Power Sharing: Extra Important Question Answers Class 10 Civics Political Science

NCERT Chapter – ‘Powe Sharing’, CBSE Class 10 Political Science: The questions given here have been taken and selected from Previous-Years’ CBSE Board exams question papers. All answers are provided with keeping in mind the CBSE marking standards for full scoring. Go through these questions and prepare well for coming Board Exams for the session: 2023-24. Click here for more study materials in civics class 10

Previous Years’ Board Questions

One Mark Questions

1. 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
2. State any one step taken in Belgium to rule out the problem of regional differences and cultural diversities. (2020)
3. Explain any one benefit of ‘Power Sharing’. (AI 2019)
4. How did the feeling of alienation develop among the Sri Lankan Tamils ? [Outside Delhi, 2019]
5. How is community government elected in Belgium ? [Foreign, 2019]
6. Modern democracies maintain check and balance system. Identify the correct option based on the horizontal power sharing arrangement. [Delhi, 2019]
   (a)Central government, state government, local bodies
   (b) Legislature, executive, judiciary
   (c) Among different social groups
   (d)Among different pressure groups
7. How and when was Sinhala recognized as the official language of Sri Lanka? (Term-I 2016)
8. Which language was recognized as the only official language of Sri Lanka in 1956? (Term-I 2015)
9. Which factor is responsible for increasing the feeling of alienation among the Sri Lankan Tamil? (Term-I 2015)
10. Which type of powers does the community Government of Belgium enjoy? (Term-I 2015)
11. State any two measures adopted by Sri Lanka in 1956 as part of their majoritarian policy. (Term-I 2015)
12. Who formed the majority in terms of the population in Sri Lanka? (Term-I 2014)
13. What measure was adopted by the democratically elected government of Sri Lanka to establish Sinhala supremacy? (Term-I 2014)
14. What is the state religion of Sri Lanka? (Term-I 2014)
15. Which one of the following measures does not establish Sinhala supremacy in Sri Lanka?
    (a) Sinhala is the only official language.
    (b) Preferential policies for government jobs.
    (c) The state shall protect and foster Buddhism.
    (d) Equal political rights to Sri Lankan Tamils. (Term-I 2013)
16. What does the system of ‘checks and balances’ ensure in power sharing? [CBSE S.P. 2016-17]
17. Mention any one characteristic of power sharing. [CBSE S.P. 2016-17]
18. Which type of powers does the Community Government of Belgium enjoy? [CBSE 2015]
19. What is the state religion of Sri Lanka? [CBSE 2014]
20. Who formed the majority in terms of population in Sri Lanka? [CBSE 2014]
21. What measure was adopted by the democratically elected government of Sri Lanka to establish Sinhala supremacy? [CBSE 2014]
22. What is the prudential reason behind power sharing? [CBSE 2014]

Answers:

1. (b) Buddhist and Hindu.
2. Equal representation in the centre.
3. Power sharing helps to reduce the possibility of conflict between different social groups. A social conflict often leads to violence and political instability power sharing helps to ensure the stability of political order
4. The leaders of the Sinhala community sought to secure dominance over government by virtue of their majority/ Sinhala became the only official language/ Sinhala applicants were preferred in university positions and government jobs/ Buddhism was made state religion through a new constitution.
5. Community government in Belgium is elected by people belonging to one language community – Dutch, French or German
6. (b)
7. Sinhala was recognized as the official language of Sri Lanka by passing an Act in 1956.
8. Sinhala.
9. Majoritarianism.
10. The government has power regarding culture, education, and issues related to language.
11. The two measures adopted by Sri Lanka in 1956 as part of their majoritarian policy:
    (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 the constitution and made a new constitution in their own favour.
12. Sinhala community.
13. The Sinhala-speaking community who follow Buddhism took many measures to establish supremacy over Sri Lankan Tamils.
14. Buddhism.
15. (d) Equal political rights to Sri Lankan Tamils.
16. The system of ‘checks and balances’ ensures that none of the organs of the government can exercise unlimited power.
17. Power sharing includes giving people the right to be consulted and involves various other characteristics.
18. The Community Government of Belgium enjoys powers related to culture, education, and language.
19. The state religion of Sri Lanka is Buddhism.
20. The majority population in Sri Lanka is formed by the Sinhala community.
21. The democratically elected government of Sri Lanka adopted majoritarian measures to establish Sinhala supremacy.
22. Power sharing reduces the possibility of conflict between social groups and is driven by prudential reasons, making it good for democracies.

