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All questions of Power Sharing for Class 10 Exam

In Belgium, the percentage of French community is
  • a)
    54%
  • b)
    40%
  • c)
    30%
  • d)
    20%
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Vivek Rana answered
In Belgium total population divided as:
  • 40% of the population belongs to French Community.
  • 59% of the population belongs to the Flemish Community.
  • 1% to the German-speaking Community.

Which language is spoken by the majority of Belgians?
  • a)
    German
  • b)
    French
  • c)
    Dutch
  • d)
    English
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Varun Kapoor answered
Belgium has three official languages. Dutch is spoken by 59% of the population, French 40%, and German 1%. Even though English isn’t an official language of Belgium, it is still spoken by 55% of its people.

Which two languages are generally spoken in Belgium?
  • a)
    French and English
  • b)
    Dutch and English
  • c)
    French and Dutch
  • d)
    Dutch and Sinhala
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Kiran Mehta answered
The two languages are generally spoken in Belgium French and Dutch
Dutch is the official language of the Flemish Community and the Flemish Region (merged to Flanders).
French, an official language of the Brussels-Capital Region.

Assertion and Reason Type Questions:
In the question given below, there are two statements marked as Assertion (A) and Reason (R). Read the statements and choose the correct option:
Assertion (A) : Power can be shared among governments at different levels.
Reason (R) : Power may also share among different social groups.
  • a)
    Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
  • b)
    Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
  • c)
    (A) is correct but (R) is wrong.
  • d)
    (A) is wrong but (R) is correct.
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Anita Menon answered
  • Power is shared among different organs of government, such as the legislature, executive and judiciary. This is called horizontal distribution of power because it allows different organs of government placed at the same level to exercise different powers.
  • Power may 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 legislatures and administration.

Can you explain the answer of this question below:

Which community was rich and powerful in Belgium?

  • A:

    German

  • B:

    French

  • C:

    Dutch

  • D:

    None of the above.

The answer is b.

Arshiya Mehta answered
The French community in Belgium is the powerful and rich community . 
French is one of the three official languages of Belgium apart from Dutch and German. 
Nearly 39% of the people in Belgium speak French, and here all major official documentations are written in the French language also.

Which is a prudent reason for power-sharing?
  • a)
    It reduces the possibility of conflict between communities and ensures the stability of political order
  • b)
    Power-sharing is the very spirit of democracy
  • c)
    Both the above
  • d)
    None of the above
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Arshiya Mehta answered
Prudentially power sharing helps to reduce the possibility 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. Imposing the will of majority community over others may look like an attractive option in the short run, but in the long run it undermines 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.

Which language was declared as the only official language of Sri Lanka by an Act passed in 1956?
  • a)
    Tamil
  • b)
    Sinhala
  • c)
    Hindi
  • d)
    English
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Vikram Kapoor answered
The Sinhala Only Act, formally the Official Language Act No. 33 of 1956, was an act passed in the Parliament of Ceylon in 1956. The act replaced English as the official language of Ceylon with Sinhalese. The act failed to give official recognition to Tamil, which had not received official recognition before.
 

Which of the following community is in majority in Sri Lanka? 
  • a)
    Tamil
  • b)
    Sinhalese
  • c)
    Muslim
  • d)
    Hindu
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Neha Joshi answered
The Sinhala community is still the largest majority by far, and constitute 74.9% of the population. The Sri Lankan Tamils are the second largest and now number 11.2%, with the third largest community being the Sri Lankan Moors who make up 9.3% of the population according to the 2012 census.

Which of the following countries have federal division of powers?
  • a)
    India
  • b)
    Belgium
  • c)
    Sri Lanka
  • d)
    Both (a) and (b)
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Kiran Mehta answered
Article 1 of the Constitution describes India as a “Union of States.” ... India is not a true federation. It combines the features of a federal government and the features of a unitary government which can also be called the non-federal features. Because of this, India is regarded as a semi-federal state. . The ethnic composition of Belgium is very complex because in that country Dutch speaking people are in majority ( 59 %), while French and German speaking are respectively 40% and 1%. The French live in the Wallonia region and the Dutch lives in flemish region.

