class 10 sst civics chapter 1 power sharing NCERT Solutions Notes Poonam Dua

Class X, Civics, Chapter No.1

Question 1:

What are the different forms of power sharing in modern democracies? Give an example of each of these.

Answer :

Different forms of power sharing in modern democracies:
Horizontal division of power: It is the sharing of power among the different organs of government. The division of government into the executive, the legislature and the judiciary is an example of horizontal division of power. In such a power sharing  arrangement, different organs of government, placed at the same level, exercise different powers. This separation of powers ensures that no organ exercises unlimited power. Each organ checks the others, thereby putting in place a system of checks and balances. The division of power between the Council of Ministers headed by the Indian Prime Minister, the Parliament of India and the Indian Supreme Court is an example of this kind of power sharing.
Vertical division of power: It is the sharing of power among governments at different levels — a general government for the entire country and governments at the provincial or regional level. For example, in India, the Constitution defines the way power is to be shared between the Central or Union government and the various State governments. There are certain matters on which only the Central government can take decisions, while there are others on which only an individual state government has an exclusive right for decision making.
Division of power among social groups: Power can also be shared among different groups which differ socially. The system of 'community government' in Belgium is an example of this type of power division. This government is elected by people belonging to one language community (Dutch, French and German-speaking), and has the power to take decisions regarding cultural, educational and language-related issues.
The system of reserved constituencies in India is another example.
Division of power between political parties, pressure groups and movements: Political parties are the organisations which aim to control power by contesting elections. In a democracy, citizens have the freedom to choose among the various contenders for power (the different political parties or the different alliances comprising political parties). Such a freedom of choice entails competition among the different parties, which in turn ensures that power does not remain in one hand, and is shared among different political parties representing different ideologies and social groups.
Pressure groups and movements also share governmental power, either through participation in governmental committees or by influencing the decision-making process.

Question 2:

State one prudential reason and one moral reason for power sharing with an example from the Indian context.

Answer :

A prudential reason for power sharing is that it leads to an avoidance of conflict between social groups. Since social conflict often leads to violence and political instability, power sharing is a good way to ensure the stability of political order. In India, seats have been reserved in legislatures for the socially weaker sections keeping in mind this prudential reason for power sharing.
A moral reason for power sharing is that it upholds the spirit of democracy. In a truly democratic setup, the citizens too have a stake in governance. In India, the citizens can come together to debate and criticise the policies and decisions of the government. This in turn puts pressure on the government to rethink its policies and reconsider its decisions. This active political participation is in keeping with the moral reason for power sharing.

Question 3:

After reading this chapter, three students drew different conclusions. Which of these do you agree with and why? Give your reasons in about 50 words.
Thomman − Power sharing is necessary only in societies which have religious, linguistic or ethnic divisions.
Mathayi − Power sharing is suitable only for big countries that have regional divisons.
Ouseph − Every society needs some form of power sharing even if it is small or does not have social divisions.

Answer :

Ouseph’s statement is the most logical, and thus, should be agreed on. Power sharing not only prevents conflict between various groups in the society but it also inculcates a sense of worth in the citizens. The people will be more satisfied with the government if they have a say in the decision-making process.

Question 4:

The Mayor of Merchtem, a town near Brussels in Belgium, has defended a ban on speaking French in the town’s schools. He said that the ban would help all non-Dutch speakers integrate in this Flemish town. Do you think that this measure is in keeping with the spirit of Belgium’s power sharing arrangements? Give your reasons in about 50 words.

Answer :

This measure is not in keeping with Belgium’s power sharing arrangements. The arrangements seek to maintain peace between the French and Dutch-speaking communities. By banning French, the mayor will cause civil unrest. Both the languages should be made acceptable in the town’s schools. This bilingual education system will be a better way to integrate the people of the town.

