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Class 10 Civics Chapter 1 Question Answers - Power Sharing

Q1: Give three reasons for the civil war in Sri Lanka.
Class 10 Civics Chapter 1 Question Answers - Power Sharing

Ans: The following were the reasons for the civil war in Sri Lanka:

  • Language discrimination: Sinhala was declared the only official language, which ignored the Tamil language.
  • Employment bias: Preference was given to Sinhala speakers for government jobs and military positions.
  • Religious favouritism: Buddhism was established as the official religion, marginalising other faiths.


Q2: Why is power-sharing desirable in a democracy or any other system of government? 
Ans: Power-sharing is desirable in a democracy and other systems of government for several reasons:

  • Reduces conflict: Distributing power among various social groups lowers the risk of conflict.
  • Ensures stability: It contributes to a stable political order, promoting national unity.
  • Encourages participation: Involving citizens in governance makes them feel invested in the system, enhancing the government's legitimacy.


Q3: Describe the power-sharing in Lebanon. 
Ans: Power-sharing in Lebanon is characterised by a complex system designed to maintain balance among various religious communities:

  • The President must be a Maronite Christian.
  • The Prime Minister is always a Sunni Muslim.
  • The Deputy Prime Minister is allocated to the Orthodox Christian sect.
  • The Speaker of Parliament is reserved for Shia Muslims.

Furthermore:

  • Christians agreed to forfeit French protection.
  • Muslims agreed to refrain from pursuing unification with Syria.


Q4: Why is power sharing essential for a democracy?
Ans: Power sharing is vital for democracy because it:

  • Ensures representation of diverse groups in society.
  • Promotes stability by preventing the concentration of power.
  • Encourages cooperation and dialogue among different factions.
  • Enhances citizen participation in governance.

By distributing power, democracy becomes more inclusive and responsive to the needs of all citizens.

Q5: In the Flemish region which language did the majority of the people speak?
Ans: The majority of people in the Flemish region speak the Dutch language.

Q6: What is the power of the community government in Belgium?
Ans: The community government in Belgium has significant powers in several key areas:

  • Cultural matters: Manages cultural institutions and promotes activities.
  • Education: Oversees the education system, including schools and curricula.
  • Language: Regulates language use and policies within its jurisdiction.

This decentralisation enables communities to effectively address local needs.

Q7: In a democracy power sharing is ensured in the presence of political parties and pressure groups. Explain. 
Ans: In a democracy, political parties are essential for distributing power. Here’s how they contribute:

  • Competition: Political parties compete for power, allowing each a fair chance to govern.
  • Coalitions: When no party achieves a clear majority, parties may form coalition governments to share power.
  • Interest Groups: Various groups, including workers and business owners, influence government decisions, enhancing power sharing.

This system ensures that diverse voices and interests are represented in governance.

Q8: Can dividing power lead to the weakening of a country? 
Ans: No, dividing power cannot lead to the weakening of a country.

In fact, the division of power:

  • Protects the rights of minorities.
  • Prevents the tyranny of the majority.
  • Promotes national integration.
  • Increases citizens' sense of safety and security.

Overall, a system of divided power supports a more democratic society.

Q9: Describe any three forms of power sharing in modern democracies. 
Ans: Three forms of power sharing in modern democracies:

  • Separation of Powers: Power is divided among the different branches of government, including the legislature, executive, and judiciary.
  • Federalism: Authority is shared between a central government and regional or provincial governments, promoting local governance.
  • Social Group Representation: Different social groups, such as religious and linguistic communities, share power. For instance, Belgium has a community government to represent these groups.


Q10: Write one prudential and one moral reason for power sharing.
Ans: Prudential reason for power sharing: Power sharing helps to:

  • Reduce social conflicts between groups with different interests.
  • Avoid violence and political instability.
  • Maintain a stable political order.

Moral reason for power sharing: Power sharing reflects the essence of:

  • Democracy by involving those affected by decisions.
  • Allowing people to have a say in governance.
The document Class 10 Civics Chapter 1 Question Answers - Power Sharing is a part of the Class 10 Course Social Studies (SST) Class 10.
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FAQs on Class 10 Civics Chapter 1 Question Answers - Power Sharing

1. What is power-sharing in a political context?
Ans.Power-sharing refers to the distribution of political power among various groups within a society, ensuring that no single group dominates the political landscape. It aims to promote inclusivity and representation of diverse interests, often seen in multi-ethnic or multi-religious societies.
2. Why is power-sharing important in a democracy?
Ans.Power-sharing is crucial in a democracy as it fosters stability and peace by accommodating different groups' needs and interests. It helps prevent conflicts, promotes social justice, and ensures that governance reflects the population's diversity.
3. What are the different models of power-sharing?
Ans.There are several models of power-sharing, including consociationalism, where political power is shared among different groups; federalism, which allocates powers to different levels of government; and decentralization, which gives local governments more authority. Each model aims to address the unique dynamics of a society.
4. How does power-sharing impact conflict resolution?
Ans.Power-sharing can significantly impact conflict resolution by providing a framework for dialogue and cooperation among groups. It reduces grievances by allowing marginalized groups to have a stake in governance, thereby decreasing the likelihood of violence and fostering a sense of belonging.
5. Can power-sharing lead to political instability?
Ans.While power-sharing is intended to promote stability, it can sometimes lead to political instability if not managed properly. Issues such as unequal representation, power struggles among groups, or lack of commitment to the agreement can create tensions and undermine the effectiveness of power-sharing arrangements.
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