Class 10 Social Science Chapter 13 Power Sharing (Civics)

Q1. Which of the following is NOT a form of power sharing? [CBSE 2023] [1] (a) Horizontal distribution (b) Vertical distribution (c) Power sharing among different social groups (d) Dictatorship

Ans: (d) Dictatorship. Power sharing includes horizontal (among organs of govt), vertical (among levels of govt), among social groups, and among political parties.

Q2. Belgium shifted from a unitary to a federal form of government in: [CBSE 2022] [1] (a) 1990 (b) 1993 (c) 2000 (d) 1947

Ans: (b) 1993. Belgium amended its constitution four times between 1970 and 1993 to work out an arrangement acceptable to both Dutch and French communities.

Q3. The ethnic composition of Belgium includes: [CBSE 2024] [1] (a) 59% Dutch, 40% French, 1% German (b) 50% Dutch, 50% French (c) 70% French, 30% Dutch (d) 80% Dutch, 20% French

Ans: (a) 59% Dutch-speaking, 40% French-speaking, and 1% German-speaking. This diversity led to tensions and eventually power-sharing arrangements.

Q4. Majoritarianism in Sri Lanka led to: [CBSE 2021] [1] (a) Economic prosperity (b) Civil war (c) Better democracy (d) Federal system

Ans: (b) Civil war. The Sinhala-majority government policies alienated the Tamil minority, leading to a devastating civil war that lasted for nearly three decades.

Q5. The community government in Belgium is elected by: [CBSE 2020] [1] (a) All citizens (b) People belonging to one language community (c) Only Dutch speakers (d) Only French speakers

Ans: (b) People belonging to one language community (Dutch, French, or German-speaking), no matter where they live, can vote for their community government.

Q6. Which of the following is a prudential reason for power sharing? [CBSE 2023] [1] (a) It is morally correct (b) It reduces conflict between social groups (c) It upholds the spirit of democracy (d) People have a right to be consulted

Ans: (b) It reduces conflict between social groups. Prudential reasons focus on practical/beneficial outcomes like political stability and reduced violence.

Q7. In Sri Lanka, the Official Language Act of 1956 recognised: [CBSE 2022] [1] (a) Tamil as official language (b) Sinhala as the only official language (c) Both Sinhala and Tamil (d) English as official language

Ans: (b) Sinhala as the only official language. This discriminatory measure ignored the Tamil-speaking minority and became a major source of ethnic conflict.

Q8. The system of checks and balances ensures that: [CBSE 2021] [1] (a) One organ of government has all the power (b) Power is shared among legislature, executive, and judiciary UNIQUE STUDY POINT BY SUMEET SAHU | Amitesh Nagar, Indore (M.P.) | www.uniquestudyonline.com Page 1 UNIQUE STUDY POINT BY SUMEET SAHU Class X | Social Science | Pol. Science Ch.1 (c) Only the President has power (d) Military controls the government

Ans: (b) Power is shared among legislature, executive, and judiciary. Each organ checks the others, preventing concentration of power in any single body.

Q9. What percentage of the population in Brussels speaks French? [CBSE 2024] [1] (a) 40% (b) 59% (c) 80% (d) 20%

Ans: (c) 80%. Although Dutch-speaking people are majority in Belgium overall, Brussels (the capital) has 80% French-speaking population.

Q10. Assertion (A): Power sharing is the very spirit of democracy. Reason (R): A democratic rule involves sharing power with those affected by its exercise. [CBSE 2024] [1] (a) Both true and (R) correctly explains (A) (b) Both true but (R) does not explain (A) (c) (A) is true but (R) is false (d) (A) is false

Ans: (a) Both true and (R) correctly explains (A). Democracy is fundamentally about people having a say in governance, which requires power sharing.

