CBSE Class 10 Political Science (Civics) Important Questions Chapter 1 Power Sharing

1. Why is it bad if the community as a whole rules? Where else will Sinhalas dominate if they don't already control Sri Lanka?

Ans:

• The problem with the majority community ruling exclusively is that it can lead to the marginalisation and suppression of minority groups. In a democracy, effective governance should reflect the interests and rights of all communities, not just the majority.

• In the context of Sri Lanka, if the Sinhalas, being the majority community, did not rule, it does not mean that they would be without influence or leadership roles in other areas. 

• Effective power-sharing mechanisms are designed to ensure that all communities, including minorities, have a voice and participation in governance. 

• The goal is to create an inclusive society where all groups can coexist peacefully and contribute to decision-making processes, regardless of their numerical strength.

2. What makes power sharing a good idea? Provide two arguments in favour of the assertion.

Ans:

• Prevents Conflict: Power-sharing ensures that all groups, including minorities, have a role in governance. This inclusion helps to prevent conflicts and grievances that arise when one group dominates and others feel excluded or marginalised. By distributing power, societies can maintain stability and peace.

• Promotes Inclusivity and Democracy: It reflects the principles of democracy and fairness, where every group's interests and rights are considered. This inclusivity fosters a sense of belonging and participation among all citizens, leading to more balanced and representative decision-making.

3. What kinds of power-sharing exist in contemporary democracies? Illustrate each of them.

Ans:

• Horizontal Division of Power: This involves the separation of powers among different branches of government—executive, legislative, and judiciary. For example, in the United States, the President (executive), Congress (legislative), and the Supreme Court (judiciary) operate independently to prevent any single branch from becoming too powerful.

• Federal Division of Power: In a federal system, power is divided between central and regional governments. For instance, in India, power is shared between the central government and state governments, allowing regional governments to make decisions on local matters.

• Community or Group-Based Power Sharing: This form involves allocating power to various communities or groups to ensure their representation in governance. In Belgium, power is shared among different linguistic communities-Flemish, French, and German-speaking—allowing each community to have a say in national decisions.

• Proportional Representation: This system ensures that political representation in legislatures reflects the proportion of votes each party receives. For example, in the Netherlands, seats in the parliament are allocated based on the percentage of votes each party receives, ensuring a more accurate representation of diverse political views.

• Decentralisation: Power is distributed to lower levels of government to make decision-making more localised. For example, in Switzerland, cantons have significant autonomy and decision-making power, allowing them to address local needs effectively while remaining part of the federal system.

4. Give one ethical and one prudential justification for power sharing, using an Indian example.

Ans: 

Prudential Reason for Power-Sharing

Reason: Power-sharing helps in reducing conflicts and maintaining stability in a diverse society.

Example: In India, power-sharing through federalism allows various states and regions to govern themselves on local matters while remaining part of the Indian Union. This approach helps accommodate regional differences and prevent conflicts, such as those experienced in the states of Punjab and Jammu & Kashmir, where local governance structures address specific regional needs and aspirations.

Moral Reason for Power-Sharing

Reason: Power-sharing ensures that all groups, especially minorities, have a voice in decision-making, which is essential for democratic equality and justice.

Example: In India, the reservation system in legislative bodies ensures that Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) have reserved seats in Parliament and state legislatures. This power-sharing mechanism upholds the principle of inclusive democracy by giving these historically marginalised communities a guaranteed representation, thus promoting social justice and equality.

5. The essence of democracy is power sharing. Do you concur?

Ans: Yes, I agree that power-sharing is the essence of democracy. In a democratic system, power-sharing ensures that no single group or individual has absolute control, which upholds the principles of equality and fairness. By distributing power among various institutions and groups, democracies foster greater inclusivity, represent diverse interests, and prevent the concentration of power, thereby supporting the fundamental democratic values of participation and accountability.

6. The mayor of Merchtem, a Belgian municipality close to Brussels, has defended the town's educational policy prohibiting the use of French. The prohibition, he claimed, would facilitate the integration of all non-Dutch speakers into this Flemish town. Do you believe that this action adheres to the principles of Belgium's power-sharing agreements? 

Ans: No, this measure is not in keeping with Belgium’s power-sharing spirit. Belgium's power-sharing arrangements respect linguistic diversity by promoting accommodation rather than exclusion. Banning French in a bilingual context undermines the principle of mutual respect and integration for all language communities, contrary to Belgium’s commitment to inclusive governance.

7. Democracy benefits from power sharing. True or False

Ans: True. Power-sharing is beneficial for democracy as it ensures that diverse groups and communities have a voice in decision-making, promotes stability, and helps prevent the dominance of a single group. It supports fairness and inclusivity, which are fundamental to a democratic society.

8. Power sharing lessens the likelihood of conflict among social groups.  True or False

Ans: True. Power-sharing helps to reduce the possibility of conflict between social groups by ensuring that different groups have a say in governance and decision-making. This inclusive approach promotes cooperation and helps address grievances, which can prevent conflicts and foster social harmony.

