Class 10 Civics Chapter 1 Previous Year Questions - Power Sharing

Ans: (d)
The primary objective of power-sharing arrangements in Belgium was to accommodate the diverse linguistic and regional interests of the country's population, which includes Dutch-speaking, French-speaking, and a small German-speaking community. Belgium implemented a complex system of power sharing that allowed each linguistic group representation in the government to ensure peace and equality among communities, thus promoting social harmony and political stability.
Therefore, the correct answer is (d) Accommodating linguistic and regional interest.

Ans: Power sharing is desirable because it helps in maintaining peace, stability, and fairness within a society. Here’s why:

• Prevents Conflict: Power sharing ensures that no single group dominates over others. This helps in reducing conflicts and tensions between different communities or groups, which might otherwise arise if one group holds too much power.
• Promotes Democracy: Power sharing is a key feature of a democratic system. It ensures that people from different backgrounds (such as ethnic, religious, or social groups) have a say in decision-making, making the system more inclusive.
• Encourages Cooperation: When power is shared, different groups are encouraged to cooperate and work together for the common good. This leads to more balanced and fair policies.
• Protects Minority Rights: Power sharing helps protect the rights of minority groups by ensuring that they have representation in government and decision-making processes, preventing their interests from being ignored.
• Ensures Political Stability: When different groups feel included in the governance process, it leads to greater political stability and reduces the chances of unrest or rebellion.

In summary, power sharing is desirable because it promotes fairness, reduces conflicts, supports democracy, and ensures that all groups have a voice in the political system.

Ans: (d) Ensuring Linguistic accommodation. 
Belgium created a separate government in Brussels primarily to ensure linguistic accommodation between its two main communities: the Dutch-speaking Flemish and the French-speaking Walloons. Brussels, being a bilingual city, required a system that could manage the linguistic diversity in the region and ensure that both linguistic groups were fairly represented and their cultural needs met. This system of accommodation helped in reducing tensions between the Flemish and Walloon communities.

Ans: (d)

Assertion (A): This is false. Sri Lanka adopted Sinhala, not Tamil, as the sole official language of the state in 1956, through the Sinhala Only Act. This led to discontent among the Tamil-speaking minority.

Reason (R): This is true. The Government of Sri Lanka did adopt a series of majoritarian measures, such as making Sinhala the official language and prioritizing Sinhala speakers in state employment and education, which marginalized the Tamil community.

Ans: (a)
I. It deepens democracy: Power sharing allows various groups to participate in governance, making the political system more inclusive and democratic.

II. It helps to reduce conflicts among social groups: By giving different social groups a stake in political power, it reduces the chances of conflict, as everyone feels represented.

III. It is a way to ensure political stability: When power is shared among various groups, it promotes stability because it prevents any one group from dominating and causing unrest.

IV. This statement is incorrect: Power sharing aims to address socio-economic struggles rather than create them.

Ans: (b)

II. It creates balance and harmony in different groups: Power sharing helps ensure that different social groups can coexist peacefully by allowing them to have a voice in governance.

III. It reduces the possibility of conflict among social groups: By sharing power, it addresses the concerns of various groups, which helps prevent tensions and conflicts from escalating.

IV. Power sharing is the essence of democracy: In a democracy, it is crucial for different groups to have representation and influence in decision-making processes.

I is incorrect because majoritarianism, which favors the majority, can undermine the rights and voices of minority groups, thus not reflecting the true spirit of democracy.

Ans: (d)
There is a community government in Belgium, but it does not have "special powers of administration" in the way implied. Instead, it is responsible for cultural, educational, and language-related matters, ensuring that the needs of each linguistic community are respected. Hence, this option is not accurate in describing the Belgium model.

Ans: (a)

Assertion (A): This is true. In some democratic states, the majority community can dominate decision-making, which may marginalise minority groups.

Reason (R): This is true. When the majority excludes or sidelines minorities, it can lead to dissatisfaction and conflict, threatening the country's unity and stability.

Ans: (a)

Assertion (A): This is true. The distrust between the Sinhalese and Tamil communities in Sri Lanka escalated into widespread conflict, culminating in a brutal civil war.

Reason (R): This is true. The 1956 Act, which made Sinhala the sole official language, was one of the key majoritarian measures taken by the Sinhalese-dominated government. This decision marginalized the Tamil community and fueled their resentment, leading to tensions and eventually violent conflict.

Ans: (a)

Assertion (A): This is true. Power-sharing is considered beneficial as it promotes inclusivity and ensures that all groups in society have a voice in governance.

Reason (R): This is true. Power-sharing reduces the likelihood of conflict by addressing the grievances of different social groups, thereby fostering harmony and stability.

