- They demanded equal autonomy and equality of opportunity in securing jobs and education
- Several political organisations were formed demanding an independent Tamil Eelam state
- This led to Civil War
Question 5.
Why did Civil War broke out in Sri Lanka ?
List the results of the Civil War?
Answer:
- The distrust between the two communities turned into widespread conflict
- It soon turned into a Civil War
Results:
- Thousands of people of both the communities have been killed
- Many families were forced to leave the country as refugees and many more lost their livelihoods
- It has crushed a terrible setback to the social, cultured and economic life of the country
- It ended in 2009
Question 6.
Describe the ways in which power can be shared among different social groups?
Answer:
Power can be shared among different linguistic and social groups in a very accomodating manner like
- In many countries, the constitution provides for the representation of women and weaker sections in the legislature and administration
- In India, SCs and STs are given reservation in Parliament and State Legislatures
- In Belgium different linguistic communities have been given share in power through community government
Question 7.
What led to the ethnic tension in Belgium ?
Why was it more acute in Brussels during 1950s and 1960s?
Answer:
- The economic inequality between Dutch speaking and French speaking was the basic cause of tension
- The issues of majority and financial preference led to the tension between both the groups
- As the capital city of Brussels, the French speaking community was relatively rich and powerful and used to get the economic and educational benefit
- This was resented by the Dutch speaking community which led to the tension between the two communities of Brussels
Question 8.
Read the given extract and answer the following Questions?
The Sri Lankan Tamils launched parties and struggles for the recognition of Tamil as an official language, for regional autonomy and equality of opportunity in securing education and jobs. But their demand for more autonomy to provinces populated by the Tamils was repeatedly denied By 1980s, several political organisations were formed demanding an independent Tamil Eelam (state) in northern and eastern parts of Sri Lanka |
Question 1.
Why was there dissatisfaction among Sri Lankan Tamils?
Answer:
The Sri Lankan govt, had followed the principle of majoritarianism
Question 2.
Write any one step taken by the government of Sri Lanka to alienate Tamils.
Answer:
on-recognition to Tamil language
Question 3.
Which areas of Sri Lanka had the majority of Sinhalas ?
Answer:
Southern part and Western part
Question 4.
Mention any one demand of Tamils.
Answer:
Autonomy in the areas occupied by Tamils
Question 9.
Read the given extract and answer the following Questions?
Belgium is a small country in Europe, smaller in area than the state of Haryana. It has borders with France, the Netherlands, Germany and Luxembourg. It has a population of a little over one crore, about half the population of Haryana. The ethnic composition of this small country is very complex. Of the countrys total population, 59 per cent lives in the Flemish region and speaks Dutch language. Another 40 per cent people live in the Wallonia region and speak French. Remaining are percent of the Begians speak German. In the capital city Brussels. 80 per cent of the people speak French while 20 percent are Dutch speaking |
Question 1.
Explain the ethnic composition of Belgium.
Answer:
- The ethnic composition of Belgium is complex
- 59% of Dutch lives in the Flemish region
- 40% of French lives in the Wallonia region. And the rest of 1% are Germans
Question 2.
Explain the term ethnic?
Answer:
A social division based on shared culture
Question3.
How did the Belgium Government solve their ethnic problem ?
Answer:
The constitution states that the number of Dutch and French speaking ministers shall be equal in the Central government.
No single community can make decisions as per their own will.
In the capital city Brussels also have equal representation to both the communities
Question 4.
What is the population of Belgium ?
Answer:
Belgium has a population of a little over one crore
Question 10.
Read the given extracts and answer the following Questions?
The distrust between the two communities turned into widespread conflict. It soon turned into a civil war. As a result thousands of people of both the communities have been killed. Many families were forced to leave the country as refugees and many more lost their livelihoods. You have read about Sri Lankas excellent record of economic development, education and health. But the civil war has caused a terrible setback to the social, cultural and economic life of the country, It ended in 2009. |
Question 1.
What is Civil War ?
Answer:
Civil War : A violent conflict between opposing groups with in a country that becomes so intense that it appears like a war
Question 2.
Analyse the ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka.
Answer:
Ethnic conflict: Because of Tamils were alienated by Sinhala Govt
Question 3.
