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10th Class - Social Science Civics

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10th Class - Social Science Civics
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Power Sharing

Textbook Exercises

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

Answer:In modern democracies, power sharing arrangement can take any of the following terms

  • Among different organs of government Power is shared among different organs of government, such as the legislative, executive and judiciary. This is known as horizontal distribution of power because it allows different organs of the government placed at the same level to exercise different powers. This arrangement ensures that none of the organs can exercise unlimited power. Example : The Mumbai Maharashtra state government to immediately take action and improve living condition for the 2,000 odd children at seven children homes in Mumbai.
  • Among governments at different levels Power can be shared among governments at different levels. For example, a general government for the entire country and governments at the provincial, sub-national or regional level. Such a general government for the entire country is usually called federal government. In those countries, where there are different levels of governments, the constitution clearly lays down the powers of different levels of governments.
  • The finance ministers of various states Nigeria got together and demanded that the federal government should declare its sources of income. They also wanted to know the formula by which the revenue is distributed to various state governments.
  • Among different social groups Power may also be shared among different social groups, such as the religious and linguistic groups. In some countries there are legal and constitutional arrangements whereby socially and economically weaker sections and women are represented in the administration and legislatures This method used to give minority communities a fair sharing power, community government in Belgium is a good example of this arrangement. It 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.
  • The government of Ontario state in Canada has agreed to a land claim settlement with the aboriginal community The Minister responsible for Native Affairs announced that the government will work with aboriginal people in a spirit of mutual respect and co-operation
  • Among Political Parties and Pressure Groups Power sharing arrangements can also be seen in the way political parties pressure groups and movements control or influence power. In such arrangements, power is shared among different political parties representing different ideologies and social groups. In a democracy we find interest groups such as those of traders, businessman, industrialists, farmers and workers. They too, will have a share in government power, either through participation in governmental committees or bringing influence on the decision making process
  • Russia two influential political parties, the Union of Right Forces (SPS) and the liberal yabloko movement agreed to unite their organizations into strong right-wing coalition. They propose to have a common list of candidates in the next parliamentary elections.
Question 2.
State one prudential reason and one moral reason for power sharing with an example from the Indian context?

Answer:Two different sets of reasons can be given in favour of power sharing

  • Prudential reason Power sharing reduces the possibility of conflict between social groups. Social conflicts often lead to violence and political instability, so power sharing ensures the stability of political order. Imposing the will of majority community over other minority groups undermines the unity of the nation. For example, India is a country of unity in diversity. People from different castes, religions and languages live in this country. So power sharing is desirable.
  • Moral reason Power sharing is the very spirit gf democracy. People have a right to be consulted on how they are to be govehed. For example, India is the largest democracy of the world. The government of India is a legitimate government representing the aspirations of Indian masses.
Question 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.

Mattai

Power sharing is suited only for big countries that have regional divisions.

Ousep

Every society needs some form of power sharing ,even if they are small or do not have social divisions.

Answer:We agree with the conclusion drawn by Ousep that every society needs some form of power sharing even if they are small or do not have social divisions

In a democracy people rule themselves through institutions of self governance. At the same time, due respect is given to the views that exist in a society and everyone voice is heard in shaping of public policies in a good democratic government. In a democracy political power should be distributed among as many citizens as possible.

Question 4.
The mayor of Merchtem, a town near Brussels in Belgium, has defended a ban on speaking French in the town 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 power sharing arrangements? Give your reasons in about 50 words?

Answer:The Mayor view that the ban on speaking French in the town schools would help all non-Dutch speakers integrate in this Flemish town, is not in keeping with the s sharing arrangements because the constitution prescribes that the number of Dutch and French speaking ministers shall be equal in the central government. Secondly, the 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

Question 5.
Read the following passage and pick out any one of the of rudential reasons power sharing offered in this we need to give more power to the panchayats to realize dream of Mahatma Gandhi and the hopes our Constitution. Panchayati Raj establishes true democracy. It restores power to the makers of only place where power belongs in the hands of the people. Giving power to is also a way to reduce corruption and increase administrative efficiency. When people participate in the planning and implementation of developmental schemes, would naturally exercise greater control over these schemes. This would eliminate the corrupt middlemen. Thus Panchayati Raj will strengthen the foundations of our democracy?

