Grade X – Political Science

Lesson 1 - Power Sharing

Objective Type Questions (1 Mark each)

I. Multiple choice questions

1. Which one of the following is major caste group of Sri Lanka?

a) Christian and Tamil b) Buddhist and Hindu

c) Sinhala and Tamil d) Sinhala and Christian

2. When was Sinhala recognised as the official language of Sri Lanka?

a) In 1954 b) In 1955

c) In 1956 d) In 1958

3. Which language is spoken by majority of Sri Lankans?

a) Tamil b) Sinhala

c) Hindi d) Urdu

4. A belief that the majority community should be able to rule a country in whichever way it

wants, by disregarding the wishes and needs of the minority is:

a) Power Sharing b) Central Government

c) Majoritarianism d) Community Government

5. Find the incorrect option from the following

a) Belgium is a big country in North America.

b) It has borders with France, the Netherlands, Germany and Luxembourg.

c) It has a population if a little over one crore.

d) The ethnic composition of this small country is very complex.

6. Which of the following is correct with respect to the ethnic composition of Belgium?

a) 59% of people live in the Flemish region and speak the Dutch language.

b) 30% of people living in the wallonia region speak French.

c) 10% of Belgians speak

d) 1% Belgian speak Russian.

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7. Which of the following is an example of horizontal sharing of power?

a) Power sharing between different states.

b) Power sharing between different organs of the government.

c) Power sharing between different levels of the government.

d) Power sharing between different political parties.

8. Who elects the community government in Belgium?

a) People belonging to one language community only.

b) By the leader of Belgium.

c) The citizens of the whole country.

d) The community leaders of Belgium.

9. The Community Government signifies:

a) The powers of government regarding community development

b) The powers of the government regarding law making for the community.

c) The powers of the government regarding cultural, educational and language related

issues.

d) The government enjoys privileges to safeguard the interest of a particular community.

10. The word ‘ethnic’ signifies:

a) different religions.

b) social division on shared culture

c) a violent conflict between opposite groups

d) a careful calculation of gains and losses.

11. Power sharing is:

a) the very spirit of democracy

b) separation of powers at different levels.

c) system of checks and balances.

d) a type of balancing powers.

12. Which one of the following is a major cast-group of Sri Lanka?

a) Christian and Tamil

b) Buddhist and Hindu

c) Sinhali and Tamil

d) Sinhali and Christian

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13. Modern democracies maintain check and balance system. Identify the correct option

based on the horizontal power sharing arrangement.

a) Central government, state government, local bodies.

b) Legislature, executive, judiciary.

c) Among different social groups.

d) Among different pressure groups

II. Multiple choice questions (1 Mark each)

1. Study the following caricature and answer the question that follows:

Which of the following option best signifies this cartoon?

a) Problems of two party system

b) A car with two steering

c) Problems of a coalition government

d) None of the above.

2. Study the following caricature and answer the question that follows:

Which of the following options best signifies this cartoon?

a) Concentration of power in few hands.

b) Democracy is like a horse-cart.

c) Putin and Bush are good friends.

d) None of the above.

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3.

Column A Column B
i) Power shared among different organs (A) 18 per cent
of government
ii) Tamil speakers (B) 80 per cent
iii) Dutch speakers (C) Coalition government Federal
government
iv) Power shared by two or more political (D) Separation of powers
parties
v) French Speakers (E) 20 per Cent

(A) (i)-(D), (ii)-(A), (iii)-(E), (iv)-(C), (v)-(B) (B) (i)-(A), (ii)-(D), (iii)-(C), (iv)-(E), (v)-(B)

(C) (i)-(B), (ii)-(C), (iii)-(E), (iv)-(A), (v)-(D) (D) (i)-(E), (ii)-(B), (iii)-(A), (iv)-(D), (v)-(C)

4. Which of the following is not an element of Belgian model of power sharing?

a) Some leaves can only be passed with a majority from each linguistic group.

b) The central government has an equal number of Dutch and French ministers.

c) State governments of the two linguistic regions enjoy some powers of the central

government.

d) Territories based on language were abolished and people were encouragement each

other.

I. Assertion & Reason

Directions : In the following questions, a statement of Assertion (A) is followed by a

statement of Reason (R). Mark the correct choice as:

(A) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.

(B) Both A and R are true, but R is NOT the correct explanation of A.

(C) A is true, but R is false.

(D) A is false but R is true.

1. Assertion (A) : The Belgian leaders recognized the existence of regional differences

and cultural diversities.

Reason (R) : 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.

Ans. Option (A) is correct.

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2. Assertion (A) : Sinhala was recognised as only official language of Sri Lanka.

Reason (R) : The government of Sri Lanka wanted to establish dominance of Tamil

community.

Ans. Option (C) is correct.

3. Assertion (A) : Sri Lanka is on Island nation.

Reason (R) : It is just is few kilometres off the southern lease of Tamil Nadu.

Ans. Option (B) is correct.

4. Assertion (A) : Belgium is a small country in Russia.

Reason (R) : It has borders with France, the Netherlands, Germany and Luxemborg.

Ans: Option (D) is correct.

5. Assertion (A) : The Dutch-Speaking community got the benefit of economic

development and education much later.

Reason (R) : The community was rich and powerful.

Ans: Option (C) is correct.

