Unit Test (Solutions): Power Sharing | Social Studies (SST) Class 10 PDF Download

Time: 1 Hour          

M.M.: 30
 Instructions: Attempt all questions.

• Question numbers 1 to 5 carry 1 mark each.
  
• Question numbers 6 to 8 carry 2 marks each.
  
• Question numbers 9 to 11 carry 3 marks each.
  
• Question numbers 12 & 13 carry 5 marks each.
  

Q1. What does power-sharing in a democracy aim to prevent? (1 Mark)

a) The concentration of power in a single entity
b) The establishment of a dictatorship
c) The marginalization of minority groups
d) The violation of individual rights

Ans: a) The concentration of power in a single entity

Power-sharing aims to prevent the concentration of power, which can lead to authoritarianism. By distributing power, it ensures that no single entity can dominate, thus promoting democratic governance and protecting minority rights.

Q2. Which of the following is a feature of the Belgian model of power-sharing? (1 Mark)

(a) Only Dutch was declared the official language
(b) French speakers dominated the Parliament
(c) Equal representation of linguistic groups in central government
(d) Sinhala was promoted as the majority language

Ans: (c) Equal representation of linguistic groups in central government

The Belgian model of power-sharing is characterized by the equal representation of linguistic groups in the central government, ensuring that both Dutch and French speakers have a voice. Options (a) and (b) misrepresent the linguistic balance, while (d) refers to a different context.

Q3. What is the term used for a system where power is shared among different levels of government? (1 Mark)

(a) Unitarianism
(b) Authoritarianism
(c) Federalism
(d) Majoritarianism

Ans: (c) Federalism

Federalism is the term that describes a system where power is distributed among various levels of government, allowing for both national and regional governance. The other options do not accurately describe this power-sharing structure.

Q4. What is one consequence of the majoritarian measures adopted in Sri Lanka? (1 Mark) 
Ans: The majoritarian measures adopted in Sri Lanka have led to significant consequences for the Tamil community. Key impacts include:

• Discrimination: Policies favoured Sinhala speakers, limiting job and educational opportunities for Tamils.
• Civil War: The growing distrust escalated into a civil war, resulting in loss of lives and displacement.

Q5. Define ‘Community Government’. (1 Mark)
Ans: Community government in Belgium refers to a specific form of governance that allows different linguistic communities to manage their own cultural, educational, and language-related matters. Key features include:

• It is elected by members of one language community: Dutch, French, or German-speaking.
• This government operates independently of the central government.

Q6. Give any two prudential reasons for power-sharing in a democracy. (2 Marks)
Ans: Prudential reasons for power-sharing in a democracy include:

• Conflict Reduction: Power-sharing helps to minimise conflicts between different social groups. This is crucial as social conflicts can lead to violence and political instability.
• Political Stability: By ensuring that no single group dominates, power-sharing promotes a stable political environment, which is essential for the unity of the nation.

Q7. How does power-sharing help in reducing social conflict? (2 Marks)
Ans: Power-sharing is essential for reducing social conflict in several ways:

• It promotes inclusivity by involving various social groups in decision-making.
• By ensuring that no single group dominates, it helps to maintain political stability.
• Power-sharing can prevent violence and unrest that often arise from marginalisation.
• It fosters a sense of belonging among different communities, enhancing national unity.

Q8. State the meaning of the term ‘Vertical division of power’. Give one example. (2 Marks)
Ans: The term ‘Vertical division of power’ refers to the distribution of authority among different levels of government. This structure allows for a clear separation of powers between the central government and regional or local governments. Key points include:

• It ensures that power is not concentrated in one place.
• Different levels of government can address local needs effectively.
• This division is often outlined in a country’s constitution.

An example of this is the federal system in India, where power is shared between the Central Government and State Governments.

Q9. Describe any three ways in which power can be shared in modern democracies. (3 Marks)
Ans: Power can be shared in modern democracies in several ways:

• Horizontal Distribution: Power is divided among different branches of government, such as the legislature, executive, and judiciary. This separation ensures that no single branch can dominate, creating a balance of power.
• Vertical Distribution: Power is shared between different levels of government, such as a central government and regional or local governments. This structure allows for local governance while maintaining a unified national policy.
• Social Group Representation: Power is shared among various social groups, including religious and linguistic communities. For example, Belgium has a system of community government to ensure that minority groups have a voice in governance.

Q10. Compare any three features of the power-sharing arrangements in Belgium and Sri Lanka. (3 Marks)
Ans: Power-sharing arrangements in Belgium and Sri Lanka differ significantly in their approach to managing ethnic diversity and political power. Here are three key features:

• Ethnic Representation: Belgium's constitution mandates equal representation of Dutch and French-speaking ministers in the central government, ensuring that both communities have a voice in governance.
• Constitutional Amendments: Belgium has amended its constitution multiple times (between 1970 and 1993) to accommodate regional differences and cultural diversity, fostering a cooperative political environment.
• Majority Rule vs. Minority Rights: In Sri Lanka, the Sinhala-speaking majority has historically imposed its dominance over the Tamil-speaking minority, leading to conflict and demands for autonomy, contrasting with Belgium's inclusive approach.

Q11. What were the major causes that led to civil war in Sri Lanka? (3 Marks)
Ans: The civil war in Sri Lanka was primarily caused by several interrelated factors:

• Majoritarianism: The Sinhala majority sought to dominate the government, leading to policies that favoured Sinhala over Tamil.
• Language Discrimination: In 1956, Sinhala was declared the only official language, marginalising Tamil speakers.
• Political Exclusion: Tamil communities faced systematic denial of political rights and opportunities, fostering resentment.
• Ethnic Tensions: Long-standing distrust between the Sinhala and Tamil communities escalated into violent conflict.

These factors contributed to a civil war that lasted until 2009, resulting in significant loss of life and displacement.

Q12. Describe the key elements of the Belgian model of power-sharing. How did it help in maintaining unity? (5 Marks)
Ans: The Belgian model of power-sharing is characterised by several key elements that promote unity among its diverse communities:

• Equal representation: The constitution mandates that the number of Dutch and French-speaking ministers in the central government is equal.
• Majority support: Certain laws require the backing of a majority from each linguistic group, preventing any single community from making unilateral decisions.
• Decentralisation: Many powers of the central government are delegated to regional governments, ensuring local governance is not subordinate to the central authority.
• Brussels governance: Brussels has a separate government with equal representation for both communities, fostering cooperation and mutual respect.

This model has helped maintain unity by:

• Recognising and respecting the cultural and linguistic differences of communities.
• Encouraging collaboration and dialogue between groups, reducing tensions.
• Providing a framework that accommodates diverse interests, thus preventing conflict.

Q13. Explain why power-sharing is desirable. Support your answer with prudential and moral reasons. (5 Marks)
Ans: Power-sharing is desirable for several reasons, both prudential and moral:

• Reduces conflict: Power-sharing helps to minimise the chances of conflict among different social groups. This is crucial as social conflicts can lead to violence and instability.
• Stability: By ensuring that no single group dominates, power-sharing contributes to the overall stability of the political system.
• Promotes unity: It fosters national unity by respecting the interests of various communities, preventing the marginalisation of any group.
• Encourages participation: Involving diverse groups in governance allows for broader representation and accountability, strengthening democracy.

In summary, power-sharing is essential for maintaining peace and enhancing democratic governance.