1

Power-sharing
Milestone (d) To ensure absolute power for one branch of
Multiple-Choice Questions government. (CBSE 2024)
1. Which language is spoken by only 20 per cent Ans. (b) To create a separation of powers to prevent from
of population in Belgium? authoritarianism.
(a) French (b) German 6. Which of the following statements
(c) Dutch (d) None of these accurately distinguishes between
Ans. (c) Dutch
majoritarianism and power-sharing?
2. How many times Belgium amended its (a) Majoritarianism emphasises the dominance
Constitution between 1970 and 1993 for power- of the majority community, while power-
sharing? sharing emphasises the sharing of power
(a) Three times (b) Four times among different groups.
(c) Five times (d) Six times (b) Majoritarianism emphasises the need for
consensus building, while power-sharing
Ans. (b) Four times
emphasises the exclusion of minority
3. When many countries of Europe came
groups.
together to form the European Union,
(c) Majoritarianism emphasises the
was chosen as its headquarters. importance of accommodating minority
interests, while power-sharing
(a) Brussels (b) Paris
emphasises the need for majority rule.
(c) London (d) Zurich (CBSE SP 2024)
(d) Majoritarianism emphasises the need for
Ans. (a) Brussels
peaceful resolution of conflicts, while power-
4. Which of the following was the primary sharing emphasises the use of force to
objective of Belgium to form the separate impose the majority’s will. (CBSE SP 2024)
government in Brussels?
Ans. (a) Majoritarianism emphasises the dominance
(a) Promoting cultural events of the majority community, while power-
(b) Managing international relations sharing emphasises the sharing of power
(c) Enforcing local laws among different groups.
(d) Ensuring linguistic accommodation (CBSE 2024) 7. Identify the country with the help of the
following statements.
Ans. (d) Ensuring linguistic accommodation
5. What role do ‘checks and balances’ play in I. It shares its borders with France,
a democratic country? Choose the most Germany, Luxembourg and the
suitable option from the following. Netherlands.
(a) To establish a direct form of II. Around 80 per cent population speak
POWER-SHARING

government without representatives. French while 20 per cent speak Dutch

language.
(b) To create a separation of powers to
prevent from authoritarianism. Options:
(c) To prevent any change to the Constitution. (a) Sri Lanka (b) Scandinavia
(c) Belgium (d) Great Britain
Ans. (c) Belgium 1
 8. Identify the country with the help of the
12. Two statements, I and II are given below.
following statements.
Read both the statements and choose the
I. The primary social groups of the country correct option.
are the Sinhala-speakers and the Tamil Statement I: Division of power is good for
speakers. democratic systems.
II. Most of the Sinhala-speaking people are Statement II: It helps to reduce the possibility of
Buddhists, while most of the Tamils are conflict between social groups.
Hindus or Muslims. Options:
Options: (a) Statement I is true, but II is false.
(a) Bangladesh (b) Maldives (b) Statement I is false, but II is true.
(c) Myanmar (d) Sri Lanka (c) Statements I and II are true and II is
Ans. (d) Sri Lanka the correct explanation of I.
9. Consider the following statements on (d) Statements I and II are true, but II is not the
power- sharing and choose the correct correct explanation of I. (CBSE 2024)
option.
Ans. (c) Statements I and II are true and II is the
I. It deepens democracy. correct explanation of I.
II. It helps to reduce conflicts among social
Very Short Answer Type Questions
groups.
13. What was the major reason for the ethnic
III. It is a way to ensure political stability. violence in Sri Lanka? Which community was
IV. It brings socio-economic powerful in Sri Lanka?
struggles. Options: Ans. The major reason for the ethnic violence in
(a) I, II and III (b) II, III and IV Sri Lanka was the policy of Majoritarianism.
(c) I, III and IV (d) I, II and IV (CBSE 2023)
Sinhala community was powerful in Sri
Lanka.
Ans. (a) I, II and III
14. What was the act passed in 1956 in Sri Lanka?
10. Arrange the following events in a
Ans. In 1956, an Act was passed to recognise
chronological order and choose the correct
Sinhala as the only official language, thus
option from the following.
disregarding Tamil. The governments followed
I. An act was passed in Sri Lanka to recognise preferential policies that favoured Sinhala
Sinhala as the only official language. applicants for university positions and
II. Sri Lanka attained its independence. government jobs.
III. The Sri Lankan Tamils launched a 15. Which minority community is rich and powerful
movement for the recognition of Tamil as in Belgium and how?
an official language. Ans. The minority French-speaking community was
Options: relatively rich and powerful. They were highly
qualified and well-trained. Established in their
(a) I, II and III (b) II, I and III
surroundings, they enjoyed affluence and wielded
(c) III, II and I (d) II, III and I significant power due to their expertise and
Ans. (b) II, I and III educational background.
11. Read the following statements about power- 16. What do you understand by democracy?
sharing arrangement in Belgium and choose Ans. Democracy is a system of government in which
the correct option. power is vested in the people. People elect their
I. Brussels has a separate govt. with representatives in a democracy.
equal representation. 17. How is power divided in a democracy?
II. Dutch & French speaking ministers are equal Ans. There are two types of power sharing: vertical and
in Central Govt. horizontal. Power is shared at different levels and
III. Community Govt. is elected by among different organs of the government.
people belonging to one language. 18. Why did the feeling of alienation increase
among the Sri Lankan Tamils in 1956? Explain.
IV. Series of majoritarian measures adopted
POWER-SHARING

