Question

NCERT Solutions Class 10, Social Science, Political Science, Chapter 1, Power-sharing.

For a comprehensive understanding of this chapter and thorough preparation for both CBSE exams and competitive tests, consulting these NCERT Solutions is highly recommended. Crafted by subject specialists, these solutions offer a detailed exploration of all the key concepts presented in this chapter. CBSE is now focusing on Political Science over civics. If Political Science is tree then civics is just a branch of it. This study material is based on the most recent CBSE syllabus.

In these NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Social Science, we have discussed all types of NCERT intext questions, exercise questions as well as multiple choice type questions.

Concepts covered in Class 10 Social Science - Political Science chapter 1 Power-sharing are :

• Belgium and Sri Lanka
• Majoritarianism in Sri Lanka
• Accommodation in Belgium
• Why power sharing is desirable?
• Forms of power-sharing

Our NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Social Science provide detailed explanations to assist students with their homework and assignments. Proper command and ample practice of topic-related questions provided by our NCERT solutions is the most effective way to achieve full marks in your exams. Begin studying right away to ace your exams.

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Answer 1

NCERT Solutions Class 10, Social Science, Political Science, Chapter 1, Power-sharing.

Exercises

1. What are the different forms of power sharing in modern democracies? Give an example of each of these.

Solution:

The different forms of power sharing in modern democracies are:

(i) Horizontal Distribution of Power: The power is shared among the different organs of government, such as the legislature, executive and judiciary. Example: The distribution of power between Indian Parliament (legislature), the council of ministers headed by chief ministers (executive) and Courts of India.

(ii) Vertical Distribution of Power: The power is shared among governments at different levels– a general government for the entire country and governments at the provincial or regional level. Example: In India, power is shared among Central government, State government and local governments.

(iii) Distribution of Power among different Social Groups: Power may also be shared among different social groups such as the religious and linguistic groups.Example: ‘Community Government’ in Belgium.

(iv) Distribution of Power among Political Parties, Pressure Groups and Movements: Political Parties, Pressure Groups and Movements control or influence those who are in power. Different political parties contest elections for power which ensures that power does not remain in one hand and shared among different political parties that represent different ideologies and social groups. Pressure groups and movements influence the decision making process.

2. State one prudential reason and one moral reason for power sharing with an example from the Indian context.

Solution:

Prudential Reason: Power sharing helps in reducing the conflict between various social groups. Hence, power sharing is necessary for maintaining social harmony and peace. In India, seats are reserved for the weaker sections of society. Example: reservation of seats for scheduled castes and scheduled tribes. This allows the weaker sections also to participate in the running of the Government.

Moral Reason: It upholds the spirit of democracy. In a truly democratic setup, the citizens too have a stake in governance. In India, the citizens can come together to debate and criticise the policies and decisions of the government. This in turn puts pressure on the government to rethink its policies and reconsider its decisions.

3. After reading this chapter, three students drew different conclusions. Which of these do you agree with and why? Give your reasons in about 50 words.

Thomman - Power sharing is necessary only in societies which have religious, linguistic or ethnic divisions.

Mathayi – Power sharing is suitable only for big countries that have regional divisions.

Ouseph – Every society needs some form of power sharing even if it is small or does not have social divisions.

Solution:

Ouseph's statement is the most logical, and thus, should be agreed on. Every society needs some form of power sharing even if it is small or does not have social divisions. A democratic society is one where its members or citizens through participation acquire a stake in the system. Power sharing not only prevents conflict between various groups in the society but it also generates a sense of belongingness among them to the society. Power sharing helps to maintain a balance of power among various institutions and also keep a check on how it is exercised. Irrespective of the size of a country or the type of a society, people will be more satisfied where they have a say in the functioning and decision making processes of the system.

4. The Mayor of Merchtem, a town near Brussels in Belgium, has defended a ban on speaking French in the town’s schools. He said that the ban would help all non-Dutch speakers integrate in this Flemish town. Do you think that this measure is in keeping with the spirit of Belgium’s power sharing arrangements? Give your reasons in about 50 words.

Solution:

This measure is not in keeping with Belgium’s power sharing arrangements. The arrangements seek to maintain peace between the French and Dutch-speaking communities. By banning French, the mayor will cause civil unrest. Both the languages should be made acceptable in the town’s schools. This bilingual education system will be a better way to integrate the people of the town.

5. Read the following passage and pick out any one of the prudential reasons for power sharing offered in this.

“We need to give more power to the panchayats to realise the dream of Mahatma Gandhi and the hopes of the makers of our Constitution. Panchayati Raj establishes true democracy. It restores power to the only place where power belongs in a democracy – in the hands of the people. Giving power to Panchayats is also a way to reduce corruption and increase administrative efficiency. When people participate in the planning and implementation of developmental schemes, they would naturally exercise greater control over these schemes. This would eliminate the corrupt middlemen. Thus, Panchayati Raj will strengthen the foundations of our democracy.”

