NCERT Solutions For Class 10 Civics Social Science Chapter 1 : Power-sharing

We are providing you with the short and detailed notes of class 10th civics chapter ls 1 power-sharing along with the ncert solutions and multiple-choice questions so that students could get help to understand the new pattern and boost their examination preparation.

We would also share some important value-based questions along with the case-based questions to help out the students to go through and be able to prepare accordingly.

Power-sharing in Belgium

  1. Belgium is a small country in Europe.

Division of population-

  1. Flemish ( Dutch-speaking) 59%.
  2. Wallonia ( French-speaking) 40%
  3. The remaining 1% spark German.
  4. In the capital city Brussels, 80% of people speak French, while the rest speak Dutch.
  1. The minority French-speaking community is economically and educationally well to do in comparison to the Dutch-speaking majority.
  2. For accommodating the interests of the minority and the majority, Belgium adopted a unique system of power-sharing.

Belgian model of Governance-

The French and Dutch-speaking ministers are in the central government.

Some special laws require the support of the majority of members from each linguistic group.

Many powers of the central government in which both the communities ( french and dutch) have equal representation.

A ‘ community government’ exists. It is elected by the people belonging to one language community. This government engages with cultural, educational, and language-related issues.

This kind of governance has prevented civil strife between the two different linguistic communities.

Power-sharing in Sri Lanka

  1. Sri Lanka has a diverse population with 74% Sinhala speakers and 185 Tamil speakers.
  2. Among Tamils, 135 are called Sri Lankan Tamils and the rest Indian Tamils.
  3. Most of the Sinhala-speaking people are Buddhists, while most of the Tamils are Hindus or Muslims. There are about 7% Christians, who are both Tamil and Sinhala.
  4. Sri Lanka emerged as an Independent country in 1948.
  5. In 1956, Sinhala was recognized as the only official language of Sri Lanka; thus, disregarding Tamil.
  6. The governments followed preferential policies that favored Sinhala applicants for university positions and government jobs. A new constitution stipulated that the state shall protect and foster Buddhism.
  7. A feeling of alienation was seen among the Sri Lankan Tamil.
  8. 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. This was denied by the Sinhal dominated government.
  9. By the 1980s, several political organizations were formed demanding an independent Tamil Eelam 9state) in northern and eastern parts of Sri Lanka.
  10. These differences in the two different communities pushed Sri Lanka into a state of civil war.
  11. In Sri Lanka, the idea of majoritarianism crumbled the country in a civil war.

Why is Power Sharing Desirable?

  1. Power-sharing helps reduce the possibility of conflict between social groups and brings about political order.

Power-sharing is the very essence of democracy as the participation of citizens is an essential factor.

An intelligent sharing of power among a legislature, executive, and judiciary is very important to the design of democracy.

 

Forms of Power Sharing

The idea of power-sharing has emerged in opposition to the notions of undivided political power.

In modern sharing democrats, power-sharing arrangements can take many forms such as; 

  1. Power is shared among different organs of government, such as the legislature, executive, and judiciary. Each organ checks the others. This results in a balance of power among various organs. This is a horizontal division of powers, as it allows different organs of government placed at the same level to exercise different powers.
  2. Ministers and government officials exercise power but at the same time, they are resp[onsible to the parliament or state. 
  3. Power can be shared among governments at different levels; a general government for the entire country and a government at the provincial or regional level.  Such a government is called the federal government. This is a vertical division of power, as the central government delegates its powers to the state governments, and they, in turn, delegate it to the smaller governing bodies and institutions.
  4. Power may also be shared among different social groups such as the religious and linguistic groups. In some countries, there are constitutional and legal arrangements whereby socially weaker sections and women are represented in the legislature and administration.
  5. Power-sharing arrangements can also be seen in the way political parties, pressure groups, and movements control or influence those in power. This way the power is shared among different parties that rep[resent different ideologies and social groups.
  6. When two or more parties ally to contest elections, this kind of power-sharing can be direct. If their alliance is elected, they form a coalition government and thus are power.

Multiple Choice Questions For Class 10th  Power Sharing

1.  Tyranny of the majority is not just oppressive for the minority; it often brings ruin to:

  1. The minority as well
  2. The country as well
  3. Majority as well 
  4. All the above

Ans- Majority as well.

2. Power-sharing is good because it helps to:

  1. Increase the possibility of conflict between social groups 
  2. Reduce the possibility of conflict between social groups 
  3. Share the powers between the social groups
  4. None of the above.

Ans- reduce the possibility of conflict between social groups 

3. A legitimate government is one where citizens;

  1. Through participation, acquire a stake in the system
  2. Through roles, acquire a stake in the system
  3. Without participation, acquire and take in the system.
  4. None of the above.