Ans: (a)
While the Office of the Prime Minister is an important position in the government, it is not a separate branch or integral part of the government structure itself. The three main integral parts of the government are the Legislature (which makes laws), the Executive (which enforces laws), and the Judiciary (which interprets laws). The Prime Minister operates within the executive branch but does not represent a distinct part of the government like the others.

Ans: 59 percent of the total population of Belgium live in the Flemish region.

Ans: The Belgian government has implemented a unique model to accommodate its social differences:

• Equal representation: Both Dutch and French-speaking populations have equal representation in the central government.
• Federal structure: Belgium is a Federal state, granting significant powers to state governments.
• Independent state governments: State governments operate independently and are not subordinate to the central government.
• Community government: There is a separate government for each language community, handling cultural and educational matters.

Ans: (b)
In Sri Lanka, the major caste groups are primarily linked to the two main religions: Buddhism and Hinduism. The Sinhala people, who mostly practice Buddhism, form a significant part of the population, while the Tamil community, which includes many Hindus, is also a major group. Thus, Buddhism and Hinduism represent the prominent cultural and religious identities among the different caste groups in the country.

Ans: (a)
In Belgium, the Community Government is designed to represent and share power among different social groups, such as linguistic communities (like the Flemish and French speakers). This system ensures that the diverse interests and identities within the country are recognized and that each group has a say in governance, promoting unity and reducing conflict among them.

Ans: Equal representation in the central government is a key step taken in Belgium to address regional differences and cultural diversities. 
The following measures have been implemented:

• The constitution mandates that the number of Dutch and French-speaking ministers in the central government is equal.
• Special laws require support from a majority of members from each linguistic group for certain decisions.
• State governments have been granted significant powers, operating independently of the central government.
• Brussels has a separate government that ensures equal representation for both communities.

Ans: The Belgium model of 'Community government' worked well because it recognized the belonging of individuals to one language community.

This approach has several advantages:

• It promotes cultural identity by acknowledging the distinct languages spoken.
• It allows for tailored governance that addresses the unique needs of each community.
• It helps to maintain social harmony and prevent conflicts between different linguistic groups.

Overall, this model has contributed to a stable and inclusive political environment in Belgium.

Ans: Horizontal power-sharing involves the distribution of power among various branches of government. 
The key features are:

• Power is shared among different organs of government, including the legislature, executive, and judiciary.
• Each organ exercises distinct powers, ensuring that no single organ can dominate.

Ans: It is necessary to give space to diverse social groups in the administration of a country to avoid majoritarianism, accumulation of power in the hands of a particular social group which would lead to social conflicts.

Ans: During the 1950s and 1960s, tensions arose in Brussels between the two main communities in Belgium due to several factors:

• The French-speaking community was a minority but was relatively wealthy and influential.
• The Dutch-speaking community felt resentment as they had access to economic development and education much later.
• Brussels posed a unique challenge: While the Dutch-speaking people were the majority in the country, they were a minority in the capital.

Ans: The major repercussion of passing Sinhala as the only official language in Sri Lanka in 1956 was the increase in the feeling of alienation among the Sri Lankan Tamils. This led to the launch of parties and struggles for the recognition of Tamil as an official language.

Ans: Power-sharing helps to reduce the possibility of conflicts between different social groups. A social conflict often leads to violence and political instability. Power sharing helps to ensure the stability of political order.

Ans: The idea of power-sharing has emerged contrary to the notions of undivided political power. Earlier, it was believed that all powers of a government must reside in one person or group located in one place. It was felt that if the power to decide was dispersed, it would not be possible to make quick decisions and enforce them. However, these notions have changed with the emergence of democracy.
Different forms that have common arrangements of Power Sharing:

• Horizontal power-sharing: This involves distributing power among different branches of government, such as the legislature, executive, and judiciary. Each branch checks the others, preventing any one branch from having unlimited power and ensuring a balance among institutions.
• Vertical power-sharing: This refers to the division of power between different levels of government, such as the central government and state governments. In India, the constitution defines the powers of each level, ensuring clarity in governance.
• Empowering social groups: Power can also be shared among various social groups, including religious and linguistic minorities. An example of this is the system of reserved constituencies in assemblies and Parliament, which aims to give minority communities a fair representation.
• Political parties and pressure groups: Power-sharing is evident in how political parties, pressure groups, and social movements influence those in power. This competition helps prevent power from being concentrated in a single entity, allowing for diverse representation of ideologies and social interests.

Ans: The accommodative experience of Belgium for peace and harmony:
(1) Dutch and French speaking ministers got equal say and powers in the central government. 
(2) Many Powers of the central government have been transferred to state government. 
(3) The State government is no longer subordinate to the Central government. This helped in delegation of duties. 
(4) Brussels has a separate government in which both the communities have equal representation. 
(5) There is a third kind of government called community government elected by the people belonging to Dutch, French and German communities no matter where they live.