What were the demands of Srilankan Tamils?
Answer:
Demands of Sri Lankan Tamils were
- More autonomy to Tamil populated provinces
- Recognition of Tamil as an official language
Question 4.
What was the root cause of the distrust between the two communities mentioned in the passage above?
Answer:
Majoritarianism means the policy followed by Sri Lankan leaders
Question 11.
What is power-sharing and why is it important in democracies?
Answer:
- Power-sharing: Power-sharing is the practice of distributing power among different organs of government and social groups in a democracy
- Importance :
- Power-sharing is important in democracies because it reduces conflict between social groups
- It ensures the stability of political order, and embodies the very spirit of democracy by giving citizens a stake in the system
- It can take the form of horizontal distribution of power among different branches of government, power-sharing among different levels of government, and power-sharing among different social groups
Question 12.
How does Belgium handle power-sharing among different communities?
Answer:
- Belgium recognizes the existence of regional differences and cultural diversities
- It has amended their constitution multiple times to accommodate power-sharing arrangements among different communities
- They have arrangements for equal representation in the central government, such . as ensuring that the number of Dutch and French-speaking ministers is equal
- Belgium also has a separate community government that is elected by people belonging to one language community and has the power to make decisions regarding cultural, educational, and language-related issues
Question 13.
Describe the elements of Belgian model for accommodating diversities?
Answer:
- The Central Government prescribes that the number of Dutch and French speaking ministers shall be equal in the Central Government. Some laws require support of majority of members in both groups. Thus no one group can take decisions unilaterally
- Many powers of the Centred Government have been given to the state governments in both the regions which are not subordinate to the Central government
- Brossels has a separate government in which both the communities have equal representation. French agreed to equal representation in Brussels because Dutch agreed to equal representation in the Central government
- The community government is elected by ministers of one language group no matter where they live. Dutch, German or French. It has power related to the educational language and cultural issues
Question 14.
One of the remedies that are suggested for societies struggling with civil conflict are power-sharing arrangements that accommodate the various parties involved in the civil conflict. Power-sharing guarantees each of the critical players, a significant payoff from cooperation and peaceful behavior. This peaceful behavior can be maintained in the power-sharing arrangements in two ways?
- by providing minimum benefit to each part from cooperation in collective decisions, and
- through provisions that protect group autonomy in sensitive policy areas
- In Lebanon, The Prime Minister must be a Sunni Muslim and the Deputy Prime Minister must be an Orthodox Christian.
Which of the two ways of maintaining peaceful behaviour given above in this an example of
- Give one example each for the two ways of maintaining peaceful behaviour in the context of power - sharing arrangement in Belgium.
Source : Power - Sharing, Agency and Civil Conflicts, Scott Gates 2007
Answer:
- This is an example of providing minimum benefit to each party to cooperate in collective decisions
- The French-speaking people and accepted equal representation in Brussels because the Dutch-speaking community accepted equal representation in the Central Government providing minimum benefit to each party for cooperating in collective decisions^ Community government in Belgium - protect groups autonomy in sensitive policy areas.
Question 15.
Describe power-sharing among governments at different levels. Explain an example?
Answer:
- Power - sharing among governments at different levels refers to the distribution of power between a central government and regional or state governments within a country
- This system allows for the decentralisation of power and giving regional governments autonomy in certain policy areas
- An example of power - sharing among governments at different levels is the federal division of power in Belgium, where the country is divided into different regions, each with its own government and legislature, while still having a central federal government
- This arrangement recognizes regional differences and cultural diversities, allowing for mutually acceptable power - sharing arrangements
Question 16.
What is the role of people in a democracy?
Answer:
- In a democracy, people are the source of all political power
- People rule themselves through institutions of self-government
- Everyone has a voice in the shaping of public policies
- People have the right to be consulted on how they are to be governed
- Peoples participation and stake in the system are essential for a legitimate government
- Power - sharing in a democracy involves saring power with those affected by its exercise, giving citizens a stake in the system
Question 17.
What are the elements of the Belgian model of power-sharing?
