Class 10 Social Science Chapter 13 Power Sharing (Civics) Practice Paper 3

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. Which region in Belgium speaks French?
(a) Flemish
(b) Wallonia
(c) Brussels
(d) Germanic

Q2. Belgium has borders with all of the following countries except:
(a) France
(b) Netherlands
(c) Switzerland
(d) Germany

Q3. Most Sinhala-speaking people in Sri Lanka follow which religion?
(a) Hinduism
(b) Buddhism
(c) Christianity
(d) Islam

Q4. Which of the following countries borders with Belgium?
(a) Spain
(b) Luxembourg
(c) Italy
(d) Austria

Q5. In Belgium, State Governments are:
(a) Subordinate to Central Government
(b) Not subordinate to Central Government
(c) Appointed by Central Government
(d) Advisory bodies only

Q6. What percentage of Christians live in Sri Lanka?
(a) 5%
(b) 7%
(c) 10%
(d) 15%

Q7. Tyranny of the majority refers to:
(a) Democratic rule
(b) Oppressive rule by majority that affects minorities and sometimes majority itself
(c) Fair rule by majority
(d) Federal system

Q8. Federal division of power is an example of:
(a) Horizontal distribution
(b) Vertical distribution
(c) Power sharing among social groups
(d) Power sharing among parties

Q9. Which of the following is NOT a form of power sharing?
(a) Among organs of government
(b) Among levels of government
(c) Among social groups
(d) Among military forces

Q10. Interest groups like those of traders and farmers represent which form of power sharing?
(a) Among organs of government
(b) Among different levels
(c) Among social groups
(d) Among political parties and pressure groups

SECTION B - Short Answer Questions (2 marks each)

Q11. How many times was the Belgian constitution amended and during which period? Why? (2)

Q12. What special problem did Brussels present in Belgium? How was it resolved? (2)

Q13. Why is power sharing desirable? Give two reasons. (2)

Q14. What is the difference between Sri Lankan Tamils and Indian Tamils? (2)

SECTION C - Short Answer Questions (3 marks each)

Q15. Explain the consequences of the civil war in Sri Lanka. (3)

Q16. How does the system of checks and balances work in a democracy? Explain with examples. (3)

Q17. What role do political parties and pressure groups play in power sharing? Explain. (3)

SECTION D - Long Answer Question (5 marks)

Q18. Explain the four forms of power sharing in modern democracies with suitable examples from India and other countries. (5)

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

Q19. Read the following case and answer the questions that follow: "Two different sets of reasons can be given in favour of power sharing. Firstly, power sharing is good because it helps to reduce the possibility of conflict between social groups. Imposing the will of majority community over others may look like an attractive option in the short run, but in the long run it undermines the unity of the nation. Tyranny of the majority is not just oppressive for the minority; it often affects majority adversely as well."
(a) What are the two sets of reasons for power sharing? (1)
(b) How does imposing majority will undermine national unity? (1)
(c) Explain the statement "Tyranny of the majority often affects majority adversely as well." (2)

Q20. Read the following case and answer the questions that follow: "The Belgian leaders took a different path. They recognised the existence of regional differences and cultural diversities. Between 1970 and 1993, they amended their constitution four times so as to work out an arrangement that would enable everyone to live together within the same country. The arrangement they worked out is different from any other country and is very innovative."
(a) What path did Belgian leaders take? (1)
(b) How is Belgium's arrangement innovative? (1)
(c) What was the outcome of Belgium's power sharing arrangements? (2) DETAILED ANSWER KEY - PAPER 03

SECTION A - Answers to MCQs

Ans 1.
(b) Wallonia The Wallonia region in Belgium has 40% of the population who speak French. The Flemish region has Dutch speakers. Ans 2.
(c) Switzerland Belgium has borders with France, the Netherlands, Germany and Luxembourg. It does not share a border with Switzerland. Ans 3.
(b) Buddhism Most of the Sinhala-speaking people are Buddhists. The new Sri Lankan constitution even stipulated that the state shall protect and foster Buddhism. Ans 4.
(b) Luxembourg Belgium has borders with France, the Netherlands, Germany and Luxembourg. Luxembourg is one of Belgium's neighboring countries.

Ans 5.
(b) Not subordinate to Central Government In Belgium's federal system, State Governments are not subordinate to the Central Government. This is an important feature of Belgian power sharing that ensures regional autonomy. Ans 6.
(b) 7% There are about 7% Christians in Sri Lanka, who are both Tamil and Sinhala. Most Tamils are Hindus or Muslims. Ans 7.
(b) Oppressive rule by majority that affects minorities and sometimes majority itself Tyranny of the majority refers to oppressive rule by the majority community. It is not just oppressive for the minority; it often affects the majority adversely as well by undermining national unity.