Short Answer Type Questions

Q.1. Describe the horizontal power sharing arrangements. (2020)

Ans. Horizontal power sharing:

(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.

Q.2. Describe the elements of Belgian model for accommodating diversities. (2020)

Ans. 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 a subordinate to the Central government.

Q.3. Explain the three measures taken by Sri Lanka, as per the Act passed in 1956. (Term-I 2017)

Ans. The measures taken by Sri Lanka are:

(i) Government 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 Answers politics that favoured Sinhala applicants for university positions and government jobs.

(iii) A new Constitution stipulated that the state shall protect and foster Buddhiusm.

Q.4. How is the ethnic composition of Belgium very complex? Explain. (Term-I 2016)

Ans. Ethnic composition of Belgium very complex:

(i) Of the country’s total population, 59 percent live in the Flemish region and speak Dutch language.

(ii) Another 40 percent people live in the Wallonia region and speak French.

(iii) Remaining one percent of the Belgians speak German.

(iv) In the capital city Brussels, 80 percent people speak French while 20 percent are Dutch speaking.

Q.5. “Attempts at forced integration often sow the seeds of disintegration”. Support the statement with suitable arguments. (Term-I 2016)

Ans. A few suitable arguments are given below:

• Forced integration often leads to grudges and disagreements among communities, as seen in the Sri Lankan conflict between Sinhalese and Tamils.
• Integration issues arise during power division and resource sharing between regions. Both sides fear domination by the other and worry about regression.
• In today’s world, people resist being marginalized. The disintegration of the USSR into East European countries is a notable instance.
• Integration should occur harmoniously and cordially, avoiding coercion for better outcomes.

Q.6. Explain any three consequences of the majoritarian policies adopted by the Sri Lankan government. [CBSE S.P. 2016-17]

Ans. Consequences of majoritarian policies adopted by the Sri Lankan Government:

• Tamils felt the government was not sensitive about Tamil language and culture.
• Tamils felt discriminated against in jobs and education.
• Tamils felt the government was practicing religious discrimination.
• Relations between Tamils and Sinhalese became strained.

Q.7. “Sharing of powers makes a country more powerful and united.” Do you agree with this statement and why? [CBSE S.P. 2016-17]
OR
“Power sharing is the very spirit of democracy.” Justify this statement with three suitable points. [CBSE 2012]

Ans. Power sharing keeps up with the ‘Spirit’ of Democracy as:

• Power sharing ensures that all people have a stake in the government.
• Power sharing ensures maximum participation. It upholds the concept of people’s rule and brings better outcomes in democracy, ensuring political stability.
• Power sharing accommodates diverse groups and helps reduce the possibility of conflict between social groups.

Q.8. Explain any three elements of the Belgium model of power sharing. [CBSE 2020, 2017, 14]

Ans. The main elements of the Belgium model of power sharing include:

• The Constitution prescribes an equal number of Dutch and French-speaking ministers in the Central Government. Special laws require majority support from each linguistic group to make decisions, preventing unilateral actions.
• Many powers of the Central Government are given to State Governments of the two regions. State Governments are not subordinate to the Central Government.
• Brussels has a separate government where both linguistic communities have equal representation. The acceptance of equal representation in Brussels is based on the understanding that Dutch-speaking representation is also equal in the Central Government.

Q.9. What is power sharing? Why is power sharing important in a democracy? [CBSE 2014]

Ans. Power sharing involves the distribution of power among various state organs like legislature, executive, and judiciary.

Power sharing is important in a democracy because it reduces conflict between social groups, aligns with democratic principles, and ensures political stability.

