CBSE Class 10 Social Science HOTs Power Sharing

Please refer to CBSE Class 10 Social Science HOTs Power Sharing. Download HOTS questions and answers for Class 10 Social Science. Read CBSE Class 10 Social Science HOTs for Democratic Politics II Chapter 1 Power Sharing below and download in pdf. High Order Thinking Skills questions come in exams for Social Science in Class 10 and if prepared properly can help you to score more marks. You can refer to more chapter wise Class 10 Social Science HOTS Questions with solutions and also get latest topic wise important study material as per NCERT book for Class 10 Social Science and all other subjects for free on Studiestoday designed as per latest CBSE, NCERT and KVS syllabus and pattern for Class 10

Democratic Politics II Chapter 1 Power Sharing Class 10 Social Science HOTS

Class 10 Social Science students should refer to the following high order thinking skills questions with answers for Democratic Politics II Chapter 1 Power Sharing in Class 10. These HOTS questions with answers for Class 10 Social Science will come in exams and help you to score good marks

HOTS Questions Democratic Politics II Chapter 1 Power Sharing Class 10 Social Science with Answers

Summary

- Power sharing is important because it the conflict between different social groups.
- Social conflicts often lead to violence and political instability, power sharing is a good way to ensure the stability of political order.
- 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 consuloted on how they are to be governed.
A legitimate gout is one ........ citizens through participation, acquire a stake in the system.
- One basis of principle of democracy is that people are the source of all political power.
- Power is shared among different organs of govt such as the legislature, executive and judiciary.
- Power can be should among governments at different levels a general govt. for the entire country and governments at the provincial or regional level. 

 

MCQ Questions for Class 10 Social Science Power Sharing 

Question : It is the law-making organ of the government. 
(a) defence
(b) Legislature
(c) Executive
(d) Judiciary
Answer : B
Explanation: The different organs of the government:-
i. Legislature → makes laws
ii. Executive → enforces those laws
iii. Judiciary → interprets those laws  
 
Question : Which community has increased the feeling of alienation in Sri Lanka? 
(a) Indian Tamils
(b) Sri Lankan Tamils
(c) Sinhalas
(d) Christians
Answer : B 
Explanation: All these government measures, coming one after the other, gradually increased the feeling of alienation among the Sri Lankan Tamils. They felt that none of the major political parties led by the Buddhist Sinhala leaders was sensitive to their language and culture. 

Question : Which of the following aspect best signifies this image of ‘a street address in Belgium’?
(a) Constitution prescribes that the number of Dutch and French-speaking ministers shall be equal in the central government.
(b) The state governments are not subordinate to the central government.
(c) The Belgium model is very complicated, even for people living in Belgium.
(d) Brussels has a separate government in which both the communities have equal representation.
Answer : A

Question : Which language is spoken by the majority of Belgians?
(a) German
(b) Dutch
(c) French
(d) English
Answer : B

Question : Which is the capital city of Belgium ?
(a) Brussels
(b) Bonn
(c) Wallonia
(d) Paris
Answer : A

Question : Which language was declared as the only official language of Sri Lanka by an Act passed in 1956 ?
(a) Tamil
(b) Sinhala
(c) Hindi
(d) English
Answer : B

Question : Which is the major social group of Sri Lanka ?
(a) Sinhalese
(b) Indian Tamils
(c) Sri Lankan Tamils
(d) Muslims
Answer : A

Question : Which is the state religion of Sri Lanka ?
(a) Buddhism
(b) Islam
(c) Hinduism
(d) Christianity
Answer : A

Question : Which language is spoken by 20% people of capital Brussels ?
(a) French
(b) German
(c) Dutch
(d) Latin
Answer : C

Question : In India, the government at the provincial or regional level are called 
(a) union government
(b) central government
(c) Democratic government
(d) state government
Answer : D
Explanation: The governments at the provincial or regional level are called by different names in different countries. In India, we call them State Governments. 
 
Question : Which is the official religion of Sri Lanka? 
(a) Hinduism
(b) Buddhism
(c) Jainism
(d) Christianity
Answer : B
Explanation: The major social groups are the Sinhala-speakers (74 per cent). Most of the Sinhala-speaking people are Buddhists.