(CBSE 2023)
in Belgium.
Ans. A new constitution stipulated that the state
Options: shall protect and foster Buddhism. They felt
(a) I, II and IV (b) I, III and IV that none of the major political parties led by
(c) II, III and IV (d) I, II and III (CBSE 2024) the Buddhist Sinhala leaders was sensitive to
2 Ans. (d) I, II and III their language and culture. They felt that the
constitution and
 government policies denied them equal Government. Apart
political rights, discriminated against them in
getting jobs and other opportunities and
ignored their interests.

Short Answer Type Questions

19. Why is the ethnic composition of Belgium very
complex? (CBSE 2014)
Ans. The ethnic composition of Belgium is very
complicated as 59 per cent of its total
population lives in Flemish region who speak
Dutch language, 40 per cent people reside in the
Wallonia region who speak French language and
remaining
1 per cent speak German. Around 80 per cent
people speak French and 20 per cent speak
Dutch language in Brussels, the capital of
Belgium.
20. What were the reasons for the outbreak of
civil war in Sri Lanka?
Ans. Sinhala leaders tried to secure the dominance
over government as they were in majority,
due to which the democratically elected
government adopted the policy of
Majoritarianism. In furtherance to this, an Act
was passed in 1956
to recognise Sinhala as the only official
language. The newly drafted constitution also
provided for the protection and propagation of
Buddhism.
The Sri Lankan Tamils felt that the Buddhist
Sinhala leaders were insensitive towards their
language and culture. In a protest against these
measures, the Sri Lankan Tamils launched a
movement for the recognition of Tamil as an
official language and regional autonomy. By
1980s several political organisations started a
movement for an independent Tamil Eelam
(state) in the northern and eastern parts of the
country.
21. Discuss the importance of power-sharing.
Ans. The two set of reasons in favour of power-
sharing are as follows:
(i) Prudential Reasons
 Minimises the risk of conflict in society.
 Leads to political stability.
 Maintains the unity of the country.
(ii) Moral Reasons
 Power-sharing is the spirit of democracy.
 Legitimate government ensures the
welfare of its citizens.
22. Write a short note on Community
Government and Central Government in
Belgium.
Ans. Brussels has a separate government in which
both the communities have equal
representation. The French speaking people
accepted equal representation in Brussels
because the Dutch- speaking community has
accepted equal representation in the Central
 from the Central and the State Ans. The ethnic composition of Belgium is very
Government, there is a third kind of complicated as 59 per cent of its total
government. This ‘Community population lives in Flemish region who speak
Government’ is elected by people Dutch language, 40 per cent people reside in
belonging to one language community – the Wallonia region
Dutch, French and German-speaking – no who speak French language and remaining 3
matter where they live.
This government has the power regarding
cultural, educational and language-related
issues.
23. ‘Power-sharing is the very spirit of
democracy’. Justify this statement.
Ans. There are two different sets of reasons in
the favour of power-sharing. Firstly,
power-sharing helps in reducing the
possibility of conflict between social
groups. As social conflicts lead to violence
and political instability, power-sharing is a
good way to ensure the stability of
political order. The imposition of the will
of majority community over others
appears to be an attractive option in the
short run, but in the long run it
undermines the unity of the nation.
Secondly, a democratic rule involves
sharing power with those affected by its
exercise, and who have to live with its
effects. People have a right to be
consulted on how they are to be
governed. A legitimate government is one
where citizens, through participation,
acquire a stake in the system.
24. What are the advantages and
disadvantages of both horizontal
and vertical power-sharing
arrangements?
Ans. Advantage: Power is not saturated in
single hands or single level. Hence,
proper distribution allows proper control
and enhances democratic framework.
Disadvantage: When power is shared
among different organs and at different
levels, decision making is slow and it
hampers the progress of the nation.
25. What is Majoritarianism? Describe it in
your own words giving a suitable
example.
Ans. Majoritarianism is the idea that the
majority group in a society should have
the power to make decisions. This
concept emphasises that the preferences
of the majority should prevail, even if it
means the minority groups have less
influence. For example, in 1956, an Act
was passed to recognise Sinhala as the
only official language of Sri Lanka, thus
disregarding Tamil.

