Class 10 Social Science Chapter 13 Power Sharing (Civics) Practice Paper 2

Class: X Subject: Political Science Session: 2025-26 Chapter: 01 - Power-sharing Time: 1½ Hours Max. Marks: 40

General Instructions:

1. All questions are compulsory.

2. This question paper contains 20 questions divided into five sections A, B, C, D and E.

3. Section A contains 10 MCQs of 1 mark each.

4. Section B contains 4 questions of 2 marks each.

5. Section C contains 3 questions of 3 marks each.

6. Section D contains 1 question of 5 marks.

7. Section E contains 2 Case Study Based questions of 4 marks each.

SECTION A - Multiple Choice Questions (1 mark each)

Q1. What percentage of Brussels population speaks French?
(a) 59%
(b) 74%
(c) 80%
(d) 40%

Q2. The minority French-speaking community in Belgium was:
(a) Economically weak and powerless
(b) Relatively rich and powerful
(c) Equal in all respects to Dutch speakers
(d) Migrant workers from France

Q3. What percentage of Sri Lanka's population are Sinhala speakers?
(a) 59%
(b) 65%
(c) 70%
(d) 74%

Q4. Sri Lankan Tamils demanded:
(a) Complete independence from Sri Lanka
(b) Regional autonomy for Tamil-populated provinces
(c) Sinhala as the national language
(d) Merger with India

Q5. Vertical division of power involves:
(a) Power sharing among different organs at same level
(b) Power sharing between central and state governments
(c) Power sharing among political parties
(d) Power sharing among social groups

Q6. In Belgium, which community constitutes a majority in the country but a minority in Brussels?
(a) French-speaking
(b) German-speaking
(c) Dutch-speaking
(d) English-speaking

Q7. When did Sri Lanka emerge as an independent country?
(a) 1947
(b) 1948
(c) 1950
(d) 1956

Q8. A system of 'checks and balances' refers to:
(a) Financial audit of government accounts
(b) Each organ of government checking the powers of other organs
(c) Citizens checking government work
(d) Regular elections

Q9. Coalition government is an example of power sharing among:
(a) Different organs of government
(b) Governments at different levels
(c) Different social groups
(d) Different political parties

Q10. Which of the following is a moral reason for power sharing?
(a) It reduces conflicts
(b) It brings political stability
(c) People have a right to be consulted on governance
(d) It prevents civil war

SECTION B - Short Answer Questions (2 marks each)

Q11. Why was the minority French-speaking community resented by Dutch-speaking community in Belgium? (2)

Q12. What is the difference between horizontal and vertical distribution of power? (2)

Q13. How does power sharing reduce the possibility of conflict? Give an example. (2)

Q14. Name the two sub-groups of Tamil speakers in Sri Lanka and explain how they differ. (2)

SECTION C - Short Answer Questions (3 marks each)

Q15. "Power sharing is the very spirit of democracy." Explain this statement with examples. (3)

Q16. How did the tension between Dutch and French-speaking communities in Belgium get resolved? Explain. (3)

Q17. What is the basic principle of democracy regarding power? How is power distributed in a democratic government? (3)

SECTION D - Long Answer Question (5 marks)

Q18. Explain the consequences of majoritarian policies adopted by Sri Lanka. How did these policies affect the relationship between Sinhala and Tamil communities? (5)

SECTION E - Case Study Based Questions (4 marks each)

Q19. Read the following case and answer the questions that follow: "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 power of a government must reside in one person or group of persons located at one place. But these notions have changed with the emergence of democracy. One basic principle of democracy is that people are the source of all political power."
(a) What was the old notion about political power? (1)
(b) How has democracy changed this notion? (1)
(c) Why should power be distributed among citizens in a democracy? (2)

Q20. Read the following case and answer the questions that follow: "By 1980s, several political organisations were formed demanding an independent Tamil Eelam (state) in northern and eastern parts of Sri Lanka. The distrust between the two communities turned into widespread conflict. It soon turned into a civil war. As a result thousands of people of both the communities have been killed. Many families were forced to leave the country as refugees."
(a) What is Tamil Eelam? (1)
(b) What caused the civil war in Sri Lanka? (1)
(c) What were the effects of the civil war on Sri Lankan society? (2) DETAILED ANSWER KEY - PAPER 02

SECTION A - Answers to MCQs

Ans 1.
(c) 80% In the capital city Brussels, 80% of people speak French while 20% are Dutch-speaking, creating a unique linguistic situation. Ans 2.
(b) Relatively rich and powerful The minority French-speaking community was relatively rich and powerful, which was resented by the Dutch-speaking community who got the benefit of economic development and education much later. Ans 3.
(d) 74% The major social group in Sri Lanka is the Sinhala-speakers who constitute 74% of the total population. Ans 4.
(b) Regional autonomy for Tamil-populated provinces The Sri Lankan Tamils launched parties and struggles for recognition of Tamil as an official language, regional autonomy for provinces populated by Tamils, and equality of opportunity in education and jobs.