Ans: The three measures taken by Sri Lanka under the Act passed in 1956 are:

• The government declared  Sinhala as the only official language, ignoring Tamil.
• Preferential policies were implemented, favouring Sinhala applicants for university positions and government jobs.
• A new Constitution mandated that the state would protect and promote Buddhism.

Ans: 

• Sinhala was officially recognised as the only language of Sri Lanka through an Act passed in 1956.
• This decision established Sinhala as the sole official language.
• It disregarded the Tamil language, leading to significant political and social implications.
• Subsequent government policies favoured Sinhala speakers in education and employment.

Ans: The prudential reason for power-sharing is to avoid the concentration of power in one individual or group. 
This is important because:

• It helps prevent authoritarianism, where one party has unchecked control.
• It reduces the risk of oppression of minority groups.
• Power-sharing promotes political stability and peace.

Ans: The system of checks and balances ensures that:

• No single individual or institution can hold unlimited power.
• It prevents the abuse of power by distributing authority.
• It protects the rights and interests of various groups within society.

Ans: One characteristic of power-sharing is the sharing of power between different levels of government or between different communities or groups within a society.

Ans: The ethnic composition of Belgium is complex for several reasons:

• Approximately 59% of the population resides in the Flemish region and speaks Dutch.
• About 40% live in the Wallonia region and communicate in French.
• Only 1% of Belgians speak German.
• In Brussels, 80% of the population speaks French, while 20% speak Dutch.

Ans: Sri Lanka and the Belgium government tried to solve the ethnic problem in different ways:
(i) The Belgium government respected the feelings and interests of different communities and regions, establishing a federal structure and power-sharing between the Union Government and its constituent units.
(ii) Sri Lanka adopted majoritarianism, passing an Act in 1956 to recognize Sinhala as the only official language, favoring Sinhala applicants for positions, and protecting and fostering Buddhism through the Constitution. 

Ans: Forced integration can lead to disintegration due to the following reasons:

• Integration through force can create feelings of resentment and conflict among different regions or communities.
• Sharing power and resources often raises fears of domination by one group over another.
• People prefer to maintain their autonomy rather than being overshadowed by others.
• Historical examples, such as the breakup of the USSR, illustrate the negative effects of forced integration.

Ans: Yes, I agree with the statement that the sharing of powers makes a country more powerful and united. This is because:
(i) Power-sharing ensures that no single community or group dominates the decision-making process, promoting inclusivity and fairness.
(ii) It allows for the representation of diverse interests and perspectives, leading to better policies and governance.
(iii) Power-sharing can prevent the marginalization of certain communities or regions, reducing conflicts and promoting social cohesion.
(iv) By distributing power, it strengthens the democratic principles of participation, accountability, and checks and balances.

Ans: Power-sharing is necessary in democracy for several reasons:

• Conflict Reduction: It helps to minimise conflicts between different social groups.
• Political Stability: Power-sharing promotes a stable political environment, reducing the risk of violence and instability.
• Unity Preservation: Imposing the will of the majority can seem appealing but ultimately harms national unity.
• Majority Tyranny: The oppression of minorities can lead to negative consequences for the majority as well.
• Democratic Spirit: True democracy involves sharing power with those affected by its exercise, ensuring that citizens have a say in governance.
• Legitimacy: A legitimate government is one where citizens participate and have a stake in the system.

Ans: The majoritarianism policy in Sri Lanka has significantly increased the feeling of alienation among the Sri Lankan Tamils. 
Key points include:

• The policy favoured the Sinhalese community, leading to feelings of exclusion.
• It resulted in discrimination in political rights and job opportunities for Tamils.
• Government actions ignored the interests of the Tamil population.

Ans: The community government of Belgium enjoys cultural and educational powers, as well as issues related to language.

Ans: Two measures adopted by Sri Lanka in 1956 as part of their majoritarian policy were:
(i) They declared Sinhala as an official language.
(ii) They tried to promote their religion, Buddhism.

Ans: The system of power-sharing called "Checks and Balances" refers to the distribution of powers among different institutions of government, where each institution has the ability to check the actions of the others to ensure a balance of power.

Ans: Power-sharing is desirable for several reasons:

• Prevents domination: It stops one community from overpowering others, promoting equality.
• Encourages inclusivity: It accommodates diverse interests and identities, fostering social harmony.
• Reduces conflict: It lowers the chances of tensions and disputes between communities.
• Strengthens democracy: It ensures participation, accountability, and checks in decision-making.
• Improves governance: It allows better representation and responsiveness to citizens' needs.

Ans: It is a society which shares a common language, ethnicity and culture. For example, Japan and South Korea.

Ans: The majority of the population in Sri Lanka is formed by the Sinhala community.

Ans: The state religion of Sri Lanka is Buddhism.

Ans: The headquarters of the European Union is located in Brussels.