In the given questions (Q.8 and Q.9), there are two statements marked as Assertion (A) and

Reason (R). Read the statements and choose the correct option from the following:

a) A is correct but R is wrong.

b) A is wrong but R is correct.

c) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.

d) Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A.

6. Assertion (A) : There were tensions between the Dutch-speaking and French-speaking

communities during the 1950s and 1960 s in Belgium.

Reason (R) : French-speaking community was relatively rich and powerful, which was

resented by the Dutch-speaking community who got the benefit of economic

development and education much later.

Ans: Option (A) is correct.

7. Assertion (A) : Sri Lankan Tamils felt that none of the major political parties led by the

Buddhist Sinhala leaders was sensitive to their language and culture.

Reason (R) : The relations between the Sinhala and Tamil communities strained over time.

Ans: Option (D) is correct.

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 II. Assertion & Reason

Directions : In the following questions, a statement of Assertion (A) is followed by a

statement of Reason (R). Mark the correct choice as:

(A) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.

(B) Both A and R are true, but R is NOT the correct explanation of A.

(C) A is true, but R is false.

(D) A is false but R is true.

1. Assertion (A) : Power sharing is good for democracy.

Reason (R) : It helps to reduce the possibility of conflict between social groups.

Ans. Option (A) is correct.

2. Assertion (A) : Power can be shared among governments at different levels.

Reason (R) : Power may also share among different social groups.

Ans. Option (B) is correct.

3. Assertion (A) : Brussels has a Separate government in which both the communities

have equal representation.

Reason (R) : In French-Speaking people accepted equal representation in Brussels.

Ans. Option (A) is correct.

4. Assertion (A) : The Belgian model of government is very complicated.

Reason (R) : But it is very easy for people living in Belgium.

Ans. Option (B) is correct.

I. Very Short Answer Type (1 mark each)

Questions.

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

The leaders of the Sinhala community sought to secure dominance over government by

virtue of their majority Sinhala became the only official language Sinhala applicants were

preferred in university positions and government jobs Buddhism was made state religion through a

new constitution.

2. Explain the meaning of 'Majoritarianism' as practised in Sri Lanka.

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 The leaders of the Sinhala community sought to secure dominance over the government

by virtue of their majority and thus, the democratically elected government adopted a series of

majoritarian measures to establish Sinhala supremacy. It followed majoritarianism.

3. What is the state religion of Sri Lanka ?

Ans. Sinhala

4. When was an art based in Sri Lanka to recognize Sri Lanka as the only official language?

Ans. In 1956

5. What did the Political Organizations demanded in 1980 s?

Ans. They wanted independent Tamil Eelam (State) in northern and eastern parts of Sri Lanka.

6. What is a Civil War?

Ans. It is a violent conflict between opposing groups within a country that becomes so intense that

it appears like a war.

7. Sinhala was recognised as the only official language by the _________.

Ans. Act of 1956.

8. A government for the entire country is usually called _________.

Ans. Federal Government

9. A belief that the majority community should be able to rule country in whichever way they

want, by disregarding the wishers and needs of minority is known as ________.

Ans. Majoritaranism

10. Power sharing is the distribution of powers at only one level of government. (True/False)

Ans. False

11. Power sharing arrangement among the different organs of the government is known as

horizontal sharing. (True/False)

Ans. True

12. Belgium successfully solved its problem by Community Government. (True/False)

Ans. Ture

13. Match the columns:

Column A Column B

a) Coalition Government i) Each organ of the government checks the

other
b) Civil War ii) Government of more than two political
parties
c) Check and Balance iii) Power may also be shared among different

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 social groups
d) Community Government iv) A violent conflict between opposing groups
Ans. a (ii), b) (iv), c) (i), d) (iii)

14. In which continent is Belgium?

Ans. Europe

15. Fill in the blank:

59 percent of the total population of Belgium lives in the _____ region.

Ans. Flemish

16. Where does the majority of population of Belgium live?

Ans. The majority of population of Belgium lives in the Flemish region.

17. Which two languages are generally spoken in Belgium?

Ans. French and Dutch are the two languages spoken in Belgium.

18. Which language is spoken by the majority of population in Brussels, the capital city of

Belgium?

Ans. French language.

19. Mention the minority community that was relatively rich and powerful in Belgium?

Ans. French Community.

20. Which social group constituted the largest share in population of Sri Lanka?

Ans. Sinhala –speakers

21. Name the two subgroups of Tamils in Sri Lanka.

Ans. Sri Lankan Tamils and Indian Tamils

22. After independence, Sri Lanka witnessed the supremacy of which community?

Ans. In Sri Lanka, the policies of the Government under the Act of 1956 sought to ensure the

dominance of Sinhala speaking.

23. What is the official religion of Sri Lanka?

Ans. Buddhism is the religion of Sri Lanka

24. Which factors are responsible for increasing the feeling of alienation among Sri Lankan

Tamils?

Ans. Sinhala was recognised as the only official language in Sri Lanka and the government

formulated a policy that favoured Sinhala applicants for university and government jobs.

25. What was Tamil Eelam?

Ans. It was to be an independent state as demanded by Srilankan Tamils.

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26. How many times did Belgium amend its constitution regarding power sharing?

Ans. Belgium amended its constitution four times between 1970 and 1993.