Long Answer Type Questions

26. Discuss the ethnic composition of
Belgium and Sri Lanka.
POWER-SHA
 G
1 per cent speak German. Around 80 per cent
each linguistic group. Thus, no single
people speak French and 20 per cent speak
community can make decisions unilaterally.
Dutch language in Brussels, the capital of
Many powers of the Central Government have
Belgium.
been given to State Governments of the two
The primary social groups of Sri Lanka are regions of the country. The State Governments
the Sinhala-speakers and the Tamil-speakers, are not subordinate to the Central
which constitute about 74 per cent and 18 Government. Brussels has a separate
per cent government in which both the communities
of the total population respectively. Even Tamils have equal representation. The French
are divided into two sub-groups, Tamil natives speaking people
of the country who are called “Sri-Lankan accepted equal representation in Brussels
Tamils” comprise about 13 per cent, and the because the Dutch-speaking community has
rest whose forefathers came from India as accepted equal representation in the Central
plantation workers during the British rule, are Government. Apart from the Central and the
called “Indian Tamils”. Most of the Sinhala- State Government, there is a third kind of
speaking people are followers of Buddhism, government. This ‘Community Government’ is
while most of the Tamils follow Hindu or Muslim elected by people belonging to
religion. There are about one language community – Dutch, French and
7 per cent Christians in Sri Lanka, who are both German-speaking – no matter where they live.
Tamil and Sinhala. This government has the power regarding
27. Compare the power-sharing models of Sri cultural, educational and language-related
Lanka and Belgium. issues.
Ans. Sinhala leaders tried to secure the dominance
over government as they were in majority, due
Self-Assessment
to which the democratically elected 4 require the support of majority of members
government adopted the policy of from
Majoritarianism. In furtherance to this, an Act
was passed in 1956
to recognise Sinhala as the only official
language. The newly drafted constitution also
provided for the protection and propagation of
Buddhism.
The Sri Lankan Tamils felt that the Buddhist
Sinhala leaders were insensitive towards their
language and culture.
The Belgian leaders, recognising the
existence of regional differences and cultural
diversities, amended their constitution four
times between 1970 and 1993 in order to
work out an arrangement for the welfare of
every individual. Important elements of the
Belgian model are as follows:
(i) The constitution provided for equal number
of Dutch and French-speaking ministers in
the Central Government.
(ii) The state governments are not subordinate
to the Central Government.
(iii) Brussels followed a unique form of
government in which both the
communities have equal representation.
“Community Government”, apart from the
Central and the State Government existed.
28. How did the Belgian leaders resolve the
economic and linguistic differences for the
POWER-SHARING

development of their nation?

Ans. Constitution prescribes that the number of
Dutch and French-speaking ministers shall be
equal
in the Central Government. Some special laws
Multiple-Choice Questions
1. Which of the following linguistic groups dominates
in Belgium?
(a) Dutch (b) British
(c) French (d) German
Ans. (a) Dutch
2. In Sri Lanka, most of the Sinhala people are
(a) Hindus. (b) Buddhist.
(c) Christians. (d) Muslims.
Ans. (b) Buddhist.
3. Power-sharing between different organs of
government is also known as
(a) vertical sharing of powers.
(b) horizontal sharing of powers.
(c) State Government.
(d) Community Government.
Ans. (b) horizontal sharing of powers.
4. Which one of the following is a fundamental
principle of democracy?
(a) Rule of single individual
(b) Rule with hereditary norms
(c) Rule of people with freedom
(d) Rule of military chiefs (CBSE 2024)