Question 5:

Read the following passage and pick out any one of the prudential reasons for power sharing offered in this.
"We need to give more power to the panchayats to realise the dream of Mahatma Gandhi and the hopes of the makers of our Constitution. Panchayati Raj establishes true democracy. It restores power to the only place where power belongs in a democracy − in the hands of the people. Given power to panchayats is also a way to reduce corruption and increase administrative efficiency. When people participate in the planning and implementation of developmental schemes, they would naturally exercise greater control over these schemes. This would eliminate the corrupt middlemen. Thus, Panchayati Raj will strengthen the foundations of our democracy."

Answer :

"When people participate in the planning and implementation of developmental schemes, they would naturally exercise greater control over these schemes. This would eliminate the corrupt middlemen."

Question 6:

Different arguments are usually put forth in favour of and against power sharing. Identify those which are in favour of power sharing and select the answer using the codes given below? Power sharing:
A. reduces conflict among different communities
B. decreases the possibility of arbitrariness
C. delays decision making process
D. accommodates diversities
E. increases instability and divisiveness
F. promotes people’s participation in government
G. undermines the unity of a country

(a)	A	B	D	F
(b)	A	C	E	F
(c)	A	B	D	G
(d)	B	C	D	G

Answer :

(a)

A

B

D

F

Question 7:

Consider the following statements about power sharing arrangements in Belgium and Sri Lanka.
Α. In Belgium, the Dutch-speaking majority people tried to impose their domination on the minority French-speaking community.
B. In Sri Lanka, the policies of the government sought to ensure the dominance of the Sinhala-speaking majority.
C. The Tamils in Sri Lanka demanded a federal arrangement of power sharing to protect their culture, language and equality of opportunity in education and jobs.
D. The transformation of Belgium from unitary government to a federal one prevented a possible division of the country on linguistic lines.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) A, B, C and D
(b) A, B and D
(c) C and D
(d) B, C and D

Answer :

(d) B, C and D

Question 8:

Match list I (forms of power sharing) with List II (forms of government) and select the correct answer using the codes given below in the lists:

	List I		List II
1.	Power shared among different organs of government	Α.	Community government
2.	Power shared among governments at different levels	Β.	Separation of powers
3.	Power shared by different social groups	C.	Coalition government
4.	Power shared by two or more political parties	D.	Federal government

	1	2	3	4
(a)	D	A	B	C
(b)	B	C	D	A
(c)	B	D	A	C
(d)	C	D	A	B

Answer :

	1	2	3	4
(c)	B	D	A	C

Question 9:

Consider the following two statements on power sharing and select the answer using the codes given below:
A. Power sharing is good for democracy.
B. It helps to reduce the possibility of conflict between social groups.
Which of these statements are true and false?

(a) A is true but B is false

(b) Both A and B are true

(c) Both A and B are false

(d) A is false but B is true

Answer :

(b) Both A and B are true

 

Q.1. How did the Sri Lankan and the Belgium governments try to solve the ethnic problem?

Ans.

1. The Belgium leaders tried to solve the ethnic problem by respecting the feelings and interests of different communities and regions, whereas the Sri Lanka Government tried to solve the problem through majoritarianism.

2. The Belgium solution helped in avoiding civic strife, whereas the majoritarianism in Sri Lanka led to the civil war.

Q. 2. Explain the prudential reasons for power sharing.

Ans. Power sharing is desirable because it helps to reduce the possibility of conflict between the various social groups. Since social conflict often leads to violence and political instability, power sharing is a good way to ensure political stability. Imposing the will of the majority community over the minority may look like an attractive option in the short run, but in the long run it undermines the unity of the nation. Tyranny of the majority is not just oppressive for the minority, it often brings ruin to the majority as well.

Q. 3.  Explain the moral reason for power sharing.

Ans. Power sharing is the basic spirit of democracy. A democracy rule involves sharing of power with those affected by its exercise, and who have to live with its effects. The basic principles of power, sharing include-

1. Government of different political parties, i.e., a coalition government.

2. Protection of minority rights.

3. Decentralization of power.

Q. 4.  What is power sharing?

Ans. 