27. Name the third level government of Belgium.

Ans. Community Government

28. Differentiate between community government in Belgium and majoritarian government in

Sri Lanka.

Ans. In Belgium, all the benefits of economic development and education were given to Dutch

speaking communities as well as French Minority community while in Sri Lanka, the government

adopted a series of majoritarian measures to establish Sinhala supremacy on Tamils.

29. Which city was chosen as the headquarters of the European Union?

Ans. Brussels

30. What is power sharing?

Ans. Power sharing means sharing of responsibilities and powers by the different organs of the

government.

31. Why power sharing is essential for democracy?

Ans. Power sharing helps to reduce the possibility of conflict between social groups.

32. What is the difference between prudential and moral reasons for power sharing?

Ans. Prudential reason: Power sharing in democracy reduces the possibility of conflicts between

different social groups.

Moral reason: In a democracy, citizens have the right to be consulted on how they are to be

governed.

33. What is separation of power?

Ans. The separation of power is the power sharing among the different organs of government with

in their specific jurisdiction.

34. The system of ‘checks and balances’ comes under which form of power sharing?

Ans. Horizontal distribution of power sharing arrangement is known as a system of checks and

balances.

35. In which form of power sharing, power is shared at different levels of government?

Ans. Power is shared at different levels of government in vertical form of power sharing.

36. What does the federal division of power imply?

Ans. The term federal division implies power sharing at different levels of government.

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37. The community government in Belgium is a good example of which form of power sharing?

Ans. Social group sharing.

(1 mark each)
II. Very Short Answer Type
Questions.

1. How did the Belgium leaders recognized the existence of regional difference and cultural

diversities?

Ans. Between 1970 and 1993 they amended their constitution four times to work an an

arrangement that would enable everyone to live together within the same country.

2. What is the capital city of Belgium?

Ans. Brussels

3. Why is Power Sharing desirable?

Ans. Desirability of Power Sharing :

(i) Power sharing is good because it helps to reduce the possibility of conflict between social

groups.

(ii) Power sharing is the very spirit of democracy.

4. How is community government elected is Belgium ?

Ans. Community government in Belgium is elected by people belonging to one language community -

Dutch, French or German.

I. Short Answer Type Questions. (3 marks each)

1. Explain any three consequences of the majoritarian policies adopted by the Sri Lankan

government.

Ans. Consequences of majoritarian policies adopted by the Sri Lankan Government.

(i) Tamils felt that the government was not sensitive about Tamil language and culture.

(ii) They felt discriminated against in getting jobs and education.

(iii) They felt the government was practicing religious discrimination.

(iv) Relations between Tamils and Sinhalese became strained.

2. Describe any three majoritarian measures adopted by the Sri Lankan Government to

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 establish Sinhala supremacy. OR

Describe any three provisions of the Act which was passed in Sri Lanka in 1956 to

establish Sinhala supremacy. OR

Why did the Sri Lankan Tamils feel alienated in spite of their long stay in Sri Lanka?

OR

Explain three measures taken by Sri Lanka, according to an Act passed in 1956.

OR

Which three provisions of the Act passed in Sri Lanka in 1956 established Sinhala

supremacy? OR

What were the reasons for the alienation of Sri Lankan Tamils? What was the effect of

this in the country? OR

Why Sri Lankan Tamils felt alienated?

Ans. Sri Lankan Tamils felt alienated because:

(i) Government adopted majoritarian measures to establish Sinhala Supremacy. In 1956,

an Act was passed to recognise Sinhala as the only official language thus,

disregarding Tamil.

(ii) The governments followed preferential politics that favoured Sinhala applicants for

university positions and government jobs..

(iii) A new constitution stipulated that the state shall protect and foster Buddhism.

(iv) Sri Lankan Tamils felt that none of the major political parties led by the Buddhist

Sinhala leaders was sensitive to their language and culture.

(v) As result, the relations between the Sinhala and Tamil communities strained

overtime and it soon turned into a Civil War.

3. Compare the different ways in which the Belgians and the Sri Lankans have dealt with the

problem of cultural diversity.

Ans. The Belgian leaders recognised the existence of regional and cultural diversities:

(i) They amended their Constitution four times so as to work out an innovative

arrangement that would enable everyone to live together in peace and harmony i.e.,

there was sharing of power between the Dutch and the French both in the Central

Government, State Government and Community Government. They followed a policy

of accommodation.

(ii) This helped to avoid civil strife and division of the country on linguistic lines.
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 (iii) On the other hand, the Sinhalese who were in majority in Sri Lanka as compared to

the Tamils followed a policy of majoritarianism and adopted a series of measures to

establish Sinhanala supremacy by passing an Act of 1956.

These measures alienated the Tamils leading to civil strife between the two

communities.

4. Why is the ethnic composition of Belgium very complex?

OR

What is the ethnic composition of Belgium?

Ans. The ethnic composition of Belgium is very complex because of various language speaking

people like:

a) Of the country’s total population, 59 per cent lives in the Flemish region and speaks Dutch

language.

b) Another 40 per cent lives in the Wallonia region and speaks French.

c) Remaining one per cent of the Belgians speak German.

d) Besides, in the capital city of Brussels, 80 per cent people speak French while 20 per cent

are Dutch speaking.