Answer:Giving power to Panchayats is also a way to reduce corruption and increase administrative efficiency. Thus power-sharing would help to reduce the possibility of conslict between social groups

Question 6.
Different arguments are usually put forth in favour and against power-sharing. Identify those which are in favour of power-sharing and select the answer from the codes given below? Power-sharing?
  • reduces conflict among different! Communities
  • decreases the possibility of arbitrariness
  • delays decision-making process
  • accommodates diversities
  • increases instability and divisiveness
  • promotes people participation in government
  • undermines the unity of a country

Answer:

  • A, B, D, F
Question 7.
Consider the following statements about power sharing e arrangements in Belgium and Sri Lanka?
  1. In Belgium the Dutch-speaking majority people tried to impose their domination on the minority French-speaking Community
  2. In Sri Lanka, the policies of government sought to ensure the dominance of the Sinhala- speaking majority
  3. 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
  4. The transformation of Belgium from unitary government to a federal one prevented a possible division of the country cn linguistic lines
    5. Question 8.
    Which of the statements given above are correct?
    • A, B, C and D
    • A, B and D
    • C and D
    • B, C and D

    Answer:

    • B, C and D
    Question 9.
    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
  5. Power shared among different organs of government
    		6.
  6. Community government
    		7.
  7. Power shared among governments at different levels
    		8.
  8. Separation of powers
    		9.
  9. Power shared by different social groups
    		10.
  10. Coalition government
    		11.
  11. Power shared by two or more political parties
    		12.
  12. Federal government political parties
    		13.

    Answer:

    Question 10.
    Consider the following two statements on power-sharing and select the answer using the codes given below?
    • Power sharing is good for democracy
    • It helps to reduce the possibility of conflict between social groups
      • Which of these statements are true and false?
    • A is true but B is false
    • Both A and B are true
    • Both A and B are false
    • A is false but B is true

    Answer:

    • Both A and B are true

Important Question

Social Science Class 10 Important Questions Political Science Chapter 1 Power Sharing

Very Shor Answer Questions (VSA) 1 Mark

Question 1.
Which language was recognized as the only official language of Sri Lanka in 1956?
Year of Question :(2012)

Answer: Sinhala

Question 2.
Apart from the Central and the State governments, which is the third type of government practised in Belgium?
Year of Question :(2012)

Answer: Community government

Question 3.
Define majoritarianism?
Year of Question :(2013)

Answer: Majoritarianism is rule by majority community by disregarding the needs and wishes of the minority community

Question 4.
What measure was adopted by the democratically elected government of Sri Lanka to establish Sinhala Supremacy?
Year of Question :(2014)

Answer:

  • In 1956, an Act was passed to make Sinhala the official language
  • The government followed preferential policies favouring Sinhala applicants for University positions and government jobs
Question 5.
What is the language spoken by the people residing in the Wallonia region of Belgium?
Year of Question :(2013)

Answer: People residing in Wallonia region of Belgium speak French

Question 6.
What is meant by the system of checks and balances?
Year of Question :(2015)

Answer: The horizontal distribution of power ensures that power is shared among different organs of government-the legislature, executive and judiciary. It allows different organs of government placed at the same level to exercise different powers. The horizontal distribution of power is also called a system of checks and balances. This system ensures that none of these organs can exercise unlimited power. Each organ checks the other

Question 7.
After independence, Sri Lanka witnessed the supremacy of which community?
Year of Question :(2015)

Answer: Sri Lanka emerged as an independent country in 1948 and the democratically elected government adopted a series of measures to establish Sinhala supremacy

Question 8.
Define the term Ethnic?
Year of Question :(2010)

Answer: Ethnic means a social division based on shared culture and common descent. People belonging to an ethnic group need not have the same religion or nationality

Question 9.
What is vertical division of power?
Year of Question :(2014)