Question. Identify the picture
(a) European Union parliament in Belgium
(b) Indian Parliament
(c) Parliament of Sri Lanka
(d) None of these
Answer : A

Question. Look at the given Sri Lanka map and mention the colour of the region where Sri-Lankan Tamils lived?
(a) Orange colour region
(b) Yellow colour region
(c) Dark brown colour region
(d) Dotted region
Answer : A

Question. The above pie chart shows the ethnic composition of Belgium. Analyse the pie chart and state the correct statement.

""CBSE-Class-10-Social-Science-Power-Sharing-2
(a) Majority of the Belgians are German speakers
(b) The majority community in Belgium were Dutch speakers with more power
(c) The majority Dutch speakers were less powerful than the minority French speakers
(d) None of these
Answer : C

Question. An intelligent sharing of power among legislature, executive and judiciary is very important to the design of -------
(a) Democracy
(b) Political parties
(c) Ethnic groups
(d) Majoritarianism
Answer : A

Question. Which one of the following countries adopted majoritarianism in their Constitution?
(a) Belgium
(b) India
(c) Germany
(d) Sri Lanka
Answer : D

 

True / False

Question : In Brussels, the French speaking population has more representation than the Dutch speaking population.
Answer : False

Question : In democracy, power can be shared only among different organs of the government. 
Answer : False

 

Assertion and Reasoning Based Questions

Mark the option which is most suitable :

(a) If both assertion and reason are true and reason is the correct explanation of assertion.
(b) If both assertion and reason are true but reason is not the correct explanation of assertion.
(c) If assertion is true but reason is false.
(d) If both assertion and reason are false.

Question : Assertion : Sinhala was recognised as only official language of Sri Lanka.
Reason : The government of Sri Lanka wanted to establish the supremacy of Sinhala community.
Answer : (a) The government of Sri Lanka passed an Act in 1956 to recognise Sinhala as only official language of Sri Lanka. The government also formulated preferential policies to favour Sinhala applicants for university positions and government jobs. All this was done to establish supremacy of Sinhala community. Thus, the reason justifies the assertion.

Question : Assertion : Power should reside with one person and group located at one place in a democracy.
Reason : If the power is dispersed, it will not be possible to take decision quickly and enforce it.
Answer : (d) In a good democratic government, due respect is given to diverse groups and views that exist in the society. Hence, political power should be distributed among citizens.

Question : Assertion : In Belgium, the leaders realized that the unity of the country is possible by respecting the feelings and interest of different countries.
Reason : Belgium favoured Dutch speaking community.
Answer : (d) Belgium adopted a power sharing arrangement in which all the communities have equal representation. This helped in relieving tension between the different communities. Thus, they did not favour any particular community. Both the assertion and reason are false.

Question : Assertion : French speaking community in Belgium was rich and powerful.
Reason : Belgian Government favoured French speaking community.
Answer : (c) There was ethnic tension between French speaking and Dutch speaking communities in Belgium. For resolving, the government adopted a power sharing arrangement where all the communities got equal representation.

Question : Assertion : In a democracy, everyone has voice in the shaping of public policies.
Reason : India has federal system.
Answer : (b) In a democracy, people elect the representatives who participate in the decision making process. Due respect and proper representation is given to diverse groups in a democratic system. Hence, in democracy everyone has voice in the shaping of public policies. However the reason does not justify the assertion.

Read the sources given below and answer the questions that follow :
Source A – Majoritarianism in Sri Lanka In 1956, an act was passed to recognise Sinhala as the only official language, thus, disregarding Tamil. The governments followed preferential policies that favoured Sinhala applicants for university positions and government jobs. A new constitution stipulated that the state shall protect and foster Buddhism.

Source B – Accommodation in Belgium Apart from the Central and the State Government, there is a third kind of government. This ‘community government’ is elected by people belonging to one language community —Dutch, French and Germanspeaking — no matter where they live. This government has the power regarding cultural, educational and language-related issues.

Source C – Why power sharing is desirable? There is a second, deeper reason why power sharing is good for democracies. Power sharing is the very spirit of democracy. 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.

Source A – Majoritarianism in Sri Lanka

Question :  Why did the Sri Lankan Tamils feel alienated?
Answer : 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. They felt that the constitution and government policies denied them equal political rights, discriminated against them in getting jobs and other opportunities and ignored their interests.

Source B – Accommodation in Belgium

Question : What is the need of a ‘community government’?
Answer : The ‘community government’ has the power regarding cultural, educational and language-related issues. It is elected by people belonging to one language community—Dutch, French and German-speaking— no matter where they live. This reflects that all the citizens were equally represented and no one was discriminated against.

