Power Sharing Class 10 Worksheet Civics Chapter 1

MCQ Questions

Q1: In which year Sri Lanka emerged as an independent country?
(a) 1947
(b) 1948
(c) 1949
(d) 1950
Ans: (b) 1948
Sri Lanka emerged as an independent country in 1948. The leaders of the Sinhala community sought to secure dominance over government by virtue of their majority.

Q2: Which is the state religion of Sri Lanka?
(a) Buddhism
(b) Hinduism
(c) Islam
(d) Christianity
Ans: (a) Buddhism
In 1956, an Act was passed to recognise Sinhala as the only official language, thus disregarding Tamil. A new constitution stipulated that the state shall protect and foster Buddhism.

Q3: Which major social group constituted the largest share in population of Sri Lanka?
(a) Sinhalas
(b) Sri Lankan Tamils
(c) Indian Tamils
(d) Muslims
Ans: (a)
The major social groups in Sri Lanka are the Sinhala-speakers (74 per cent) and the Tamil-speakers (18 per cent)

Q4: Which language is spoken by the majority of Belgians?
(a) German
(b) French
(c) Dutch
(d) English
Ans: (c)
Of the Belgian’s total population, 59 per cent lives in the Flemish region and speaks Dutch language.

Q5: Which religion is followed by Sinhala speaking people?
(a) Hindus
(b) Muslims
(c) Buddhists
(d) None of these
Ans: (c)
Most of the Sinhala speaking people are Buddhists, while most of the Tamils are Hindus or Muslims.

Q6: 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
Ans: (b)
In 1956, an Act was passed to recognise Sinhala as the only official language, thus disregarding Tamil.

Q7: Which of the following is not one of the three organs of government powers are shared?
(a) Legislature
(b) Bureaucracy
(c) Executive
(d) Judiciary
Ans: (b)
Power is shared among different organs of government, such as the legislature, executive and judiciary.

Q8: 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
Ans: (d)
The aspects of federal division of powers are sharing of powers among central provincial and local governments, Division of powers involving higher and lower levels of government.

Q9: What led to non-sharing of power?
(a) Peace among all the communities
(b) The tyranny of the majority and oppression of minority
(c) Negation of the very spirit of democracy
(d) Both (b) and (c)
Ans: (d)
Non-sharing of power led to tyranny of the majority and oppression of minority and negation of the very spirit of democracy.

Q10: How many times was the Constitution of Belgium amended between 1970 and 1993?
(a) Two times
(b) Three times
(c) Five times
(d) Four times
Ans: (d)
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.

Fill in the blanks

Q1: .......... has started power struggle demanding separate Eelam in Sri Lanka.
Ans: Tamilians political organisation

Q2: Both .......... and .......... share power on an equal basis at .......... in Belgium.
Ans: Dutch, French speaking people, central government

Q3: In Belgium, three communities are living .......... , .......... and .......... .
Ans: French, Dutch, German speaking

Q4: In Belgium, lastly the power is shared between .......... , .......... and .......... .
Ans: Central, State, Community Government

Q5: .......... was started in Sri Lanka due to distrust between the two communities.
Ans: Civil War

True & False

Q1: The feeling of accommodation has led to the problem in Sri Lanka.
Ans: False

Q2: Sri Lanka is facing the problems because of supporting the Tamilians in the state.
Ans: True

Q3: Belgium and Sri Lanka are the two similar causes in the struggle of people.
Ans: True

Q4: Belgium has French people in majority whereas the others struggle for their rights.
Ans: False

Q5: Power sharing increases the possibility of conflict between social groups.
Ans: False

Q6: Power sharing is desirable and reduces possibilities of conflict within the country.
Ans: True

Assertion and Reasons

Direction: Mark the option which is most suitable :
Q1: 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.
Ans: C

Q2: Assertion : There was a feeling of alienation among Sri Lankan Tamils.
Reason : The Sri Lankan government denied them equal political rights and discriminated against them in getting jobs and other opportunities,
(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.
Ans: A

Q3: 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.
Ans: D 

Q4: Assertion : Power should reside with one person and group located at one place in a democracy.
Reason : If the power is dispersed, it will not be possible to take decision quickly and enforce it.
(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.
Ans: D

Q5: Assertion : Sinhala was recognized as only official language of Sri Lanka.
Reason : The government of Sri Lanka wanted to establish the supremacy of Sinhala 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.
Ans: A

Q6: Assertion : In Belgium, the leaders realized that the unity of the country is possible by respecting the feelings and interest of different countries.
Reason : Belgium favoured Dutch 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.
Ans: D

Q7: Assertion : Community government in Belgium is elected by one language community.
Reason : Community government helped in resolving conflict between different linguistic groups.
(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.
Ans: A

Q8: Assertion : In a democracy, everyone has voice in the shaping of public policies.
Reason : India has federal system. 
(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.
Ans: B

Q9: Assertion : Power Sharing is good.
Reason : It leads to ethical tension.
(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.
Ans: C

Q10: Assertion : Belgium and Sri Lanka both faced ethical tension among different communities.
Reason : Both the countries resolved the conflict by power sharing arrangement which gave equal representation to all the communities.
(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.
Ans: C

Very Short Answer Type Questions

Q1: Mention any one characteristics of power sharing.
Ans: It gives the people right to be consulted or any other characteristics.

Q2: Who formed the majority in terms of population in Sri Lanka?
Ans: Sinhala community.

Q3: Which type of powers does the Community Government of Belgium enjoy?
Ans: This government has the power regarding culture, education and language related issues.

Q4: How and when was Sinhala recognized as the official language of Sri Lanka?
Ans: Sinhala was recognized as the official language of Sri Lanka by passing an Act in 1956.