1. Power sharing is a strategy under which all the major segments of the society are provided with a permanent share of power in the governance of the country. It is a potential tool for solving disputes in the society divided by deep ethnic, cultural or racial differences by giving the parties involved the wide range of power sharing to ameliorate the tensions through consensus-oriented governance.

2. It involves a wide array of political arrangements – usually embodied in constitutional terms – in which the principal elements of society are guaranteed a place and influence, in governance. It relies on joint exercise of power where all principal groups are given a permanent share in the governance.

Q. 5. Mention the steps taken by the Sri Lankan government to achieve majoritarianism.

Ans.

1. In 1956, an Act was passed under which English was replaced as the country’s official language not by Sinhala and Tamil but by Sinhala only.

2. The governments followed preferential policies that favored Sinhala applicants for university positions and government jobs.

3. A new constitution was stipulated that the state shall protect and foster Buddhism.

4. Denial of citizenship to estate Tamils.

Q. 6.  Why is power sharing desirable?

Ans.

1. To avoid conflict: it reduce the possibility of conflict between the various social groups. Since social conflict often leads to violence and political instability, power sharing is a good way to ensure political stability. Imposing the will of majority community over the minority may look like an attractive option in the short run, but in long run, it undermines the unity of the nation. Tyranny of the majority is not just oppressive for the minority, if often brings ruin to the majority as well.

2. Spirit of democracy: Power sharing is the basic spirit of democracy. A democratic rule involves the sharing of power with those affected by its exercise, and those who have to live with its effects. A democratic government is chosen by the people. So they are to be governed. A legitimate government is one where groups, through participation acquire a stake in the system.

Q.7.  Explain the difference between horizontal and vertical power sharing.

Ans. Horizontal Power sharing

1. Under the horizontal power sharing power is shared among different organs of government such as the legislature, executive and judiciary.

2. Under horizontal distribution of power, organs of the government are placed at the same level to exercise different powers.

3. Under horizontal each organ checks the other.

Vertical Power sharing

1. Under the vertical sharing power, power is shared among the different levels of the governments.

2. The vertical division of power involves the highest and the lower levels of government.

3. Under vertical power sharing the lower organs work under the higher org.

Q.8.  Explain the power sharing arrangements among the political parties and pressure groups.

Ans.

1. In a democracy, power is also shared among different political parties, pressure groups and movements.

2. Democracy provides the citizens a choice to choose their rulers. This choice is provided by the various political parties, who contest elections to win them. Such competition ensures that power does not remain in one hand.

3. In the long run, power is shared among the different political parties that represent different ideologies and social groups. Sometimes, this kind of sharing can be direct, when two or more parties form an alliance to contest elections. If their alliance is elected, they form a coalition government and thus share power.

4. In a democracy, various pressure groups and movements also remain active. They also have a share in governmental power, either through participation in governmental committees or having influence on the decision making process.

Q. 9 . How is a federal government better than a unitary government? Explain with examples of Belgium and Sri Lanka.

Ans.
1. Federalism is a system of government under which power is divided between central authority and its various constituents units.

2. The Belgium leaders tried to solve the ethnic problem by respecting communities and regions by establishing a federal government, whereas Sri Lanka government tried to solve the problem through majoritarianism.

3. The Belgium solution helped in avoiding the civic strife, whereas the majoritarianism in Sri Lanka led to the civil war.

 

Short Answer questions

Q.1 What was a community government?

Ans- It was elected by the people belonging to language community – Dutch French and German speaking no metter where they live. It deals with cultural, educational and language related issues.

Q.2 What was the political problems faced by Belgium?

Ans- Problems of ethnic composition-

       1. 50% Dutch speaking, 40% French speaking, 1% German speaking

       2. But in its capital- 80% French speaking, 20% Dutch speaking

       3. French community was rich and powerful

Q.3 Explain the ethnic problem of Srilanka.