Answer: When power is shared among governments at different levels, i.e., the Union or the Central Government, the State Government and the Municipality and Panchayat at the lower level. This division of power involving higher and lower levels of government is called the vertical division of power

Short Answer Questions (SA) 3 Marks

Question 10.
Compare the different ways in which the Belgians and the Sri Lankans have dealt with the problem of cultural diversity?
Year of Question :(2012)

Answer: Both Belgium and Sri Lanka are democracies, yet they have dealt with the problem of cultural diversity very differently

Belgium:
  • Leaders realised that for the unity of the country it is important to respect the feelings and interests of different communities. The Constitution prescribes that the number of Dutch and French speaking people shall be equal in the Central Government
  • Both Dutch and French communities share power on an equal basis at the Centre. Along with the State Government, both communities have a third kind of Government called Community Government which decides on cultural, education and language related issues
  • Between, 1970 and 1993, the Constitution was amended four times to enable all linguistic groups to live together within the same country
    • Sri Lanka:
  • In Sri Lanka, there are two major communities, the Sinhalese speaking (74%) and Tamil speaking (18%). The majority community, the Sinhalese have forced their domination over Tamils, refusing to share power
  • Both communities have lived in tension as the Sinhalese have denied political, educational, religious, employment and economic rights to the Tamils leading to Civil War
  • In 1956, the Government passed an Act to recognise Sinhala as the only official language, thus disregarding Tamil
Question 11.
How far do you agree with the statement that power sharing is keeping with the spirit of democracy?
Year of Question :(2012)

Answer: Power sharing is desirable in democracy because it helps to reduce the possibility of conflict between social groups. Conflict between social groups leads to violence and political instability. Power sharing is a good way to ensure the stability of political order. Imposing the will of majority community over others, in the long run may undermine the unity of the nation. Tyranny of the majority is not just oppressive for the minority, it often brings ruin to the majority as well. 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. Prudential reasons stress that power sharing brings out better outcomes whereas moral reasons emphasize the act of power sharing as valuable

Question 12.
Explain any three consequences of the majoritarian policies adopted by the Sri Lankan government?
Year of Question :(2013)

Answer: Sri Lanka emerged as an independent country in 1948. The democratically elected government adopted a series of majoritarian measures to establish Sinhala Supremacy. Consequences of these majoritarian policies

  • The Sri Lankan Tamils felt that none of the major political parties led by the Buddhist Sinhala leaders were sensitive to their language and culture and the government policies denied them equal political rights which led to increased feeling of alienation among them
  • The Sri Lankan Tamils felt that the constitution denied them equal rights in politics, in getting jobs and ignored their interests. The relation between the Tamil and Sinhala communities became extremely strained as a result
  • The Sri Lankan Tamils launched parties and struggles for the recognition of Tamil, for regional autonomy and equality of opportunity in every field
  • Therefore, the measures adopted by the government to establish Sinhala supremacy led to distrust between the two communities which turned the widespread conflict into a Civil War. As a result, thousands of people of both communities were killed and many families were forced to leave the country as refugees and lost their livelihoods
Question 13.
Why is the ethnic composition of Belgium complex?
Year of Question :(2014)

Answer: Belgium is a small country in Europe, having a population of a little over one crore

  • 59 per cent of the countrys total population lives in the Flemish region and speak Dutch language
  • Another 40 per cent people live in Wallonia region and speak French. Remaining one per cent of the Belgians speak German
  • Whereas in the Belgian capital, Brussels, 80 per cent of the population is French-speaking and 20 per cent is Dutch-speaking
Question 14.
How is Belgiums power-sharing path different from any other country?
Year of Question :(2014)

Answer: The power-sharing arrangements made by the Belgian leaders were different and more innovative than any other country. To recognise the existence of regional differences and cultural diversities, they amended their Constitution four times between 1970 and 1993. The major elements of the Belgian Model are

