Class 10 Social Science- Power-Sharing (Civics: Chapter 1) Summary + MCQs + Q&A

CHAPTER SUMMARY- POWER-SHARING
 

1. Introduction

Power-sharing means distribution of power among different organs and levels of government so that no one group or institution dominates others.
It is a key feature of democracy, ensuring participation, equality, and stability in governance.

The chapter begins with two contrasting examples- Belgium and Sri Lanka -to show how countries manage social diversity through power-sharing.
 

2. Belgium: Successful Power-sharing

Ethnic Composition:

• 59% Dutch-speaking (Flemish region)
• 40% French-speaking (Wallonia region)
• 1% German-speaking

Problem:

• French-speaking minority was richer and more powerful, causing tension with Dutch-speaking majority.

Solution:

• Equal representation for both Dutch and French in central government.
• State governments given powers — not subordinate to the centre.
• Brussels has its own bilingual government with equal representation.
• Community government elected by people of each language group for cultural and educational matters.

Result: Peace, unity, and prevention of civil war. Brussels became the headquarters of the European Union.
 

3. Sri Lanka: Majoritarianism and Civil War

Ethnic Composition:

• 74% Sinhala-speaking (mostly Buddhists)
• 18% Tamil-speaking (mostly Hindus/Muslims)

Government Actions:

• Sinhala made the only official language (1956).
• Preferential policies for Sinhalas in jobs and education.
• Buddhism given special status in constitution.

Result:

• Tamils felt alienated, discriminated, and demanded equality.
• Civil war broke out — demand for separate state Tamil Eelam.
• Thousands killed; ended only in 2009.

Lesson:
Majoritarianism (rule by majority ignoring minority) destroys national unity.
Power-sharing ensures harmony and peace.
 

4. Why Power-sharing is Desirable

(a) Prudential Reasons

• Reduces chances of conflict and violence.
• Ensures political stability and unity.
• Avoids tyranny of the majority.

(b) Moral Reasons

• Power-sharing is the true spirit of democracy.
• People have a right to be consulted in governance.
• Increases legitimacy and participation.

5. Forms of Power-sharing
 

6. Examples from Other Countries

Lebanon: President (Christian), PM (Sunni Muslim), Speaker (Shia Muslim) — ensures peace among communities.

Germany: Coalition governments share power between rival parties.
 

KEY TERMS

ONE WORD / ONE LINE ANSWERS

1.Capital of Belgium → Brussels
2. Sinhala made official language in → 1956
3. Meaning of majoritarianism → Rule by majority
4. Tamil Eelam → Proposed separate state for Tamils
5. Headquarters of EU → Brussels
6. Number of language groups in Belgium → Three
7. Sri Lanka’s majority religion → Buddhism
8. Type of power division in India → Vertical
9. Example of horizontal division → Legislature, Executive, Judiciary
10. Belgian community government deals with → Language and culture

MCQs

1. What percentage of Belgians speak Dutch?
a) 59% b) 40% c) 1% d) 50%
Answer: a

2. Which policy was adopted in Sri Lanka in 1956?
Answer: Sinhala made the official language

3. What is meant by majoritarianism?
Answer: Rule by majority ignoring minority wishes

4. When did civil war end in Sri Lanka?
Answer: 2009

5. Which city serves as the EU headquarters?
Answer: Brussels

6. Which country’s model promotes community government?
Answer: Belgium

7. Power shared among organs of government is called?
Answer: Horizontal Division

8. Power shared among social groups is seen in?
Answer: Community Government in Belgium

9. Example of coalition government:
Answer: India (2019 NDA, UPA earlier)

10. Which of these ensures the spirit of democracy?
Answer: Power-sharing

CASE-BASED QUESTIONS

Case 1: Belgium’s Power-sharing Model

PASSAGE:
Belgium resolved linguistic tensions by giving equal power to Dutch and French speakers and creating a community government. Brussels was given bilingual status.

Questions:
1. Which country is being discussed?
Ans: Belgium

2. What kind of government exists in Brussels?
Ans: Bilingual government

3. Why was equal representation important?
Ans: To prevent dominance and ensure peace

4. What kind of division of power is this?
Ans: Vertical and community-based

Case 2: Sri Lanka’s Majoritarianism

PASSAGE:
In 1956, the Sri Lankan government declared Sinhala the only official language and gave preference to Sinhalas in education and jobs.

Questions:
1. What was the policy called?
Ans: Majoritarianism

2. Who were discriminated against?
Ans: Tamils

3. What did Tamils demand?
Ans: Regional autonomy / Tamil Eelam

4. What was the outcome?
Ans: Civil war and loss of unity
 

ASSERTION-REASON QUESTIONS 

1. A: Belgium shares power among linguistic groups.
R: To protect cultural and regional diversity.
Answer: A

2. A: Sinhala-only policy promoted unity in Sri Lanka.
R: It led to discrimination and civil war.
Answer: (A false, R true)

3. A: Power-sharing reduces chances of conflict.
R: It includes all communities in governance.
Answer: A

4. A: Majoritarianism strengthens democracy.
R: It disregards minority needs.
Answer: C

5. A: Belgium has community government.
R: It ensures cultural autonomy.
Answer: A

6. A: Power-sharing is opposed to democracy.
R: Democracy requires participation of all.
Answer: (A false, R false) 

7. A: Sri Lanka faced civil war due to power-sharing.
R: It occurred because power was concentrated with Sinhalas.
Answer: (A false, R true)

8. A: Prudential reasons are based on logic.
R: They aim at better governance and peace.
Answer: A

9. A: Coalition governments reflect power-sharing.
R: They involve multiple parties in decision-making.
Answer: A

10. A: Power-sharing enhances the spirit of democracy.
R: It allows people to participate in governance.
Answer: A
 

LONG ANSWERS (5-6 MARKS)

Q1. Compare the power-sharing models of Belgium and Sri Lanka.

Belgium adopted inclusive power-sharing, giving equal representation to linguistic groups and forming community governments. It avoided civil war and ensured unity.
Sri Lanka followed majoritarianism, giving special status to Sinhalas and ignoring Tamil interests. It led to alienation, violence, and civil war.
Hence, Belgium succeeded through accommodation, while Sri Lanka suffered due to dominance.

Q2. Explain why power-sharing is essential in a democracy.

Power-sharing prevents the concentration of power and allows people to participate in governance. It ensures harmony among communities, strengthens democracy, and prevents conflicts. By giving representation to all groups, it promotes equality, accountability, and stability in government.

Q3. Describe the different forms of power-sharing with examples.

1. Horizontal: Among legislature, executive, and judiciary (India).
2. Vertical: Among central, state, and local governments (Belgium, India).
3. Social groups: Community government or reservations.
4. Political: Among parties and coalitions (India, Germany).

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