Ans 8.
(b) Vertical distribution Federal division of power is an example of vertical distribution where power is shared between higher and lower levels of government like Central Government and State Governments. Ans 9.
(d) Among military forces Power sharing among military forces is not a recognized form of democratic power sharing. The four forms are: among organs of government, among levels of government, among social groups, and among political parties. Ans 10.
(d) Among political parties and pressure groups Interest groups like those of traders, businessmen, industrialists, and farmers have a share in governmental power through participation in committees or by influencing decision-making. This is power sharing among political parties, pressure groups, and movements.

SECTION B - Answers to Short Answer Questions

Ans 11. The Belgian constitution was amended four times between 1970 and 1993 . These amendments were made to work out an arrangement that would enable everyone to live together within the same country by accommodating regional differences and cultural diversities. The leaders recognised that unity of the country was possible only by respecting the feelings and interests of different communities and regions. Ans 12. Special Problem: Brussels presented a unique problem because the Dutch-speaking people constituted a majority in the country, but a minority in the capital Brussels where 80% speak French and only 20% speak Dutch.

Resolution: This was resolved by creating a separate government for Brussels in which both communities (Dutch and French) have equal representation. The French-speaking people accepted this arrangement because Dutch speakers had accepted equal representation in the Central Government despite being the majority nationally. Ans 13. Two reasons why power sharing is desirable:

1. Prudential Reason: Power sharing helps to reduce the possibility of conflict between social groups. Since social conflict often leads to violence and political instability, power sharing ensures stability of political order and prevents civil wars like the one in Sri Lanka.

2. Moral Reason: Power sharing is the very spirit of 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, making power sharing intrinsically valuable. Ans 14. Sri Lankan Tamils: They are Tamil natives of the country who have been living in Sri Lanka for generations. They constitute 13% of the population and are concentrated in the north and east of the country. Indian Tamils: Their forefathers came from India as plantation workers during the colonial period. They are descendants of immigrant laborers and form a smaller group compared to Sri Lankan Tamils.

Together, Tamils constitute 18% of Sri Lanka's population.

SECTION C - Answers to Short Answer Questions

Ans 15. The civil war in Sri Lanka had devastating consequences:

1. Loss of Human Lives: Thousands of people from both the Sinhala and Tamil communities were killed in the violent conflict that lasted until 2009.

2. Displacement and Refugees: Many families were forced to leave the country as refugees, creating a large diaspora. People lost their homes and were separated from their families and communities.

3. Economic Destruction: Many people lost their livelihoods as businesses were destroyed, trade disrupted, and economic development severely hampered. The country's resources were diverted to the war effort.

4. Social and Cultural Setback: The civil war caused terrible setbacks to the social, cultural, and economic life of the entire country. It destroyed social harmony, trust between communities, and damaged Sri Lanka's international reputation. These consequences show how majoritarian policies and refusal to share power can destroy a nation. Ans 16. The system of checks and balances ensures that no single organ of government can exercise unlimited power. Each organ checks the powers of others:

1. Legislature Checks Executive: In a democracy, even though ministers and government officials exercise power, they are responsible to the Parliament or State Assemblies. The legislature can question, debate, and even remove the executive through votes of no-confidence. It controls the purse strings by approving budgets.

2. Executive Checks Legislature: The executive implements laws made by the legislature. The President or Prime Minister can recommend dissolution of the legislature in parliamentary systems. The executive also initiates most legislative proposals.

3. Judiciary Checks Both: Although judges are appointed by the executive, they can check the functioning of executive actions and laws made by the legislatures. The judiciary can declare laws unconstitutional and executive actions illegal. It protects citizens' fundamental rights. This horizontal distribution of power ensures balanced governance and prevents concentration of power. Ans 17. Political parties and pressure groups play an important role in power sharing:

1. Competition Among Parties: In a democracy, citizens must have freedom to choose among various contenders for power. In contemporary democracies, this takes the form of competition among different parties. Such competition ensures that power does not remain in one hand permanently.

2. Coalition Governments: In the long run, power is shared among different political parties that represent different ideologies and social groups. Sometimes sharing is direct when two or more parties form an alliance to contest elections. If elected, they form a coalition government and thus share power.

3. Influence Through Pressure Groups: Interest groups such as those of traders, businessmen, industrialists, farmers, and industrial workers have a share in governmental power. They participate in governmental committees and bring influence on the decision-making process. This ensures that diverse interests are represented even between elections. This form of power sharing ensures that democracy remains responsive to various sections of society and prevents monopolization of power by any single group.