Q.10. How can power be shared among governments at different levels? Explain. [CBSE 2014]
OR
Explain the vertical division of power giving an example from India. [CBSE 2012]

Ans. Vertical division of power:

• Vertical division of power means sharing power among governments at different levels.
• In India, this includes the Central Government, State Governments, and local self-governments like panchayats and municipal councils.

Q.11. Describe any three majoritarian measures adopted by the Sri Lankan Government to establish Sinhala supremacy. [CBSE 2013, 2012]
OR
Why did the Sri Lankan Tamils feel alienated? Explain three measures taken by Sri Lanka, according to an Act passed in 1956. [CBSE 2012]

Ans. Majoritarian policy made Sri Lankan Tamils feel alienated:

• Government adopted majoritarian measures to establish Sinhala Supremacy by recognizing Sinhala as the official language.
• Preferential politics favoured Sinhala applicants for university positions and government jobs.
• A new Constitution stipulated the state’s protection and fostering of Buddhism.
• Major political parties led by Buddhist Sinhala leaders were insensitive to Tamil language and culture.
• Strained relations between Sinhala and Tamil communities escalated into a Civil War.

Q.12. Explain any three consequences of the majoritarian policies adopted by the Sri Lankan Government. [CBSE 2012]

Ans. Consequences of majoritarian policies adopted by the Sri Lankan Government:

• Tamils felt the government was not sensitive about Tamil language and culture because Sinhala was declared the official language.
• Tamils felt discriminated against securing jobs and education, which were given preferentially to the Sinhala speakers.
• Tamils felt the government was practicing religious discrimination because the State fostered Buddhism.
• Relations between Tamils and Sinhalese became strained.

Q.13. Mention any three demands of Sri Lankan Tamils. [CBSE 2012]

Ans. Demands of the Tamils:

• Recognition of Tamil as an official language.
• Equal opportunities for Tamils in government jobs and educational institutions.
• Provincial autonomy for Tamil-dominated provinces.

Q.14. Compare the different ways in which the Belgians and the Sri Lankans have dealt with the problem of cultural diversity. [CBSE 2012, 2011]

Ans. Comparison of Belgium and Sri Lanka’s approaches to cultural diversity:

• Belgium:
  • They amended the Constitution to enable peaceful coexistence of linguistic communities.
  • Sharing of power between Dutch and French linguistic groups in Central, State, and Community Governments.
  • This policy of accommodation avoided linguistic divisions.
• Sri Lanka:
  • Sinhalese, the majority, followed majoritarianism, leading to measures like Sinhala Supremacy through the 1956 Act.
  • This alienated Tamils and led to civic strife between communities.

Q.15. Give reasons why power sharing is desirable. [CBSE S.P. 2015, 2012]
OR
Write one prudential and one moral reason for power sharing. [CBSE 2012]

Ans. Reasons why power sharing is desirable in democracy:

• Prudential reasons:
  • Reduces conflict between social groups, preventing violence and political instability.
  • Ensures stability of the political order.
  • Avoids undermining national unity by imposing the majority’s will over others.
• Moral reasons:
  • Intrinsic to democracy, involves sharing power with affected citizens.
  • People have the right to be consulted on governance.
  • A legitimate government involves citizen participation and stake in the system.

Q.16. What is horizontal distribution of power? Mention its any two advantages. [CBSE S.P. 2016-17, 2012]
OR
Why is horizontal distribution of power often referred to as a system of “checks and balances”? Explain. [CBSE 2012]

Answer:

Q.17. In modern democracies, power is often shared among different organs of the government. Explain. [CBSE 2011]

Ans. Power is shared among government organs: Legislature, Executive, and Judiciary. This creates a ‘checks and balances’ system. Each organ has defined powers, preventing unlimited authority and enabling them to check one another, maintaining a power balance.

Functions of each organ of government:

• Legislature: Makes laws, manages state finances, and handles public matters.
• Executive: Implements government policies and legislative rules.
• Judiciary: Interprets laws, punishes lawbreakers, and oversees executive actions.

Long Answer Type Questions

Q.1. Explain with examples the accommodative experience of Belgium for peace and harmony. [CBSE SQP-2020] OR.
How is the idea of power sharing emerged? Explain different forms that have common arrangements of power sharing. (Delhi 2019)

Ans. (By CBSE Marking Scheme)

Idea of power sharing emerged: The idea of power sharing has emerged in opposition to the notions of undivided political power.

