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Power Sharing Questions and Answers AP 10th Class Social Political Science 1st Lesson
Question 1.
What are the different forms of power – sharing in modern democracies? Give an example of each of these.
Answer:
In modern democracies, power is shared in a variety of methods. Those are :
1) Power is shared among different organs of government (Horizontal form of power sharing):
- In a democracy, power is shared among the different organs of government, such as legislature, executive and judiciary.
- This is called horizontal distribution of power because it allows different organs of government placed at the same level to exercise different powers.
- None of the organs can exercise unlimited powers.
- Each organ checks others.
- Due to this a balance of power among various institutions.
Example:
2) Power sharing among governments at different levels (Vertical form of Power sharing): When power is shared among the highest and the lowest authority of the government at different levels it is known as vertical form of power sharing. In this system, power is shared at national, state and local levels.
Example:
3) Power sharing among different social groups: Power may also be shared among different social groups, such as the religion and linguistic groups.
- For example, in India, minorities, OBCs, SCs and STs are given a fair share in power.
- Community government, in Belgium is good example of this arrangement.
4) Power sharing among different political parties, pressure groups, and movements : In a democracy power is shared among different political parties, pressure groups and movements.
Example : In a democracy we find interest groups, such as those of traders, businessmen, industrialists, farmers and industrial workers.
They also will have a’Share in governmental power, either through participation in governmental committees or bringing influence on the decision – making process.
Question 2.
State one prudential reason and one moral reason for power sharing with an example from the Indian context.
Answer:
Prudential reason :
- It is based on careful calculation of gains and losses.
- This reason for power sharing is good because it helps to reduce the possibility of conflict between social groups.
Example : Reserved constituencies for minorities and women in Assemblies and parliament is the best example.
Moral reason :
- Power sharing is the very spirit of democracy.
- People have a right to be consulted on how they are to be governed.
Example : Decentralisation of powers in India is the best example.
Question 3.
After reading this chapter, three students drew different conclusions. Which of these do you agree with and why? Give your reasons in about 50 words.
Thomman – Power sharing is necessary only in societies which have religious, linguistic or ethnic divisions.
Mathayi – Power sharing is suitable only for big countries that have regional divisions.
Ouseph – Every society needs some form of power sharing ev en if it is small or does not have social divisions.
Answer:
- I agree with Ouseph because power sharing helps to reduce the possibility of conflicts among individuals too.
- For example, there may be a difference of opinion among the members of a joint family.
- Such differences may be resolved if responsibilities and powers are divided among the members of the family. Similar is the case in societies and governments.
- Thus, there is a need of power sharing in every society even if it is small or does not have social divisions.
Question 4.
The Mayor of Merchtem, a town near Brussels in Belgium, has defended a ban on speaking French in the town’s schools. He said that the ban would help all non-Dutch speakers integrate in this Flemish town. Do you think that this measure is in keeping with the spirit of Belgium’s power sharing arrangements? Give your reasons in about 50 words.
Answer:
- The ban on speaking French in the town’s schools in Merchtem, is not in keeping with the spirit of Belgium’s power sharing arrangements.
- The arrangements in Belgium are to maintain peace between the French and Dutch speaking communities.
- For that Belgium leaders amended their constitution 4 times for everyone to live together within the country.
- On the other hand, the ban on speaking French may result in strained relations between French – speaking and Dutch – speaking communities.
Question 5.
Read the following passage and pick out any one of the prudential reasons for power sharing offered in this.
| “We need to give more power to the panchayats to realise the dream of Mahatma Gandhi and the hopes of the makers of our Constitution. Panchayati Raj establishes true democracy. It restores power to the only place where power belongs in a democracy – in the hands of the people. Giving power to Panchayats is also a way to reduce corruption and increase administrative efficiency. When people participate in the planning and implementation of developmental schemes, they would naturally exercise greater control over these schemes. This would eliminate the corrupt middlemen. Thus, Panchayati Raj will strengthen the foundations of our democracy. ” |
Answer:
Prudential reasons in this passage are :
- Panchayati Raj establishes true democracy.
- It restores power in the hands of the people.
- Reducing corruption by giving power into the hands of the people and thus, making them responsible for their own decisions.
- It improves the efficiency of the system.
- It reduces the involvement of middle men.
- It brings transparency in administration.
- Thus, Panchayati Raj will strengthen the foundations of our democracy.
Question 6.
Different arguments are usually put forth in favour of and against power sharing. Identify those which are in favour of power sharing and select the answer using the codes given below? Power sharing:
A. reduces conflict among different communities
B. decreases the possibility of arbitrariness
C. delays decision making process
D. accommodates diversities
E. increases instability and divisiveness
F. promotes people’s participation in government
G. undermines the unity of a country.
a) A B C F
b) A C E F
c) A B D G
d) B C D G
Answer:
a) A B D F
Question 7.
Consider the following statements about power sharing arrangements in Belgium and Sri Lanka.
A. In Belgium, the Dutch-speaking majority people tried to impose their domination on the minority French-speaking community.