Their demand for autonomy was repeatedly denied. Ans 5.
(b) Power sharing between central and state governments Vertical division of power involves sharing of power among governments at different levels - a general government for the entire country and governments at provincial or regional level. Ans 6.
(c) Dutch-speaking Brussels presented a special problem: the Dutch-speaking people constituted a majority in the country, but a minority in the capital Brussels. Ans 7.
(b) 1948 Sri Lanka emerged as an independent country in 1948. Soon after independence, the Sinhala community leaders sought to secure dominance over government.

Ans 8.
(b) Each organ of government checking the powers of other organs A system of checks and balances ensures that no single organ can exercise unlimited power. Each organ (legislature, executive, judiciary) checks the others, resulting in a balance of power. Ans 9.
(d) Different political parties Coalition government is formed when two or more parties form an alliance and share power. This is an example of power sharing among different political parties. Ans 10.
(c) People have a right to be consulted on governance Moral reasons emphasise the intrinsic value of power sharing. In a democracy, people have a right to be consulted on how they are governed, making power sharing morally correct.

SECTION B - Answers to Short Answer Questions

Ans 11. The minority French-speaking community was resented by the Dutch-speaking community because of economic and educational disparities. The French-speaking community was relatively rich and powerful despite being in minority. The Dutch-speaking community got the benefit of economic development and education much later, which created resentment. This disparity led to tensions between the two communities during the 1950s and 1960s. Ans 12. Horizontal Distribution: Power is shared among different organs of government (legislature, executive, judiciary) placed at the same level. Each organ exercises different powers and checks the others.

Vertical Distribution: Power is shared among governments at different levels - involving higher and lower levels of government like Central Government, State Governments, and local bodies like municipalities and panchayats. Ans 13. Power sharing helps reduce conflicts because it ensures that no single community can impose its will on others. When all groups have a stake in governance, they work together rather than against each other. Example: Belgium's power sharing arrangement ensured equal representation of Dutch and French speakers in government, preventing conflicts that could have divided the country. In contrast, Sri Lanka's refusal to share power with Tamils led to civil war.

Ans 14. The two sub-groups of Tamil speakers in Sri Lanka are:

1. Sri Lankan Tamils (13%): They are Tamil natives of the country who have been living in Sri Lanka for generations, mainly concentrated in the north and east of the country.

2. Indian Tamils: Their forefathers came from India as plantation workers during the colonial period. They are a smaller group compared to Sri Lankan Tamils.

SECTION C - Answers to Short Answer Questions

Ans 15. Power sharing is the very spirit of democracy because:

1. People are the Source of Power: In a democracy, people are the source of all political power. Therefore, power should be distributed among as many citizens as possible rather than concentrated in one hand.

2. Right to Consultation: Democratic rule involves sharing power with those affected by its exercise. People have a right to be consulted on how they are governed. A legitimate government is one where citizens acquire a stake through participation.

3. Respects Diversity: Democracy gives due respect to diverse groups and views in society. Everyone has a voice in shaping public policies. Examples: Reserved constituencies for SC/ST and women in India ensure power sharing among social groups. Federal system shares power between Centre and States. Coalition governments share power among political parties. Ans 16. The tension between Dutch and French-speaking communities in Belgium was resolved through innovative power sharing arrangements:

1. Constitutional Amendments: Between 1970 and 1993, Belgium amended its constitution four times to work out arrangements enabling everyone to live together peacefully.

2. Recognition of Diversity: Belgian leaders recognised the existence of regional differences and cultural diversities instead of ignoring them.