Solution:

The prudential reason for power sharing offered in this passage is giving power to panchayats is also a way to reduce corruption and increase administrative efficiency.

6. Different arguments are usually put forth in favour of and against power sharing. Identify those which are in favour of power sharing and select the answer using the codes given below? Power sharing:

A. reduces conflict among different communities

B. decreases the possibility of arbitrariness

C. delays decision making process

D. accommodates diversities

E. increases instability and divisiveness

F. promotes people’s participation in government

G. undermines the unity of a country

(a)	A	B	D	F
(b)	A	C	E	F
(c)	A	B	D	G
(d)	B	C	D	G

The correct option is :

(A)

A

B

D

F

7. Consider the following statements about power sharing arrangements in Belgium and Sri Lanka.

A. In Belgium, the Dutch-speaking majority people tried to impose their domination on the minority French-speaking community.

B. In Sri Lanka, the policies of the government sought to ensure the dominance of the Sinhala-speaking majority.

C. The Tamils in Sri Lanka demanded a federal arrangement of power sharing to protect their culture, language and equality of opportunity in education and jobs.

D. The transformation of Belgium from unitary government to a federal one prevented a possible division of the country on linguistic lines.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) A, B, C and D

(b) A, B and D

(c) C and D

(d) B, C and D

The correct option is : (d) B, C and D

Answer 2

8. Match List I (forms of power sharing) with List II (forms of government) and select the correct answer using the codes given below in the lists:

	List I	List II
1.	Power shared among different organs of government	A. Community government
2.	Power shared among governments at different levels	B. Separation of powers
3.	Power shared by different social groups	C. Coalition government
4.	Power shared by two or more political parties	D. Federal government

	1	2	3	4
(a)	D	A	B	C
(b)	B	C	D	A
(c)	B	D	A	C
(d)	C	D	A	B

The correct option is : 

	1	2	3	4
(c)	B	D	A	C

9. Consider the following two statements on power sharing and select the answer using the codes given below:

A. Power sharing is good for democracy.

B. It helps to reduce the possibility of conflict between social groups. Which of these statements are true and false?

(a) A is true but B is false

(b) Both A and B are true

(c) Both A and B are false

(d) A is false but B is true

The correct option is :

(b) Both A and B are true

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Choose the correct option :

Power sharing is desirable because it helps :
(a) To increase pressure on government.
(b) To reduce possibilities of conflicts.
(c) To generate awareness among people.
(d) To increase percentage of voters.

The correct option is : (b) To reduce possibilities of conflicts.

2. Which major social group constituted the largest share in population of Sri Lanka?
(a) Sinhalas
(b) Sri Lankan Tamils
(c) Indian Tamils
(d) Muslims

The correct option is : (a) Sinhalas

3. Which of the following is an example of horizontal sharing of power?
(a) Power sharing between different states.
(b) Power sharing between different organs of the government.
(c) Power sharing between different levels of the government.
(d) Power sharing between different political parties.

The correct option is : (b) Power sharing between different organs of the government.

4. Which of the following statements is NOT true?
(a) In Belgium, leaders realised that unity of the country is possible only by sharing power.
(b) In Sri Lanka, the majority community wants to force domination over others.
(c) In Sri Lanka, the demand for more autonomy to provinces populated by Tamils has been granted.
(d) Division of Belgium along linguistic lines was averted due to power sharing.

The correct option is : (c) In Sri Lanka, the demand for more autonomy to provinces populated by Tamils has been granted.

5. Who elects the communist government in Belgium?
(a) People belonging to one language community only.
(b) By the leader of Belgium.
(c) The citizens of the whole country.
(d) The community leaders of Belgium.

The correct option is : (a) People belonging to one language community only.

6. Consider the following statements about power sharing arrangements in Belgium and Sri Lanka :
A. In Belgium the Dutch-speaking majority people tried to impose their domination on the minority French speaking community.
B. In Sri Lanka the policies of government ensured the dominance of the Sinhala speaking majority.
C. The Tamils in Sri Lanka demanded a federal arrangement of power sharingto protect their culture, language and equality of opportunity in education and jobs.
D. The transformation of Belgium from unitary government to a federal one prevented a possible division of the country on linguistic lines.
Which of the statements given are correct ?
(a) A, B, C and D
(b) A, B, and D
(c) C and D
(d) B, C and D

The correct option is : (d) B, C and D

7. Match List I (forms of powe- sharing) with List II (forms of government) and select the correct answer using codes given below the lists :

