Class 10 Political Science Chapter 1
Power Sharing
Important Questions

Outlined below are class 10 Power Sharing important questions and answers. These questions serve the purpose of supporting students in their practice efforts and in attaining strong scores in the CBSE Class 10 Social Science Examination scheduled for 2023-24. The inclusion of a variety of question types is aimed at elucidating uncertainties, fostering productive exam readiness, refining prowess in problem-solving, and nurturing self-assurance among students.

Introduction

In Class 10 Social Science Political Science Chapter 1, the focus is on the concept of power-sharing. Within most democracies, a structure exists for distributing power among various branches. The judiciary, legislature, and executive possess distinct powers specific to their respective domains. Exploring class 10 Power Sharing important questions and answers offers insight into the mechanics of power-sharing. This chapter delves into how each branch maintains accountability towards the others, even as they operate within their distinct realms.

Class 10 Power sharing Important Questions and Answers

Q1. Which one of the following is a major caste group of Sri Lanka :

Options

(a) Christian and Tamil
(b) Buddhist and Hindu
(c) Sinhali and Tamil
(d) Sinhali and Christian

Ans. (c)

Explanation:
Sri Lanka has two major social groups, Sinhalese and Sri Lankan Tamils. People who speak Sinhala are known as the Sinhalese. People who speak Tamil are the Sri Lankan Tamils.

Q2. In which part of Sri Lanka are the Sri Lankan Tamils concentrated?

Options

(a) North and South
(b) East and West
(c) North and East
(d) South and East

Ans. (c)

Explanation:
Sri Lankan Tamils constitute an overwhelming majority of the population in the Northern Province and are the largest ethnic group in the Eastern Province.

Q3. What is meant by Majoritarianism?

Explanation:
The belief of the majority community is that they should be able to rule a country in whatever way they want by disregarding the wishes of the minority, this is called Majoritarianism.

Q4. How did the feeling of alienation develop among the Sri Lankan Tamils?

Explanation:
The measures of the act of 1956 introduced by Sinhalese Government made the Sri Lankan Tamils feel alienated. They felt that none of the major political parties led by the Buddhist Sinhalese were sensitive towards their language and culture. They also felt that the constitution and policies of the government denied them equal political rights, discriminated against them in terms of jobs and other opportunities by ignoring their interests.

Q5. How has the idea of power sharing emerged? Explain different forms that have common arrangements of power sharing.

Explanation:
Power sharing has emerged as a strong substitute to the idea of undivided political power, which believed in giving power to one person or a group of people located in one place. The core principle of power sharing is that people are the source of all political powers. Common forms of power sharing are:
(i) Vertical division of power : The sharing of power can be done at different levels of the government – a central government for the entire country and governments at provincial or regional level. This type is usually called the federal government.
(ii) Horizontal division of power : In this form, the power is divided among different organs of the government, such as legislature, the executive and the judiciary. It places different organs of the government at the same level.
(iii) Power is also shared among different social groups such as religious and linguistic groups, e.g. community government.
(iv) Various power sharing arrangements can also be seen in the way political parties, pressure groups and movements control or influence those in power.

CBSE Class 10 Social Science Chapter wise Important Questions

Conclusion

For those seeking to delve deeper and reinforce their comprehension of the concepts explored in the chapter, oswal.io offers an extensive collection of questions that contribute to a more profound understanding of the subject matter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1 : Why is Power sharing most important for a Democracy ?

Ans: Power sharing is essential to avoid violent conflicts, tyranny of the majority and ensure political stability. Democratic rule and power sharing have close links.

Q2: What are the different forms of power sharing in modern democracies? Give an example of each of these.

Ans:  Different forms of power sharing in modern democracies are as follows:
1. Power sharing in different organs of government: Example: power sharing between legislature and executive
2. Power sharing at different levels of government: Example: power sharing between Union government and state government.
3. Power sharing among social groups: Example: Reservation in government jobs for OBCs and SCs & STs.
4. Power sharing among various pressure groups: Example: Representative of trade union being consulted while making a new labour law.

Q3 : State one prudential reason and one moral reason for power sharing with an example from the Indian context.

Ans: Prudential Reason: Power sharing helps in reducing the conflict between various social groups. Hence, power sharing is necessary for maintaining social harmony and peace.Moral Reason: The avoiding conflict in society and preventing majority tyranny are considered as prudential reasons for power sharing. Maintaining the spirit of democracy is considered as the moral reason for power sharing.

Q4 : “Sharing of powers makes a country more powerful and united.” Do you agree with this statement and why?

Ans: Power sharing keeps up with the ‘Spirit’ of Democracy as:
1. Power sharing ensures that all people have a stake in the government.
2. Power sharing ensures maximum participation. It upholds the concept of people’s rule. It always brings better outcomes in democracy. It ensures that people are consulted on how they are to be governed.
3. Power sharing accommodates diverse groups. It helps to reduce the possibility of conflict between social groups.

Q5 : What changes were done to the constitution of Belgium?

Ans: Some of the elements of the Belgium model are:

• The number of Dutch and French-speaking ministers shall be equal in the central government.
• Some special laws required the support of the majority of members from each linguistic group.
• The state governments are not subordinate to the central government.
• Brussels has a separate government in which both communities have equal representation.
• Apart from the central and state government, there is a third kind of government called ‘community government’. Community government is elected by people belonging to one language community – Dutch, French, and German-speaking.