Answer:
The elements of the Belgian model of power-sharing are
- Recognition of regional differences and cultural diversities
- Respecting the feelings and interests of different communities and regions
- Arrangements that ensure mutually acceptable power-sharing
- Transformation from a unitary government to a federal one to prevent division on linguistic lines
- Power-sharing among different social groups, such as linguistic and religious groups
- Implementation of community government as a form of power-sharing
Question 18.
Highlight the reasons for the increase in the feeling of alienation among the Sri Lankan Tamils after independence?
Answer:
Sri Lanka got freedom in 1948 are followed the democratic rule over the country. They adopted a policy of majoritarianism. They established Sinhala supremacy and neglected the Sri Lankan Tamils after independence
- The government provides preference to Sinhala community in all kinds of job
- Sinhala became the official language of Sri Lanka in 1956 after passing an act
- Buddhism became the state religion Sri Lankan Tamils felt that all political parties led by Buddhist Sinhala leaders were sensitive to their religion and language
- They denied equal political rights to Tamils. So, they launched parties and struggled against them for regional autonomy and equality of opportunity
Question 19.
- Bengalurus Jalaposhan trust, a citizens collective, collaborates with the Municipal Corporation (BBMP) of Bengaluru to conserve and revive a lake in the city
- In Maharashtra, every level of government was given a stake in taking action against the spread of coronavirus
- State the type of power-sharing arrangement that each of the two examples represent
- In the above examples, who is sharing power with whom
- In which kind of government are such power-sharing arrangements possible
Answer:
<
- In Bengaluru: Power-sharing between pressure groups and people in power
In Maharashtra : Power - sharing between different levels of government
- In Bengaluru: The local body of government is sharing power with a pressure group (citizen collective)
In Maharashtra : The state government of Maharashtra with the municipal and the village panchayats
- Power - sharing arrangements are possible it democratic government
Question 20.
Explain the concept of power - sharing in a democracy. What are the key elements of power - sharing, and why is it considered essential in a democratic system?
Answer:
Power - sharing in a democracy is tftepractice of distributing and dispersing power among various organs of the government, such as the legislature, executive, and judiciary. It ensures that no single entity or group holds absolute power. The key elements of power - sharing include
- Sharing Among Different Organs: Power is divided between the legislative, executive, and judicial branches to prevent concentration of power in one institution
- Sharing Among Different Levels: Power is shared between different levels of government, such as central and state governments, to address regional concerns
- Sharing Among Different Social Groups: Ensuring that various social, ethnic, and cultural groups have a role in governance to avoid exclusion
- Power - sharing is essential in a democratic system for several reasons. First, it helps prevent the tyranny of the majority, ensuring that the rights of minorities are protected. Second, it fosters political stability by accommodating diverse interests. Third, it upholds democratic values by involving citizens in decision-making. Without power - sharing, a democracy can become oppressive or unstable
Question 21.
Read the given extract and answer the following Questions?
Power sharing arrangements can also be seen in the way political parties, pressure groves and movements control of influence those in power. In a democracy, the citizens must have freedom to choose among various contenders for power. In contemporary democracies this takes die form of competition among different parties. Such competition ensures that power does not remain in one hand. In the long run, power is shared among different political parties that represent different ideologies and social groups. , Sometimes this kind of sharing can be direct, when two or more parties form an alliance to cordest elections. If their alliance is elected, they form a coalition government and thus share power. In a democracy, we find interest groups such as those of traders, businessmen, industrialists, farmers and industrial workers. They also will have share in governmental power, either through participation in governmental committees or bringing influence on the decision-making process |
Question 1.
Power - sharing is an essential component of democracy. Give one example to prove the statement?
Answer:
- It helps in reducing the possibility of conflict between the social groups
- Power - sharing is a good way to ensure the stability of political order
- Any other relevant point
Question 2.
How is alliance building ah example of power - sharing ?
Answer:
- When two or more parties form an alliance to contest elections or to form a government is called as sharing of power
- Alliance could be between regional and national parties which is again an example of power - sharing
- Political ideas are shared
- Any other relevant point
Question 3.
How political parties, pressure groups and movements help in controlling or influencing those who are in power ?
Answer:
- Freedom of choice entails competition among the different parties
- Such competition ensures that power does not remain in one hand, but is shared among different political parties representing different idealogies and social groups
- Any other relevant point
Question 22.
Read the given extracts and answer the following Questions?