Source C – Why power sharing is desirable?

Question : What is a legitimate government?
Answer : A legitimate government is one where citizens, through participation, acquire a stake in the system.

 

Read the extract and answer the questions that follows :

Power is shared among different organs of government, such as the legislature, executive and judiciary. Let us call this horizontal distribution of power because it allows different organs of government placed at the same level to exercise different power. Such a separation ensures that none of the organs can exercise unlimited power. Each organ checks the others. This results in a balance of power among various institutions. In a democracy, even though ministers and government official exercise power, they are responsible to the Parliament or State Assemblies. Similarly, although judges are appointed by the executive, they can check the functioning of executive or laws made by the legislatures. This arrangement is called a system of checks and balances.
Power can be shared among governments at different level - a general government for the entire country and governments at the provincial or regional level. Such a general government for the entire country is usually called federal government. In India, we refer to it as the Central or Union Governments. The Governments at the provincial or regional level are called by different names in different countries. In India, we call them State Governments. This system is not followed in all countries. There are many countries where there are no provincial or state governments. But in those countries like ours, where there are different levels of governments, the constitution clearly lays down the power of different division of power. The same principle can be extended to level of government lower than the state governments, such as the municipality and panchayat. Let us call division of power involving higher and lower levels of governments vertical division of power.
Power may also be shared among different social groups such as the religious and linguistic groups. ‘Community government’ in Belgium is a good example of this arrangement. In some countries, there are constitutional and legal arrangement whereby socially weaker sections and women are represented in the legislatures and administration. Last year, we studied the system of ‘reserved constituencies’ in assemblies and the parliament of our country. This type of arrangement is meant to give space in the government and administration to diverse social groups who otherwise would feel alienated from the government. This method is used to give minority communities a fair share in power.

Question :  What is the federal division of power ? Explain with example.
Answer : (i) In some countries like India and Belgium, power is shared among governments at different level i.e. general government for the entire country and separate governments for regional or provincial level. This kind of power sharing is known as federal division of power sharing.
(ii) In the federal division of power, a general government for the entire country is called the central or union government while the regional government are called by different names in different countries. In India we call them the State Governments.

Question : What is the horizontal distribution of power sharing?
Answer : An arrangement of power sharing in which power shared among different organs (legislature, executive and judiciary) of the government, is called as horizontal distribution of power sharing.

Question : How does power sharing occur in the community government ?
Answer : (i) A ‘community governments’ is chosen by those people who belong to a particular language or religious community. In this government power is shared among different social groups. For Example Belgium. (ii) A community government solves issues related to the cultural, education and language. This government prevents social conflicts a among different religious and linguistic communities.  

 

CASE BASED QUESTIONS

1. In 1956, an Act was passed to recognise Sinhala as the only official language, thus disregarding Tamil. The governments followed preferential policies that favoured Sinhala applicants for university positions and government jobs. A new constitution stipulated that the state shall protect and foster Buddhism. All these government measures, coming one after the other, gradually increased the feeling of alienation among the Sri Lankan Tamils. They felt that none of the major political parties led by the Buddhist
Sinhala leaders was sensitive to their language and culture. They felt that the constitution and government policies denied them equal political rights, discriminated against them in getting jobs and other opportunities and ignored their interests. As a result, the relations between the Sinhala and Tamil communities strained over time. The Sri Lankan Tamils launched parties and struggles for the recognition of Tamil as an official language, for regional autonomy and equality of opportunity in securing education and jobs. But their demand for more autonomy to provinces populated by the Tamils was repeatedly denied By 1980s several political organisations were formed demanding an independent Tamil Eelam in northern and eastern parts of Sri Lanka

Question. What is the moral reason behind power sharing?
(a) It gives absolute power to the government
(b) It gives absolute power to the people.
(c) It is the very spirit of democracy
(d) It ensures development.
Answer : C

Question. Which is the official language of Sri-Lanka?
(a) Hindi
(b) Tamil
(c) Sinhala
(d) None of these
Answer : C

Question. Sri-Lanka emerged as an independent country in----
(a) 1956
(b) 1948
(c) 1947
(d) 1951
Answer : B

Question. Sri-Lanka is an island nation, just a few kilometres off the southern coast of
(a) Tamil Nadu
(b) Kerala
(c) Goa
(d) Karnataka
Answer : A