Ans. (c) Rule of people with freedom

5. Identify the primary objective of power-sharing
arrangements in Belgium from the following
options.
(a) Establishing a unitary form of government.
(b) Centralised political control of government.
 (c) Establishing cultural and educational matters
that represent socially weaker sections and
of Dutch.
women in legislatures and administration.
(d) Accommodating linguistic and regional
10. ‘The Bombay High Court ordered the
interest.
(CBSE 2024)
Maharashtra State Government to immediately
take action
Ans. (d) Accommodating linguistic and regional interest.
and improve living conditions for the 2,000-odd
6. Why is power-sharing considered desirable?
children at seven children’s homes in
(a) It allows the majority community to impose Mumbai.’ Which type of power-sharing does
its will on others. it represent?
(b) It helps to reduce the possibility of conflict (a) Power is shared among different organs of
between social groups. government.
(c) It increases political instability and violence. (b) Power is shared among governments at
(d) It allows the minority community to impose different levels.
its will on others. (c) Power is shared among different social groups.
Ans. (b) It helps to reduce the possibility of conflict (d) Power is shared among political parties
between social groups. and pressure groups.
7. Why is power-sharing good for democracies?
Ans. (a) Power is shared among different organs of
(a) It allows the government to impose its will government.
on citizens.
11. You are a citizen of a country that has a
(b) It helps reduce social conflicts and political democratic form of government. You want to
instability. ensure that the system of power-sharing in
(c) It is the very spirit of democracy and your country is effective and that no one
involves sharing power with those affected branch of government has absolute power.
by its exercise. Which of the following measures would best meet
(d) It ensures the dominance of the this goal?
majority community over others. (a) All power is concentrated in the hands of
Ans. (c) It is the very spirit of democracy and involves the legislature only.
sharing power with those affected by its (b) Power is divided between the central
exercise. government and the states or provinces,
8. How is power shared among different organs of with each level having its own sphere of
government? influence.
(a) Through vertical distribution of power among (c) Power is separated among the
different organs of government. legislative, executive, and judicial
(b) By giving unlimited power to the branches, with each branch having its
executive branch. own responsibilities and powers.
(c) Through horizontal distribution of power (d) Power is shared among different levels of
among the legislature, executive, and government, such as the national, regional,
judiciary. and local governments, with each level
(d) By ensuring that the judiciary has more having some degree of autonomy. (CBSE SP
2024)
power than the other organs.
Ans. (c) Power is separated among the
Ans. (c) Through horizontal distribution of power
legislative, executive, and judicial
among the legislature, executive, and
judiciary. branches, with each branch having its
own responsibilities and powers.
9. How is power shared among different social
groups? 12. Read the arguments given in the favour of
power-sharing and choose the correct
(a) By allowing the majority group to dominate
option.
the legislature.
I. Reduces the likelihood of bias.
(b) Through constitutional and legal
II. Barricades the decision-making process.
arrangements that represent socially
weaker sections and women in legislatures III. Accommodates diversities.
and administration. IV. Increases the participation of people in
(c) By providing unlimited power to power. Options:
POWER-SHARING

minority communities. (a) Only I, II and III are correct.

(d) By excluding minority communities from (b) Only II, III and IV are correct.
the government. (c) Only I, III and IV are correct.
Ans. (b) Through constitutional and legal arrangements (d) Only I, II and IV are correct. (CBSE 2024)
Ans. (b) Only II, III and IV are correct. 5
 Assertion-Reason Type Questions For Reason (R): This happens because none of
question numbers 13 to 20, two the organs have unlimited power.
statements are given as Assertion (A) and Ans. (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct
Reason (R). Read the statements and choose the explanation of A.
correct option.
20. Assertion (A): In India, there are some
Options:
‘reserved constituencies’ in assemblies and
(a) Both A and R are true and R is the
the parliament. Reason (R): This ensures that
correct explanation of A. the princely states that existed prior to the
(b) Both A and R are true but R is not the Independence of the country have a voice in
correct explanation of A. the state assemblies and the parliament.
(c) A is true but R is false. Ans. (c) A is true but R is false.
(d) A is false but R is true. Study the Picture and Answer the Question
13. Assertion (A): Belgium shares border with France,
the Netherlands, Germany and Luxembourg.
Reason (R): Belgium is a small country in
Europe.
Ans. (b) Both A and R are true and R is not the
correct explanation of A.
14. Assertion (A): Sri Lanka emerged as
an independent country in 1948.
Reason (R): In Sri Lanka, the Sinhala community
enjoyed bigger majority and could impose its will
on the entire country.
Ans. (b) Both A and R are true but R is not the
correct explanation of A. 21. Which of the following option best signifies the
15. Assertion (A): Power can be shared among above given image?
governments at different levels. (a) European Parliament in Belgium
Reason (R): A general government for the (b) European Parliament in Germany
entire country is usually called collateral (c) European Parliament in France
government.
(d) European Parliament in Netherlands
Ans. (c) A is true but R is false.
Ans. (a) European Parliament in Belgium
16. Assertion (A): A legitimate government is
one where citizens, without participation, Find the Incorrect Option
acquire a stake in the system. 22. (a) Most of the Sinhala-speaking people are
Reason (R): Power-sharing is the very spirit Buddhists, while most of the Tamils are
of democracy. Hindus or Muslims.
Ans. (d) A is false but R is true. (b) In the capital city Brussels, 80 per cent
17. Assertion (A): Belgium amended their people speak French while 20 per cent
constitution four times. are Dutch speaking.
Reason (R): Amendments were to enable (c) When many countries of Europe came
everyone to live together in the same together to form the European Union,
country.
Germany was chosen as its headquarters.
(CBSE 2023)
(d) Community government is elected by the
Ans. (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct people belonging to one language
explanation of A. community.
18. Assertion (A): One basic principle of democracy
Ans. (c) When many countries of Europe came
is that people are the source of all political
together to form the European Union,
power. Reason (R): People who win elections Germany was chosen as its headquarters.
become
part of the government that runs the country. Correct and Rewrite the Following Statement
POWER-SHARING