Main significance of Belgium Model of Power Sharing
  • a)
    Majoritarianism
  • b)
    power shared in all ethnic groups according to their population
  • c)
    on the basis of adult franchise
  • d)
    none of the above
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Aruna Singh answered
In the belgium model of power sharing
1-The state governments are not subordinate to the central which means they are not answerable to them.
2-Many powers of the central are given to the states.
3-The Dutch and the French enjoy a majority over each other in the whoe nation and the capital respectively . Thus Both the communities have equal number of representatives in the central as well as the Brussels's government.
4-There is a third government known as the community government which is elected by people belonging to one language , irrespective of where they live. This government has the power on cultural matters.

Which of the following is very important factor for better understanding between Center and State’s Government?
  • a)
    Emergence of regional political party
  • b)
    the beginning of the era of coalition government
  • c)
    when no single party got a clear majority
  • d)
    all the above factors
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Kavita Shah answered
The rising era of Coalition government and regional politics has given rise to inter-relation between center and state governments.  The word 'coalition' means a collective type that decides to work collectively jointly in an alliance to achieve a shared goal between two or more individuals, factions, governments, political parties, military forces, etc. Tolerance and in case of no single party rule makes it easier.

Which is the only official language of Sri Lanka? 
  • a)
    Tamil
  • b)
    Malyalam
  • c)
    Sinhala
  • d)
    None of the above.
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Lakshya Ias answered
The major social groups of Sri Lanka are Sinhalese (major ruling community) and Sri Lankan Tamils (majority group in Northern territories of Sri Lanka).
After Independence, Sinhalese followed several majoritarian measures to establish Sinhalese supremacy.
Sinhala was recognized as the official language of Sri Lanka in 1956.
Now both Sinhala and Tamil are the official language of Sri Lanka.

How many languages are scheduled in the Indian Constitution? 
  • a)
    22
  • b)
    21
  • c)
    18
  • d)
    20
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Alok Verma answered
The table below lists the 22 languages set out in the Eighth Schedule as of May 2008, together with the regions where they are used. Even though the English language is not included in the Eighth Schedule (as it is a foreign language), it is one of the official languages of the Union of India.

Which is the state religion of Sri Lanka?
  • a)
    Buddhism
  • b)
    Hinduism
  • c)
    Islam
  • d)
    Christianity
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Rahul Kapoor answered
Buddhism became the official religion of Sri Lanka. The Sacred Tooth Relic was brought to Sri Lanka in 4th century by Prince Danta and Princess Hemamala. Sri Lanka has the longest continuous history of Buddhism of any Buddhist nation.

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

  • a)
    a
  • b)
    b
  • c)
    c
  • d)
    d
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Krishna Iyer answered
(1) In a democracy, power is shared among different organs of government i.e. legislature, executive, and judiciary. This is known as the horizontal distribution of power because it allows different organs of government placed at the same level to exercise different powers.
(2) Federalism is the system of government in which power is divided between a central government and regional governments; in the United States, both the national government and the state governments possess a large measure of sovereignty.
(3) Power may also be shared among different social groups such as the religious and linguistic groups. ‘Community government’ in Belgium is a good example of this arrangement.
(4) Power shared by two or more political parties is the Coalition government.
Thus, option C is correct.

Power struggle demanding separate Eelam was launched by:
  • a)
    Sinhalese
  • b)
    Buddhists
  • c)
    Tamilians
  • d)
    None of the above
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Kiran Mehta answered
Due to the policy of majoritarianism  Tamilians were suppressed under the supremacy of sinhalese. So, they launched movements against this and demanded a separate Eelam.