Question. Population of Sri-Lankan Tamils is concentrated in- regions of Sri-Lanka
(a) North and East
(b) North and south
(c) North and West
(d) South and west
Answer : A

 

2. Power is shared among different organs of government, such as the legislature, executive and judiciary. Let us call this horizontal distribution of power because it allows different organs of government placed at the same level to exercise different powers. Such a separation ensures that none of the organs can exercise unlimited power. Each organ checks the others. This results in a balance of power among various institutions. Last year, we studied that in a democracy, even though ministers and government officials exercise power, they are responsible to the Parliament or State Assemblies. Similarly, although judges are appointed by the executive, they can check the functioning of executive or laws made by the legislatures. This arrangement is called a system of checks and balances. Power can be shared among governments at different levels – a general government for the entire country and governments at the provincial or regional level. Such a general government for the entire country is usually called federal government. In India, we refer to it as the Central or Union Government. The governments at the provincial or regional level are called by different names in different countries.

Question. Indian parliament consists of------
(a) Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha
(b) Executive and Judiciary
(c) Legislature and Judiciary
(d) Lok Sabha and Judiciary.
Answer : A

Question. A general government for the entire country in India is called
(a) Central government
(b) State government
(c) Regional government
(d) Federal government
Answer : A

Question. How many members are nominated to the upper house of the parliament by the President of India?
(a) 22
(b) 18
(c) 12
(d) 32
Answer : C

Question. Who can check the functioning of executive or laws made by the legislatures?
(a) Ministers
(b) Judges
(c) Governor
(d) None of these
Answer : B

Question. The provincial or regional Government in India is known as-----
(a) Union Government
(b) Self-Government
(c) State Government
(d) All of these
Answer : C

 

Very Short Questions for Class 10 Social Science Power Sharing

Question : In Sri Lanka, the policies of the government sought to ensure the dominance of which is language speaking people? 
Answer : The policies of the government under the Act of 1956 sought to ensure the dominance of Sinhala speaking people in Sri Lanka.  
 
Question : How is power shared in modern democracies? 
Answer : In modern democracies, power is shared among different organs of government, among government at different levels and among various political parties, pressure groups etc.
 
Question : Mention any one characteristics of power sharing.
Answer : Power sharing is a system of governance where all the communities in the society participate in the policy making.

Question : Which factor is responsible for increasing the feeling of alienation among the Sri Lankan, Tamil?
Answer : Majoritarianism

Question : Who formed the majority in terms of population in Sri Lanka?
Answer : Sinhala community 

Question : What is "Homogeneous Society"?
Answer : A homogeneous society shares a common language, ethnicity and culture. Japan and South Korea are examples of homogeneous societies. 

Question : What measure was adopted by the democratically elected government of Sri Lanka to establish Sinhala supremacy?
Answer : Sinhala speaking community who follow Buddhism took many majoritarianistic measures to establish supremacy over Sri Lankan Tamils.

Question : How and when was Sinhala recognized as the official language of Sri Lanka?
Answer : Sinhala was recognized as the official language of Sri Lanka by passing an Act in 1956.

Question : What is the state religion of Sri Lanka?
Answer : Buddhism 

Question : What does the system of checks and balances' ensure in power sharing ?
Answer : The system of checks and balances ensures that no one branch of the national government gains too much power. 

Question : What system of power sharing is called "Checks and Balances"?
Answer : When one arm of the government can question the functioning of other arms in horizontal power distribution.

Question : What is the prudential reason behind power sharing? 
Answer : Power sharing helps in reducing the conflict between various social groups. Hence, power sharing is necessary for maintaining social harmony and peace.

Question : Which language was recognised as the only official language of Sri Lanka in 1956?
Answer : Sinhala

Question : Name the historical language of Southern Belgium. 
Answer : Walloon is the historical language of Southern Belgium.  
 
Question : What is the state religion of Sri Lanka?
Answer : Buddhism is the state religion of Sri Lanka. 

Question. How Belgian government solved its ethnic Problem ?
Answer : 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 stategovernment .The state government are not subordinate to the centralgovernment .
c). Brussels has a separate government t in which both the communities have equal representation.
d). There is a third kind ofgovernment called community government elected by the people belonging to Dutch, French and German no matter where they live

Question. Describe the diverse composition of Sri Lanka.
Answer : 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 labourers from India by British colonists to work in estate plantation are called Indian Tamils 5%.
c). There are about 7% percent Christians, who are both Tamils and Sinhala.

