Class 10 Civics Chapter 1 Question Answers - Democratic Politics - II

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Short Questions Answers

Q1. What led to the ethnic tension in Belgium? Why was it more acute in Brussels?

Ans: The ethnic tension in Belgium arose from the dynamics between the French-speaking and Dutch-speaking communities:

• The French-speaking community was relatively wealthy and influential.
• The Dutch-speaking community experienced economic development and education much later, leading to feelings of resentment.
• This tension escalated during the 1950s and 1960s.

In Brussels, the conflict was more pronounced because:

• Although Dutch speakers were a majority in Belgium, they were a minority in the capital.
• This demographic imbalance heightened feelings of marginalisation among Dutch speakers.

Q2. What is the ethnic composition of Belgium? [CBSE Sept. 2011] 
Or 
Describe the ethnic composition of Belgium. [CBSE 2012]

Ans: The ethnic composition of Belgium is quite complex: 

• 59% of the population lives in the Flemish region and speaks Dutch.
• 40% reside in the Wallonia region and speak French.
• The remaining 1% of Belgians speak German.

In the capital city, Brussels:

• About 80% of the population speaks French.
• Approximately 20% are Dutch-speaking.

Q3. What is the ethnic composition of Sri Lanka?

Ans: Sri Lanka has a diverse population with the following ethnic composition:

• Sinhalese: 74% of the population
• Tamils: 18%, primarily located in the north and east
• Muslims: A significant community

Among the Tamils, there are two main sub-groups:

• Sri Lankan Tamils: 13%, the indigenous Tamil population
• Indian Origin Tamils: 5%, descendants of indentured labourers brought from India

Q4. Mention any four steps which were taken by the Sri Lankan government to achieve majoritarianism.

Ans: 

• In 1956, an Act was passed making Sinhalese the only official language, ignoring Tamil.

• The government implemented preferential policies that favoured Sinhalese applicants for university places and government jobs.

• A new constitution mandated the state to protect and promote Buddhism.

• Citizenship was denied to estate Tamils, further marginalising this community.

Q5. What is a Civil War? Explain with context to Sri Lanka.

Ans: Civil War refers to a violent conflict between opposing groups within a country.

In the context of Sri Lanka, the civil war primarily involved the Sinhalese and Tamil communities. Key points include:

• The conflict resulted in the deaths of thousands from both communities.
• Many families fled the country as refugees, while others lost their livelihoods.
• This civil war caused significant setbacks to the country's social, cultural, and economic life.
• The war lasted until 2009, leading to deep-seated distrust between the ethnic groups.

Q6. What is community government? Explain the concept of community government with context to Belgium.

Ans: A community government is a system where different social groups manage their own community affairs. The aim is to work together for the common good, without favouring any one group.

In Belgium:

• The community government is elected by individuals from one language group: Dutch, French, or German speakers, regardless of their location.
• This government has authority over cultural, educational, and language-related matters.
• It helps maintain peace between the major communities and prevents divisions based on language.

Q7. What is the relationship between democracy and power sharing?

Ans: Democracy gives every citizen the right to make decisions through their elected representatives. Power sharing involves dividing power among various social groups to ensure equal representation in governance.

Key points about the relationship between democracy and power sharing:

• Inclusivity: Power sharing allows individuals, regardless of cultural or language differences, to feel involved in the political system.
• Balance of Power: It prevents concentration of power in one group, promoting fairness and accountability.
• Representation: Different social groups can participate in decision-making, enhancing the democratic process.

Q8. How did the Sri Lankan and the Belgium government try to solve the ethnic problem? Or Explain any two important differences between the power sharing model accepted by Belgium and Sri Lanka.

Ans: Belgium and Sri Lanka approached their ethnic issues differently:

• Belgium leaders focused on respecting the feelings and interests of various communities, while the Sri Lankan government relied on majoritarianism.
• Belgium established a federal structure to share power between the central government and regional units, whereas Sri Lanka adopted a unitary government system.
• The Belgian approach helped avoid civic strife, while the majoritarianism in Sri Lanka led to a civil war.

Q9. “Both Belgium and Sri Lanka are democracies but they follow different systems of power sharing. ” Support the statement by giving three points of difference.

Ans: Type of Government: Sri Lanka operates as a unitary system, where the national government holds most powers. In contrast, Belgium has transitioned to a federal system, granting constitutional powers to regional governments.

Religion and Government: To accommodate various ethnic groups, Belgium established a community government. Conversely, Sri Lanka enacted laws to protect and promote Buddhism.

Language and Government: In 1956, Sri Lanka declared Sinhalese as the sole official language, while Belgium sought to protect and promote all languages spoken within its borders.

Q10. What is power sharing? Explain.

Ans: Power sharing refers to the distribution of power among different groups or regions within a government. It aims to ensure that various communities feel included and respected.

• Permanent distribution: Power sharing provides a lasting share of power to different communities.
• Respect for diversity: Leaders and citizens acknowledge the interests and feelings of various groups.
• Importance for democracy: This principle is crucial for the unity and growth of a democratic society.

Long Questions Answers

Q1. Describe the tension that existed between the Dutch and the French speaking people in Belgium. 
Or 
What were the two main causes of resentment in Belgium in 1960 ? How was the conflict solved?

Ans: The tension between the Dutch-speaking and French-speaking communities in Belgium stemmed from several key issues:

• Economic inequality: The French-speaking community, although a minority, was relatively wealthy and influential.
• Majority vs Minority: The Dutch-speaking majority felt disadvantaged, as they received less economic development and educational opportunities.
• Brussels' unique situation: In the capital, the Dutch-speaking population was a minority, leading to heightened tensions.

