on Ethnic composition :

(a) The Ethnic composition of Belgium is very complex because of diverse language speaking
people like Dutch speaking, French speaking and German speaking.
(b) French speaking community was in minority and more powerful.
(c) Dutch speaking community was in majority and less powerful.
(d) There was conflict between the French and the Dutch communities.

18. Prudential reasons of power sharing stresses on:

(a) The stability of political order.
(b) To reduce the possibility of conflict between social group.
(c) A fair chance/share to minority.
(d) All the above.

19. The majority of population in Brussels, the capital city of Belgium speaks:
(a) French
(b) Dutch
(c) German
(d) Roman

20. The proportion of Tamils in Sri Lanka’s total population is about:

(a) 8 percent
(b) 18 percent
(c) 28 percent
(d) 38 percent

21. In India, power sharing mechanism does not directly involve:

(a) Judiciary
(b) Legislature
(c) Executive
(d) Industry
22. Power sharing does not:
(a) accommodate diversities.
(b) speed up the decision making process.
(c) increases conflict among different commuriities.
(d) All the above.

23. Coalition Government implies :

(a) power sharing among different organs of the government.
(b) power sharing by different communities.
(c) power sharing by two or more political parties.
(d) power sharing within the government at different levels.

24. The religion of state in Sri Lanka is:

(a) Buddhism
(b) Christianity
(c) Hinduism
(d) Islam.

25. A strategy under which all the major segments of the society are provided with a permanent
share of power in the governance of the country is known as:
(a) secularism
(b) power sharing
(c) majoritarianism
(d) minoritism.

26. The majority of the population in Belgium lives in:

(a) Wallonia region and speaks French
(b) Wallonia region and speaks Dutch
(c) Flemish region and speaks Dutch
(d) Flemish region and speaks French

27. Belgium successfully solved its problem by :

(a) rejecting the policy of majoritarianism.
(b) developing a power sharing mechanism.
(c) respecting the interest of different communities.
(d) All the above.

28. The power of different levels of government shows:

(a) separation of powers.
(b) community Government.
(c) coalition Government.
(d) the federal division of power.

29. Match the following :

A. Ethnic Composition (i) A violent conflict between opposite groups within a country.
B. Majoritarianism (ii) Based on prudence, i.e., a careful calculation of gains or losses.
C. Civil War (iii) A social division based on shared culture.
D. Prudential reason (iv) A belief that the majority community should be able to rule a country.
E. Vertical division (v) Power is shared among power different organs of the government.
F. Horizontal (vi) Power is involved in the division of the higher and lower power levels of
government.
(a) A – (iv), B – (iii), C – (ii), D – (i), E – (v), F – (vi)
(b) A – (iii), B – (iv), C – (i), D – (ii), E – (vi), F – (v)
(c) A – (i), B – (ii), C – (iii), D – (iv), E – (v), F – (vi)
(d) A – (ii), B – (iv), C – (iv), D – (v), E – (vi), F – (i)

30. Consider the following two statements on power-sharing and select the answer using codes
given below:
A. Power sharing is good for democracy.
B. It helps to reduce the possibility of conflict between social groups.
Which of the statements are true and false?
(a) A is true but B is false
(b) Both A and B are true
(c) Both A and B are false
(d) A is false but B is true.

31. Indicate true and false for given statements and give valid reasons:
(a) In Belgium, the Dutch speaking majority people tried to impose their domination on the
minority French speaking community.
(b) In Sri Lanka, the policies of the government sought to ensure the domination of the Sinhala
speaking majority.
(c) The Transformation of Belgium from a unitary government to a federal one presented
possible division of the country on linguistic lines.
(d) The Tamils in Sri Lanka demanded a federal arrangement of power to protect their culture,
language, and equality of opportunity in education and jobs.
Answer:
(a) False – because French people tried to impose their domination.
(b) True – As Sri Lanka followed the majoritarian concept.
(c) False – But it helped in power-sharing on linguistic lines.
(d) True – As Tamils were alienated from the mainstream of power-sharing.

ANSWERS

EXTRA IMPORTANT QUESTIONS CHAPTER 1 POWER SHARING.

Question 1.
What measure was adopted by the democratically elected government of Sri Lanka to
establish Sinhala Supremacy? (2014)
Answer:

 In 1956, an Act was passed to make Sinhala the official language.

  The government followed preferential policies favouring Sinhala applicants for
University positions and government jobs.