Question. Why has the idea of power sharing emerged?
Answer : The idea of power sharing has emerged in opposition to the notions of undivided political power. For a long time, it was believed that all powers of a government must reside in one person or group of persons located at one place. It was felt that if the power to decide is dispersed, it would not be possible to take quick decisions and to enforce them. But these notions have changed with the emergence of democracy.

Question. What is meant by a system of “Checks and Balances”?
Answer : The Horizontal division of power is referred to as a system of “checks and balances”.
Under this, 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.
This system ensures that a check is maintained on the other organs that exist and there remains a balance when power is shared

Question. Describe three demands of Sri Lankan Tamils. How did they struggle for their independence?
Answer : 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

 

Short Questions for Class 10 Social Science Power Sharing

Question : Does a country get more power by actually dispersing the power? 
Answer : i. Power Sharing unites a country as every group gets the representation in the government.
ii. 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.
iii. 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.
iv. It therefore reduces political tensions and helps in the smooth functioning and stability of the system.
 
Question : How can power be shared among governments at different levels? Explain. 
Answer : 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.
ii. At the provincial level: State Governments.
iii. At the local level (i.e., rural and urban): Local self governments like panchayats and municipal councils.
iv. Under this division of powers involving the higher and the lower levels of the government.
v. Under this, the lower organs work under the higher organs.
 
Question : How is the ethnic composition of Belgium very complex? Explain. 
Answer :  The ethnic composition of a small country, Belgium is very complex. Ethnic is a social division based on shared culture. People belonging to the same ethnic group believe in their common descent because of similarities of physical type or of culture.
i. Of the country's total population, 59% live in the Flemish region and speak the Dutch language.
ii. Another 40% of people live in the Wallonia and speak French.
iii. Remaining 1% of the Belgians speak German.
iv. 80% of people speak French while 20% are Dutch-German speaking in the capital city Brussels.  
 
Question : What is power sharing? Why power sharing is important in a democracy? 
Answer :  i. When the power does not rest with any one organ of the state rather it is shared among the 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 conflict 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.
d. A democratic government is chosen by the people. So, they have the right to be consulted on how they are to be governed. A legitimate government is one where groups, through participation, acquire a stake in the system. 

Question : How is the ethnic composition of Belgium very complex? Explain.
Answer : (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.

Question : How can power be shared among governments at different levels? Explain.
Answer : 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 (i.e., rural and urban) : Local self governments like panchayats and municipal councils.

Question : How did Sri Lanka and the Belgium government try to solve the ethnic problem?
Answer : (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.

Question : "Attempts at forced integration often sow the seeds of disintegration". Support the statement with suitable arguments.
Answer : 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.

Question : What is power sharing? Why power sharing is important in democracy?
Answer : (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 conflict 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.

Question : What is majoritarianism? How has it increased the feeling of alienation among the Sri Lankan Tamils? Explain.
Answer : ‘Majoritarianism’ is a concept which signifies a belief that the majority community should be able to rule a country in whichever way it wants. In this type of rule they disregard the wishes and needs of the minority. The majoritarian concept has increased the strong feelings of alienation among Sri Lankan Tamils because of the series of majoritarian measures adopted by the democratically elected government in Sri Lanka after its independence in 1948 to establish Sinhala Supremacy.
(i) In 1956 an Act was passed to recognize Sinhala as the only official language thus disregarding Tamil.
(ii) The Government followed preferential policies that favored Sinhala applicants for university positions and government jobs.
(iii) A new constitution advocated that the state shall protect and foster Buddhism.

Question : "Both Belgium and Sri Lanka are democracies but they follow different systems of power sharing". Support the statement by giving three points of difference.
Answer : Difference in power sharing of Belgium and Sri Lanka :
(i) In Belgium, the government does not follow preferential policies in matters of jobs and education. In Sri Lanka, the government follows preferential policies in matters of government, jobs and education.
(ii) In Belgium, there is a special government called 'Community Government' to look after the cultural, educational and language related issues. In Sri Lanka, the major political parties are not sensitive to the language and culture of the Tamils.
(iii) In Belgium, there is no discrimination between different religions. In Sri Lanka, Buddhism is the official religion. 