5. What led to tensions between the Dutch speaking and French speaking communities in

Belgium during 1950s and 1960s?

OR

What led to the ethnic tension in Belgium? Why was it more acute in Brussels?

Ans.

a) The economic inequality between the Dutch speaking and French speaking was the basis

cause of tension.

b) The issues of majoritarianism and financial preference led to the tensions between the

Dutch cause of tension.

c) At the capital city of Brussels, the French speaking community was relatively rich and

powerful and used to get the economic and educational benefit.

d) This was resented by the Dutch speaking community which led to the rension between the

two communities of Brussels.

6. Give an account of ethnic composition of Sri Lanka.

Ans. Sri Lanka comprises various communities and diverse population which signifies its complex

ethnicity like:

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 a) Sinhala speaking accounts for 74 per cent of the total population and enjoys majoritarian

status in the country.

b) The another community is Tamil speaking which has two sub-groups:

i) The Sri Lankan Tamils which account for 13 per cent. They are the natives of Sri

Lanka.

ii) The Indian Tamils account for 5 per cent. They are of Indian origin.

c) About 7 per cent of the population is Christians (both Tamils and Sinhalas).

d) Rest 1 per cent are Muslims.

7. Describe any three ‘majoritarian measures’ taken by the Sri Lankan Government to

establish Sinhala supremacy.

OR

Describe any three provisions of the act which was passed in Sri Lanka in 1956 to establish

Sinhala supremacy.

OR

What were the reasons for the alienation o Sri Lankan Tamils? What was the effect of this

on Sri Lankan Tamils?

OR

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

Ans. After independence, in 1948, the democratically elected Sri Lankan Government adopted a

series if majoritarian measures to establish Sinhala supremacy by passing an Act in 1956.

a) Sinhala was recognised as the only official language in Sri Lanka. Tamil language was not

given due importance.

b) The Sri Lankan Government formulated a policy in which only Sinhala applicants were

preferred for positions in university and Government jobs.

c) The new constitution of Sri Lanka declared that Buddhism would be promoted by the state.

All these government measures gradually increased the feeling of alienation among the Sri

Lankan Tamils.

8. Why did civil war break out in Sri Lanka? List the results of the civil war.

OR

Mention the three causes for the civil war in Sri Lanka.

Ans. The distrust between Tamil speaking and the Sinhalese over the majoritarianism issue

resulted in a widespread conflict which soon turned into a civil war.

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The results of the civil war were as follows:

a) Thousands of people of both the communities were killed.

b) Many families were forced to leave the country and many more lost their livelihood.

c) Sri Lanka, in general, suffered from an economic crisis.

9. How have Belgium and Sri Lanka dealt with the question of power sharing differently?

Ans. In Belgium, existence of regional differences and cultural diversities were recognised by the

leaders. The Belgian constitution was amended four times to accommodate a proper arrangement

of power sharing. Equal representation was given to the Dutch – and French-speaking communities

in the central government. Powers of the central government were shared with state government.

Community government was introduced to take decision on culture, education and language –

related issues.

On the other hand, Sri Lanka adopted majoritarian measures to establish Sinhala dominance,

Sinhala was declared official language disregarding Tamil. Sinhala were preferred for university

positions and government jobs. Buddhism was made the state religion. Sri Lankan Tamils were

denied equal political rights, discriminated against in the matter of jobs. This led to stained

relations between the Sinhala and Tamil community resulting in the civil war.

10. What do you mean by power sharing?

Ans. Power sharing means sharing of responsibility and powers among different organs and levels

of government.

It is strategy for resolving disputes over exercising of power. It ensures the stability of the

political order. It is a powerful approach to unite the political order. It is a powerful approach to

unite the diversities by making them party to the decision making process.

11. Differentiate horizontal and vertical power sharing in modern democracies.

Ans. Difference between Horizontal and Vertical division of powers.

Horizontal Division of Powers Vertical Division of Powers

a) Horizontal division of powers is such a a) In Vertical division of powers, power can

power sharing arrangement in which power be shared among governments at different

is shared among different organs of levels like union, state and local levels of

government such as the legislature, such government, i.e., it onvolves higher and

executive and judiciary. lower levels of government.

b) In horizontal division of powers, different b) In vertical division of powers, constitution

organs of government exercise different clearly lays down the powers of different

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 powers, i.e., there is a concept of separation levels of government.

of powers.

c) Horizontal distribution specifies the c) But, there is no such concept checks and

concept of checks and balances in order to balances in the vertical division because

check the exercises of unlimited powers of powers are clearly given by the constitution

the organs. from the higher level to the lower level.

d) Horizontal distribution of power ensures d) Vertical division of powers promotes the

the concept of the expansion of democracy. concept of deepening of democracy.

12. Why is it very difficult to make changes to the power sharing arrangement between the

Union Government and State Government? Explain with examples.

Ans. It is very difficult to make changes in the power sharing arrangements between the union

government and state governments due to the following reasons:

a) There is clear distinction of power between state and centre through the three list system.

b) In this arrangement constitution clearly lays down the division of powers between the Union

and the states. So for any changes, it has to go through difficult amendment procedures.

c) The centre has a general authority, but the regional or state governments are given

autonomy. Therefore, interference in each other’s jurisdiction for any change is difficult.

There should be bilateral change.