In which part of Sri Lanka are the Sri Lankan Tamils concentrated?
  • a)
    North and South
  • b)
    North and East
  • c)
    East and West
  • d)
    South and East
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Varun Kapoor answered
The Indian Tamils (or Hill Country Tamils) are descendants of bonded labourers sent from Tamil Nadu to Sri Lanka in the 19th century to work on tea plantations. Most Sri Lankan Tamils live in the Northern and Eastern provinces and in the capital Colombo, and most Indian Tamils live in the central highlands.

Belgium shares its border with
  • a)
    France
  • b)
    Germany
  • c)
    Luxembourg
  • d)
    all the above
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Avinash Patel answered
Belgium is a federal state located in Western Europe, bordering the North Sea.
Belgium shares borders with: 
  • France (556 km)
  • Germany (133 km)
  • Luxembourg (130 km)
  • Netherlands (478 km)

Which of the following is not a major social group in Sri Lanka?
a) Sinhala-speakers or Sinhala Community
b) Sri Lankan Tamils
c) Indian Tamils
d) Anglo-Indians
Correct answer is 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Rajveer Chawla answered
The major social groups in Sri Lanka are:
1. Sinhala-speakers (74 per cent) and the Tamil-speakers (18 percent). 
2. Among Tamils there are two subgroups: Tamil natives of the country are called ‘Sri Lankan Tamils’ (13 percent). 
3. The rest, whose forefathers came from India as plantation workers during the colonial period, are called ‘IndianTamils’.

Can you explain the answer of this question below:
Which of the following is not a federal country?
  • A:India
  • B:Belgium
  • C:USA
  • D:Malaysia

The answer is D.

Vikram Kapoor answered
Correct Answer :- D
China is not a federal country. There is a communist party in China. Federal is relating to a system of government in which several states form a unity but remain independent in internal affairs.

Can you explain the answer of this question below:
Why did the Sri Lankan Tamils launch parties and struggle?
  • A:to adopt majoritarianism
  • B:to recognise Sinhalese as the only official language
  • C: to recognise Tamil as an official language
  • D:to dominate other language

The answer is C.

Aruna Singh answered
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 organizations were formed demanding an independent Tamil Elam (state) in northern and eastern parts of Sri Lanka. The distrust between the two communities turned into widespread conflict. It soon turned into a Civil War. 
 

Assertion and Reason Type Questions:
In the question given below, there are two statements marked as Assertion (A) and Reason (R). Read the statements and choose the correct option:
Assertion (A) : The Belgian leaders recognized the existence of regional differences and cultural diversities.
Reason (R) : Between 1970 and 1993, they amended their constitution four times so as to work out an arrangement that would enable everyone to live together within the same country.
  • a)
    Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
  • b)
    Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
  • c)
    (A) is correct but (R) is wrong.
  • d)
    (A) is wrong but (R) is correct.
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Vivek Rana answered
  • In Belgium, the leaders recognized the existence of regional differences and cultural diversities. Between 1970 and 1993, they amended their constitution four times so as to work out an arrangement that would enable everyone to live together within the same country.
  • The constitution of Belgium is known as the best in the world​. It has been amended four times between 1970 to 1993 only to arrange so that the diverse communities can reside together peacefully within the same country without any conflicts.

DIRECTION : Mark the option which is most suitable:
Assertion : Tyranny of majority is highly desirable.
Reason : It helps in making the political order more stable.
  • a)
    If both assertion and reason are true and reason is the correct explanation of assertion.
  • b)
    If both assertion and reason are true but reason is not the correct explanation of assertion.
  • c)
    If assertion is true but reason is false.
  • d)
    If both assertion and reason are false.
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Anjana Khatri answered
Both Assertion and Reason are false. 

Here are the reasons: 
• Tyranny of the majority: Tyranny of the majority means imposing the will and power of the majority on the minorities. 

• Revolts by the minorities: Tyranny of the majority is never desirable since it leads to social conflicts and revolts by the minorities. Moreover, it harms even the majority. This may lead to civil wars between the groups. 