Question : Mention any three demands of Sri lankan Tamils.
Answer : Demands of the Sri Lankan Tamils:
(i) Recognition of Tamil as an official language.
(ii) Equal opportunities for Tamils in government jobs and educational institutions.
(iii) Provincial autonomy for Tamil dominated provinces. 

Question : Compare the different ways in which the Belgians and the Sri Lankans have dealt with the problem of cultural diversity.
Answer : The Belgian leaders recognised the existence of regional and cultural diversities.
(i) They amended their Constitution four times so as to work out an innovative arrangement that would enable everyone to live together in peace and harmony, i.e., there was sharing of power between the Dutch and the French both in the Central Government, State Government and Communities Government. They followed a policy of accommodation. This helped to avoid civic strife and division of the country on linguistic lines.
(ii) On the other hand, the Sinhalese who were in majority in Sri Lanka as compared to the Tamils followed a policy of majoritatrianism and adopted a series of measures to establish Sinhala supremacy by passing an Act of 1956. These measures alienated the Tamils leading to civic strife between the two communities.

Question : Give reasons why power sharing is desirable? 
Answer : Power sharing is desirable in democracy because :
(i) Prudential reasons :
(a) It helps to reduce the possibility of conflict 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 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 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.  

 

Long Questions for Class 10 Social Science Power Sharing 

Question : What does the sharing of power among political parties, pressure groups and movements ensure? 
Answer : i. The sharing of powers among political parties, pressure groups and movements ensures the influence in decision-making process as democracy implies people's choice among various contenders.
ii. Democracy provides citizens with a choice to choose their rulers. This choice is provided by the various political parties, who contest elections to win them. Such competition ensures that power does not remain in one hand.
iii. In the long run, power is shared among different political parties that represent different ideologies and social groups. Sometimes, this kind of sharing can be direct, when two or more parties form an alliance to contest elections. If their alliance is elected, they form a coalition government and thus, share power.
iv. At the same time, pressure group and movements influence power-sharing through dharna, rallies, protest, strike etc.
v. In another way by becoming the member of a committee or a part of the planning commission power can be shared for advocating better policies.

Question. What are the different forms of power sharing in modern democracies?
Answer : Give an example of each of these..
1. Power shared among different organs of the government:
(i) In it power is shared among legislature, executive and Judiciary.
(ii) It is also called horizontal distribution of power because all these organs are placed at the same level.
(iii) Such a separation ensures that none of the organs can exercise unlimited powers.
(iv) Each organs checks the offers, which results in the balance of power among various institution.
2. Power shared among Governments at different levels.
(i) There is a Government for the entire country, such a Government is called federal Government
(ii) In India we refer to it as Central or Union Government
(iii) The Government at provincial or regional level is called state Government in India.
(iv) In India Government is divided at the central level, state level and local level.
(v) It is called vertical division of power as power is divided among higher and lower levels of Governments.
3. Power shared among different social groups:
(i) This type of arrangement is made to give space in the Government and administration to diverse social groups who otherwise feel alienated from the Government.
(ii) This method is used to give minority communities a fair share in power.
(iii) In India, we have the system of reserved constituencies in the assemblies and the Parliament of one country.
(iv) Community Government in Belgium is a good example.
4. Power shared among political parties, pressure groups and moments
(i) In a democracy, the citizen must have freedom to choose among various contenders for power.
(ii) When there is competition, it ensures that power does not remain in one hand.
(iii) In the long run, power is shared among different political parties that represent different ideologies and social groups. This type of Government is called ‘Coalition Government’.
(iv) Many interest groups like traders, businessmen, farmers, industrial workers, also have
a share in governmental power either way, through participation and influencing decision making process

Question. Explain the power sharing arrangement among the different political parties, pressure groups and movements.
Answer : (a). In a democracy power is also shared among the different political parties, pressure groups and movements.
(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
(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.

Question : Briefly explain the ways in which power sharing between different organs of the government results in the maintenance of balance of power. 
Answer :  i. Power is shared among different organs of government like the legislature, executive and judiciary. It is called vertical distribution of power because it allows different organs of the government placed at the same level to exercise different powers.
ii. Each organ is equally important in a democracy and they exercise different powers.
iii. Separation of powers ensures that all organs exercise their power within limits.
iv. Each organ checks the others. This results in the maintenance of balance of power among various institutions.
v. The equivalent distribution of power allows different organs of government at the same level to employ various powers.
vi. This guarantees that all structures are given with equal power. The judges are elected by the executive but the judges can check the functioning of the executive or laws made by the legislature. This is called as a system of checks and balances.
vii. Our constitution is drafted in such a way that each organ inspects the other organs.
viii. E.g. though ministers and officials exercise power, they are still answerable to the Parliament or State Assemblies. Also, Judges are appointed by the executive; they can verify the operations of executive.
ix. This enables the maintenance of balance of power between different organs of the government.
 