13. With the help of examples, show how power can be shared between social and linguistic

groups.

Ans. Power can be shared between social and linguistic groups in the following ways:

a) There are countries where socially and economically weaker sections and women are given

legal and constitutional protection in terms of representation in the local boides. This is

done to enable them to be a part of decision making.

b) In India, there is a provision in the Constitution to have reserved constituencies for the

members of the socially and economically backward classes. At the same time one third of

the seats are reserved for the women in the legislatures. This ensures fair share in power.

c) In Belgium, the provision of community government for he linguistic groups was introduced

to avoid civic strife in the county.

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 II. Short Answer Type Questions. (3 marks each)

1. What is the difference between Horizontal and Vertical distribution of power? Mention

any two advantages of Horizontal distribution.

OR

2. “Sharing of powers makes a county more powerful and united.” Do you agree with this

statement and why?

OR

Give reasons why power sharing is desirable

OR

Write one prudential and one moral reason for power sharing.

Power sharing is desirable in democracy because:

(i) Prudential reasons :
a) It helps to reduce the possibility of conflict between social groups. Since, social conflict
often leads to violence and political instability.
(b) It is a good way to ensure the stability of political order.
(c) Imposing the will of the majority community, over others may look like an attractive
option in the short run, but in the long run it undermines the unity of the nation.
(ii) Moral reasons :
(a) Power sharing is the very spirit of democracy. A democratic rule involves sharing power
with those affected by its exercise and who have to live with its effect.
(b) People have the right to be consulted on how they are to be governed.
(c) A legitimate government is one where citizens through participation, acquires a stake in
the system.
3. In modern democracies, power is often shared among different organs of the government.
Explain OR
Explain how power is shared among different organs of the government.
Power is shared between different organs of the government such as legislature, executive
and judiciary.
This system of power sharing is referred to as a system of ‘checks and balances’ because:
(i) All three organs are placed at the same level of power.
(ii) The power distribution ensures that no organ enjoys unlimited powers.
(iii) Each organ exercises a check on the others. Thus, there is a balance of power.
OR
Power is shared among different organs of government i.e., legislature, executive and
judiciary.
(i) Legislature: The legislature is concerned with passing the laws, controlling the finances

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 of the state and delivering on the matter of public importance.
(ii) Executive: The executive machinery implements the policies of the government and
executes the rules made by the legislative bodies.
(iii) Judiciary: The judiciary is concerned with the interpretation of the laws and has the
power to punish those who commit crimes or break the laws. The judiciary
can also check the functioning of the executives.

I. Long Answer Type Questions. (5 mark each)

1. Compare the situations of Belgium and Sri Lanka considering their location, size and

cultural aspects.

Comparison of Belgium and Sri Lanka:

(i) Belgium is located in Europe. Whereas Sri Lanka is located in South Asia.

(ii) Belgium has a population of little over one crore, whereas Sri Lanka has population of two

crores.

(iii) In Belgium, 59 per cent people living in Flemish region speak Dutch language, 40 per cent

people living in Wallonia region speak French and remaining 1 per cent Belgian people speak

German, Whereas in Sri Lanka, 74 per cent population is Sinhalese speakers and 18 per cent

is Tamil speakers.

(iv) In Belgium, French-speaking community is relatively rich and powerful and in Sri Lanka,

Sinhalese-speaking people are Buddhist and powerful.

(v) In Belgium, Dutch-speaking people are in numeric majority, whereas in Sri Lanka, Sinhalese-

speaking population is in majority

(vi) Any other relevant point.

2. How majoritarianism has increased the feeling of alienation among the Sri Lankan Tamils?

Explain.

Sri Lanka became independent in 1948. It immediately adopted measures to impose Sinhala

supremacy.

(i) The Tamils felt alienated. No respect of recognition was given to their language, culture and

religion.

(ii) They began a struggle for equality in jobs, entry to the university, recognition of their

language and culture.

(iii) Slowly the conflict changed into a demand for regional autonomy.
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 (iv) The Tamils were grouped together in the north and east of Sri Lanka.

(v) Their demands were ignored, the conflict became more severe and by the 1980s, their

demands had changed.

(vi) They wanted Tamil Ealam in the north and east. A civil war ensured, which killed thousands

on both sides.

(vii) The flourishing economy of Sri Lanka disappeared and the conflict gave blow to the social,

cultural and economic life of Sri Lanka.

3. Describe any three demands of the Sri Lankan Tamils. How did they struggle for their

demands?

Ans. Following were the three demands of Sri Lankan Tamils:

a) Recognition of Tamil as an official language.

b) Regional autonomy

c) Equality of opportunity in securing education and jobs.

In order to protest for their demand they started a political struggle in the way of conflict with

the government.

a) By 1980s several political organisations were formed demanding an independent Tamil Eelam

(State) in northern and eastern parts of Sri Lanka.

b) The distrust between the two communities turned into wide spread conflict which soon

turned into a civil war.

c) As a result thousands of people of both communities were killed, causing a terrible setback

to the social, cultural and economic life of the country.

4. What are some of the basic elements of the Belgium model of power sharing?

OR

Describe the path of accommodation adopted in Belgium. What were its consequences?

Ans. After the four amendments in the Constitution, the Belgian leaders worked out a very

different and innovative power sharing arrangement known as Belgian Model.

