CBSE Class 10 Social Science (Political Science – Democratic Politics-II)
Chapter 1: Power Sharing
20 Important Questions and Answers
Power sharing is a key feature of democracy that helps prevent social conflicts and ensures political stability. The chapter mainly discusses the experiences of Belgium and Sri Lanka and explains different forms of power sharing in democratic systems.
1. What is power sharing? Why is it important in a democracy?
Answer:
Power sharing refers to the distribution of power among different organs, levels, and groups in society. It is an essential feature of democracy because it prevents the concentration of power in one person or group. Power sharing reduces social conflicts and promotes political stability. It allows various communities to participate in decision-making, ensuring that everyone’s interests are considered. Democratic governments believe that people from different backgrounds should have a share in governance. This creates trust among citizens and strengthens national unity. Thus, power sharing not only improves the quality of democracy but also helps maintain peace and harmony in a diverse society.
2. Describe the ethnic composition of Belgium.
Answer:
Belgium is a small European country with a diverse population. About 59% of its people belong to the Dutch-speaking community, mainly living in the Flemish region. Around 40% are French-speaking and live in the Wallonia region. The remaining 1% speak German. In the capital city, Brussels, about 80% of the population speaks French, while 20% speak Dutch. These linguistic differences once created tensions between the communities. However, Belgium adopted a power-sharing arrangement that gave equal importance to different groups. This helped reduce conflicts and maintain political stability. Belgium is therefore considered a successful example of power sharing.
3. Explain the Belgian model of accommodation.
Answer:
Belgium resolved its ethnic conflicts through a unique power-sharing arrangement known as accommodation. The Constitution was amended several times between 1970 and 1993 to ensure equal representation of Dutch-speaking and French-speaking communities. The central government included equal numbers of ministers from both groups. State governments were given significant powers and were not subordinate to the central government. A separate community government was also established to deal with cultural, educational, and language-related issues. These measures helped both communities feel secure and respected. As a result, Belgium avoided serious conflicts and became a successful example of democratic power sharing.
4. What is majoritarianism? How was it practiced in Sri Lanka?
Answer:
Majoritarianism is the belief that the majority community should rule a country according to its wishes without considering the interests of minority groups. In Sri Lanka, the Sinhala community formed the majority. After independence, the government adopted policies favoring Sinhalas. In 1956, Sinhala was declared the only official language. Preference was given to Sinhala candidates in government jobs and universities. The government also promoted Buddhism over other religions. These policies discriminated against the Tamil minority and created resentment. As a result, ethnic tensions increased, leading to political instability and a long civil conflict in the country.
5. Why did the Tamils in Sri Lanka feel alienated?
Answer:
The Tamils felt alienated because the Sri Lankan government adopted several policies that favored the Sinhala majority. The Sinhala language was made the only official language, making it difficult for Tamils to access government services and employment. Sinhala applicants received preference in university admissions and government jobs. Buddhism was also given special recognition by the state. These actions made Tamils feel excluded from political and social life. They believed that their culture, language, and rights were being ignored. Consequently, Tamil leaders demanded greater autonomy, and ethnic tensions eventually developed into a prolonged civil conflict.
6. Compare the approaches of Belgium and Sri Lanka towards power sharing.
Answer:
Belgium and Sri Lanka adopted different approaches to managing social diversity. Belgium recognized the interests of all linguistic communities and introduced power-sharing arrangements. Equal representation, federalism, and community governments ensured participation of all groups. This promoted peace and stability. In contrast, Sri Lanka followed majoritarian policies that favored the Sinhala majority. The interests of the Tamil minority were largely ignored. As a result, ethnic tensions increased and led to civil conflict. Belgium’s approach demonstrated that accommodation and cooperation can strengthen democracy, while Sri Lanka’s experience showed that exclusion and discrimination can create instability and division in society.
7. What are prudential reasons for power sharing?
Answer:
Prudential reasons are practical reasons that make power sharing desirable. Power sharing helps reduce social conflicts and prevents violence among different groups. It ensures political stability and unity in a diverse society. When all communities participate in governance, they are less likely to feel marginalized. This creates mutual trust and cooperation. Countries with effective power-sharing arrangements often experience fewer internal conflicts and stronger democratic institutions. The Belgian model is a good example of prudential power sharing because it successfully managed linguistic differences and maintained national unity. Therefore, prudential reasons focus on the practical benefits of sharing power.
8. What are moral reasons for power sharing?
Answer:
Moral reasons emphasize that power sharing is the very spirit of democracy. Democracy is based on the principle that all citizens have the right to participate in governance. No single group should dominate others. Power sharing respects the dignity and equality of all communities. It encourages participation, inclusiveness, and fairness in decision-making. Democratic governments must represent the interests of all citizens rather than only the majority. Therefore, power sharing is not merely a strategy for maintaining peace but also a moral obligation in a democratic society. It reflects the values of justice, equality, and respect for diversity.
9. Explain horizontal power sharing.
Answer:
Horizontal power sharing refers to the distribution of power among different organs of government at the same level. These organs include the legislature, executive, and judiciary. Each organ performs specific functions and checks the powers of the others. This system is known as checks and balances. It prevents any one institution from becoming too powerful and abusing its authority. For example, the judiciary can review the actions of the executive, while the legislature can make laws. Horizontal power sharing strengthens democracy by ensuring accountability, transparency, and balanced governance. It is widely practiced in modern democratic countries.
10. What is vertical power sharing?
Answer:
Vertical power sharing refers to the distribution of power among different levels of government. In countries with a federal system, powers are divided between the central government, state governments, and local governments. Each level has specific responsibilities defined by the Constitution. This arrangement allows local issues to be addressed effectively while maintaining national unity. Citizens can participate in governance at different levels. Vertical power sharing also prevents excessive concentration of authority in one government. Countries such as India and Belgium follow this form of power sharing. It promotes efficiency, accountability, and democratic participation.