Question : “Social division take place when some social difference overlap with other social differences.” Support the statement.
Answer : Social division takes place when some social difference overlaps with other differences.
(a) The difference between the Blacks and Whites becomes a social division in the US because the Blacks tend to be poor, homeless and discriminated against.
(b) In our country Dalits tend to be poor and landless. They often face discrimination and injustice. Situations of this kind produce social divisions.
(c) Considering the cases of Northern Ireland and the Netherlands. Both are predominantly Christian but divided between Catholics and Protestants. In Northern Ireland, class and religion overlap with each other. The Catholics in Northern Ireland are also more likely to be poor, and often have a history of discrimination. Whereas in the Netherlands, class and religion tend to cut across each other. Catholics and Protestants are about equally likely to be poor or rich. The result is that Catholics and Protestants have had conflicts in Northern Ireland, while they do not do so in the Netherlands. Overlapping social differences create possibilities of deep social divisions and tensions.

Question : “Social divisions affect politics.” Examine the statement.
Answer : Social divisions indeed affect politics. Various groups raise demands and during elections vote as per their interests. Social divisions affect voting in most countries. People from one community tend to prefer some party more than others. In many countries there are parties that focus only on one community, which however, cannot be said to be healthy. Political expression of social diversity depends on three factors, which are as follows:
(a) How people perceive their identities. If people see their identity in singular or exclusive term, it becomes difficult to accommodate social diversity. A majority of Belgians now feel that they are as much Belgian as they are Dutch or Germanspeaking. This helps them to stay together. This is how most people in our country see their identity: they think of themselves as Indian as well as belonging to a state or a language group.
(b) How political leaders raise the demands of any community. It is easier to accommodate demands that are within the constitutional framework and are not at the cost of another community. In Sri Lanka, the demand for ‘only Sinhala’ was at the cost of the interest and identity of the Tamil community.
(c) How the government reacts to the demands of a community. If the government accommodates the demand of a particular community in a justified way, it makes the politics much better. As seen in the case of Belgium. Whereas it did not happen in Sri Lanka, if the rulers are willing to share power and accommodate the reasonable demands of minority community, social divisions become less hazardous for the country. However, when the demands are suppressed the end result is very bad.

Question : "In a democracy, political expression of social division is very normal and can be healthy." Justify this statement with suitable arguments.
Answer : Every expression of social division in politics does not lead to disasters but it is beneficial too. In a democracy, political expression of social divisions is very normal and can be healthy. In the cases of India, and Belgium it has been observed that social diversities can be accommodated in a very positive manner. But a positive attitude towards diversity and a willingness to accommodate it do not come about easily.
(i) People who feel marginalized, deprived and discriminated have to fight against the injustices.
(ii) Such a fight often takes the democratic path voicing their demands in a peaceful and constitutional manner.
(iii) Seeking a fair position through elections.
(iv) Sometimes social differences can take the form of unacceptable level of social inequality and injustice. The struggle against such inequalities sometimes takes the path of violence and defiance of state power. However, history shows that democracy is the best way to fight for recognition and also to accommodate diversity.
(iv) Relations between Tamils and Sinhalese became strained.

 

1. ‘A wise Constitution gives equal importance to all ethnic groups’. The statement signifies which reason of power sharing?  
2. What is a system of ‘checks and balances’? 
3. Why is power sharing desirable? 
4. Why did the Belgian leaders amend the Constitution four times? 
5. What is the vertical division of power? 
6. Why is the ethnic composition of Belgium very complex? 
7. How do democracies accommodate different social groups? 
8. Enumerate the basic principles of democracy. 
9. Why did a civil war break out in Brussels? List out the setbacks. 
10. What were the series of majoritarian measures adopted in Srilanka?
11. What do you mean by power sharing?
12. Name all the different organs of govt.?
13. What do you mean power sharing in a country?
14. What do you mean by majority?
15. What are different forms of power sharing in modern democracies give an example of each of these.
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