Ans. (b) Both A and R are true but R is not the 23. Sri Lanka has a diverse population. The major
correct explanation of A. social groups are the Tamil-speakers (54 per
19. Assertion (A): In horizontal distribution of power, cent) and the Sinhala-speakers (28 per cent).
different organs of government placed at the
6 same level exercise different powers.
 Ans. Sri Lanka has a diverse population. The
Short Answer Type Questions
major social groups are the Sinhala-
34. List the advantages enjoyed by the
speakers (74 per cent) and the Tamil-
Sinhala community in Sri Lanka.
speakers (18 per cent).
Ans. Sinhala leaders tried to secure the dominance
Fill in the Blanks over government as they were in majority,
24. 80 per cent people speak French in Brussels, due to which the democratically elected
the capital of Belgium. government adopted the policy of
25. The headquarters of European Union are Majoritarianism. In furtherance to this, an Act
located at Brussels. was passed in 1956 to
26. An act was passed in year 1956 to recognise recognise Sinhala as the only official language. The
Sinhala as the only official language of Sri Lanka. newly drafted constitution also provided for the
protection and propagation of Buddhism.
Very Short Answer Type Questions The governments followed preferential policies that
27. After independence, Sri Lanka witnessed the favoured Sinhala applicants for university
supremacy of which community? (CBSE 2014, 2016) positions and government jobs.
Ans. After independence, Sri Lanka witnessed the
35. Discuss the interesting elements of
supremacy of Sinhala community. Belgium Government.
28. Why is power-sharing desirable? Explain. (CBSE Ans. The Belgian leaders amended their constitution
2024)
four times between 1970 and 1993 in order to
Ans. Power-sharing is good because it helps to
work out an arrangement for the welfare of
reduce the possibility of conflict between social
every individual. Some of the interesting
groups. Since social conflict often leads to
elements of the Belgian government are as
violence and political instability, power-sharing
follows:
is a good way to ensure the stability of political
 The constitution provided for equal number
order. Power- sharing is the very spirit of
democracy. of Dutch- and French-speaking ministers in the
Central Government.
29. Define separation of power.
 Special laws require the support of
Ans. ‘Separation of power’ means, power shared among
different organs of government. majority of members from each linguistic
group.
30. What do you understand by coalition
government?  The State Governments are not
Ans. When no single party is able to win maximum
subordinate to the Central Government.
number of seats in order to form a  Brussels followed a unique form of
government, it results into alliances among government in which both the
various political parties. The government so communities have equal representation.
formed is termed as a coalition government. 36. Explain the third type of government in Belgium.
31. What do you understand by horizontal Ans. ‘Community Government‘, existed along with
power- sharing? the Central and the State Governments. It is
Ans. Horizontal power-sharing is the distribution elected by people belonging to one language
of powers among different organs of the community, no matter where they live. It has
government. The power is shared among the powers regarding cultural, language, and
legislature, executive and judiciary. education related issues.
32. What do you understand by vertical 37. Why did Sri Lanka plunge into a civil war in
power- sharing? the 1980s?
Ans. In vertical power-sharing arrangement the Ans. Sri Lanka plunged into a civil war in the 1980s
power is distributed at different levels such as due to tensions between the majority Sinhalese
centre, state and local levels, with their and minority Tamil communities. The
respective powers. government’s policies favoured Sinhalese
dominance, leading
33. How is horizontal power-sharing different from
vertical? Explain. (CBSE 2024)
to discrimination against Tamils in language,
education, and jobs. This caused anger amongst
Ans. Power is shared among different organs of
the Tamils and they started to demand an
government. This is called horizontal distribution
independent Tamil Eelam (state), resulting in
of power because it allows different organs of
violent conflict and a prolonged civil war.
POWER-SHARING