These ethnic groups had religious differences as the Serbs were Orthodox, the Croats were Catholics and the Muslims followed Islam. As a compromise, Dayton agreement was designed It proposed power-sharing as a solution to reduce the conflict. Dayton consisted of both territorial and political power sharing.
A system was chosen where the national ethnicities were separated by territory. There is significant autonomy granted to the separate entities, since they each have their own presidents, parliaments and other governing bodies, which are responsible for policy making on the entity level. So instead of having one president, the entire population of Bosnia is represented by a three-presidency which consists of a Bosniak, a Croat ayd a Serb. The 42 seats of the House of Representatives are chosen by proportional representation which results in a corresponding reflection of the population. The seats in the other house, House , of Peoples, are equally divided amongst the ethnicities.
There is clear political and territorial power - sharing found within the case of Boshia-Herzegovina. Although the Dayton Agreement did stop the violence and stabilised the conflict, it seems to have made the ethnic differences more rigid.
Source (edited) : The Experience of power - sharing through Bosnia-Herzegovina, Wdgeningen University, 2014 |
Question 1.
What was the reason for the conflict in the Bosnian territory ?
Answer:
Ethnic and religious differences between the three communities were the reason for the conflict in Bosnian territory
Question 2.
Mention the two forms of power-sharing that were proposed as a solution to the conflict.
Answer:
The two forms of power - sharing that were proposed as solution to the conflict are as follows
- Territorial power - sharing
- Political power - sharing
Question 3.
Mention one example each for the two forms of power - sharing that was adopted in the Bosnian territory?
Answer:
- Territorial power - sharing: The national ethnicities were separated by territory
- Political power - sharing : Proportional representation in the House of Representatives
Question 4.
Mention one positive effect that power - sharing had on the conflict in the Bosnian territory.
Answer:
Power - sharing reduced the violence in the territory
AP 10th Class Social Political Science 1st Lesson Important Questions: 2 Marks
Question 1.
What is a coalition government ?
Answer:
A coalition government is a cabinet of parliamentary government in which several parties co-operate. It generally happens when no party gets a majority in the parliament and several parties join together to prove their majority
Question 2.
Evaluate the impact of Civil War on Sri Lanka?
Answer:
- Due to the violent conflict between Tamils and Sinhalese thousands of people of both the communities have been killed
- Many families were forced to leave the country as refugees and many more lost their livelihoods
- The Civil War was has caused a terrible setback to the social, cultural and economic life of the country
Question 3.
State any two factors responsible for ethnic tension in Belgium?
Answer:"
- Regional and cultural diversity : Regional and cultural diversity was one of the most important factor for ethnic tension in Belgium.
- Economic disparity: The French speaking people though in minority were relatively rich and powerful
This was resented by theDutch speaking community who got the benefit of economic development and education much later
Question 4.
Power sharing is necessary in a democracy state two reasons?
Answer:
- It helps to reduce the possibility of conflict between different social groups
- Power sharing is the very spirit of democracy
Question 5.
What is the difference between prudential and moral reasons for power sharing ?
Answer:
Prudential reasons stress that power sharing will bring out better outcome whereas moral reasons emphasize the very act of power sharing as valuable
Question 6.
Explain the ethnic problem of Sri Lanka?
Answer:
- in Sri Lanka the Sinhala community owned the bigger majority and imposed its will on the entire country, the problem was who is going to hold power and enjoy the economic benefits
- All the major university positions were to be reserved for Sinhalese only
Question 7.
Mention the four types of power sharing?
Answer:
- Power sharing among different organs of government
- Power sharing among government at different levels
- Power sharing among different social groups
- Power sharing in the form of political parties, pressure groups and governments
Question 8.
Power sharing is the very spirit of democracy. Justify the statement?
Answer:
Power sharing is the spirit of democracy because
- It helps to reduce the conflict between social groups
- It is a good way to ensure the stability of the political order
- Here, people have the right to be consulted on how they are to be governed
- Thus a legitimate government is one where citizens through participation, acquire a stake in the system
Question 9.
Why was the minority French speaking community relatively rich and powerful ?
Answer:
The minority French speaking people community relatively rich and powerful because
- They were well - qualified and educated
- Their education helped them to expand business and they were well - settled
Question 10.