Ans- through participation, acquire a stake in the system 

4. One basic principle of democracy is that people;

  1. Can enjoy all the powers 
  2. Can not enjoy all the powers
  3. Are the source of all political power
  4. Are not the source of all political power

Ans- are the source of all political powers

5. In a good democratic government;

  1. Due respect is not given to diverse groups
  2. Due respect is given to  ministers only
  3. Due respect is given to diverse groups and views
  4. None of the above

Ans- due respect is given to diverse groups and views 

6. In a democracy political power should be distributed among;

  1. As many ministers as possible
  2. As many citizens as possible
  3. As many women as possible
  4. None of the above

Ans- as many citizens as possible

7. Judges can check the functioning of laws made by them;

  1. Judiciary 
  2. Executive
  3. Legislature
  4. All the above

Ans- Legislature

8. A general government for the entire country is called;

  1. General government
  2. Central government
  3. State government
  4. Federal government

Ans- the federal government

9. The government at the provincial for the regional level, in India are called;

  1. Zila Parishad
  2. Gram panchayat
  3. Central government
  4. State government

Ans- state government

10. Community government exists in ;

  1. Sri Lanka
  2. Germany
  3. USA
  4. Belgium

Ans- Belgium

11. In a democracy, the citizen’s midst have freedom;

  1. To choose their rights
  2. To choose among various contenders for power
  3. Not to vote
  4. None of the above

Ans- to choose among various contenders for power

12. Power is shared among different political parties that represent;

  1. Different candidates
  2. Same ideologies
  3. Different ideologies and social groups
  4. None of the above

Ans- different ideologies and social groups

13. The government of Ontario state in Canada has agreed to a land claim settlement with the:

  1. Buddhists
  2. Social Groups
  3. Aboriginal community’
  4. Minority community

Ans- Aboriginal community

14. The Bombay high court ordered the Maharashtra state government to immediately take action and improve living conditions for the

  1. 3000 odd women at seven women’s homes in Mumbai.
    2000 odd children at six children’s homes in Mumbai. 
  2. 200 odd children at seven children’s homes in Mumbai
  3. None of the above.

Ans- 2000 odd children at seven children’s homes in Mumbai

15. Belgium has borders with:

  1. USA, Germany, Netherlands, and France
  2. Russia, Germany, Netherlands, and Luxembourg
  3. Canada, USA, Russia, and Luxembourg
  4. France, Netherlands, Germany, and Luxembourg 

Ans- France, Netherlands, Germany, and Luxembourg.

16. Out of the total population of Belgium;

  1. 49 percent lives in the flemish region and speaks a dutch language
  2. 59 percent lives in the Flemish region and speaks the Dutch language
  3. 59 percent lives in the Dutch region and speaks Flemish Language 
  4. None of the above

Ans- 59 percent lives in the Flemish region and speaks the Dutch language

17. The capital city of Belgium is ;

  1. Rome
  2. Moscow
  3. Brussels
  4. Sydney

Ans- Brussels

18. Sri Lankan is just a few kilometers off the southern coast;

  1. Kerala
  2. Tamil Nadu
  3. Karnataka
  4. Maharashtra

Ans- Tamil Nadu

19. Sri Lanka emerged as an independent country in;

  1. 1945
  2. 1946
  3. 1947
  4. 1948

Ans- 1948

20. In 1956, an act was passed which recognized Sinhala as the only official language, thus disregarding;

  1. Tamils
  2. Muslims
  3. Christians
  4. Buddhists

Ans- Tamils

NCERT Solutions For Class 10th Power sharing 

Q1. What are the different forms of power-sharing in modern democracies? Give an example of each of these.

 Different forms of power-sharing in modern democracies-

  1. Horizontal division of power– it is the sharing of power among the different organs of government. The government divides into the legislature, executive, and judiciary which is a perfect example of horizontal power-sharing.  In such power-sharing arrangements, different organs of government, placed at the same level, exercise different powers. This separation of powers ensures that no organ exercises different powers. No orphan enjoys unlimited powers. Each organ checks the others, thereby putting in place a system of checks and balances.  For example, the parliament of India and the Indian supreme court.
  2. Vertical division of power-  it is the sharing of power among governments at different levels- a general government for the entire country and governments at the provincial or regional level. For example; in India, the constitution defines the way power is to be shared between the central or union government and the various state governments. These are certain on which only the central governments can take decisions, while there are others on which only an exclusive right for decision making.
  3. Division of power among social groups- power can also be shared between different groups which differ socially. The system of Community government in Belgium is an example of this type of power division. This government is elected by the people belonging to one language community. And has the power to take decisions regarding cultural, educational, and language-related issues.  The system of reserved constituencies in India is another example.

Q2. state one prudential reason and one moral reason for power sharing with an example from the Indian context.

A prudential reason for power sharing is that it leads to an avoidance of conflict between social groups. Since social conflict often leads to violence and political instability, power-sharing is a good way to ensure the stability of political order. In India, seats have been reserved in legislatures for the socially weaker sections keeping in mind this prudential reason for power-sharing.

A  moral reason for power sharing is that it upholds the spirit of democracy. In a true, democratic setup, the citizens have a stake in governance. In India, the citizens can come together to debate and criticize the policies and decisions of the government. This in turn puts pressure on the government to rethink its policies and reconsider its decisions. This active political participation is in keeping with the moral reason for power-sharing. 