government placed at the same level to

exercise different powers. In some countries, 38. What do you know about the
there are different levels of government. The ‘community government’ in Belgium?
division of powers involving higher and lower Ans. Belgium’s community government system ensures
levels of government is called vertical division power-sharing among different groups – Dutch,
of power. French, and German-speaking communities. Each 7
 community has its own government to manage
enable everyone to live together within the
cultural, educational, and language-related
same country. Some of the elements of the
issues. This system helps maintain peace and
Belgian model are that in the Constitution the
balance by giving all groups a say in
number of Dutch and French-speaking
governance, preventing dominance by any one
ministers shall
community, and promoting unity in diversity.
be equal in the central government. Thus, no
Paragraph Based Questions majority community rules. Many powers of the
39. Read the sources given below and answer central government have been given to state
the questions that follow: governments of the two regions of the country.
Source A – Majoritarianism in Sri Lanka The state governments are not subordinate to
Sri Lanka emerged as an independent the Central Government. Brussels has a
country in 1948. The leaders of the Sinhala separate government in which both the
community sought to secure dominance over communities have equal representation. The
government by virtue of their majority. As a French-speaking people
result, the democratically elected accepted equal representation in Brussels
government adopted a series of majoritarian because the Dutch-speaking community has
measures to establish Sinhala supremacy. accepted equal representation in the Central
Government. Apart from the Central and the
(a) Who are Sinhalas?
State Government, there is a third kind of
Source B – Accommodation in Belgium
government. This ‘community government’ is
Apart from the Central and the State
elected by people belonging to
Government, there is a third kind of
one language community – Dutch, French and
government. This ‘community government’ is
German-speaking – no matter where they live.
elected by people belonging to one language
This government has the power regarding
community – Dutch,
cultural, educational and language-related
French and German-speaking – no matter
issues.
where they live. This government has the
40.1 How did the Belgium government solve
power regarding cultural, educational and
its problem of differences between the
language- related issues.
French- speaking and Dutch-speaking
(b) What do you understand by communities?
Community Government?
Ans. The Belgian Constitution mandates that the
Source C – Why Power-sharing is Desirable?
central government must have an equal
Power-sharing is good because it helps to
number of ministers who speak Dutch and
reduce the possibility of conflict between social those who speak French. Brussels operates
groups. Since social conflict often leads to under a distinct government that ensures equal
violence and political instability, power-sharing representation for both linguistic communities.
is a good way to ensure the stability of political
40.2 What is the community government in Belgium?
order.
Ans. Belgium’s community government
(c) Why do you think that power-sharing is represents a power-sharing framework that
desirable?
grants linguistic communities greater
Ans. (a) Sinhala is community that enjoys the autonomy concerning cultural, educational,
majority in Sri Lanka and impose its will on and language-related matters.
the entire country.
40.3 What do you know about the government
(b) Community government is a government in Brussels?
that is elected by the people who belongs Ans. Brussels has a separate government in which
to one language – no matter where they both the communities have equal
live. representation. The French-speaking people
(c) Power-sharing is important because it accepted equal representation in Brussels
ensure stability of political order. It helps because the Dutch- speaking community has
to reduce the possibility of conflicts accepted equal representation in the Central
between different social groups. Government.
41. In modern democracies, power-sharing
Case Based Questions
arrangements can take many forms.
POWER-SHARING

