NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Social Science Civics (Political Science) Chapter 1 Power Sharing help students to score good marks in the exams. These NCERT Solutions are prepared by expert teachers best on the latest NCERT Books. Here we have provided answers to all the questions in a very easy language.
Class 10 Civics Chapter 1 Power Sharing Questions and Answers
EXERCISES
Question 1: What are the different forms of power sharing in modern democracies? Give an example of each of these.
Answer: The different forms of power sharing in modern democracies are:
1. Horizontal division of power: This involves sharing power among different organs of the government, such as the legislature, executive, and judiciary. Each organ functions independently and checks the others. For example, in the United States, the powers are divided among the President (executive), Congress (legislature), and the Supreme Court (judiciary).
2. Vertical division of power: Power is shared among different levels of government – the central or federal government and the state or provincial governments. In India, for instance, power is divided between the Central Government and various State Governments.
3. Division of power among social groups: In countries with diverse communities, power may be shared among different linguistic, ethnic, or religious groups to ensure representation and autonomy. 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.
4. Division of power between political parties, pressure groups and movements: In modern democracies, power is also shared among political parties, pressure groups, and movements. Political parties compete in elections and, when successful, form governments to exercise power. Pressure groups and movements play a vital role by advocating for specific interests and causes, influencing policies, and holding governments accountable. For example, in India, political parties like the Indian National Congress (INC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) compete in elections and share power when they form governments at the central or state levels. Additionally, various pressure groups and movements, such as farmers’ unions and environmental organizations, play a significant role in influencing government policies and decisions.
Question 2: State one prudential reason and one moral reason for power sharing with an example from the Indian context.
Answer: One prudential reason for power sharing in India is to maintain social stability and prevent conflicts among diverse communities. For example, India practices power sharing by granting autonomy to states, which helps accommodate linguistic and cultural diversity and prevents regional tensions.
One moral reason for power sharing is to uphold democratic values and ensure representation of all citizens. India’s reservation system, which allocates political representation to marginalized groups like Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, reflects this moral aspect of power sharing, promoting social justice and inclusivity.
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, linguisticor ethnic divisions.
Mathayi − Power sharing is suitable only for big countries that have regional divisions.
Ouseph − Every society needs some form of power sharing even if it is small or does nothave 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 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: The ban on speaking French in schools in Merchtem raises questions about the spirit of Belgium’s power-sharing arrangements. Belgium is a country with multiple language communities, and its federal structure is built on the principle of linguistic and cultural autonomy. Such a ban could be seen as undermining this principle by restricting language use. Promoting integration is important, but it should be done while respecting Belgium’s linguistic diversity and constitutional framework.
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: One of the prudential reasons for power sharing mentioned in the passage is the reduction of corruption and increased administrative efficiency. The passage suggests that giving power to panchayats allows people to participate in planning and implementing development schemes, which, in turn, can eliminate corrupt middlemen and make the system more efficient.
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.
(a) 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.
(b) 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 | A. | Community government |
| 2. | Power shared among governments at different levels | B. | 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
More study materials for CBSE Class 10
| NCERT Solutions for Class 10 | CBSE Notes for Class 10 |
| CBSE Sample Papers for Class 10 | Important Questions for Class 10 |
| RS Aggarwal Solutions For Class 10 | RD Sharma Solutions For Class 10 |