Q3. Different arguments are usually put forth in favor of and against power-sharing. Identify those who are in favor of power-sharing and select the answer using the codes given below? Power-sharing :

  1. Reduces conflict among different communities
  2. Decreases the possibility of arbitrariness
  3. delays the decision-making process
  4. d. accommodates diversities
  5. e. increases instability and divisiveness
  6. f . promotes people’s participation in government 
  7. Undermnienes 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

 

ANSWER-

 

 A B D F

 

Q4. Match List I (forms of power-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

Case study Questions Power Sharing class 10th 

Read the extract and answer the following questions.

The idea of power-sharing has emerged in opposition to the notions of undivided political power. For a long time, it was believed that all power of government must reside in one person or group of persons located in one place. It was felt that if the power to decide is dispersed, it would not be possible to take quick decisions and enforce them. But these notions have changed with the emergence of democracy. One basic principle of democracy is that people are the source of all political power. In a democracy, people rule themselves through institutions of self-government. In a good democratic government, due respect is given to diverse groups and views that exist in a society. Everyone has a voice in the shaping of public policies. Therefore, it follows that in a democracy political forms of power-sharing should be distributed amongst as many citizens as possible. 

Answer the following MCQs by choosing the most appropriate option:

1. The basic principle of democracy is

  1. People are the source of political power
  2. None can exercise unlimited power
  3. The power of a government reside in one person
  4. To reduce conflict between social groups  

Ans- people are the source of political power 

2. Which is a prudent reason for power-sharing?

  1. It reduces the possibility of conflict between communities and ensures the stability of political order.
  2. Power-sharing is the very spirit of a democracy
  3. Both the above options
  4. None of these.

Ans- both the above options

3. Which of the following options describes a good democratic system?

  1. Everyone has a voice in the shaping of public policies.
  2. Power to take quick decisions and to enforce them.
  3. All powers reside in the person
  4. Power is shared among central and state governments

Ans- everyone has a voice in the shaping of public policies.

4. Which of the following is not one of the aspects of the federal division of power?

  1. Sharing of powers among central provincial and local governments 
  2. Division of powers involving higher and lower levels of governments 
  3. The constitution clearly lays down powers of different levels of governments
  4. There is no vertical division of powers.

Ans-  there is no vertical division of powers

Read the extract and answer the following questions

Democracy is based on political equality and all individuals have equal right to choose their representative. But along with this ( political equality), we can see growing economic inequality among individuals. A small number of the ultra-rich enjoy a highly disproportionate share of wealth and income. Due to these, their share in the total income of the country is increasing. On the other hand, the income of the poor is declining. Sometimes they find it difficult to meet their basic needs of life, such as food clothing, house, education, and health. Though poor constitute a large proportion of voters, the democratic governments are not keen to take up poverty. The situation is much worse in some other countries. Like Bangladesh where more than half of its population lives in poverty, even people of poor countries are now dependent on the rich countries for food supplies.

Answer the following MCQs by choosing the most appropriate option:

1. Democracy is based on 

  1. Political equality and that all individuals have equal rights to choose their representatives
  2. The wishes and desires of the people of a country
  3. The principles of the constitution
  4. The foundation of growth and development

Ans- political equality and that all individuals have  equal rights to choose their representatives 

2. Does a democracy hold its purpose?

  1. Yes, it holds
  2. Sometimes yes, and sometimes no
  3. No, it does not
  4. The purpose has hit the target.

Ans- sometimes yes and sometimes no

3. What is the present scenario of society?

  1. There is an equilibrium between the poor and the rich
  2. A small number of ultra-rich enjoy a highly disproportionate share of wealth and incomes
  3. The rich have become the leaders of the nation
  4. The income of the poor is also increasing.

 Ans-  a small number of ultra-rich enjoy a highly disproportionate share of wealth and incomes.

Value-Based Questions Power sharing class 10th 

Q1. How the Belgian government solved its ethnic problem?

The path of accommodation adopted in Belgium.

  1. Dutch and French-speaking ministers shall be equal in the central government.
  2. Many powers of the central government have been given to the state government. The state government is not subordinate to the central government.
  3. Brussels has a separate government in which both communities have equal representation
  4. There is a kind of government called community elected by the people belonging to Dutch-French and German no matter where they live.

Q2. What is Majoritarianism? How has it led to the alienation of the majority community in Sri Lanka?

The dominance of the majority community to rule the country in whichever way it wants, totally disregarding the wishes and needs of the minority community is known as majoritarianism.

  1. In Sri Lanka, there are two communities- Sinhala and Tamils the leaders of the Sinhala community sought to secure dominance over the government under their majority. Sinhala has been recognized as the official language of the country by disregarding it.
  2. The government followed a preferential policy favoring signalized in university portions and government jobs. The government encouraged and protected Buddhism. The distrust has turned into a civil war that has caused a setback to the social, cultural, and economic life of Sri Lanka.

Conclusion

In a nutshell, we have provided you with a short and detailed summary of the Class 10th civics Chapter 1 Power Sharing and the ncert solutions, multiple-choice questions, case study, and value-based questions to help the students understand the latest assessment pattern and prepare for their examinations. 

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