40. The Belgian leaders took a different path. Different types of power-sharing are –
They recognised the existence of regional power is shared among different organs of
differences and cultural diversities. Between government, such as the legislature,
1970 and 1993, they amended their executive and judiciary.
constitution four times This is called horizontal distribution of power
8
so as to work out an arrangement that would because it allows different organs of
government placed at the same level to
exercise different powers. Each organ checks the
others. This results in a balance of power among
various
 institutions. This arrangement is also called
Ans. Empowering Panchayats aligns with Mahatma
a system of checks and balances. Power can
Gandhi’s vision of a society in which individuals
be shared among governments at different possess greater authority over their own
levels – a general government for the entire matters and actively engage in the governance
country and governments at the provincial process.
or regional level. Such a general government
42.2 Explain the primary objective of giving power
for the entire country is usually called
to the Panchayats.
federal government or vertical power-sharing
Ans. The main aim of empowering the panchayats is
system. Power may also
to foster democracy at the grassroots level,
be shared among different social groups such
allowing individuals to engage in the system
as the religious and linguistic groups.
and express their opinions.
‘Community government’ in Belgium is a good
42.3 How does the establishment of Panchayati
example of this arrangement. This method is
Raj contribute to democracy? Explain.
used to give minority communities a fair share
Ans. Panchayati Raj enhances governance by
in power. Power-sharing arrangements can also
bringing it nearer to the grassroots level,
be seen in the way political parties, pressure
enabling local communities to engage directly
groups and movements control or influence
in the decision- making process. This system
those in power. In a democracy, the citizens
offers a platform for these communities to
must have freedom to choose among various
express their concerns and set their priorities.
contenders for power.
Additionally, it ensures representation for
41.1 What are the different forms of power-sharing? marginalised groups, including women,
Ans. Two types of power-sharing are the horizontal Scheduled Tribes, Scheduled Castes, and Other
distribution of power and vertical power- Backward Classes.
sharing.
43. Two different sets of reasons can be given to
41.2 What do you understand by the system of support power-sharing. Firstly, power-sharing is
checks and balances? necessary because it removes the possibility of
Ans. The checks and balances system is a conflict between social groups. Since social
governmental framework that allocates conflict often causes violence and political
authority across various branches of instability, power-sharing is a practical way to
government, ensuring that no single branch can ensure the stability of political order. Thrusting
accumulate excessive power. the will of
41.3 Why is power-sharing between different social the majority community over others may
and appear an attractive option in the short run,
linguistic groups necessary? but in the long run, it weakens the unity of the
Ans. Power-sharing contributes to political stability nation. The domination of the majority is not
by diminishing the chances of conflict among just oppressive for the minority; it often brings
social groups. It creates opportunities within the destruction to the majority as well. There is a
government and administration for various social second, more important reason why power-
groups to participate. This approach can mitigate sharing is good for democracies. Power-
feelings of alienation that these groups may sharing is the very essence of democracy. A
experience towards the government. democratic rule requires sharing power with
42. Panchayati Raj: “We need to give more those affected by its exercise, and who have
power to the panchayats to realise the to accept it. People must be consulted on how
dream of Mahatma Gandhi and the hopes of they are to be governed. A legitimate
the makers of our Constitution, Panchayati government is one where citizens, through
Raj establishes true democracy. It restores participation, have a say in the system.
power to the only place where power 43.1 What do you understand by power-sharing?
belongs in a democracy – in the hands of Ans. When power is shared between different
the people. Giving power to organs or levels of the government it is known
Panchayats is also a way to reduce corruption as power- sharing.
and increase administrative efficiency. When 43.2 How does power-sharing reduce the conflict
people participate in the planning and between social groups?
implementation
Ans. Power-sharing amplifies the views and
POWER-SHARING

of developmental schemes, they would naturally opinions of all and in this manner, it reduces
exercise greater control over these schemes. the conflict between different social groups.
This would eliminate the corrupt middlemen.
43.3 Why is power-sharing considered crucial for
Thus, Panchayati Raj will strengthen the
the stability of democracy?
foundations of our democracy.” (CBSE 2024)
Power-sharing prevents social conflict and political
42.1 How does giving power to Panchayats relate Ans. 9
to the vision of Mahatma Gandhi?
 instability by ensuring no single group the
dominates. It is essential for democracy as it 10 importance of fair power-sharing and
involves consulting citizens on governance, respecting
nurturing legitimacy through participation, and
ultimately strengthening national unity by
balancing majority and minority interests.

Long Answer Type Questions

44. Write a brief note on horizontal sharing of
power.
Ans. Power is shared among different organs of
government, such as the legislature, executive
and judiciary. This is called horizontal distribution
of power because it allows different organs of
government to exercise different powers. This
type of separation also ensures that none of
the organs exercises unlimited power. Each
organ checks the other organ. This results in
a balance of power among various
institutions. In a democracy, even though
ministers and government officials exercise
power, they are
responsible to the Parliament or State
Assemblies. Similarly, although judges are
appointed by the executive, they can check the
functioning of executive or laws made by the
legislatures.
This arrangement is called a system of
checks and balances.
45. Highlight the measures adopted by the Belgian
constitution for the prevention of conflicts in
Belgium. (CBSE 2012)

Ans. The Belgian leaders took a different path.