  • Constitution prescribes that the number of Dutch and French-speaking ministers shall be equal in the Central Government. No single community can take decisions unilaterally
  • The State Governments are not subordinate to the Central Government
  • Brussels, the capital, has a separate government where both the communities have equal representation
  • A third kind of government, Community Government, is elected by people belonging to one language community - Dutch, French and German speaking -no matter where they live. This government can decide on cultural, educational and language related issues
Question 15.
What is majoritarianism? Is it wrong if a majority community in a country rules? Give reasons to justify your answer?
Year of Question :(2014)

Answer: A belief that the majority community should be able to rule a country in whichever way it wants, by disregarding the wishes and needs of the minority is majoritarianism. Yes, it is wrong if a majority community in a country rules

  • The very idea of power-sharing has emerged in opposition to the notions of undivided political power
  • A positive attitude towards diversity and willingness to accommodate it, is good for democracy
  • Power in the hands of one community will make the other community feel marginalised, deprived and discriminated
  • The struggle against such inequalities sometimes takes the path of conflict and defiance of State power as in Sri Lanka

Long Answer Questions (LA) 5 Marks

Question 16.
Analyse how majoritarianism has increased the feeling of alienation among the Sri Lankan Tamils?
Year of Question :(2014)

Answer:

  • In 1956, an Act was passed to make Sinhala the official language
  • The government followed preferential policies favouring Sinhala applicants for University positions and government jobs
  • The Constitution provided for State protection and fostering of Buddhism
  • The Sri Lankan Tamils felt that none of the major political parties led by the Buddhist Sinhala leaders were sensitive to their language and culture and the government policies denied them equal political rights which led to increased feeling of alienation among them
  • The Sri Lankan Tamils launched parties and struggles for the recognition of Tamil, for regional autonomy and equality of opportunity in every field
  • Therefore, the measures adopted by the government to establish Sinhala supremacy led to distrust between the two communities which turned the widespread conflict into a Civil War
Question 17.
"Power Sharing is the very spirit of democracy". Justify the statement?
Year of Question :(2015)

Answer:

  • A democratic rule involves sharing power with those affected by its exercise. Power sharing ensures that people have the right to be consulted and have equal participation in the government
  • In a democracy, each individual has a say in governance through their elected representatives. This is the essence of power sharing that grants equal rights to each citizen
  • Sharing of power ensures that respect for diversity and desire for living together becomes a shared ideal amongst different communities in a country. It actually makes the country united and the administration easier
  • Prudential reasons stress that power sharing would bring out better outcomes by helping to reduce the possibility of any conflict between the social groups
  • Power sharing is a good way to ensure the stability of political order through unity of the nation
Question 18.
Describe the vertical and horizontal forms of power sharing exercised in India?
Year of Question :(2014)

Answer:

  • Vertical distribution of power. Power can be shared among governments at different levels -a general government for the entire country and governments at provincial or regional level. This is the federal form of government
  • When power is shared among governments at different levels, i.e., the Union or the Central Government, the State Government and the Municipality and Panchayat at the lower level. This division of power involving higher and lower levels of government is called the vertical division of power
  • The Constitution clearly lays down the powers of different levels of government. This federal division of power involving higher and lower levels of government is also called the vertical division of power. Example: A key change in the Constitution of Belgium in 1993 was that the regional governments were given constitutional powers that were no longer dependent on the Central Government. Thus, Belgium shifted from a unitary to a federal form of government
  • Horizontal distribution of power. Power is shared among different organs of government, such as the legislature, executive and judiciary. This is horizontal distribution of power. It ensures that power is shared among different organs of government-the legislature, executive and judiciary. It allows different organs of government placed at the same level to exercise different powers
  • In a democracy, ministers and government officials exercise power. They are responsible to the Parliament or State Assemblies. The judges appointed by the executive can check the functioning of executive or laws made by the legislature
  • The horizontal distribution of power is also called a system of checks and balances
  • This system ensures that none of the organs can exercise unlimited power. Each organ checks the other. This results in a balance of power among various institutions
  • Example: In India the judiciary has an independent status. The Supreme Court is the apex court of justice. The Parliament is the legislative body where the laws governing the country are made and the Executive is the implementing body

Important Questions and Answers from the Chapter: Power-sharing

Question1.
What are the different forms of power-sharing in modern democracies?