To address these issues, the Belgian government made significant constitutional amendments:

• Between 1970 and 1993, the constitution was amended four times.
• These changes aimed to create an arrangement for peaceful coexistence among communities.

Q2. How were the ethnic problems solved in Belgium? Mention any four steps which were taken by the government to solve the problems? 
Or 
How is the political system in Belgium innovative and different from the other countries of the world? Explain any three points. 
Or 
Highlight any three measures adopted by the Belgian government to accommodate regional and cultural diversities.

Ans: The Belgian government took several steps to address ethnic problems and accommodate cultural diversities:

• Equal representation in the central government: The Belgian Constitution mandates an equal number of Dutch and French-speaking ministers. Special laws require majority support from both linguistic groups, preventing any community from making unilateral decisions.
• Decentralisation of power: Many powers were transferred from the central government to state governments in different regions. These state governments operate independently and are not subordinate to the central authority.
• Equal representation in Brussels: A separate government was established in Brussels, ensuring equal representation for both communities. This arrangement fosters cooperation and mutual respect.
• Community government: In addition to the central and state governments, a 'community government' was created. This government is elected by members of a specific language community (Dutch, French, or German) and has authority over cultural, educational, and language-related matters.

Q3. Why is Power sharing desirable? Or Why is power sharing necessary in democracy? Explain. 
Or 
“Power sharing is the very spirit of democracy.” Justify this statement with three suitable points. 
Or 
Why is power sharing desirable? Give any three prudential reasons.

Ans: Power sharing is desirable for several reasons:

• Prudential reasons involve careful calculations of gains and losses. For instance, during the Nepal movement for democracy, even the Maoists were given a share of power, leading to peace.
• These reasons help to reduce conflict between social groups.
• They also promote political stability.
• While the majority imposing its will on the minority may seem appealing short-term, it can harm national unity in the long run. The tyranny of the majority can be detrimental to all.

Q4. Explain the major forms of power sharing in modern democracies. 
Or 
Explain four forms of participation in government under modern democratic system. 
Or 
Explain, how power is shared among different organs of government. 
Or 
Describe with examples the way in which power can be shared among different social and linguistic groups? 

Ans: Power sharing among different organs of government (Horizontal power sharing) is a key feature of modern democracies. It involves the distribution of power among various branches of government, specifically:

• Legislature: Responsible for making laws.
• Executive: Enforces laws and manages the day-to-day operations of the government.
• Judiciary: Interprets laws and ensures justice.

This arrangement is known as horizontal distribution of power because it allows these branches, which operate at the same level, to exercise distinct powers. Key aspects include:

• No single organ can wield unlimited power.
• Each organ has the authority to check the powers of the others.
• This creates a balance of power among institutions.

For example, while government officials exercise power, they remain accountable to the Parliament or State Assemblies. Similarly, although judges are appointed by the executive, they can review executive actions and legislative laws, ensuring a system of checks and balances.

Q5. What are the advantages of horizontal power sharing? Explain with the help of examples.
Or
What is meant by the horizontal distribution of power? Explain any two merits of this form of power sharing.

Ans: Horizontal power sharing refers to the equal distribution of power among different branches of government. This system ensures that no single branch can dominate or exercise unlimited authority.

• Equal Level of Government: The three branches—legislature, executive, and judiciary—operate at the same level.
• Checks and Balances: Each branch monitors the others, preventing any one from becoming too powerful.
• Accountability: In India, for instance, ministers and officials must answer to Parliament or state legislatures, while judges, appointed by the executive, can review executive actions and legislative laws.

This arrangement promotes a balanced distribution of power, fostering a more democratic governance structure.

Q6. Explain the power sharing arrangements among the political parties and pressure groups.

Ans: Power sharing arrangements among political parties and pressure groups

• Democracy allows for power to be shared among various political parties and pressure groups.
• Citizens have the choice to select their rulers through elections, ensuring that power does not concentrate in one group.
• Over time, power is distributed among parties representing different ideologies and social groups.
• Parties may form alliances to contest elections, leading to a coalition government if successful.
• Pressure groups, such as those representing traders, farmers, and workers, also influence government decisions.
• These groups participate in committees or sway the decision-making process, contributing to power sharing.
• In some democracies, social groups, including religious and linguistic communities, are represented through legal arrangements.
• Examples include 'reserved constituencies' that ensure representation for socially weaker sections.

Q7. How is a federal government better than a unitary government? Explain with examples of Belgium and Sri Lanka.

Ans: Federalism is a system of government where power is divided between a central authority and various constituent units. In contrast, a unitary government centralises all power within a single authority.

• The leaders in Belgium addressed ethnic tensions by establishing a federal government that respects the interests of different communities.
• In Sri Lanka, the government attempted to resolve issues through majoritarianism, which ultimately failed.
• Belgium's approach helped avoid civil strife, while Sri Lanka's majoritarianism led to a civil war.

Q18. What are some of the basic elements of Belgium model of power sharing ? Write any three.
Or
Explain any three elements of the Belgium model of Power sharing. [CBSE 2013]

Ans: Basic elements of the Belgium model of power sharing:

• Equal representation: The constitution mandates that the number of Dutch and French-speaking ministers in the central government must be equal. This ensures that no single community can make decisions alone.
• Decentralised powers: Many powers of the central government are transferred to the state governments of the two regions. These state governments operate independently and are not subordinate to the central government.
• Brussels' governance: Brussels has its own government, with equal representation for both communities. The French-speaking community accepted this arrangement because the Dutch-speaking community also agreed to equal representation at the central level.