Why did the feeling of alienation increase among the Sri Lankan Tamils in 1956 ?
Answer:
- Due to the Act passed in 1956 to make Sinhala the official language of Sri Lanka disregarding Tamil
- The government followed preferential policies in government jobs favouring Sinhala applicants
Question 11.
State any one step taken in Belgium to rule out the problem of regional differences and cultural diversities?
Answer:
- The constitution prescribes equal number of French and Dutch speaking people in central government so single community cannot make decisions
- They gave equal representation to both communities in the Central Cabinet of Ministers
Question 12.
- State whether the following statement is true or false. Power - sharing is effective only for small countries like Belgium.
- Given an example to support your answer
Answer:
- False
- Power-sharing is not just effective for small countries like Belgium or Sri Lanka. It is effective in large countries like India. In India, power is shared among different social groups and among different organs of the government
Question 13.
What steps did the Belgian leaders take to ensure regional differences and cultural diversities were recognized in the country?
Answer:
- The Belgian leaders recognized the existence of regional differences and cultural diversities in the country
- They amended the constitution four times between 1970 and 1993 to work out a power-sharing arrangement that would enable everyone to live together within the same country
Question 14.
What is the consequence of a majority community refusing to share power, as seen in Sri Lanka?
Answer:
- The consequence of a majority community refusing to share power in Sri Lanka is conflict and division in the country leading to a civil war
- This refusal to share power undermines the unity of the nation and causes a setback to the social, cultural, and economic life of Sri Lanka
Question 15.
How does power-sharing reduce the possibility of conflict between social groups?
Answer:
Power-sharing reduces the possibility of conflict between social groups by
- Ensuring that different social groups have a stake in the political system and are involved in decision-making processes
- Allowing for the recognition and accommodation of diverse interests and perspectives, avoiding the dominance of any single social group and promoting cooperatioh and compromise
Question 16.
Why is power-sharing considered the essence of democracy?
Answer:
- Power-sharing is considered the essence of democracy because it ensures that the exercise of power is not concentrated in the hands of a few individuals or groups
- Power-sharing allows all those affected by the exercise of power to have a say in the decision-making process and gives citizens a stake in the system
Question 17.
What is the significance of the government of Ontario working with aboriginal people in a spirit of mutual respect and cooperation?
Refer to document snippet.
Answer:
The significance of the governmerirof Ontario working with aboriginal people in a spirit of mutual respect and cooperation is
- It fosters positive relationships and understanding between the government and aboriginal communities
- It promotes inclusivity and ensures that the interests and perspectives of aboriginal people are taken into account in decision-making processes
Question 18.
Why is power-sharing considered valuable from a moral perspective?
Answer:
- Power - sharing is considered valuable from a moral perspective because it embodies involves sharing power with those affected by its exercise and giving citizens a stake in the system
- Power - sharing is seen as valuable because it allows diverse groups and views in society to have a voice in shaping public policies and ensures that power is distributed among as many citizens as possible
Question 19.
Explain how the power-sharing arrangement in Belgium is different from other countries.
Annswer:
The power-sharing arrangement in Belgium can be summarised as follows
- The leaders in Belgium have recognized the importance of respecting regional differences and cultural diversities in order to maintain the unity of the country
- This has led to mutually acceptable power-sharing arrangements
Question 20.
What are the different reasons for power-sharing in democracies?
How are prudential reasons different from moral reasons?
Answer:
Different reasons for power-sharing in democracies
- Prudential reasons: Power-sharing reduces the possibility of conflict between social groups and ensures the stability of political order
- Document Snippet: Moral reasons: Power-sharing is the very spirit of democracy, as it involves sharing power with those affected by its exercise and giving citizens a stake in the system
AP 10th Class Social Political Science 1st Lesson Important Questions: 1 Mark
Question 1.
Which community in Belgium was relatively rich and powerful?
Answer:
The Minority French speaking
Question 2.
Which are the border countries of Belgium?
Answer:
The border countries of Belgium are Netherlands, French and Germany
Question 3.
Which languages are spoken in Belgium?
What is their percentage?
Answer:
Dutch, French and German languages are spoken in Belgium.
Dutch - 59%
French - 49%
Germany -1 %
Question 4.