Answer: Power-sharing in modern democracies takes different forms

  • Horizontal Power-sharing
  • Shared among different organs of government such as the legislature, executive, and judiciary
  • Ensures a system of checks and balances
  • Example: In India, the Parliament, Prime Minister, and Supreme Court have distinct roles. Vertical Power-sharing
  • Shared among governments at different levels, such as national and state governments. Known as federalism
  • Example: Indias Central Government and State Governments. Community-based Power-sharing
  • Shared among different social groups, such as religious or linguistic groups
  • Example: Belgiums community government for Dutch, French, and German-speaking people
  • Power-sharing among Political Parties
  • Power is shared when different political parties form coalition governments
  • Example: Germanys Christian Democratic Union and Social Democratic Party forming a coalition
Question2.
What is Majoritarianism? How did it affect Sri Lanka?

Answer: Majoritarianism is the belief that the majority community should have the power to make decisions, even if it disregards the wishes of the minority

  • Impact on Sri Lanka
  • The Sinhala-speaking community (74%) implemented majoritarian policies
  • In 1956, Sinhala was made the only official language, disregarding Tamil
  • Government policies favored Sinhala over Tamil in jobs and university admissions
  • This led to conflict between Sinhala and Tamil communities, eventually leading to a civil war
  • The war ended in 2009, but it caused significant loss of life and displacement
Question3.
Explain the power-sharing model adopted in Belgium?

Answer:

  • Belgium has a unique power-sharing model to handle cultural and linguistic differences
  • The Constitution was amended four times between 1970 and 1993
  • Key Features
  • The central government has equal representation for Dutch and French-speaking ministers
  • No single community can make decisions without the approval of the other, ensuring mutual respect
  • Powers were divided between the Central Government and State Governments for the Flemish and Walloon regions
  • Brussels, the capital, has a separate government where both Dutch and French communities are equally represented
  • The creation of a community government allows decisions on cultural, language, and educational issues by specific linguistic communities
Question4.
What were the demands of the Sri Lankan Tamils? Why were they denied?

Answer:

  • The Sri Lankan Tamils demanded
  • Recognition of Tamil as an official language
  • Equality of opportunities in jobs and education
  • Autonomy for the Tamil-majority regions in the north and east. Denial
  • The Sinhala-majority government rejected these demands, leading to increased alienation and conflict
  • By the 1980s, Tamil political parties started demanding a separate state called Tamil Eelam
  • This refusal to share power led to a civil war
Question5.
Why is power-sharing important for democracy?

Answer: Power-sharing is important for two key reasons

  • Prudential Reason
  • It helps reduce conflicts between different social groups
  • By sharing power, there is a greater chance of political stability and avoiding violence
  • Example: Belgium avoided civil war through its power-sharing arrangement. Moral Reason
  • Power-sharing reflects the true spirit of democracy
  • In a democracy, people should be consulted and have a stake in how they are governed
  • Example: In India, citizens vote to choose their representatives, ensuring participation in government
Question6.
Compare the power-sharing arrangements in Belgium and Sri Lanka?

Answer:

  • Belgium
  • Power-sharing was designed to accommodate differences between the Dutch, French, and German-speaking communities
  • Ensured equal representation in government
  • Helped avoid civil strife and preserved national unity
  • Sri Lanka
  • The Sinhala-majority government adopted a majoritarian approach
  • Tamil minorities were excluded from political and linguistic representation
  • This led to a civil war, causing significant damage to the countrys economy and social fabric
Question7.
What are the two main reasons for power-sharing?

Answer:

  • Prudential Reason
  • Power-sharing helps avoid conflict between different social groups and ensures political stability
  • Moral Reason
  • Power-sharing is a core value of democracy, where all groups and individuals should have a say in the governance process
Question8.
How is power shared among different levels of government in India?

Answer:

  • India follows a federal system of government, where power is shared between different levels of government
  • Central Government: Responsible for national issues like defense and foreign policy
  • State Governments: Handle regional issues like police, education, and health
  • Local Government: Includes Panchayats and Municipalities for local governance

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