Class 10 Social Science Chapter 13 Power Sharing (Civics) Practice Paper 4

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. Belgium is smaller in area than which Indian state?
(a) Punjab
(b) Haryana
(c) Kerala
(d) Gujarat

Q2. What percentage of German speakers live in Belgium?
(a) 1%
(b) 5%
(c) 10%
(d) 15%

Q3. Where are Sri Lankan Tamils mainly concentrated?
(a) In the capital Colombo
(b) In the north and east of the country
(c) Throughout the country equally
(d) In the central highlands

Q4. The demand for regional autonomy by Sri Lankan Tamils was:
(a) Accepted by the government
(b) Partially accepted
(c) Repeatedly denied
(d) Never made

Q5. In Belgium, special laws require the support of:
(a) Simple majority
(b) Two-thirds majority
(c) Majority of members from each linguistic group
(d) Only the Prime Minister

Q6. Civil war is defined as:
(a) War between two countries
(b) Violent conflict between opposing groups within a country
(c) Economic conflict
(d) Political debate

Q7. During which decades did tensions grow in Belgium between Dutch and French speakers?
(a) 1930s and 1940s
(b) 1950s and 1960s
(c) 1970s and 1980s
(d) 1990s and 2000s

Q8. Ethnic composition refers to division based on:
(a) Economic status only
(b) Shared culture, physical type, or common descent
(c) Political ideology
(d) Educational qualifications

Q9. A legitimate government is one where:
(a) Only the majority rules
(b) Military controls power
(c) Citizens acquire a stake through participation
(d) One party dominates

Q10. Reserved constituencies in India are an example of power sharing among:
(a) Political parties
(b) Different levels of government
(c) Different social groups
(d) Organs of government

SECTION B - Short Answer Questions (2 marks each)

Q11. What is the population of Belgium? How does it compare to an Indian state? (2)

Q12. What is meant by 'tyranny of the majority'? How does it affect society? (2)

Q13. How are prudential reasons different from moral reasons? Give one example of each. (2)

Q14. Name any two countries that border Belgium. What is the capital of Belgium? (2)

SECTION C - Short Answer Questions (3 marks each)

Q15. Why did the Sri Lankan Tamils feel discriminated against? Explain three reasons. (3)

Q16. "In Belgium, the leaders realised that unity is possible only by respecting diversity." Explain this statement with reference to Belgian power sharing model. (3)

Q17. How has the old notion of undivided political power changed with the emergence of democracy? Explain. (3)

SECTION D - Long Answer Question (5 marks)

Q18. "Power sharing is good for democracies." Justify this statement with arguments based on both prudential and moral reasons. Support your answer with suitable examples. (5)

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

Q19. Read the following case and answer the questions that follow: "Apart from the Central and the State Government, there is a third kind of government in Belgium. This 'community government' is elected by people belonging to one language community – Dutch, French and German-speaking – no matter where they live. This government has the power regarding cultural, educational and language-related issues."
(a) What is community government in Belgium? (1)
(b) Who elects the community government? (1)
(c) Why is community government an innovative feature of Belgian power sharing? (2)

Q20. Read the following case and answer the questions that follow: "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."
(a) What makes a government legitimate according to the passage? (1)
(b) Why should power be shared with those affected by its exercise? (1)
(c) How does power sharing make democracy more effective? (2) DETAILED ANSWER KEY - PAPER 04

SECTION A - Answers to MCQs

Ans 1.
(b) Haryana Belgium is a small country in Europe, smaller in area than the state of Haryana. It has a population of a little over one crore, about half the population of Haryana. Ans 2.
(a) 1% In Belgium, remaining one per cent of the Belgians speak German. The majority speak either Dutch (59%) or French (40%). Ans 3.
(b) In the north and east of the country Sri Lankan Tamils are concentrated in the north and east of the country. They constitute 13% of the total population. Ans 4.
(c) Repeatedly denied The Sri Lankan Tamils' demand for more autonomy to provinces populated by Tamils was repeatedly denied by the Sinhala-dominated government, which eventually led to demands for a separate state.

Ans 5.
(c) Majority of members from each linguistic group In Belgium, some special laws require the support of majority of members from each linguistic group (Dutch and French). This ensures that no single community can make decisions unilaterally. Ans 6.
(b) Violent conflict between opposing groups within a country Civil war is defined as a violent conflict between opposing groups within a country that becomes so intense that it appears like a war. Sri Lanka experienced such a civil war between Sinhala and Tamil communities.

Ans 7.
(b) 1950s and 1960s The tension between the Dutch-speaking and French-speaking communities in Belgium was more acute during the 1950s and 1960s, particularly in Brussels. Ans 8.
(b) Shared culture, physical type, or common descent Ethnic composition refers to 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 or both. Ans 9.
(c) Citizens acquire a stake through participation A legitimate government is one where citizens, through participation, acquire a stake in the system. People have a right to be consulted on how they are to be governed.