Question 2.
What is meant by the system of ‘checks and balances’? (2015)
Answer:
The horizontal distribution of power ensures that power is shared among different organs of
government—the legislature, executive and judiciary. It allows different organs of government
placed at the same level to exercise different powers. The horizontal distribution of power is
also called a system of checks and balances. This system ensures that none of these organs can
exercise unlimited power. Each organ checks the other.

Question 3.
Define the term ‘Ethnic’.
Answer:
Ethnic means a social division based on shared culture and common descent. People belonging
to an ethnic group need not have the same religion or nationality.

Question 4.
What is vertical division of power?
Answer:
When power is shared among governments at different levels, i.e., the Union or the Central
Government, the State Government and the Municipality and Panchayat at the lower level. This
division of power involving higher and lower levels of government is called the vertical division
of power.

SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS 3 MARKS

Question 5.
Compare the different ways in which the Belgians and the Sri Lankans have dealt with the
problem of cultural diversity. (2012)
Answer:
Both Belgium and Sri Lanka are democracies, yet they have dealt with the problem of cultural
diversity very differently.
Belgium:

1. Leaders realised that for the unity of the country it is important to respect the feelings
and interests of different communities. The Constitution prescribes that the number of
Dutch and French speaking people shall be equal in the Central Government.

2. Both Dutch and French communities share power on an equal basis at the Centre. Along
with the State Government, both communities have a third kind of Government called
‘Community Government’ which decides on cultural, education and language related
issues.

3. Between, 1970 and 1993, the Constitution was amended four times to enable all
linguistic groups to live together within the same country.

Sri Lanka:
 1. In Sri Lanka, there are two major communities, the Sinhalese speaking (74%) and Tamil
speaking (18%). The majority community, the Sinhalese have forced their domination
over Tamils, refusing to share power.

2. Both communities have lived in tension as the Sinhalese have denied political,
educational, religious, employment and economic rights to the Tamils leading to Civil
War.

3. In 1956, the Government passed an Act to recognise Sinhala as the only official language,
thus disregarding Tamil.

Question 6.
How far do you agree with the statement that power sharing is keeping with the spirit of
democracy? (2012)
Answer:
Power sharing is desirable in democracy because it helps to reduce the possibility of conflict
between social groups. Conflict between social groups leads to violence and political instability.
Power sharing is a good way to ensure the stability of political order.

Imposing the will of majority community over others, in the long run may undermine the unity
of the nation. Tyranny of the majority is not just oppressive for the minority; it often brings ruin
to the majority as well.

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. Prudential reasons stress that power sharing brings out better outcomes whereas moral
reasons emphasize the act of power sharing as valuable.

Question 7.
Explain any three consequences of the majoritarian policies adopted by the Sri Lankan
government. (2013)
Answer:
Sri Lanka emerged as an independent country in 1948. The democratically elected government
adopted a series of majoritarian measures to establish Sinhala Supremacy. Consequences of
these majoritarian policies:

1. The Sri Lankan Tamils felt that none of the major political parties led by the Buddhist
Sinhala leaders were sensitive to their language and culture and the government policies
denied those equal political rights which led to increased feeling of alienation among
them.

2. The Sri Lankan Tamils felt that the constitution denied them equal rights in politics, in
getting jobs and ignored their interests. The relation between the Tamil and Sinhala
communities became extremely strained as a result.

3. The Sri Lankan Tamils launched parties and struggles for the recognition of Tamil, for
regional autonomy and equality of opportunity in every field.
 4. Therefore, the measures adopted by the government to establish Sinhala supremacy led
to distrust between the two communities which turned the widespread conflict into a
Civil War. As a result, thousands of people of both communities were killed and many
families were forced to leave the country as refugees and lost their livelihoods.

Question 8.
Why is the ethnic composition of Belgium complex?
Answer:
Belgium is a small country in Europe, having a population of a little over one crore.

 59 per cent of the country’s total population lives in the Flemish region and speak Dutch
language.

 Another 40 per cent people live in Wallonia region and speak French. Remaining one per
cent of the Belgians speak German.

 Whereas in the Belgian capital, Brussels, 80 per cent of the population is French-
speaking and 20 per cent is Dutch-speaking.

Question 9.
How is Belgium’s power-sharing path different from any other country?
Or,

Explain the four elements in the Belgian power-sharing model.