• Social Conflicts: The social conflicts in any country always give rise to the chaotic political order in the country.

Hence, the Correct Answer is Option D

Get to know all key concepts of Class 10 Chapter Power Sharing through the document

Can you explain the answer of this question below:
How many people speak French and Dutch in the capital city of Brussels?
  • A:60 % French 40 % Dutch
  • B:50% Dutch 50% French
  • C:80% French 20% Dutch
  • D:80% Dutch 20% French

The answer is C.

Poonam Reddy answered
The capital of Brussels,80% people speak French while 20% people speak Dutch. In capital French were in majority and Dutch were in minority and whereas in the total population Dutch were in majority and French were in minority. The minority French people were rich and powerful.

Which of the following statements about power-sharing arrangements in Belgium are correct?
(i) Constitution prescribes that the number of Dutch and French-speaking ministers shall be equal in the central government
(ii) The state governments are not subordinate to the central government
(iii) Brussels has a separate government in which both the communities have equal representation
(iv) The ‘community government’ is elected by people belonging to one linguistic community.
  • a)
    1, 2, 4
  • b)
    1, 2, 3, 4
  • c)
    1, 3, 4
  • d)
    1, 2, 3
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Zara Khan answered
a) Constitution prescribes that the number of Dutch and French speaking ministers shall be equal in the central government. Some special laws require the support of majority of members from each linguistic group. Thus, no single community can make decisions unilaterally.
(b) Many powers of the Central government have been given to State governments of the two regions of the country. The State governments are not subordinate to the Central government.
(c) Brussels had a separate government in which both the communities have equal representation. The French speaking people accepted equal representation in Brussels because the Dutch-speaking community has accepted equal representation in the Central government.

Who are the minority community in Belgium?
  • a)
    English Speaking
  • b)
    French Speaking
  • c)
    Dutch Speaking
  • d)
    None
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Dheeraj kumar answered
The Minority Community in Belgium: French Speaking

Belgium is a country that is divided into two main linguistic communities: the Dutch-speaking Flemish community and the French-speaking Walloon community. There is also a small German-speaking community. The French-speaking community is considered a minority community in Belgium, and this is the correct answer to the question.

Reasons for the Minority Status

There are historical and political reasons for the minority status of the French-speaking community in Belgium. Belgium was originally a Dutch-speaking country, but after the Belgian Revolution in 1830, the French-speaking community gained more power and influence. This led to tensions between the Dutch-speaking and French-speaking communities, which were exacerbated by political and economic differences.

The linguistic divide in Belgium has also led to a lack of integration and communication between the two communities. This has resulted in the French-speaking community being marginalized and considered a minority community within Belgium.

Impact on Society

The minority status of the French-speaking community in Belgium has had an impact on society in various ways. For example:

- Political representation: The French-speaking community has less political representation than the Dutch-speaking community, which has led to a lack of voice and influence in government decisions.
- Education: The French-speaking community has its own education system, which is separate from the Dutch-speaking community. This has led to a lack of integration between the two communities and has perpetuated the linguistic divide.
- Economic opportunities: The linguistic divide has also led to a lack of economic opportunities for the French-speaking community, particularly in the Dutch-speaking regions of Belgium.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the minority community in Belgium is the French-speaking community. This is due to historical, political, and linguistic reasons, which have led to a lack of integration, representation, and opportunities for this community.

Federalism is:
  • a)
    a form of unitary government
  • b)
    a government with two or multi levels of government
  • c)
    a form of autocratic government
  • d)
    a & c
Correct answer is 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Gargi Saha answered
Federalism is a system of government in which the power is divided between a central authority andvarious constituent units of the country. Usually, a federation has two levels of government.

Why did the Sri Lankan Tamils launch parties and struggle?
  • a)
    to adopt majoritarianism
  • b)
    to recognise Sinhalese as the only official language
  • c)
    to recognise Tamil as an official language
  • d)
    to dominate other language
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Anagha Desai answered
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 organizations were formed demanding an independent Tamil Elam (state) in northern and eastern parts of Sri Lanka. The distrust between the two communities turned into widespread conflict. It soon turned into a Civil War. 