11. What is a community government in Belgium?
Answer:
A community government in Belgium is a special form of government elected by people belonging to a particular language community. It is independent of territorial boundaries and focuses on cultural, educational, and language-related matters. Members of the Dutch, French, and German-speaking communities elect their own representatives. The community government makes decisions on issues affecting their cultural identity and language. This arrangement helps protect the interests of different communities and promotes mutual respect. By giving communities control over important matters, Belgium successfully reduced tensions and strengthened national unity through democratic power sharing.
12. How does power sharing strengthen democracy?
Answer:
Power sharing strengthens democracy by promoting participation, equality, and cooperation among different groups. It ensures that all sections of society have a voice in decision-making. When power is distributed fairly, citizens feel represented and respected. This reduces social tensions and increases trust in democratic institutions. Power sharing also prevents the misuse of authority by any one group or institution. Through mechanisms such as federalism, coalition governments, and community representation, democracy becomes more inclusive and accountable. Therefore, power sharing improves governance and helps create a stable and peaceful society where citizens can participate actively in public affairs.
13. What are checks and balances?
Answer:
Checks and balances refer to a system in which different organs of government monitor and limit each other’s powers. The legislature, executive, and judiciary function independently but also keep one another accountable. For example, courts can review government actions, while legislatures can question executive decisions. This arrangement prevents the concentration of power and reduces the chances of dictatorship or misuse of authority. Checks and balances are an important feature of horizontal power sharing. They ensure transparency, accountability, and fairness in governance. As a result, democratic institutions remain strong and citizens’ rights are protected.
14. What is meant by coalition government?
Answer:
A coalition government is formed when two or more political parties come together to govern because no single party gains a clear majority in elections. In such governments, power is shared among participating parties. Each party contributes to decision-making and policy formation. Coalition governments encourage cooperation, compromise, and representation of diverse interests. They prevent the domination of a single political party and make governance more inclusive. Although coalition governments may sometimes face challenges in reaching consensus, they are considered an important form of democratic power sharing because they reflect the diversity of public opinion.
15. Explain power sharing among social groups.
Answer:
Power sharing among social groups means giving representation to different communities, castes, religions, and linguistic groups in political institutions. This ensures that minorities and disadvantaged groups have a voice in governance. Measures such as reservations, special representation, and constitutional safeguards help achieve this goal. Such arrangements prevent discrimination and promote equality. They also strengthen democracy by making governance more inclusive. When all social groups feel represented, social harmony and national unity increase. Therefore, power sharing among social groups is essential for protecting diversity and ensuring fair participation in democratic processes.
16. Why is Belgium considered a successful example of power sharing?
Answer:
Belgium is considered successful because it peacefully managed conflicts among its linguistic communities through democratic power-sharing arrangements. Equal representation of Dutch-speaking and French-speaking groups in the central government ensured fairness. State governments received substantial powers, and community governments protected cultural interests. These measures addressed the concerns of different communities and reduced tensions. Unlike many countries with similar divisions, Belgium avoided large-scale violence and political instability. The country’s success demonstrates that accommodation, dialogue, and inclusive governance can strengthen democracy. Belgium’s experience is often cited as a model for managing diversity through power sharing.
17. What were the consequences of majoritarianism in Sri Lanka?
Answer:
Majoritarianism in Sri Lanka led to serious ethnic tensions between the Sinhala majority and Tamil minority. Government policies favoring Sinhalas created feelings of discrimination among Tamils. As trust in the government declined, Tamil leaders demanded greater autonomy and equal rights. Political disagreements gradually intensified into violent conflicts. The country experienced civil war, loss of lives, economic difficulties, and political instability for many years. These consequences demonstrated that ignoring minority interests can weaken national unity. Sri Lanka’s experience highlights the importance of inclusive governance and power sharing in maintaining peace and democracy.
18. What lessons can be learned from Belgium and Sri Lanka?
Answer:
The experiences of Belgium and Sri Lanka provide important lessons about managing diversity in democratic societies. Belgium adopted power-sharing arrangements that respected all communities and promoted cooperation. As a result, it maintained peace and stability. Sri Lanka, however, followed majoritarian policies that favored the majority community and ignored minority concerns. This led to conflict and instability. The main lesson is that democracy works best when all groups are included in decision-making. Respect for diversity, equality, and accommodation of differences helps build national unity. Exclusion and discrimination, on the other hand, can create serious social and political problems.
19. Mention the four forms of power sharing in modern democracies.
Answer:
Modern democracies generally follow four forms of power sharing. First, power is shared among different organs of government such as the legislature, executive, and judiciary. Second, power is shared among different levels of government, including central, state, and local governments. Third, power is shared among social groups through representation and constitutional safeguards. Fourth, power is shared among political parties, pressure groups, and movements through competition and participation in governance. These forms ensure that power is not concentrated in one place and that diverse interests are represented. Together, they strengthen democratic governance and social harmony.
20. Why is power sharing considered the spirit of democracy?
Answer:
Power sharing is considered the spirit of democracy because democracy is based on participation, equality, and respect for diversity. It ensures that all citizens and groups have an opportunity to influence decisions affecting their lives. Democracy does not support the concentration of power in the hands of a few individuals or communities. Instead, it encourages cooperation, dialogue, and representation. Power sharing protects minority rights and promotes social justice. It also strengthens citizens’ faith in democratic institutions. Therefore, power sharing is not only a practical necessity but also a fundamental democratic value that reflects fairness and inclusiveness.