They recognised the existence of regional
differences and cultural diversities. Between
1970 and 1993, they amended their
constitution four times
so as to work out an arrangement that would
enable everyone to live together within the
same country. The constitution provided for
equal number of Dutch and French-speaking
ministers in the Central Government. Special
laws require the support of majority of
members from each linguistic group. The State
Governments are not subordinate to the
Central Government. Brussels followed a
unique form of government in which both the
communities have equal representation.
‘Community Government‘, existed along with
the Central and the State Governments. It is
elected by people belonging to one language
community, no matter where they live. It has
the powers
regarding cultural, language, and education
related issues.
POWER-SHARING

46. ‘The Belgian leaders succeeded in

implementing power-sharing in the country but
Sri Lanka failed.’ Justify this statement.
Ans. The stories of Belgium and Sri Lanka teach us
 diversity in maintaining peace and unity in a
country. Belgium’s success in accommodating
different groups through a system of community
government shows that inclusive policies can
prevent conflicts and promote harmony. In
contrast, Sri Lanka’s civil war highlights the
dangers of majoritarianism and discrimination,
where ignoring the rights and needs of minority
groups can lead to violence and division.
These stories emphasise the need for balanced
governance, where every community feels valued
and represented, ensuring stability and prosperity
for the nation.
47. ‘Democracy without power-sharing is not real.’
Substantiate the statement with an example.
Ans. Democracy without power-sharing is not real
because true democracy involves inclusive and
fair representation of all groups in society.
Power-sharing ensures that no single group
dominates the government. This prevents conflicts
and promotes social harmony by addressing
diverse interests and needs. For example, Belgium’s
power-sharing system helps maintain peace by
giving equal importance to
its different communities. In contrast, Sri Lanka’s
lack of power-sharing led to a civil war due to the
marginalisation of Tamils. Therefore, power-
sharing is essential for a genuine democracy, as it
ensures fairness, prevents abuse of power and
promotes stability and unity in a country.

Let’s Compete
Multiple-Choice Questions
1. Belgium is located in
(a) Africa. (b) North America.
(c) Europe. (d) Asia.
Ans. (c) Europe.
2. Which are the two languages spoken by the
citizens of Belgium?
(a) Dutch and French (b) Dutch and English
(c) Russian and French (d) German and English
Ans. (a) Dutch and French
3. Which is the minority social group in Sri Lanka?
(a) Sinhala (b) Christians
(c) Tamils (d) Hindus
Ans. (c) Tamils
4. Percentage of Sinhala-speaking people in Sri Lanka
is
(a) 64 (b) 58
(c) 74 (d) 68
Ans. (c) 74
 5. Which one of the following is not a benefit of
10. Sri Lanka emerged as an independent country
power-sharing?
in which year?
(a) All political parties get their expected share.
(a) 1956 (b) 1960
(b) It upholds the spirit of democracy.
(c) 1948 (d) 1972
(c) Ensures political stability in long run.
Ans. (c) 1948
(d) Reduces the possibility of conflict between
social groups.
Ans. (a) All political parties get their expected share.
Value Based Questions
6. Which of the following systems of power-
(Optional)
sharing is also known as the system of checks
and balances? 1. What are the values promoted by the
(a) Vertical power-sharing power- sharing mechanism in Indian
(b) Horizontal power-sharing
political system?
(c) Power-sharing among political parties Ans. According to the provisions of the Indian
Constitution, the powers are divided between
(d) None of these
the centre and the states. Our Constitution
Ans. (b) Horizontal power-sharing
also provides for the division of powers
7. The government, in which the power is
between different levels, i.e. the centre and
shared among various political parties, is
the states.
known as
This power-sharing arrangement is called
(a) Community Government.
vertical power-sharing. In India, we have
(b) Majority Government. Union list on which centre is empowered to
(c) Coalition Government. legislate, State
(d) Federal Government. list on which states can make laws and
Ans. (c) Coalition Government. Concurrent list on which both the centre
8. Power-sharing between different levels of the and the states can make laws. All these
government is also known as provisions of our Constitution help in the
(a) Central Government. representation
of all groups of society, reduce chances of
(b) vertical power-sharing.
conflict among groups, political stability and
(c) horizontal power-sharing.
foster a democratic culture.
(d) State Government.
2. ‘Principle of Majoritarianism’ is against
Ans. (b) vertical power-sharing.
human values. Express your views.
9. Why did the Sri Lankan Tamils launch
Ans. It is correct to say that the principle of
political struggle against the government?
Majoritarianism is against human values
(a) To adopt the policy of majoritarianism
because it imposes the wish and will of the
(b) To recognise Tamil as an official language
majority on the people belonging to minority
(c) To recognise Sinhalese as an official group. This approach is against the principle
language
that every individual in society is free and
(d) None of these equal. It also denies the minorities the right to
Ans. (b) To recognise Tamil as an official language freedom of their beliefs. It is clear from the
example of policy of Majoritarianism adopted in
Sri Lanka after independence. POWER-SHARING

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