Federalism is:
  • a)
    a form of unitary government
  • b)
    a government with two or multi levels of government
  • c)
    a form of autocratic government
  • d)
    a & c
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Akanksha Joshi answered
Federalism is a system of government in which the power is divided between a central authority andvarious constituent units of the country. Usually, a federation has two levels of government.

Which one of the following systems of power sharing is called checks and balances?
  • a)
    Horizontal distribution of powers
  • b)
    Federal division of powers
  • c)
    Separation of powers
  • d)
    Power shared among different levels of government
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Neha Joshi answered
Horizontal distribution of power contains the role of Legislature, Executive and Judiciary. These always keeps a check on each other to prevent then from being over powerful. Hence the separation is referred as 'checks and balances'

Which one of the following is the 3rd tier of government in India?
  • a)
    Community Government
  • b)
    State Government
  • c)
    Panchayati Raj Government
  • d)
    b & c
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Anjali Kapoor answered
In India, the Panchayati Raj now functions as a system of governance in which gram panchayats are the basic units of local administration. The system has three levels: Gram Panchayat (village level), Mandal Parishad or Block Samiti or Panchayat Samiti (block level), and Zila Parishad (district level).

59 per cent of the country’s total population who speaks Dutch, lives in 
  • a)
    Wallonia region
  • b)
    Brussels
  • c)
    Flemish region
  • d)
    None of these
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Aditi Iyer answered
The correct answer is option 'C', which states that 59 per cent of the country's total population who speaks Dutch lives in the Flemish region. Here is a detailed explanation of why this option is correct:

Flanders is the northern region of Belgium, and it is home to the majority of the country's Dutch-speaking population. Dutch is one of the three official languages of Belgium, along with French and German. The distribution of these languages is not uniform across the country, and there are three main linguistic regions in Belgium:

1. The Flemish Region: This region encompasses the provinces of Antwerp, Limburg, East Flanders, West Flanders, and Flemish Brabant. It is predominantly Dutch-speaking and home to about 6.5 million people, which is approximately 59 per cent of Belgium's population who speaks Dutch.

2. The Walloon Region: This region covers the provinces of Hainaut, Liège, Luxembourg, Namur, Walloon Brabant, and the French-speaking part of Brussels. It is predominantly French-speaking and home to about 3.6 million people.

3. The Brussels-Capital Region: This is a bilingual region that includes the City of Brussels and 18 surrounding municipalities. It is home to about 1.2 million people, and both French and Dutch are official languages.

Therefore, option 'C' is correct because it correctly identifies the Flemish region as the place where the majority of the Dutch-speaking population of Belgium lives.

Which one of the following is correct regarding power sharing?
A. It leads to conflict between different groups.
B. It ensures the stability of the country.
C. It helps to reduce the conflict between different groups. 
  • a)
    Only A is true
  • b)
    Only B is true
  • c)
    Both A and B are true
  • d)
    Both B and C are true
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Kaavya Gupta answered
Power sharing is a strategy that ensures that different groups have access to power and resources in society. It is an essential feature of a democracy and helps to prevent conflicts between different groups. The correct option is D, which means that both B and C are true.

Importance of power sharing:

- Helps to reduce conflicts: Power sharing helps to reduce conflicts between different groups by ensuring that each group has a say in how resources are allocated and decisions are made.
- Ensures stability: Power sharing ensures stability by preventing one group from dominating others. It helps to maintain a balance of power and prevents the abuse of power.
- Promotes inclusiveness: Power sharing promotes inclusiveness by giving voice to different groups. It ensures that the needs and interests of all groups are taken into account when making decisions.
- Fosters cooperation: Power sharing fosters cooperation between different groups. It encourages them to work together for the common good of society.
- Enhances democracy: Power sharing is an essential feature of a democracy. It ensures that power is distributed among different groups, and that no single group can monopolize power.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, power sharing is essential for the stability and development of a country. It helps to reduce conflicts between different groups, ensures inclusiveness, fosters cooperation, and enhances democracy. It is a critical strategy for promoting peace, prosperity, and progress in society.