3. Multiple Power Sharing Mechanisms: They established equal representation in central government, federal division of power, separate government for Brussels, and community governments for language groups. Result: These arrangements helped avoid civic strife and prevented possible division of the country on linguistic lines. Brussels was even chosen as headquarters of European Union, showing the success of Belgian model. Ans 17. Basic Principle: One basic principle of democracy is that people are the source of all political power. In a democracy, people rule themselves through institutions of self-government. Power should be distributed among as many citizens as possible.

Distribution of Power in Democracy:

1. Among Different Organs: Power is shared among legislature, executive, and judiciary through horizontal distribution with checks and balances.

2. Among Different Levels: Power is shared between central, state, and local governments through vertical distribution or federal division.

3. Among Social Groups: Constitutional arrangements ensure representation of weaker sections, women, and minority communities.

4. Among Political Parties: Competition among parties and coalition governments ensure power doesn't remain in one hand permanently.

SECTION D - Answer to Long Answer Question

Ans 18. Majoritarian Policies Adopted by Sri Lanka: The Sri Lankan government, led by Sinhala leaders, adopted several majoritarian measures after independence in 1948: 1956 Act recognising Sinhala as the only official language Preferential policies favouring Sinhala applicants for university positions and government jobs New constitution giving special status to Buddhism Consequences of These Policies:

1. Alienation of Tamil Community: The Sri Lankan Tamils gradually felt alienated from the government. They felt that none of the major political parties was sensitive to their language and culture. They believed that the constitution and policies denied them equal political rights and discriminated against them in jobs and opportunities.

2. Political Mobilization: Tamils launched parties and struggles for recognition of Tamil as an official language, regional autonomy, and equality of opportunity. When their demands were repeatedly denied, frustration grew.

3. Demand for Separate State: By the 1980s, several political organisations were formed demanding an independent Tamil Eelam (state) in northern and eastern parts of Sri Lanka.

4. Civil War: The distrust between Sinhala and Tamil communities turned into widespread conflict and soon escalated into a full-scale civil war.

5. Devastating Impact: Thousands of people from both communities were killed. Many families were forced to leave the country as refugees. Many more lost their livelihoods. The civil war caused terrible setbacks to the social, cultural, and economic life of the country. It lasted until 2009. Effect on Community Relations: The majoritarian policies completely destroyed the relations between Sinhala and Tamil communities. What started as resentment over language policy evolved into mutual distrust, then open conflict, and finally a devastating civil war. The Sinhala majority's attempt to impose its dominance actually undermined the unity of the nation and caused immense suffering to both communities. This shows that imposing majority will may seem attractive in the short run, but it undermines national unity in the long run and can lead to disastrous consequences.

SECTION E - Answers to Case Study Based Questions

Ans 19.
(a) What was the old notion about political power? The old notion was that all power of a government must reside in one person or group of persons located at one place. It was believed that dispersing power would make it impossible to take quick decisions and enforce them.
(b) How has democracy changed this notion? Democracy has changed this notion by establishing that people are the source of all political power. In a democracy, people rule themselves through institutions of self-government, and power should be distributed among as many citizens as possible rather than being concentrated.

(c) Why should power be distributed among citizens in a democracy? Power should be distributed among citizens because: Right to Participation: In a democracy, people have a right to be consulted on how they are governed. A legitimate government is one where citizens, through participation, acquire a stake in the system. Respects Diversity: In a good democratic government, due respect is given to diverse groups and views. Everyone should have a voice in shaping public policies, not just the majority or those in power.

Ans 20.
(a) What is Tamil Eelam? Tamil Eelam refers to an independent Tamil state that several political organisations demanded be created in the northern and eastern parts of Sri Lanka. It was proposed as a separate homeland for Tamil people.
(b) What caused the civil war in Sri Lanka? The civil war was caused by the majoritarian policies of the Sinhala-dominated government that discriminated against Tamils. The repeated denial of Tamil demands for language recognition, regional autonomy, and equal opportunities led to growing distrust between communities, which eventually escalated into violent conflict.

(c) What were the effects of the civil war on Sri Lankan society? The civil war had devastating effects on Sri Lankan society: Loss of Life: Thousands of people from both Sinhala and Tamil communities were killed in the violence. Displacement: Many families were forced to leave the country as refugees, creating a diaspora and breaking social bonds. Economic Destruction: Many people lost their livelihoods as businesses and infrastructure were destroyed. Social and Cultural Setback: The war caused terrible setbacks to the social, cultural, and economic life of the entire country, effects that lasted even after the war ended in 2009.