What is the percentage of French and Dutch speaking people in the capital city of Brussels ?
Answer:
- Sri Lankan Tamils
- Indian Tamils
Question 15.
When did Sri Lanka emerge as an Independent Nation ?
Answer:
1948
Question 16.
Name the ethnic groups of Sri Lanka which were involved in a Civil War ?
Answer:
Question 24.
What is horizontal distribution of power ?
Answer:
Under horizontal distribution, power is shared among different organs of government, such as legislature, executive and judiciary
Question 25.
Give one example of power sharing among different social groups.
Answer:
Community government in Belgium is a good example of power sharing among different social groups
Question 26.
Give an example of power sharing among different political parties in a democracy.
Answer:
Some times different political parties with different ideologies form an alliance. They contest in elections jointly and after winning in the elections there parties form a coalition government. Example : UPA and NDA
Question 27.
What are reserved constituencies ?
Answer:
Reserved constituencies are constituencies in which seats are reserved for Scheduled Castes and Tribes based on the size of their population
Question 28.
What is the need of Reserved Constituencies in India ?
Answer:
Reserved constituencies were created by the constitution makers because they were worried that in an open electoral competition, certain weaker sections do not stand a good chance to get elected to the Lok Sabha and the State Legislative Assemblies
Question 29.
How many times between 1970 and 1993 was the Belgium constitution amended ?
Answer:
Between 1970 and 1993 the Belgium constitution amended for four times
Question 30.
Study the map thoroughly and mention the languages that are dominantly present in Belgium?
Answer:
Languages that are dominantly present in Belgium are; i) French, ii) Dutch
Question 31.
Which one of the following languages was declared as the official language of Sri Lanka by an Act passed in 1956 ?
- Tamil
- Sinhala
- Hindi
- English
Answer:
Sinhala
Question 32.
Which one of the following countries adopted majoritarianism in their Constitution?
- Nepal
- India
- Sri Lanka
- Bangladesh
Answer:
Sri Lanka
Question 33.
Which one of the following ethnic communities is in majority in Sri Lanka ?
- Sri Lankan Tamils
- Indian Tamils
- Muslims
- Sinhalese
Answer:
Sinhalese
Question 34.
Consider the following statements regarding power - sharing arrangements in Belgium and identify the incorrect one from the following ?
- Equal number of members from Dutch and French community in the central government
- Separate government for Brussels with equal representation of the communities
- The statement government to be subordinate to the central government
- Community government elected by people belonging to one language community
Answer:
The statement government to be subordinate to the central government
Question 35.
Which one of the following elements is not included in the Belgium model?
- Dutch and French speaking ministers shall be equal in the government
- Many powers of the central government have been given to state governments
- Brussels has a separate government in which both the communities have equal representations
- There is a community government which has special powers of administration
Answer:
There is a community government which has special powers of administration
Question 36.
Which of the following statements accurately distinguishes between Majoritarianism and power - sharing ?
Answer:
Majoritarianism emphasizes the dominance of the majority community, while Power sharing emphasizes the sharing of power among different groups
- Majoritarianism emphasizes the need for consensus building, while Power - sharing , emphasizes the exclusion of minority groups
- Majoritarianism emphasizes the importance of accommodating minority interests, while Power - sharing emphasizes the need for majority rule
- Majoritarianism emphasizes the need for peaceful resolution of conflicts, while Power - sharing emphasizes the use of force to impose the majoritys will
- Majoritarianism emphasizes the dominance of the majority community, while Power sharing emphasizes the sharing of power among different groups
Question 37.
Consider the following statements on Power - sharing and choose the correct option?
- Majoritarianism is the real spirit of democracy
- It creates balance and harmony in different groups
- It reduces the possibility of conflict among social groups
- Power sharing is the essence of democracy
- I, II and III
- II, III and IV
- I, III and IV
- I, II and IV
Answer:
II, III and IV
Question 38.
Consider the following statements on Power - sharing and select the answer using the codes given below ?
- It is good for democracy
- It creates harmony in different groups
- It brings transparency in the governance
- It brings socio-political competition among parties
- I, II & III
- II, III & IV
- I, III & IV
- I, II & IV
Answer:
I, II & III