9. Only in civilizations where there are linguistic, religious, or ethnic divides is power-sharing required. Do you concur with this? Why?

Ans: No, I do not agree. While power-sharing is important in societies with religious, linguistic, or ethnic divisions to ensure fair representation and prevent conflicts, it is also important in more homogenous societies. Power-sharing can enhance democratic governance by promoting inclusivity, accountability, and balanced decision-making, thereby strengthening the overall political system and ensuring that diverse perspectives are considered.

10. For what reason has power-sharing been popular? Why would a democracy require it?

Ans:

• Inclusivity: Power-sharing ensures that various social, ethnic, or religious groups have a voice in governance, promoting fairness and representation.

• Conflict Prevention: Distributing power among different groups, helps prevent domination by a single group, thereby reducing the likelihood of conflict and fostering stability.

• Strengthening Democracy: It supports democratic values by making governance more participatory and accountable, ensuring that decisions reflect the interests of a broader section of society.

• Balanced Decision-Making: Diverse viewpoints can lead to more balanced and thoughtful policy-making, as different perspectives are considered in the decision-making process.

10. For what reason has power-sharing been popular? Why would a democracy require it?

Ans: In Sri Lanka, the majority and minority groups are as follows:

• Majority Group: The Sinhalese, who are primarily Buddhist, constitute the majority of the population.

• Minority Groups: The Tamils, who are mostly Hindu and also include a significant Muslim population, are the main minority groups. The Tamil population is further divided into Tamils of Sri Lankan origin and Tamils of Indian origin.

12. In Sri Lanka, what does majoritarianism mean? Talk about it.

Ans:

• Political Dominance: The Sinhalese majority, being around 74% of the population, has historically dominated Sri Lankan politics. Policies and decisions often favour Sinhalese interests, marginalising Tamil and Muslim communities. For instance, the official language policy initially declared Sinhala as the sole official language, sidelining Tamil, which was a language spoken by a substantial minority.

• Constitutional and Legal Framework: Majoritarianism is reflected in constitutional provisions and laws that favour Sinhalese Buddhist practices. For example, the Constitution recognises Buddhism as the foremost religion, which has been interpreted to promote Buddhist interests in various public spheres.

• Impact on Minorities: This system has led to alienation and conflict among minority groups. The Tamils, who felt politically and culturally excluded, have faced discrimination, contributing to prolonged civil unrest and violence, including the Sri Lankan Civil War that lasted nearly three decades.

• Efforts at Reconciliation: While there have been efforts to address these imbalances through power-sharing arrangements and peace talks, challenges remain. The introduction of federal systems or power-sharing mechanisms aimed to provide more equitable representation and rights to minority communities but has faced resistance and implementation issues.

13. Describe what is meant by the term "federal division of power."

Ans:

• In a federal system, the central government and regional governments (like states or provinces) each have their areas of authority. For example, the central government might handle national defence, foreign policy, and currency, while regional governments manage local issues such as education, healthcare, and transportation.

• The division of powers is typically outlined in a constitution or similar legal document. This constitution specifies which powers are exclusive to each level of government and which powers are shared or concurrent. It helps in maintaining a clear structure and preventing conflicts between different levels of government.

• Federal systems allow for regional autonomy, meaning that states or provinces can make decisions on certain matters independently of the central government. However, there must also be coordination and cooperation between the central and regional governments to manage shared responsibilities and ensure a cohesive national policy.

• Examples: Countries like the United States, India, and Germany are examples of federal systems. In these countries, powers and responsibilities are divided between the national government and individual states or provinces, each with its own legislative, executive, and judicial branches.

14. What was the composition of the Brussels Government? Describe.

Ans: The Brussels Government, established within Belgium’s federal framework, reflects the country's commitment to accommodating its linguistic and regional diversity. It is led by a Minister-President and includes ministers representing various portfolios, ensuring bilingual functionality in Dutch and French, given the region's official status. The government operates alongside the Brussels Regional Parliament, which legislates for the Brussels Capital Region. This structure exemplifies Belgium’s power-sharing principles, ensuring balanced representation and addressing the needs of both Dutch-speaking and French-speaking communities in a region characterised by its unique linguistic and political landscape.

15. Explain the demands that the Tamil people in Sri Lanka are making.

Ans:

• Autonomous Political Status: Tamilians sought the establishment of an autonomous Tamil Eelam, a separate state in the northern and eastern parts of Sri Lanka where they constitute a majority, to ensure self-governance and political representation.

• Recognition of Tamil as an Official Language: They demanded that Tamil be recognised as an official language alongside Sinhala, reflecting the linguistic diversity of the country and ensuring equitable treatment in government and public services.

• Equal Rights and Fair Representation: Tamilians advocated for equal rights in employment, education, and political representation, aiming to address historical inequalities and discrimination faced by their community.