List I	List II
(i) Power shared among different organs of government	A. Community government
(ii) Power shared among governments at different levels	B. Separation of Powers
(iii) Power shared by different social groups	C. Coalition government
(iv) Power shared by two or more political parties	D. Federal government

(a) (i) – D, (ii) – A, (iii) – B, (iv) – C
(b) (i) – B, (ii) – C, (iii) – D, (iv) – A
(c) (i) – B, (ii) – D, (iii) – A, (iv) – C
(d) (i) – C, (ii) – D, (iii) – A, (iv) – B

The correct option is : (c) (i) – B, (ii) – D, (iii) – A, (iv) – C

Answer 3

8. The Community Government signifies:
(a) The powers of government regarding community development.
(b) The powers of the government regarding law making for the community.
(c) The powers of the government regarding cultural, educational and language related issues.
(d) The government enjoys privileges to safeguard the interest of a particular community.

The correct option is : (c) The powers of the government regarding cultural, educational and language related issues.

9. System of ‘checks and balances’ means:
(a) Horizontal distribution of powers.
(b) Separation of powers.
(c) Put a check on the exercise of unlimited powers of the organs of government by maintaining a balance of power among various institutions.
(d) Federal division of powers.

The correct option is : (c) Put a check on the exercise of unlimited powers of the organs of government by maintaining a balance of power among various institutions.

10. A belief that the majority community should be able to rule a country in whichever way it wants is
(a) Community Government
(b) Federal Government
(c) Majoritarian
(d) Prudential

The correct option is : (c) Majoritarian

11. Power sharing is :
(a) the very spirit of democracy.
(b) separation of powers at different levels.
(c) system of checks and balances.
(d) a type of balancing powers.

The correct option is : (a) the very spirit of democracy.

12. Vertical division of power is :
(a) a system in which each organ of government checks the others.
(b) a type of distribution in which power is shared among different organs of government.
(c) a type of distribution of power which involves the higher and lower levels of government.
(d) a type of government elected by people.

The correct option is : (c) a type of distribution of power which involves the higher and lower levels of government.

13. Coalition government is the government:
(a) based on prudential and moral reasons.
(b) government of the majority community.
(c) the government elected by the people.
(d) an alliance government formed by two or more parties, if no single party gets a majority in the election.

The correct option is : (d) an alliance government formed by two or more parties, if no single party gets a majority in the election.

14. The word ‘ethnic’ signifies :
(a) different religions.
(b) social division on shared culture.
(c) a violent conflict between opposite groups.
(d) a careful calculation of gains and losses.

The correct option is : (b) social division on shared culture.

15. Which are the important features of prudential reason ?
(i) Emphasises intrinsic worth of power sharing.
(ii) Based on careful calculation of gains or losses.
(iii) Based on moral consideration.
(iv) Stresses on beneficial consequences.
(a) (ii) and (iii)
(b) (i) and (iv)
(c) (ii) and (iv)
(d) (i) and (iii)

The correct option is : (c) (ii) and (iv)

16. Which statement justifies the ethnic complexity of Sri Lanka?
(a) Sinhalese – 80%, Tamils – 20%
(b) Sinhalese – 60%, Tamils – 40%
(c) Sinhalese – 74%, Tamils – 18%
(d) Sinhalese – 76%, Tamils – 18%

The correct option is : (c) Sinhalese – 74%, Tamils – 18%

17. Consider the statements on Ethnic composition :
(a) The Ethnic composition of Belgium is very complex because of diverse language speaking people like Dutch speaking, French speaking and German speaking.
(b) French speaking community was in minority and more powerful.
(c) Dutch speaking community was in majority and less powerful.
(d) There was conflict between the French and the Dutch communities.

The correct option is : (a) The Ethnic composition of Belgium is very complex because of diverse language speaking people like Dutch speaking, French speaking and German speaking.

18. Prudential reasons of power sharing stresses on:
(a) The stability of political order.
(b) To reduce the possibility of conflict between social group.
(c) A fair chance/share to minority.
(d) All the above.

The correct option is : (d) All the above.

19. The majority of population in Brussels, the capital city of Belgium speaks :
(a) French
(b) Dutch
(c) German
(d) Roman

The correct option is : (a) French

20. The proportion of Tamils in Sri Lanka’s total population is about:
(a) 8 percent
(b) 18 percent
(c) 28 percent
(d) 38 percent

The correct option is : (b) 18 percent

21. In India, power sharing mechanism does not directly involve:
(a) Judiciary
(b) Legislature
(c) Executive
(d) Industry

The correct option is : (d) Industry

22. Power sharing does not:
(a) accommodate diversities.
(b) speed up the decision making process.
(c) increases conflict among different commuriities.
(d) All the above.