1) In Silence there are two communities' sinhala and Tamil

2) Among Tamils the Tamil natives who are called, Srilankan Tamils and the Indian Tamils whose forefathers come from India as plantation workers during the colonial period.

3) Most of the Sinhalas are Buddhist and Tamils are Hindus or Muslims. So in Srilanka the problem was who is going to hold power and enjoy the economic benefits

Long Answers questions

Q.1 How Belgian government solved its ethnic Problem ?

Ans- The Path of accommodation adopted in Belgium.

        1) Dutch and French speaking ministers shall be equal in the central govt.

        2) Many Powers of the central government have been given to state govt. The state govt are not subordinate to the central govt.

        3) Brussels has a separate govt in which both the communities have equal representation. 

        4) There is a third kind of govt called community govt elected by the people belonging to Dutch, French and German no matter where they live.

Q.2 What is majoritariamisum? How it has led to alienation of majority community in Sri Lanka?

Ans- The dominance of majority community to rule the country in whichever way it wants totally disregarding the wishes and needs of minority community is known as majoritarianism

        1) In srilanka mainly there are two communities- Sinhala and Tamils the leaders of the sinhala community sought to secure dominance over the govt by virtue of their majority. Sinhala has been recognized as the official language of the country by disregarding

         2) Government followed a preferential policy favouring sinhalased in university portions and govt jobs.

         3) The govt encouraged and protected Budhism The distrust has turned into a civil war that has caused a set back to social cultural and economic life of Srilanka.

 

Belgium and Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka

Ethnic Composition - Sinhala speakers 74%
                                 Tamil speakers 18% (13% Sri Lankan Tamils, rest Indian Tamils)
                                 Sinhala speaking people are Buddhist, Tamils are Hindu or Muslims, about
                                  7% Christians are both Tamil & Sinhala.
Steps taken by Government - • Adopted a series of Majoritarian measures to establish Sinhala
                                                    supremacy.
                                             • Act passed in 1956 to recognise Sinhala as the official language.
                                             • Favoured Sinhala applicants for university positions and government jobs,
                                             • State favoured policies to protect and foster Buddhism
Outcomes                    • Increased the feeling of alienation among the Sri-Lanka Tamils.                                     • Relations between the Sinhala and Tamil communities strained over time.
                                    • Tamils have launched parties & struggles, formed political organisations
                                       demanding independent Tamil Eelam.
                                    • The distrust between the two communities turned into widespread conflict,
                                       soon turned into a Civil War.

Belgium 

Ethnic Composition - Dutch speaking population – 59% in the Flemish region.
                                 French speaking – 40% in the Wallonia region. 1% German speaking
                                 In Brussels – 80% Speaking French
                                                     20% Dutch speaking
                                 French community was relatively rich and powerful, in comparison to Dutch
                                 community who got the benefit of economic development and education much later.
Steps taken by Government - • Recognised the existence of regional differences & cultural diversities.
                                              • Amended their constitution four times to allow everyone to live together.
                                              • Equal number of Dutch & French speaking ministers in the central
                                                 government.
                                              • State government given more powers in their regions, are not subordiante
                                                to the Central Government.
                                              • Community government has the power regarding cultural, educational and
                                                language related issues.
Outcomes         -                   • Helped to avoid civil strife between the two major communities and a
                                               possible division of country on linguistic lines.
                                             • Brussels chosen as headquarter of European Union.

Why Power Sharing is desirable ?

    (a) Prudential Reasons : Power sharing reduces the possibility of conflict between social groups, a good way to ensure the stability of political order. Tyranny of majority not only hurts minority, ruins the majority as well, power sharing will bring better outcomes.
    (b) Moral Reasons : Power sharing is the very spirit of democracy. People have the right to be consulted on how they are to be governed. Moral reason emphasizes the very act of power sharing as valuable.