Ans 10.
(c) Different social groups Reserved constituencies in India are an example of power sharing among different social groups. They ensure representation of socially weaker sections like SC/ST in legislatures.

SECTION B - Answers to Short Answer Questions

Ans 11. Belgium has a population of a little over one crore (about 10 million). This is about half the population of Haryana. Despite its small size and population, Belgium has a very complex ethnic composition with multiple language communities living together. Ans 12. Tyranny of the Majority: It refers to a situation where the majority community rules by disregarding the wishes and needs of the minority. The majority imposes its will on others. Effects on Society: Tyranny of the majority is not just oppressive for the minority; it often affects the majority adversely as well. It leads to conflicts, undermines national unity, can cause civil wars, and ultimately harms the entire society including the majority community. The Sri Lankan civil war is an example of how such tyranny destroyed peace and prosperity for everyone.

Ans 13. Prudential Reasons: These are based on prudence or careful calculation of gains and losses. They stress that power sharing will bring out better outcomes like reduced conflicts and political stability. Example: Belgium adopted power sharing to avoid civic strife and possible division of the country - this was a prudential decision based on practical benefits. Moral Reasons: These are based on ethical principles and emphasise the intrinsic value of power sharing. Power sharing is considered morally correct regardless of outcomes.

Example: In a democracy, people have a right to be consulted on governance - this is a moral principle that justifies power sharing. Ans 14. Two countries bordering Belgium:

1. France

2. Netherlands (Other correct answers: Germany, Luxembourg) Capital of Belgium: Brussels is the capital city of Belgium. Interestingly, 80% of Brussels population speaks French while 20% are Dutch-speaking.

SECTION C - Answers to Short Answer Questions

Ans 15. The Sri Lankan Tamils felt discriminated against due to the following reasons:

1. Language Discrimination: The 1956 Act recognised Sinhala as the only official language, thus disregarding Tamil. This made it difficult for Tamil-speaking citizens to access government services, education, and participate in public life. They felt that none of the major political parties was sensitive to their language and culture.

2. Educational and Employment Discrimination: The governments followed preferential policies that favoured Sinhala applicants for university positions and government jobs. This denied Tamils equal opportunities in getting education and employment, discriminating against them systematically.

3. Religious Discrimination: A new constitution stipulated that the state shall protect and foster Buddhism, the religion of the Sinhala majority. This showed preference to one religion and ignored the interests of other religious communities, particularly Hindu Tamils. The Tamils felt that the constitution and government policies denied them equal political rights. These cumulative measures of discrimination gradually increased the feeling of alienation among the Sri Lankan Tamils. Ans 16. The statement reflects the core philosophy behind Belgium's successful power sharing model:

Recognition of Diversity: Belgian leaders recognised the existence of regional differences and cultural diversities instead of trying to suppress them or impose one group's will on others. They understood that forcing unity through domination would only create more problems. Accommodative Approach: Between 1970 and 1993, they amended their constitution four times to work out arrangements that would enable everyone to live together within the same country. This shows their commitment to finding

solutions through accommodation rather than domination.

Respecting All Communities: The Belgian model includes several provisions that respect diversity: Equal number of Dutch and French-speaking ministers in central government despite population differences Federal system giving autonomy to regions Separate government for Brussels with equal representation Community governments allowing each language group to manage its cultural affairs Result: This realisation and the resulting arrangements helped avoid civic strife, prevented possible division of the country on linguistic lines, and led to Brussels being chosen as the headquarters of the European Union.

Belgium proves that unity comes from respecting diversity, not suppressing it. Ans 17. Old Notion 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. It was felt that if the power to decide is dispersed, it would not be possible to take quick decisions and to enforce them. This notion supported concentration of power. Changes Brought by Democracy: These notions have changed with the emergence of democracy in the following ways:

1. People as Source of Power: One basic principle of democracy is that people are the source of all political power. Therefore, power should be distributed among citizens rather than concentrated in one place.

2. Institutions of Self-Government: In a democracy, people rule themselves through institutions of self-government. Multiple institutions share power rather than power being concentrated in one institution.

3. Respect for Diversity: In a good democratic government, due respect is given to diverse groups and views that exist in society. Everyone has a voice in shaping of public policies, requiring power to be shared.

4. Multiple Forms of Power Sharing: Modern democracies have developed various forms of power sharing - among organs of government, among levels of government, among social groups, and among political parties. This dispersion of power is now seen as essential for democracy rather than as an obstacle. Thus, democracy has transformed the understanding of power from something that must be concentrated to something that must be distributed and shared.

SECTION D - Answer to Long Answer Question

Ans 18. Power sharing is indeed good for democracies, and this can be justified on both prudential and moral grounds: PRUDENTIAL REASONS (Based on Practical Benefits):

1. Reduces Possibility of Conflict: Power sharing helps to reduce the possibility of conflict between social groups. Since social conflict often leads to violence and political instability, power sharing is a good way to ensure the stability of political order. Example: Belgium adopted power sharing arrangements which helped to avoid civic strife between Dutch and French-speaking communities and prevented possible division of the country on linguistic lines. Brussels was even chosen as the EU headquarters, showing international confidence in Belgium's stability.