The elements of Belgian government are:

a) Equal distribution of seats. According to the new arrangement, Dutch and French speaking

ministers have been given equal status in the central government. No single majority can

make decision unilaterally.

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 b) Concept of Federal Government. Besides, state governments for the two regions have been

given maximum powers and the state governments are not treated as the subordinate to the

central government.

c) Equal Representation in Brussels. In the new arrangement, Brussels, the capital city of

Belgium, has given equal representation to both the French and Dutch speaking people.

d) Community Government. The Belgian model introduced a new concept of third kind of

government, i.e., the Community Government. This government is elected by the people

belonging to one language community

The system is complicated but useful. This arrangement ensures the promotion and protection

of cultural and linguistic diversity.

5. Explain two sets of reasons as why power sharing is desirable

OR

Why is power sharing desirable?

OR

Why is power sharing good for democracy> Give any three suitable arguments.

Ans. Power sharing is desirable for various concrete reasons. Two sets of reasons have been

listed out which favour power sharing in two different manners like: Prudential reason and

Moral reason.

Prudential Reason

a) According to prudential reason, power sharing accommodates social diversity hence,

helps in reducing the possibility of conflict between social groups.

b) Power sharing in another way ensures the political stability through competition among

various political parties.

c) Besides, power sharing is also desirable to the promotion of national unity and integrity.

Moral Reason

d) Moral reason is a very deeper reason of power sharing.

e) According to moral reason, power sharing is desirable to produce an accountable,

responsible and legitimate government

f) It implies maximum popular participation through decentralisation of powers so that

people would be consulted on how they are to be governed. In this way, both the sets of

reasons signify the importance of power sharing in the forms of community government,

reserved constituencies and decentralisation if powers.

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6. What does the sharing of power among political parties, pressure groups and movements

ensure?

Ans.

a) The sharing of powers among political parties, pressure groups and movements ensures the

influence in decision making process as democracy implies people’s choice among various

contenders.

b) Regarding political parties this sharing takes place in the way of political competition among

different parties. This in turn ensures that power does not remain in one land.

c) In the case of coalition government this sharing becomes direct when two or more parties

from an alliance to contest election and if their alliance is elected.

d) At the same time, pressure group and movements influence power sharing through dharna,

rallies, protest, strike ., etc.,

e) In another way by becoming the member of committee or a part of the planning commission

power can be shared for advocating better politics.

II. Long Answer Type Questions. (5 mark each)

1. Describe the elements of Belgian model for accommodation.

Belgium model for the accommodation of diversities:

(i) Though the Dutch were in majority in the country, the French and Dutch speaking

population was given equal representation in the Central government.

(ii) Belgium was declared as a Federal state and thus state government were given

important powers.

(iii) The state government did not act a subordinate to the Central government.

(iv) The capital city of Brussels has a separate government. Through the French speaking

population was in majority in the city, they accepted equal representation in Brussels.

(v) This was because the Dutch speaking people has accepted equal representation in the

Central government in spite of being in majority.

(vi) Community government was elected by Dutch, French and German speaking people

and looked after educational, language and educational issues.

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2. How is the idea of Power Sharing emerged? Explain different forms that have common

arrangements of power sharing.

Idea of power sharing emerged:

i) The idea of power sharing has emerged in opposition to the notions of undivided

political power.

ii) Powers can be shared among governments at different levels i.e., at national and
provincial or regional levels.
iii) Power shared among different social groups such as religious and linguistic groups
iv) Power sharing arrangements in the way political parties, pressure groups and
movements control or influence those in power.

II. Competency Based Questions.

(4 marks each)

Case Based MCQs

I. Read the source given below and answer the questions that follows:

Sri Lanka emerged as an independent country in 1948. The leaders of the Sinhala community

sought to secure dominance over government by virtue of their majority. As a result, the

democratically elected government adopted a series of MAJORITARIAN measures to establish

Sinhala supremacy. In 1956, an Act was passed to recognise Sinhala as the only official language,

thus disregarding Tamil. The governments followed preferential policies that favoured Sinhala

applicants for university positions and government jobs. A new constitution stipulated that the

state shall protect and foster Buddhism. All these government measures coming one after the

other, gradually increased the feeling of alienation among the Sri Lankan Tamils. They felt that

none of the major political parties led by the Buddhist Sinhala leaders was sensitive to their

language and culture. They felt that the constitution and government policies denied them equal

political rights, discriminated against them in getting jobs and other opportunities and ignored

their interests. As a result, the relations between the Sinhala and Tamil communities strained over

time. The Sri Lankan Tamils launched parties and struggles for the recognition of Tamil as an

official language, for regional autonomy and equality of opportunity in securing education and jobs.

But their demand for more autonomy to provinces populated by the Tamils was repeatedly denied.

By 1980s several political organisations were formed demanding an independent Tamil Eelam

(state) in northern and eastern parts of Sri Lanka. The distrust between the two communities

turned into widespread conflict. It soon turned into a CIVIL WAR. As a result, thousands of

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people of both the communities were killed. Many families were forced to leave the country as

refugees and many more lost their livelihoods.