The correct option is : (c) increases conflict among different commuriities.

23. Coalition Government implies :
(a) power sharing among different organs of the government.
(b) power sharing by different communities.
(c) power sharing by two or more political parties.
(d) power sharing within the government at different levels.

The correct option is : (c) power sharing by two or more political parties.

24. The religion of state in Sri Lanka is :
(a) Buddhism
(b) Christianity
(c) Hinduism
(d) Islam.

The correct option is : (a) Buddhism

25. A strategy under which all the major segments of the society are provided with a permanent share of power in the governance of the country is known as:
(a) secularism
(b) power sharing
(c) majoritarianism
(d) minoritism.

The correct option is : (c) majoritarianism

26. The majority of the population in Belgium lives in:
(a) Wallonia region and speaks French
(b) Wallonia region and speaks Dutch
(c) Flemish region and speaks Dutch
(d) Flemish region and speaks French

The correct option is : (c) Flemish region and speaks Dutch

27. Belgium successfully solved its problem by :
(a) rejecting the policy of majoritarianism.
(b) developing a power sharing mechanism.
(c) respecting the interest of different communities.
(d) All the above.

The correct option is : (d) All the above.

28. The power of different levels of government shows:
(a) separation of powers.
(b) community Government.
(c) coalition Government.
(d) the federal division of power.

The correct option is : (d) the federal division of power.

29. Match the following :
A. Ethnic Composition (i) A violent conflict between opposite groups within a country.
B. Majoritarianism (ii) Based on prudence, i.e., a careful calculation of gains or losses.
C. Civil War (iii) A social division based on shared culture.
D. Prudential reason (iv) A belief that the majority community should be able to rule a country.
E. Vertical division (v) Power is shared among power different organs of the government.
F. Horizontal (vi) Power is involved in the division of the higher and lower power levels of government.
(a) A – (iv), B – (iii), C – (ii), D – (i), E – (v), F – (vi)
(b) A – (iii), B – (iv), C – (i), D – (ii), E – (vi), F – (v)
(c) A – (i), B – (ii), C – (iii), D – (iv), E – (v), F – (vi)
(d) A – (ii), B – (iv), C – (iv), D – (v), E – (vi), F – (i)

The correct option is : (b) A – (iii), B – (iv), C – (i), D – (ii), E – (vi), F – (v)

30. Consider the following two statements on power-sharing and select the answer using codes given below:
A. Power sharing is good for democracy.
B. It helps to reduce the possibility of conflict between social groups.
Which of the statements are true and false?
(a) A is true but B is false
(b) Both A and B are true
(c) Both A and B are false
(d) A is false but B is true.

The correct option is : (b) Both A and B are true

Answer 4

31. Indicate true and false for given statements and give valid reasons:
(a) In Belgium, the Dutch speaking majority people tried to impose their domination on the minority French speaking community.
(b) In Sri Lanka, the policies of the government sought to ensure the domination of the Sinhala speaking majority.
(c) The Transformation of Belgium from a unitary government to a federal one presented possible division of the country on linguistic lines.
(d) The Tamils in Sri Lanka demanded a federal arrangement of power to protect their culture, language, and equality of opportunity in education and jobs.

Solution:

(a) False – because French people tried to impose their domination.
(b) True – As Sri Lanka followed the majoritarian concept.
(c) False – But it helped in power-sharing on linguistic lines.
(d) True – As Tamils were alienated from the mainstream of power-sharing.

In Text Questions

1. I have a simple equation in mind. Sharing power = dividing power = weakening the country. Why do we start by talking of this?

Solution:

Sharing of power does not always mean weakening the country. Sometimes, it may create the problem by delaying decisions which are for the welfare of the people but many times it creates the possibilities of better decision making.

• It ensures that people coming from different spheres have 'say' in the government.
• It also ensures that maximum people can participate in the government making decision more democratic.
• It also helps in reducing conflict between different social groups hence, make country more powerful.

2. What’s wrong if the majority community rules? If Sinhalas don’t rule in Sri Lanka, where else will they rule?

Solution:

Ruling by the majority does not mean oppression of the minority. Sinhalas which are in majority and in government in Sri Lanka disregarding the wishes and needs of the minority. In modern era, oppression is not morally correct to be in power. Democracy works on the majority of opinion, not by major community. A democratically elected government must be sensible to the people's demands and protect citizen's basic rights.

3. In my school, the class monitor changes every month. Is that what you call a power sharing arrangement?

Solution:

This is not power sharing arrangement as the class monitor has all the power at a time and this power is shifted to another in next month. There is no check on his/her power. The power must be shared among others which is an important feature of power sharing.