What is a coalition government? 
  • a)
    power shared among different social group
  • b)
    power shared among different levels of government
  • c)
    power shared among different political parties
  • d)
    power shared among different organs of government
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

A coalition government is formed when two or more political parties join forces in order to create a majority. It's done in a bid to win an election under circumstances when the individual parties don't have nearly enough support to be elected by themselves, or following a "hung" election where there is no clear winner.

Other situations where a coalition may be formed is in times of war, economic crisis, or some other crisis where it's more important to work together than to follow normal political procedure.

Obviously, a coalition party has to compromise on certain issues, work together under circumstances where they normally wouldn't, and this can cause problems.

Some nay-sayers believe that such governments have a tendency to be fractious and prone to disharmony, because the individual parties hold differing beliefs and normally disagree on particular issues. At times, it's been known for polar opposite parties to come together as a coalition, and some argue that this is suboptimal and tends to add inertia to the political process.

DIRECTION : Mark the option which is most suitable:
Assertion : French speaking community in Belgium was rich and powerful.
Reason : Belgian Government favoured French speaking community.
  • a)
    If both assertion and reason are true and reason is the correct explanation of assertion.
  • b)
    If both assertion and reason are true but reason is not the correct explanation of assertion.
  • c)
    If assertion is true but reason is false.
  • d)
    If both assertion and reason are false.
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Vikas Kumar answered
Assertion: The assertion is French-speaking community in Belgium was rich and powerful.

• It is true but there was minor population of those of French.
• The Dutch-speaking community was very rich and powerful as compared to the French.

Reason: Belgian Government favoured French-speaking community.

• It is false as Belgian government favoured the system of equal representation 
• The Belgian government follows horizontal power distribution wherein community-based government is prevalent.

Conclusion:
There was ethnic tension between French-speaking and Dutch-speaking communities in Belgium. So, the government adopted a power-sharing agreement where all the communities got equal representation.

Hence, the Correct Answer is Option C
Assertion is true but Reason is false.

Get to know everything about Power Sharing in Belgium through this document: 

Most of the Sinhala-speaking people are
  • a)
    Buddhists
  • b)
    Hindus
  • c)
    Muslims
  • d)
    Christians
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Vikram Kapoor answered
Most of the Sinhalese follow the Theravada school of Buddhism. In 1988 almost 93% of the Sinhalese speaking population in Sri Lanka were Buddhist. Buddhists include various religious elements from Hinduism in their religious practices and ancient traditions of godlings and demons, which are native to the island. Sinhalese Buddhists worship Hindu gods such as Vishnu, who has a special place in their religious practices, since he is entrusted with both protecting Buddhism in the island and the island itself. He is also recognised as bodhisattva, or "awakening being" to Sinhalese Buddhists.

Which language is spoken by 80 per cent people of Brussels?
  • a)
    French
  • b)
    Dutch
  • c)
    German
  • d)
    Latin
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Athira Mishra answered
Language Demographics of Brussels
Brussels, the capital of Belgium and the European Union, is a bilingual city with a rich cultural tapestry. However, the linguistic landscape is predominantly influenced by the historical and social dynamics of the region.

Dominance of French
- Approximately **80% of the population** in Brussels speaks **French** as their primary language.
- This predominance is due to historical factors where French has been the language of the elite and administration in Belgium.

Historical Context
- Brussels was historically a Dutch-speaking region, but over time, the influence of French grew, particularly in urban settings.
- The **French Revolution** and subsequent political developments led to the rise of French as the language of power, further marginalizing Dutch in the capital.

Current Language Policy
- Belgium is officially bilingual, with both French and Dutch recognized at the federal level.
- However, in practical terms, the **French-speaking community** has a significant presence in Brussels, which is reflected in public services, education, and media.

