Important Questions for Class 10 Social Science

Political Science 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.

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 • 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

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 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.

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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.

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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.

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 • 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

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 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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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