“Power Sharing” explains how democracies distribute authority across institutions, government levels, and social groups to prevent concentration of power, reduce conflict, and uphold fairness. Through India’s federal setup, Belgium’s community governments, and Sri Lanka’s ethnic tensions, students explore why sharing power is vital for stability and inclusive governance.
Civics Class 10 Chapter 1 Question Answer
Q1. What are the different forms of power-sharing in modern democracies? Give an example of each of these.
Horizontal Distribution of Power
Power is divided among legislature, executive, and judiciary to create checks and balances. Example: India’s Parliament enacts laws, the executive implements them, and the judiciary interprets them.
Vertical Distribution of Power (Federal Division)
Power is shared between central and regional governments for local autonomy. Example: India’s Union and State governments under its federal structure.
Power Sharing Among Social Groups
Religious or linguistic communities manage their own cultural or educational affairs. Example: Belgium’s community governments for Flemish and Frenchspeakers.
Power Sharing Among Political Parties and Pressure Groups
Multiple parties or interest groups collaborate in coalition governments and policy-making. Example: India’s coalition governments at Centre and in states.
Q2. State one prudential reason and one moral reason for power-sharing. Give an example of each from the Indian context.
Prudential Reason:
Reduces conflict and fosters political stability.
Example: Reservation policy for SC/ST/OBC ensures representation and curbs social unrest.
Moral Reason:
Upholds democratic values by ensuring every group has a voice.
Example: Fundamental Rights in the Constitution guarantee equal participation regardless of religion, caste, or language.
Q3. After reading this chapter, three students drew different conclusions. Which do you agree with and why? (≈50 words)
- Thomman: Power-sharing is needed only in divided societies.
- Mattai: Power-sharing suits only large countries with regional differences.
- Ousep: Every society needs some form of power-sharing, regardless of size or homogeneity.
Answer: Ousep’s view is most convincing. Even homogeneous societies benefit from decentralization and checks and balances. Power-sharing prevents concentration of authority, builds trust among citizens, and promotes inclusive governance—essential pillars for any healthy democracy.
Q4. The Mayor of Merchtem near Brussels banned French in schools to integrate non-Dutch speakers. Is this in keeping with Belgium’s power-sharing arrangements? Explain in ≈50 words.
Answer: No. Belgium’s power-sharing ensures cultural and linguistic rights for both Dutch and French communities. Banning French contradicts this spirit, marginalizes minority rights, and risks reigniting tensions. Instead, bilingual education would respect both communities and strengthen social cohesion.
Q5. Read the passage on Panchayati Raj and pick one prudential reason for power-sharing offered in it.
“Giving power to Panchayats reduces corruption and increases administrative efficiency by involving people directly in planning and implementation.”
Answer: Empowering Panchayats helps reduce corruption and enhance efficiency by placing decision-making at the grassroots where citizens can monitor schemes directly.
Q6. Identify statements in favour of power-sharing.
- Reduces conflict among different communities
- Decreases the possibility of arbitrariness
- Delays the decision-making process
- Accommodates diversities
- Increases instability and divisiveness
- Promotes people’s participation in government
- Undermines the unity of a country
In favour: 1, 2, 4, 6 (Option a)
Q7. Which statements about power-sharing in Belgium and Sri Lanka are correct?
- In Belgium, the Dutch-speaking majority imposed domination on the French-speaking minority.
- In Sri Lanka, government policies ensured Sinhala majority dominance.
- Tamils in Sri Lanka demanded a federal arrangement to protect their rights.
- Belgium’s shift to federalism prevented division of the country.
Correct Statements: 2, 3, 4 (Option d)
Q8. Match List I (forms of power-sharing) with List II (forms of government):
| List I | List II |
|---|---|
| 1. Power shared among different organs | B. Separation of powers |
| 2. Power shared among different levels | D. Federal government |
| 3. Power shared among social groups | A. Community government |
| 4. Power shared by two or more parties | C. Coalition government |
Q9. Consider these statements on power-sharing:
A. Power-sharing is good for democracy. B. It helps reduce conflict between social groups.
Which are true?
Answer: Both A and B are true.
📊 Key Takeaways
- Democracies rely on horizontal, vertical, social-group, and party-based power-sharing to prevent autocracy.
- Prudential reasons focus on stability and efficiency; moral reasons on fairness and inclusivity.
- Real-world cases (India, Belgium, Sri Lanka) illustrate successes and challenges.
- Effective guidance for students: use clear examples, bullet-point answers, and precise terminology.
Extra Important Content for Board Exams
Key Terms to Remember
- Majoritarianism – Rule by majority without regard for minority rights
- Coalition Government – Alliance of multiple political parties
- Federalism – Division of powers between central and state governments
- Community Government – A form of governance by linguistic or religious groups
Case Studies to Mention
- Belgium – Linguistic divisions handled through community government
- Sri Lanka – Ethnic conflict due to lack of power-sharing with Tamils
Exam Tips
- Use real-world examples (India, Belgium, Sri Lanka)
- Practice map-based questions (Belgium’s regions)
- Write answers in point format for clarity
- Use terms like “horizontal,” “vertical,” “inclusive,” “coalition” in your answers
Why This Chapter Matters
Understanding power-sharing helps students grasp the core values of democracy, such as equality, participation, and decentralization. It’s not just a Civics topic—it’s a lens to view governance, politics, and social justice.
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