Q16. "Power sharing is the very spirit of democracy." Justify this statement with suitable arguments. [CBSE 2024]

Ans: Power sharing is fundamental to democracy: • Against Tyranny: Democracy is against concentration of power in one person or group. Power sharing ensures no single entity can impose its will on all others. • Legitimacy: When citizens feel they have a stake in governance through representation, the government enjoys greater legitimacy and public trust. • Conflict Resolution: Belgium shows that accommodating diverse groups through power sharing prevents conflicts. Sri Lanka shows what happens when power is not shared. • Better Decisions: When power is distributed, decisions are taken after consultation with affected communities, leading to more balanced and inclusive policies. • Unity in Diversity: In diverse societies like India, power sharing among linguistic, religious, and regional groups holds the nation together and prevents disintegration.

Q17. Compare the power-sharing model of Belgium with that of Sri Lanka. What lessons can be drawn? [CBSE 2023]

Ans: The two countries offer contrasting lessons: • Belgium - Accommodation: Despite a complex ethnic composition (Dutch 59%, French 40%, German 1%), Belgium chose to share power equally through constitutional amendments. • Belgium - Innovations: Created community governments, equal cabinet representation, and a separate arrangement for Brussels to satisfy all communities. • Sri Lanka - Majoritarianism: The Sinhala majority (74%) imposed its language, religion, and preferential policies on the Tamil minority (18%). • Sri Lanka - Consequences: This led to alienation of Tamils, rise of militant groups, and a devastating civil war (1983-2009) that killed thousands. • Lesson: Power sharing and accommodation of diversity leads to unity and stability. Majoritarianism leads to conflict, civil war, and national disintegration.

Q18. Describe the different forms of power sharing in Indian democracy with examples. [CBSE 2022]

Ans: Indian democracy practises multiple forms of power sharing: • Horizontal: Power divided between Legislature (Parliament), Executive (PM and Council), and Judiciary (Supreme Court). Each checks the others. • Vertical/Federal: Power shared between Central Government, State Governments, and Local Bodies (Panchayats, Municipalities). Constitution defines each level's powers. • Among Social Groups: Reserved constituencies for SCs, STs, and OBCs ensure representation. Community-based bodies address specific group interests. • Among Political Parties: Coalition governments, opposition parties, and pressure groups all share political space. No single party monopolises power. • Decentralisation: 73rd and 74th Amendments strengthened local self-government, bringing power closer to the people through Panchayati Raj and Municipal bodies.

Q19. Why did the makers of the Indian Constitution opt for power sharing? Explain with examples. [CBSE 2021]

Ans: India chose power sharing due to its immense diversity: • Diverse Society: India has hundreds of languages, multiple religions, and thousands of castes. No single group can claim to represent all Indians. • Federal Structure: India adopted a federal system with a strong centre and powerful states, allowing regions to govern their own affairs while maintaining national unity. • Reserved Seats: Seats reserved for SCs, STs, and OBCs in Parliament and Assemblies ensure that historically marginalised communities have political representation. • Three Tiers: Central government, state governments, and local self-government (Panchayats and Municipalities) ensure power reaches the grassroots level. • Learning from History: The Partition of 1947 showed the devastating consequences of failing to accommodate diverse groups. Power sharing prevents such tragedies.

Q20. Explain the concept of horizontal and vertical power sharing with examples from India. [CBSE 2020]

Ans: Power is shared both horizontally and vertically: • Horizontal: At the same level - Legislature makes laws, Executive implements them, Judiciary interprets them. Parliament can make laws but courts can strike them down if unconstitutional. UNIQUE STUDY POINT BY SUMEET SAHU | Amitesh Nagar, Indore (M.P.) | www.uniquestudyonline.com Page 3 UNIQUE STUDY POINT BY SUMEET SAHU Class X | Social Science | Pol. Science Ch.1 • Example: Supreme Court declared the NJAC Act unconstitutional in 2015, checking the power of Parliament. This is horizontal power sharing in action. • Vertical: Among different levels - Union Government handles defence, foreign affairs; State Governments handle police, health; Local bodies handle local issues. • Constitutional Division: The Constitution has Union List, State List, and Concurrent List to clearly define which level handles what subjects. • Significance: Both forms together ensure no single body accumulates excessive power, protecting citizens' rights and maintaining democratic governance.