Answer the following MCQs by choosing the most appropriate option:

1. The process dominance over the government by virtue of majority is seen in which country?

a) Bangladesh b) Belgium

c) Sri Lanka d) The Netherlands

2. Which is the official language of Sri Lanka?

a) Sinhala and Tamil b) Sinhala

c) Tamil d) None of these

3. What is the prudential reason behind Power Sharing?

a) It gives absolute power to the citizens

b) It gives absolute power to the government

c) It reduces the possibility of conflict between social groups.

d) It ensures foreign investments.

4. The ratio of Sinhala speaking and Tamil speaking in Sri Lanka is about:

a) 20:80 b) 50:50

c) 70:30 d) 80:20

II. Read the source given below and answer the questions that follows:

Power is shared among different organs of government, such as the legislature, executive

and judiciary. Let us call this horizontal distribution of power because it allows different organs of

government placed at the same level to exercise different powers. Such a separation ensures that

none of the organs can exercise unlimited power. Each organ checks the others. This results in a

balance of power among various institutions. 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. Power can be

shared among governments at different levels – a general government for the entire country and

governments at the provincial or regional level. Such a general government for the entire country

is usually called federal government. In India, we refer to it as the Central or Union Government.

The governments at the provincial or regional level are called by different names in different

countries. In India, we call them State Governments. This system is not followed in all countries.

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There are many countries where there are no provincial or state governments. But in those

countries like ours, where there are different levels of government, the constitution clearly lays

down the powers of different levels of government. This is what they did in Belgium, but was

refused in Sri Lanka. This is called federal division of power. The same principle can be extended

to levels of government lower than the State government, such as the municipality and panchayat.

Power may also be shared among different social groups such as the religious and linguistic groups.

‘Community government’ in Belgium is a good example of this arrangement. In some countries there

are constitutional and legal arrangements whereby socially weaker sections and women are

represented in the legislatures and administration. This type of arrangement is meant to give

space in the government and administration to diverse social groups who otherwise would feel

alienated from the government. This method is used to give minority communities a fair share in

power.

Answer the following MCQs by choosing the most appropriate option:

1. In horizontal distribution, power is shared among:

a) Legislature, Executive and Judiciary

b) Union government, State government and Local government

c) Majority and minority community

d) None of the above

2. Community government solves issues related to:

a) Culture b) Education

c) Language d) All of the above

3. Federal system was refused by:

a) India b) Belgium

c) Sri Lanka d) USA

4. Who can check the functioning of executives?

a) Legislature b) Judiciary

c) State Government d) Community Government

III. Read the extract given below and answer the question that follows: U

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

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same country. The arrangement they worked out is different from any other country and is very

innovative. Here are some of the elements of the Belgian model.

 Constitution prescribes that the number of Dutch and French-speaking ministers shall be

equal in the central government. Some special laws require the support of majority of

members from each linguistic group. Thus, no single community can make decisions

unilaterally.

 Many powers of the central government have been given to state governments of the two

regions of the country. The state governments are not subordinate to the Central

Government.

 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

Government.

 Apart from the Central and the State Government, there is a third kind of government.

This community government’ is elected by people belonging to one language community –

Dutch, French and German-speaking – no matter where they live. This government has the

power regarding cultural, educational and language related issues.

You might find the Belgian model very complicated. It indeed is very complicated,

even for people living in Belgium. But these arrangements have worked well so far. They

helped to avoid civic strife between the two major communities and a possible division of

the country on linguistic lines. When many countries of Europe came together to form the

European Union, Brussels was chosen as its headquarters.

1. When and why was the Belgian Constitution amended by its leaders ?

Between 1970 and 1993 the Belgian leaders amended their constitution four times so as to

work out an arrangement that would enable everyone to live together within the same country,

keeping in mind the existence of their regional differences and cultural diversities.

2. How is power distributed among governments in Belgium ?

Many powers of the Central Government have been given to State Governments of the two

regions of the country. The State Governments are not subordinate to the Central Government.

3. Which is the third kind of government in Belgium and who elects it ?

Apart from the Central and the State Government, there is a third kind of government.

This 'Community Government' is elected by people belonging to one language community – Dutch,

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French and German-Speaking – no matter where they live. This government has the power

regarding cultural, educational and language related issues.

IV. Read the extract and answer the questions that follows: U

Sri Lanka emerged as an independent country in 1948. The leaders of the Sinhala community

sought to secure dominance over government by virtue of their majority. As a result, the

democratically elected government adopted a series of MAJORITARIAN measures to establish

Sinhala supremacy. In 1956, an Act was passed to recognise Sinhala as the only official language,

thus disregarding Tamil. The governments followed preferential policies that favoured Sinhala

applicants for university positions and government jobs. A new constitution stipulated that the

state shall protect and foster Buddhism.

All these government measures coming one after the other, gradually increased the feeling

of alienation among the Sri Lankan Tamils. They felt that none of the major political parties led

by the Buddhist Sinhala leaders was sensitive to their language and culture. They felt that the

constitution and government policies denied them equal political rights, discriminated against them

in getting jobs and other opportunities and ignored their interests. As a result, the relations

between the Sinhala and Tamil communities strained over time.

The Sri Lankan Tamils launched parties and struggles for the recognition of Tamil as an

official language, for regional autonomy and equality of opportunity in securing education and jobs.

But their demand for more autonomy to provinces populated by the Tamils was repeatedly denied.