SECTION D - Answer to Long Answer Question

Ans 18. In modern democracies, power sharing arrangements take four main forms:

1. Horizontal Distribution - Among Different Organs of Government: Power is shared among different organs of government such as the legislature, executive, and judiciary. This is called horizontal distribution because it allows different organs placed at the same level to exercise different powers. Such separation ensures that none of the organs can exercise unlimited power. Each organ checks the others, resulting in a balance of power. Example: In India, the Parliament makes laws, the Executive (President and Council of Ministers) implements them, and the Judiciary interprets them. The Supreme Court can declare laws unconstitutional, while Parliament can impeach judges. This system of checks and balances prevents concentration of power.

2. Vertical Distribution - Among Governments at Different Levels: 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 is usually called federal government. The governments at provincial or regional level are called by different names in different countries. The constitution clearly lays down the powers of different levels of government. Example: In India, we have a federal system with Central Government (Union Government), State Governments, and local governments (Panchayats and Municipalities). Each level has its defined powers.

For instance, the Central Government handles defense and foreign affairs, State Governments handle police and local governance, while Panchayats handle local infrastructure.

3. Among Different Social Groups: Power may also be shared among different social groups such as religious and linguistic groups. In some countries, there are constitutional and legal arrangements whereby socially weaker sections and women are represented in the legislatures and administration. 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. Examples: Belgium has 'community government' elected by people of one language community with powers regarding cultural, educational and language-related issues.

India has 'reserved constituencies' in assemblies and parliament for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes to ensure their representation. India also reserves seats for women in local bodies (Panchayats and Municipalities) with one-third seats reserved.

4. Among Political Parties, Pressure Groups and Movements: Power sharing arrangements can also be seen in the way political parties, pressure groups, and movements control or influence those in power. In a democracy, citizens must have freedom to choose among various contenders for power. Such competition ensures that power does not remain in one hand. Sometimes this sharing can be direct when two or more parties form an alliance and coalition government. Examples: India has had several coalition governments at the Centre (like UPA, NDA) where multiple parties share power.

Pressure groups like farmers' unions, trade unions, and business associations influence government policies through participation in committees and advocacy. Germany's grand coalition government (mentioned in the chapter) where rival parties CDU and SPD jointly ran the government. These four forms of power sharing work together to ensure that democracy remains responsive, inclusive, and stable. They prevent concentration of power and ensure that all sections of society have a voice in governance.

SECTION E - Answers to Case Study Based Questions

Ans 19.
(a) What are the two sets of reasons for power sharing? The two sets of reasons are: (1) Prudential reasons - based on careful calculation of gains and losses, focusing on better outcomes like reducing conflicts and ensuring stability; (2) Moral reasons - based on ethical principles, emphasizing that power sharing is intrinsically valuable as the very spirit of democracy.
(b) How does imposing majority will undermine national unity? Imposing the will of the majority community over others may look attractive in the short run, but in the long run it undermines the unity of the nation. It creates resentment among minority communities, leads to demands for separation, causes conflicts, and can even trigger civil wars. The Sri Lankan example shows how majoritarianism destroyed national unity and led to decades of civil war.

(c) Explain the statement "Tyranny of the majority often affects majority adversely as well." While tyranny of the majority is obviously oppressive for minorities, it also harms the majority community itself. When the majority imposes its will forcefully, it leads to civil unrest, violence, and sometimes civil war. This disrupts the entire country's progress, affects the economy, causes loss of lives from all communities, and damages the nation's international standing. In Sri Lanka, both Sinhala and Tamil communities suffered from the civil war that resulted from Sinhala majoritarianism. Thousands from both communities died, families were displaced, and the entire nation's development was set back. Thus, the majority's attempt to dominate actually harmed them as well by destroying peace and prosperity.

Ans 20.
(a) What path did Belgian leaders take? Belgian leaders took the path of accommodation and power sharing. They recognised the existence of regional differences and cultural diversities instead of trying to suppress them or impose one community's will on others.
(b) How is Belgium's arrangement innovative? Belgium's arrangement is innovative because it is different from any other country. It includes multiple unique features: equal representation of language groups in central government regardless of population size, federal division with autonomous state governments, a separate government for Brussels with equal representation, and community governments elected by language groups regardless of geographical location. This complex multi-layered power sharing system is unprecedented.

(c) What was the outcome of Belgium's power sharing arrangements? The outcomes of Belgium's power sharing arrangements were highly positive: Prevented Conflicts: The arrangements helped to avoid civic strife between the two major communities (Dutch and French speakers) that could have led to violence. Maintained Unity: They prevented a possible division of the country on linguistic lines. Despite having significant linguistic and regional differences, Belgium remained united. International Recognition: When many countries of Europe came together to form the European Union, Brussels was chosen as its headquarters - a recognition of Belgium's success in managing diversity.

Social Harmony: All communities feel represented and their interests protected, leading to peaceful coexistence and enabling everyone to live together within the same country.