• Protection of Cultural and Religious Rights: They sought guarantees for the preservation of Tamil cultural and religious practices, including the protection of Tamil heritage sites and the right to practice their religion freely.

• Reparations for Conflict-Related Damages: In the wake of the civil conflict, Tamilians called for compensation and assistance for those affected by violence and displacement, as well as mechanisms for justice and reconciliation.

16. Describe the fundamental tenets of democracy.

Ans:

• Decisions in a democracy are made based on the will of the majority, ensuring that the preferences of the majority of the population shape the policies and laws of the state.

• Citizens have the right to elect representatives who will make decisions on their behalf, reflecting their interests and concerns in the governance process.

• Democracy guarantees fundamental rights and freedoms, such as freedom of speech, assembly, and press, allowing individuals to express their opinions and participate in public discourse.

• Every citizen has equal voting rights and is entitled to equal treatment under the law, ensuring that no individual or group is unjustly privileged or discriminated against.

• Elected officials are accountable to the public and must operate transparently, allowing citizens to scrutinise their actions and hold them responsible for their decisions.

17. What are Germany's two main political parties?

Ans:

1. Christian Democratic Union (CDU): A centre-right party that advocates for conservative and Christian-democratic values, focusing on economic stability, a strong social market economy, and traditional values. The CDU often partners with its Bavarian sister party, the Christian Social Union (CSU), in federal government formations.

2. Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD): A centre-left party that promotes social democracy, advocating for progressive taxation, social welfare programs, and workers' rights. The SPD focuses on reducing social inequalities and expanding social services.

18. Which nations have a federal system of division of powers? Give any two names.

Ans:

• United States: The U.S. has a federal system where power is shared between the national government and individual states. Each state has its own government and legislative authority, while certain powers are reserved for the federal government.

• India: India operates under a federal system where power is divided between the central government and various states. Each state has its government and legislative powers, and there are specific areas of governance that are under central or state jurisdiction.

19. Which nations have a federal system of division of powers? Give any two names.

Ans:

• Social Groups: Power sharing helps in representing various social groups, reducing the likelihood of conflict and enhancing social harmony. It ensures that minority groups have a voice in political processes, which can lead to greater inclusivity and social justice.

• Linguistic Groups: For linguistic groups, power sharing can help in preserving and promoting their languages and cultures. It allows for the creation of language policies that accommodate different linguistic communities, which fosters a sense of belonging and prevents cultural erosion.

• Religious Groups: In a multi-religious society, power sharing ensures that no single religion dominates the state apparatus. It promotes religious tolerance and helps in the fair allocation of resources and representation, which reduces sectarian tensions and promotes coexistence.

20. Which is the third form of governance that is used in Belgium, excluding the Central and State governments?

Ans: In Belgium, apart from the Central and State governments, the third type of government is the Regional Government. Belgium is divided into three regions: Flanders, Wallonia, and Brussels-Capital. Each region has its government responsible for various local matters, including education, transportation, and economic policies. This regional government structure ensures that the diverse linguistic and cultural communities within Belgium have a degree of self-governance and representation.

21. Which group gained dominance in Sri Lanka after independence?

Ans: After independence, Sri Lanka witnessed the supremacy of the Sinhalese community. The Sinhalese, being the majority ethnic group in the country, exerted significant political and cultural influence, which led to policies favouring their interests and contributing to tensions with the Tamil minority.

Important Topics of Class 10 Power Sharing Important Questions 

Power Sharing Class 10 Important Questions and Answers PDF covers subjects like concepts such as federalism, power-sharing mechanisms, and the role of community representation in governance.

Benefits of Learning with Power Sharing Class 10 Important Questions and Answers PDF

Studying Class 10 Power Sharing Important Questions offers students several benefits.

• Learning important questions on power sharing helps students grasp the complexities of how different levels and branches of government interact. This understanding is important for comprehending how democratic systems function and how they address various societal needs.

• Focusing on key questions prepares students for exams by covering essential concepts and case studies related to power sharing. This targeted preparation helps in reinforcing knowledge and improves performance in assessments.

• Studying these questions encourages students to apply theoretical concepts to real-world scenarios. Understanding examples like the Belgian and Sri Lankan models allows students to see how different power-sharing arrangements can impact societies.

• Learning about power sharing helps students appreciate the importance of accommodating diverse groups and managing conflicts. This awareness is essential for fostering a more inclusive and understanding approach to social and political issues.

Conclusion 

Important Questions of Political Science Class 10 Chapter 1 equips students with a deep understanding of how various forms of power sharing can influence governance and societal harmony. By examining case studies and theoretical concepts, students gain valuable insights into the complexities of democratic processes and conflict management. This knowledge not only enhances their academic performance but also prepares them to be more informed and thoughtful citizens, capable of engaging with and addressing the diverse needs within a society.

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