Minority Languages
- While French is the dominant language, Dutch is spoken by a substantial minority, making up about **20%** of the population.
- German and Latin have minimal presence in the daily life of Brussels, with German being recognized in specific communities and Latin being a historical language of academia and the Church.
In conclusion, the linguistic predominance of French in Brussels is shaped by historical, social, and political factors, making it the primary language for the majority of its inhabitants.

Which of the following is not one of the aspects of federal division of powers?
  • a)
    Sharing of powers among central provincial and local governments
  • b)
    Division of powers involving higher and lower levels of government
  • c)
    The Constitution clearly lays down powers of different levels of government
  • d)
    There is no vertical division of powers
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Nilesh Patel answered
When the power in a country is divided into the Central and the State government, it is called a federal division of power. In a federal set up, while the Central government looks after the administration of the entire country, the state governments look into the administration of their respective states.

In Sri lanka, after independence, the leaders of Sinhala community in order to establish Sinhala supremacy adopted series of
  • a)
    Majoritarian measures
  • b)
    Minoritarian measures
  • c)
    Neutral measures
  • d)
    Racial measures
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Ayushi reddy answered
Majoritarian measures

After gaining independence from British colonial rule in 1948, Sri Lanka faced numerous challenges in terms of creating a united and inclusive nation. However, instead of adopting measures that would promote equality and harmony among different communities, the leaders of the Sinhala community chose to establish Sinhala supremacy through majoritarian measures. These measures were aimed at consolidating the power and privileges of the Sinhalese majority, often at the expense of minority communities, particularly the Tamils.

Language policy

One of the majoritarian measures adopted was the implementation of a language policy that favored the Sinhala language over Tamil. The Sinhala Only Act of 1956 made Sinhala the sole official language of the country, effectively marginalizing the Tamil-speaking minority. This policy created significant barriers for Tamils in accessing education, employment, and government services, as they were not proficient in the official language.

Education policies

The government also introduced education policies that disadvantaged minority communities. The standardization policy implemented in the 1970s and 1980s set higher entry requirements for university admissions for Tamil students compared to Sinhala students. This policy created a significant disparity in access to higher education and limited opportunities for Tamil students to pursue higher studies.

Land policies

Land policies were another majoritarian measure used to establish Sinhala supremacy. The government implemented colonization schemes, particularly in the Northern and Eastern provinces, where Tamil communities were predominant. These schemes involved settling Sinhalese families in traditionally Tamil areas, leading to the displacement of Tamil communities and altering the demographic balance in favor of the Sinhalese.

Religious policies

Religious policies were also used to promote Sinhala supremacy. The government provided preferential treatment to Buddhism, which is practiced by the majority Sinhalese community, while neglecting the rights and privileges of other religious groups, such as Hindus, Muslims, and Christians. This created a sense of marginalization and discrimination among minority religious communities.

Overall, the majoritarian measures adopted by the leaders of the Sinhala community after Sri Lanka's independence contributed to the marginalization and oppression of minority communities, particularly the Tamils. These measures not only undermined the principles of equality and inclusivity but also fueled ethnic tensions and conflicts within the country. It is important for a nation to embrace policies that promote unity, diversity, and equal rights for all its citizens, rather than favoring one community over others.

Which language was recognized as the only official language of Sri Lanka in 1956? (2012)
 
  • a)
    Sinhala
  • b)
    Tamil
  • c)
    Hindi
  • d)
    English
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Mira Dey answered
**Background Information:**
Sri Lanka, formerly known as Ceylon, gained independence from British colonial rule in 1948. At the time, English was recognized as the official language, and it continued to be widely used in education, administration, and legal proceedings.

**The Official Language Act of 1956:**
In 1956, the Official Language Act, also known as the Sinhala Only Act, was passed in Sri Lanka. This act recognized Sinhala as the only official language of the country, replacing English. The act was primarily driven by nationalist sentiments and aimed to elevate the status of the Sinhala language and the majority Sinhalese community.