By 1980s several political organisations were formed demanding an independent Tamil Eelam

(state) in northern and eastern parts of Sri Lanka. The distrust between the two communities

turned into widespread conflict. It soon turned into a CIVIL WAR. As a result, thousands of

people of both the communities were killed. Many families were forced to leave the country as

refugees and many more lost their livelihoods.

1. What did the Sinhala leaders do ?

The leaders of the Sinhala community sought to secure dominance over government by

virtue of their majority. As a result, the democratically elected government adopted a series of

majoritarian measures to establish Sinhala supremacy.

2. What happened after the Act of 1956 was passed out?

In 1956, an Act was passed to recognise Sinhala as the only official language, thus

disregarding Tamil. The governments followed preferential policies that favoured Sinhala

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applicants for university positions and government jobs. A new constitution stipulated that the

state shall protect and foster Buddhism.

3. What were the reasons behind Civil War in Sri Lanka ?

The distrust between the two communities i.e., Sinhala and Tamils turned into widespread

conflict. It soon turned into a Civil War. As a result thousands of people of both the communities

have been killed. Many families were forced to leave the country as refugees and many more lost

their livelihoods.

4. Read the passage below and answer the following questions:

The idea of power-sharing has emerged in opposition to the notions of undivided political

power. For a long time it was believed that all power of a government must reside in one person or

group of persons located at one place. It was felt that if the power to decide is dispersed, it would

not be possible to take quick decisions and to enforce them. But these notions have changed with

the emergence of democracy.

a) Which of the following is the basic principle of democracy?

i) People are the source of all political power

ii) Concentration of power in one hand

iii) Imposition of the will of the majority

iv) Quick decision making

b) In a democracy, people rule themselves through institutions of __________.

i) central government

ii) state government

iii) self-government

iv) None of the above

c) Which of the following is not a feature of good democratic government?

1. Due respect is given to diverse groups and views that exist in a society.

2. Political power should not be distributed among as many citizens.

3. Everyone has a voice in the shaping of public policies.

4. The citizens must have freedom to choose among various conteders for power.

Select the correct option

i) Only 1 ii) Only 3 iii) 1,2,3 iv) 2 and 3

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5. Read the passage below and answer the following questions:

Power can be shared among governments at different levels- ageneral government for the

entire country and governments at the provincial or regional level. Such a general government for

the entire country is usually called federal government. In India, we refer to it as the Central or

Union Government. The governments at the provincial or regional level are called by different

names in different countries.

a) Who clearly lays down the powers of different levels of government in India?

i) Union Government

ii) State Government

iii) Federal Government

iv) The Constitution

b) Which of the following is the level of government lower than the State Government?

i) Municipality

ii) Panchayat

iii) Both (i) and (ii)

iv) None of the above

c) Division of powers involving higher and lower levels of government is called:

i) Vertical division of power

ii) Horizontal division of power

iii) Circular division of power

iv) Balance of power

6. Read the passage below and answer the following questions:

Sri Lanka is an island nation, just a few kilo metres off the southern coast of Tamil Nadu.

It has about two crore people, about the same as in Haryana. Like other nations in the South Asia

region, Sri Lanka has a diverse population. The major social groups are the Sinhala-speakers (74

per cent) and the Tamil-speakers (18 per cent). Among Tamils there are two sub-groups. Tamil

natives of the country are called ‘Sri Lankan Tamils’ (13 per cent).

a) Besides Sri Lankan Tamils, who is another sub-group of Tamils?

i) Indian Tamils ii) Buddhist Tamils

iii) South Tamils iv) Sinhalese

b) In which part of the country are Sri Lankan Tamils concentrated?

i) North ii) East iii) South iv) Both (i) and (ii)

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c) Which of the following statements regarding ethnic communities of Sri Lanka is incorrect?

i) Most of the Sinhala speaking people aer Buddhists.

ii) There are about 70 per cent Christians, who are both Tamil and Sinhala.

iii) Most of the Tamils are Hindus or Muslims.

iv) None of the above

7. Read the passage below and answer the following questions:

Belgium is small country in Europe,smaller in area than the state of Haryana. It has borders

with France, the Netherlands, Germany and Luxembourg. It has a population of a little over one

crore, about half the population of Haryana. The ETHNIC composition of this small country is very

complex. Of the country’s total population, 59 per cent lives in the Flemish region and speaks

Dutch language. Another 40 per cent people live in the Wallonia region and speak French. Remianing

one per cent of the Belgians speak German. In the capital city Brussels, 80 per cent people speak

French while 20 per cent are Dutch speaking.

a) Explain the meaning of Ethnic.

b) Give one reason for conflict in Belgium.

c) Why is the Ethnic composition of Belgium complex or unique?

Ans.

a) It is a social division based on shared culture.

b) The reason is that the majority Dutch-speaking community got the benefit of

development and education much later than the minority French-speaking people who

were relatively rich and powerful.

c) The ethnic composition of Belgium is very complex because of various language speaking

people like:

 Of the country’s total population, 59 per cent lives in the Flemish region and speaks

Dutch language.

 Another 40 per cent lives in the Wallonia region and speaks French.

 Remaining one per cent of the Belgians speak a German.

 Besides, in the capital city of Brussels, 80 per cent people speak French while 20 per

cent are Dutch speaking.

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