2. Prevents Tyranny and Its Consequences: Imposing the will of the 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 the majority adversely as well. Example: Sri Lanka's majoritarian policies led to a devastating civil war that lasted until 2009. Thousands from both Sinhala and Tamil communities were killed, many families became refugees, and the entire nation's social, cultural, and economic life suffered terrible setbacks. If Sri Lanka had shared power, this destruction could have been avoided.

3. Ensures Better Outcomes: When power is shared, decisions are made with consideration of all groups' interests, leading to more balanced policies and better governance outcomes. Example: India's federal system allows states to make policies suited to their regional needs while the Centre handles national issues, leading to more effective governance than a completely centralized system would provide. MORAL REASONS (Based on Ethical Principles):

1. The Very Spirit of Democracy: 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. This makes power sharing intrinsically valuable, regardless of practical outcomes. Example: In India, every citizen above 18 has the right to vote and participate in governance - this reflects the democratic principle that all affected by power should have a say in it.

2. Right to Consultation: People have a right to be consulted on how they are to be governed. This is a fundamental ethical principle that justifies power sharing. Example: The Panchayati Raj system in India ensures that local people are consulted on local issues through their elected representatives, respecting their right to participate in decisions affecting them.

3. Legitimacy Through Participation: A legitimate government is one where citizens, through participation, acquire a stake in the system. Power sharing creates this legitimacy. Example: Reserved constituencies for SC/ST and women in India ensure that these groups have representation and stake in the system, making governance more legitimate and inclusive.

4. Respects Diversity: In a good democratic government, due respect is given to diverse groups and views that exist in society. Everyone should have a voice in the shaping of public policies. Example: Community governments in Belgium allow each language group to manage cultural and educational matters, respecting linguistic diversity as a moral imperative. CONCLUSION: While prudential reasons stress that power sharing will bring out better outcomes like reduced conflicts and stability, moral reasons emphasise the very act of power sharing as valuable in itself. Both types of reasons are important. Prudential reasons tell us why power sharing is beneficial, while moral reasons tell us why power sharing is right. Together, they make a compelling case that power sharing is essential for any democracy. The contrasting examples of Belgium (which adopted power sharing and prospered) and Sri Lanka (which refused power sharing and suffered civil war) clearly demonstrate why power sharing is good for democracies.

SECTION E - Answers to Case Study Based Questions

Ans 19.
(a) What is community government in Belgium? Community government is a third kind of government in Belgium (apart from Central and State governments). It is elected by people belonging to one language community - Dutch, French, or German- speaking. This government has power regarding cultural, educational, and language-related issues.
(b) Who elects the community government? The community government is elected by people belonging to one language community (Dutch, French, or German-speaking), no matter where they live in Belgium. This means that Dutch speakers from anywhere in Belgium vote for the Dutch community government, French speakers for the French community government, and so on.

(c) Why is community government an innovative feature of Belgian power sharing? Community government is innovative because: Language-Based Rather Than Territory-Based: Unlike traditional governments that represent people of a specific geographical area, community governments represent people of a specific language group regardless of where they live. This is a unique approach not found in most other countries. Protects Cultural Identity: It ensures that each linguistic community can protect and promote its language, culture, and educational interests without being dominated by the majority. Even if Dutch speakers are scattered across Belgium, they can still manage their cultural affairs collectively.

Prevents Domination: This system prevents any one community from dominating others in cultural and educational matters, as each community has autonomous control over these sensitive issues affecting their identity. This innovative arrangement is different from any other country and shows Belgium's creative approach to managing diversity. Ans 20.
(a) What makes a government legitimate according to the passage? According to the passage, a legitimate government is one where citizens, through participation, acquire a stake in the system. Legitimacy comes from people's participation in governance, not just from holding power.

(b) Why should power be shared with those affected by its exercise? Power should be shared with those affected by its exercise because these are the people who have to live with its effects. They have a right to be consulted on how they are to be governed. Democratic rule involves sharing power with those affected by it - this is both a moral right and a practical necessity for effective governance.
(c) How does power sharing make democracy more effective? Power sharing makes democracy more effective in several ways:

Creates Legitimacy: When citizens participate in governance and acquire a stake in the system, they perceive the government as legitimate. This makes people more willing to accept and support government decisions. Ensures Better Representation: By sharing power with all groups affected by decisions, democracy ensures that diverse perspectives and interests are considered in policy-making, leading to more balanced and acceptable policies. Strengthens Commitment: When people have a say in governance through power sharing, they develop a sense of ownership and commitment to the democratic system, making it more stable and resilient.

Prevents Alienation: Power sharing ensures that no group feels completely excluded from governance. This prevents alienation, resentment, and potential conflicts that could destabilize democracy. In essence, power sharing is not just the spirit of democracy - it is what makes democracy work effectively by ensuring participation, legitimacy, and inclusiveness.