CIVICS (Democratic Politics-II) - 10 - Social Science solution
Class 10 - Chapter 1: Power-sharing
1. What are the different forms of power sharing in modern democracies? Give an example of each of these.
Answer:
Power sharing is an arrangement in which power is shared among different organs, levels, groups and political parties in a democracy. It helps reduce conflicts and strengthens democracy.
Forms of Power Sharing
1. Horizontal Distribution of Power
Power is shared among different organs of government such as the Legislature, Executive and Judiciary.
Example: In India, Parliament makes laws, the Executive implements them, and the Judiciary interprets them.
2. Vertical Distribution of Power
Power is shared among governments at different levels.
Example: In India, power is divided among the Central Government, State Governments and Local Governments.
3. Power Sharing Among Different Social Groups
Power is shared among different religious, linguistic or social communities.
Example: In Belgium, special arrangements were made to share power between Dutch-speaking and French-speaking communities.
4. Power Sharing Among Political Parties and Pressure Groups
Power is shared among political parties through elections and coalition governments.
Example: Coalition governments formed by multiple political parties in India.
Hence These forms of power sharing ensure participation, stability and unity in a democratic system.
2. State one prudential reason and one moral reason for power sharing with an example from the Indian context.
Answer:
Prudential Reason
Power sharing helps reduce social conflicts and prevents political instability.
Example: Reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in legislatures helps ensure representation and reduces feelings of exclusion.
Moral Reason
Power sharing is the very spirit of democracy because all citizens have the right to participate in governance.
Example: The Panchayati Raj system in India allows people at the grassroots level to participate directly in decision-making.
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.
Answer:
I agree with Ouseph.
Power sharing is necessary in every democratic society, whether it is large or small and whether social divisions exist or not. It promotes participation, prevents concentration of power, ensures accountability and strengthens democracy. By involving more people in decision-making, power sharing makes governance more responsive and inclusive.
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 this measure is in keeping with the spirit of Belgium's power-sharing arrangements? Give your reasons in about 50 words.
Answer:
No, this measure is not in keeping with the spirit of Belgium's power-sharing arrangements. Belgium's political system was designed to respect linguistic diversity and protect the interests of both Dutch-speaking and French-speaking communities. Banning the use of French would discourage cultural equality and could create tensions instead of promoting harmony and mutual respect.
5. Read the following passage and pick out any one of the prudential reasons for power sharing offered in this.
Answer:
One prudential reason mentioned in the passage is that power sharing reduces corruption and increases administrative efficiency.
When people participate in planning and implementation of development programmes, they can monitor government activities more effectively. This reduces misuse of public resources and improves the quality of governance.
6. Different arguments are usually put forth in favour of and against power sharing. Identify which are in favour of power sharing and select the answer using the codes given below.
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
Answer:
The arguments in favour of power sharing are:
- A. Reduces conflict among different communities
- B. Decreases the possibility of arbitrariness
- D. Accommodates diversities
- F. Promotes people's participation in government
Correct Option: (a) A, B, D, F
7. Consider the following statements about power sharing arrangements in Belgium and Sri Lanka.
Statements
A. In Belgium, the Dutch-speaking majority 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 a unitary government to a federal one prevented a possible division of the country on linguistic lines.
Answer:
Statement A is incorrect because Belgium adopted accommodation and power-sharing measures instead of allowing domination by one community.
Statements B, C and D are correct.
Correct Option: (d) B, C and D
8. Match List I (forms of power sharing) with List II (forms of government).
| List I | List II |
|---|---|
| 1. Power shared among different organs of government | B. Separation of powers |
| 2. Power shared among governments at different levels | D. Federal government |
| 3. Power shared by different social groups | A. Community government |
| 4. Power shared by two or more political parties | C. Coalition government |
Correct Matching: 1-B, 2-D, 3-A, 4-C
Correct Option: (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.
Answer:
Both statements are correct.
- Power sharing is considered the essence of democracy.
- It reduces tensions among different social groups by ensuring participation and representation.
Correct Option: (b) Both A and B are true
Summary of Important Concepts
- Power sharing is essential for democracy.
- It reduces social conflicts and promotes national unity.
- Belgium successfully adopted power-sharing arrangements.
- Sri Lanka's majoritarian policies led to ethnic conflict.
- Power can be shared among organs, levels, communities and political parties.
- Both prudential and moral reasons support power sharing.