Q5: What is the prudential reason behind power sharing.
or
Why power sharing is good for democracies?
Ans: It reduces the possibility of conflict between social groups.

Q6: Which factor is responsible for increasing the feeling of alienation among the Sri Lankan Tamils?
Ans: Majoritarianism.

Q7: What does the system of ‘checks and balances’ ensure in power sharing?
Ans: That none of the organs of the government can exercise unlimited power.

Q8: What measure was adopted by the democratically elected government of Sri Lanka to establish Sinhala supremacy?
Ans: Majoritarian measure.

Q9: What is the state religion of Sri Lanka?
Ans: Buddhism.

Short Answer Type Questions

Q1: What is power sharing? Why power sharing is important in a democracy?
Ans: (i) When the power does not rest with any one organ of the state rather it is shared among legislature, executive and judiciary, it is called power sharing.
(ii) Power sharing is important in a democracy because :
(a) It helps to reduce the possibility of conflict between social groups.
(b) It is the very spirit of democracy.
(c) It is a good way to ensure the stability of the political order.

Q2: In modern democracies, power is often shared among different organs of the government. Explain.
Ans: Power is shared between different organs of the government such as Legislature, Executive and Judiciary. This system of power sharing is referred to as a system of‘checks and balances’ because: All three organs are placed at the same level of power. The power distribution ensures that no organ enjoys unlimited powers. Each organ exercises a check on the others. Thus there is a balance of power. 

Q3: How can power be shared among governments at different levels? Explain.
or
Explain the vertical division of power giving example from India.
Ans: Vertical division of power: Vertical division of power means sharing of power among governments at different levels.
In India, there are three levels of the government:
a. For the entire country: Central Government/Union Government.
b. At the provincial level: State Governments.
c. At the local level (i.e., rural and urban): Local self governments like panchayats and municipal councils.

Q4: Give reasons why power sharing is desirable.
or
Why power sharing is necessary in democracy?
Explain.
or
Write one prudential and one moral reason for power sharing.
or
Why is power sharing desirable? Explain moral reasons in this regard.
or
Why power sharing is desirable? Explain giving any three prudential reasons.
Ans: Power sharing is desirable in democracy because:
(i) Prudential reasons:
(a) It helps to reduce the possibility of conflict between social groups. Since social conflict often leads to violence and political instability.
(b) It is a good way to ensure the stability of political order.
(c) 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.
(ii) Moral reasons: 
(a) Power sharing is the very spirit of democracy. A democratic rule involves sharing power with those affected by its exercise and who have to live with its effect.
(b) People have a right to be consulted on how they are to be governed.
(c) A legitimate government is one where citizens through participation, acquire a stake in the system.

Q5: “Sharing of powers makes a country more powerful and united.” Do you agree with this statement and why?
or
“Power sharing is the very spirit of democracy”. Justify this statement with three suitable points.
or
How far do you agree with the statement that power sharing is keeping with the “Spirit” of democracy?
Ans: Power sharing keeps up with the ‘Spirit’ of Democracy as:
a. Power sharing ensures that all people have stake in government.
b. Power sharing ensures maximum participation. It upholds the concept of people’s rule. It always brings better outcomes in democracy. It ensures the political stability in democracy.
c. Power sharing accommodates diverse groups. It helps to reduce the possibility of conflict between social groups.

Q6: Explain any three consequences of the majoritarian policies adopted by the Sri Lankan government.
Ans: Consequences of majoritariari policies adopted by Sri Lankan Government.
a. Tamils felt the government was not sensitive about Tamil language and culture.
b. Tamils felt discriminated against in jobs and education.
c. Tamils felt the government was practising religious discrimination.
d. Relations between Tamils and Sinhalese became strained.

Q7: Explain any three consequences of the majoritarian policies adopted by the Sri Lankan Government.
Ans: Consequences of majoritarian policies adopted by Sri Lankan Government were:
a. Tamils felt the government was not sensitive about Tamil language and culture because Sinhala was declared the official language.
b. Tamils felt discriminated against securing jobs and education which were given preferentially to the Sinhala speakers.
c. Tamils felt the government was practising religious discrimination because the State fostered Buddhism. Relations between Tamils and Sinhalese became strained.

Q8: Describe the power sharing arrangement made by Belgium.
or
Explain any three elements of the Belgium model of power sharing.
Ans: The main elements of the Belgium model of power sharing includes:
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 Dutchspeaking community has accepted equal representation in the Central Government.

Q9: Explain how power is shared among different organs of the government.
Ans: Power is shared among different organs of government i.e., Legislature, Executive and Judiciary
a. Legislature: The legislature is concerned with passing the laws, controlling the finances of the state and delivering on matter of public importance.
b. Executive: The executive machinery implements the policies of the government and executes the rules made by the legislature bodies.
c. Judiciary: The judiciary is concerned with the interpretation of the laws and has the power to punish those who commit crimes or break the laws. The judiciary can also check the functioning of the executives.

Q10: Compare the different ways in which the Belgians and the Sri Lankans have dealt with the problem of cultural diversity. 
Ans: The Belgian leaders recognised the existence of regional and cultural diversities.
a. They amended their Constitution four times so as to work out an innovative arrangement that would enable everyone to live together in peace and harmony, i.e., there was sharing of power between the Dutch and the French both in the Central Government, State Government and Community Government. They followed a policy of accommodation.
b. This helped to avoid civic strife and division of the country on linguistic lines.
c. On the other hand, the Sinhalese who were in majority in Sri Lanka as compared to the Tamils followed a policy of majoritarianism and adopted a series of measures to establish Sinhala Supremacy by passing an Act of 1956. These measures alienated the Tamils leading to civic strife between the two communities.