Different forms having common arrangements of Power Sharing:

(i) Power is shared among different organs of government such as the legislature, executive and judiciary.

(ii) Powers can be shared among governments at different levels i.e., at national and provincial or regional levels.

(iii) Power shared among different social groups such as religious and linguistic groups.

(iv) Power sharing arrangements in the way political parties, pressure groups and movements control or influence those in power.

Long Answer:

The concept of power sharing has emerged as an alternative to concentrated political authority. In the past, the belief was that all governmental power should be vested in one individual or group for quick decision-making and enforcement. However, this perspective has shifted with the rise of democracy.

Power sharing benefits individuals and communities by preventing conflict and enhancing stability. There are two key reasons for power sharing:

1. Prudential Reason: Power sharing minimizes social group conflicts, averting violence and political instability. Imposing majority will over others undermines national unity.
2. Moral Reason: Power sharing embodies democracy’s essence. It entails involving those affected by power’s exercise in decision-making. Citizens have a right to influence governance, fostering their stake in the system.

For instance, in India, citizens elect representatives who then form governments for rule-making and administration. Various forms of power sharing exist:

1. Horizontal Power Sharing: This distributes power among government branches like legislature, executive, and judiciary. It prevents unchecked authority, fostering a system of checks and balances.
2. Vertical Power Sharing: This extends power to different government tiers, as seen in central and state governments. This structure is exemplified by federal divisions of power like Belgium.
3. Empowering Social Groups: Power sharing can extend to religious and linguistic groups. Belgium’s community governments and reserved constituencies in India empower minorities.
4. Political Parties and Pressure Groups: Democracy involves power competition among parties and interest groups. They influence decision-making through participation, alliances, and influence on policymakers.

In essence, power sharing reinforces stability, promotes democracy, and prevents unilateral control, fostering cooperation and representing diverse voices in governance.

Q.2. Compare the situation of Belgium and Sri Lanka considering their location, size and cultural aspects. (Delhi 2019)

Ans. The comparison is listed below:

Answer by CBSE marking Scheme:

Comparison of Belgium and Sri Lanka:

(i) Belgium is located in Europe, whereas Sri Lanka is located in South Asia.

(ii) Belgium has a population of little over one crore, whereas Sri Lanka has population of two crores.

(iii) In Belgium, 59 per cent people living in Flemish region speak Dutch language, 40 per cent people living in Wallonia region speak French and remaining 1 per cent Belgian people speak German, whereas in Sri Lanka, 74 per cent population is Sinhalese speakers and 18 per cent is Tamil speakers.

(iv) In Belgium, French-speaking community is relatively rich and powerful and in Sri Lanka, Sinhalese-speaking people are Buddhist and powerful.

(v) In Belgium, Dutch-speaking people are in numeric majority, whereas in Sri Lanka, Sinhalese-speaking population is in majority.

Q.3. Describe the power sharing arrangement made in Belgium. (Term-I 2015, 2014)

Ans. The main elements of the power-sharing model evolved 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 subordinated 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 Dutchspeaking 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.

Q.4. How majoritarianism has increased the feeling of alienation among the Sri Lankan Tamils? Explain. [CBSE 2014]

Ans. Sri Lankan Tamils felt alienated because:

(i) Government adopted majoritarian measure t o 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.

(iv) Sri Lankan Tamils felt that none of the major political parties led by the Buddhist Sinhala leaders were sensitive to their language and culture.

(v) As a result, the relations between the Sinhala and Tamil communities strained overtime and it soon turned into a Civil War.

Q.5. Explain how Belgium was able to solve its ethnic problem. [CBSE 2013]
OR
Explain the power sharing arrangement in Belgium. [CBSE 2011]

Ans. The main elements of the power-sharing model evolved in Belgium were:

(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) M a n y powers o f the Central Government have been given to State Governments of the two regions of the country. The State Governments are not subordinated 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—Dutch, French and German-speaking. This government has the power regarding cultural, educational and language related issues