**Key Factors:**
Several factors contributed to the passage of the Official Language Act in 1956:

1. Nationalism and Identity: The act was driven by nationalist sentiments and a desire to promote the Sinhala language as a symbol of the country's identity. It was seen as a way to assert the dominance of the Sinhalese community.

2. Ethnic Divide: Sri Lanka has a diverse population, with the Sinhalese community comprising the majority and the Tamil community being the largest minority. The act further deepened the ethnic divide by marginalizing the Tamil language and community.

3. Political Motivations: The passage of the act was also politically motivated, with politicians from the majority Sinhalese community using language as a tool to gain support and consolidate their power.

**Implications and Controversies:**
The Official Language Act had significant implications for Sri Lankan society:

1. Marginalization of Tamils: The act marginalized the Tamil language and community, leading to increased tensions and disparities between the Sinhalese and Tamil communities. It further fueled ethnic tensions and grievances that eventually escalated into a decades-long civil war.

2. Discrimination and Language Barriers: The act also resulted in discrimination against Tamils in various spheres, such as employment, education, and access to government services. Language barriers hindered the participation and advancement of Tamils, leading to a sense of alienation and inequality.

3. Repeal and Language Reconciliation: In subsequent years, there were efforts to promote language reconciliation and address the grievances of the Tamil community. The 13th Amendment to the Sri Lankan Constitution in 1987 recognized both Sinhala and Tamil as official languages, aiming to promote equality and inclusivity.

**Conclusion:**
In 1956, the Official Language Act recognized Sinhala as the only official language of Sri Lanka, replacing English. This act had far-reaching implications for the country's linguistic and ethnic dynamics, deepening the divide between the Sinhalese and Tamil communities. The act was driven by nationalist sentiments, political motivations, and a desire to elevate the status of the Sinhala language and community. However, it also resulted in marginalization, discrimination, and inequalities for the Tamil community.

Assertion and Reason Type Questions:
In the question given below, there are two statements marked as Assertion (A) and Reason (R). Read the statements and choose the correct option:
Assertion (A) : Power sharing is good for democracy.
Reason (R) : It helps to reduce the possibility of conflict between social groups.
  • a)
    Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
  • b)
    Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
  • c)
    (A) is correct but (R) is wrong.
  • d)
    (A) is wrong but (R) is correct.
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Aditya Shah answered
  • It helps to reduce the possibility of conflict between social groups. Power sharing is a good way to ensure the stability of political order, since social conflict often leads to political instability and violence.
  • The possibility of conflict between social groups will be reduced if the power is shared. Power sharing is a good way to ensure the stability of political order, since social conflict often leads to political instability and violence.

What was one of the primary objectives of the Sri Lankan Tamils' political struggles in the 1980s?
  • a)
    Recognition of Sinhala as an official language
  • b)
    Regional autonomy for all ethnic groups
  • c)
    Securing national independence for Sri Lanka 
  • d)
    Establishment of Tamil as an official language
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

In the 1980s, the Sri Lankan Tamils launched various political movements and struggles with specific objectives. One of their primary demands was the recognition of Tamil as an official language. This demand was part of their broader efforts to achieve recognition, equality, and representation within the Sri Lankan state. The option D, "Establishment of Tamil as an official language," aligns with their aspirations during this period.

In Belgium, how is power distributed in the government of Brussels?
  • a)
    Unequal representation based on linguistic groups
  • b)
    Equal representation of Dutch-speaking ministers only
  • c)
    Equal representation of French-speaking ministers only
  • d)
    Equal representation of both linguistic groups
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

In the government of Brussels, power is distributed in a manner that ensures equal representation of both linguistic groups, namely the Dutch-speaking and French-speaking communities. This approach aims to promote inclusivity and fairness in governance, reflecting the diverse linguistic and cultural landscape of the capital city.

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