Answer:
The power-sharing arrangements made by the Belgian leaders were different and more
innovative than any other country. To recognise the existence of regional differences and
cultural diversities, they amended their Constitution four times between 1970 and 1993.
The major elements of the Belgian Model are:

1. Constitution prescribes that the number of Dutch and French-speaking ministers shall
be equal in the Central Government. No single community can take decisions
unilaterally.

2. The State Governments are not subordinate to the Central Government.

3. Brussels, the capital, has a separate government where both the communities have
equal representation.

4. A third kind of government, ‘Community Government’, is elected by people belonging to

one language community — Dutch, French and German speaking —no matter where
they live. This government can decide on cultural, educational and language related
issues.

Question 10.
What is majoritarianism? Is it wrong if a majority community in a country rules? Give
reasons to justify your answer.
Answer:
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 is majoritarianism.
Yes, it is wrong if a majority community in a country rules.

 The very idea of power-sharing has emerged in opposition to the notions of undivided
political power.

 A positive attitude towards diversity and willingness to accommodate it, is good for
democracy.

 Power in the hands of one community will make the other community feel marginalised,
deprived and discriminated.

 The struggle against such inequalities sometimes takes the path of conflict and defiance
of State power as in Sri Lanka.

Long Answer Questions (LA) 5 Marks

Question 11.
Analyse how majoritarianism has increased the feeling of alienation among the Sri
Lankan Tamils? (2014, 2015)
Or
Mention the measures adopted by the government to establish Sinhala supremacy.
Sri Lanka emerged as an independent country in 1948. The democratically elected government
adopted a series of measures to establish Sinhala supremacy:

1. In 1956, an Act was passed to make Sinhala the official language.

2. The government followed preferential policies favouring Sinhala applicants for

University positions and government jobs.

3. The Constitution provided for State protection and fostering of Buddhism.

The Sri Lankan Tamils felt that none of the major political parties led by the Buddhist Sinhala
leaders were sensitive to their language and culture and the government policies denied them
equal political rights which led to increased feeling of alienation among them.

The Sri Lankan Tamils launched parties and struggles for the recognition of Tamil, for regional
autonomy and equality of opportunity in every field.

Therefore, the measures adopted by the government to establish Sinhala supremacy led to
distrust between the two communities which turned the widespread conflict into a Civil War.

Question 12.
“Power Sharing is the very spirit of democracy”. Justify the statement. (2015)
Answer:

1. A democratic rule involves sharing power with those affected by its exercise. Power
sharing ensures that people have the right to be consulted and have equal participation
in the government.
 2. In a democracy, each individual has a say in governance through their elected
representatives. This is the essence of power sharing that grants equal rights to each
citizen.

3. Sharing of power ensures that respect for diversity and desire for living together
becomes a shared ideal amongst different communities in a country. It actually makes
the country united and the administration easier.

4. Prudential reasons stress that power sharing would bring out better outcomes by
helping to reduce the possibility of any conflict between the social groups.

5. Power sharing is a good way to ensure the stability of political order through unity of
the nation.

Question 13.
Describe the vertical and horizontal forms of power sharing exercised in India.
Answer:
Vertical distribution of power. Power can be shared among governments at different levels —
a general government for the entire country and governments at provincial or regional level.
This is the federal form of government.

When power is shared among governments at different levels, i.e., the Union or the Central
Government, the State Government and the Municipality and Panchayat at the lower level. This
division of power involving higher and lower levels of government is called the vertical division
of power.

The Constitution clearly lays down the powers of different levels of government. This federal
division of power involving higher and lower levels of government is also called the vertical
division of power. Example: A key change in the Constitution of Belgium in 1993 was that the
regional governments were given constitutional powers that were no longer dependent on the
Central Government. Thus, Belgium shifted from a unitary to a federal form of government.

Horizontal distribution of power. Power is shared among different organs of government,

such as the legislature, executive and judiciary. This is horizontal distribution of power. It
ensures that power is shared among different organs of government—the legislature, executive
and judiciary. It allows different organs of government placed at the same level to exercise
different powers.

In a democracy, ministers and government officials exercise power. They are responsible to the
Parliament or State Assemblies. The judges appointed by the executive can check the
functioning of executive or laws made by the legislature.

The horizontal distribution of power is also called a system of checks and balances.

This system ensures that none of the organs can exercise unlimited power. Each organ checks
the other. This results in a balance of power among various institutions.

The End
 VERTICLAL POWER DISTRIBUTION

HORIZONTAL POWER DISTRIBUTION

MIND MAP
The End.