B. In Sri Lanka, the policies of the government sought to ensure the dominance of the Sinhala-speaking majority.
C. The Tamils in Sri Lanka demanded a federal arrangement of power – sharing to protect their culture, language and equality of opportunity in education and jobs.
D. The transformation of Belgium from unitary government to a federal one prevented a possible division of the country on linguistic lines.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
a) A, B, C and D
b) A, B and D
c) C and D
d) B, C and B
Answer:
d) B, C, and D.
Question 8.
Match List I (forms of power sharing) with List II (forms of government) and select the correct answer using the codes given below in the lists:
| List – I | List – II |
| 1. Power shared among different organs of government. | A. Community government |
| 2. Power shared among governments at different levels. | B. Separation of powers |
| 3. Power shared by different social groups. | C. Coalition government |
| 4. Power shared by two or more political parties. | D. Federal government |
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
| (a) | D | A | B | C |
| (b) | B | C | D | A |
| © | B | D | A | C |
| (d) | C | D | A | B |
Answer:
(c) B D A C.
Question 9.
Consider the following two statements on power sharing and select the answer using the codes given below:
A) Power sharing is good for democracy.
B) It helps to reduce the possibility of conflict between social groups.
Which of these statements are true and false?
a) A is true but B is false
b) Both A and B are true
c) Both A and B are false
d) A is false but B is true
Answer:
(b) Both A and B are true.
AP 10th Class Social Political Science 1st Lesson InText Questions and Answers Power Sharing
Page No. 4
Question 1.
I have a simple equation in mind. Sharing power – dividing power = weakening the country. Why do we start by talking of this?
Answer:
Power-sharing in democracies is crucial for the functioning and stability of a country.
- It reduces the possibility of conflict between different social groups.
- Concentrating power in one group can lead to oppression and social unrest.
- Power-sharing ensures inclusion and representation in decision-making.
- It is the essence of democracy distributing power among citizens.
- Power-sharing allows for diverse perspectives and better policies.
- Belgium’s power-sharing strengthened unity while Sri Lanka’s refusal led to conflict.
- Power-sharing promotes inclusivity representation, and ownership in a country.
Page No. 4 & 6
Question 2.
Look at the maps of Belgium and Sri Lanka. In which regions, do you find concentration of different communities?
Answer:
Belgium : In Belgium – Brussels – the capital region has different communities.
Sri L,,anka : In Sri Lanka Sinhalese region has different communities.
Page No. 8
Question 3.
What kind of a solution is this? I am glad our constitution does not say which minister will come from which community.
Answer:
Yes, our constitution does not say which minister will come from which community. This is because of the secularism.
Secularism means that there will be no role of religions, community in the work of the country.
Question 4.
What’s wrong if the majority community rules?
Answer:
- If a majority community rules then there will be conflicts in that society or country.
- There will be a feeling of loneliness that will be developed among the minority community.
Question 5.
If Sinhalas don’t rule in Sri Lanka, where else will they rule?
Answer:
There should be power sharing between Sinahalese and Tamils.
There should not be rule of anyone, there should be power sharing between the different communities.
Page No. 10
Question 6.
So you are saying that sharing of power makes us more powerful. Sounds odd? Let me think.
Answer:
Yes, sharing of power makes us more powerful. But in fact it strengthens and creates a unity between the institutions involved.
Page No. 12
Let Us Revise
Question 7.
Annette studies in a Dutch medium school in the northern region of Belgium. Many French-speaking students in her school want the medium of instruction to be French. Selvi studies in a school in the northern region of Sri Lanka. All the students in her school are Tamil-speaking and they want the medium of instruction to be Tamil.
• If the parents of Annette and Selvi were to approach respective governments to realise the desire of the child, who is more likely to succeed? And why?
Answer:
The parents of Annette is more likely to succeed. Because in Belgium, constitution prescribes that the number of Dutch and French – speaking ministers shall be equal in the Central government.
Whereas the parents of Selvi may not get succeeded in Sri Lanka. Because Sri Lankan constitution only followed the ideology of majoritarianism.
Page No. 14
Question 8.
If you had the power to rewrite the rules in Lebanon, what would you do?
Answer:
Democracy is a government “of the people, by the people and for the people”. But it doesn’t mean to make a situation that can cause disturbances and bloodshed in society.
It is based on “live and let live”, so if there is an agreement among the different communities of the country on the basis of fixed power sharing among them, it is right. There is no need to rewrite the rule.
Question 9.
Would you adopt the “regular” rules followed everywhere as Khalil suggest? (Or) Stick to the old rules? or do something else?
Answer:
In Lebanon, sticking to the agreement is giving universal franchise.
If the rules of the Lebanon is providing all the people to caste vote and contest elections as per the agreement of power sharing among different communities.
I would not adopt the regular rules followed everywhere, as Khalil suggests.
I would stick to the rules made after agreement among different communities.
I don’t need to do something else.
Page No. 16
Question 10.
What according to this cartoon, is the relationship between democracy and concentration of power?
Answer:
Democracy is for the people, by the people and of the people.
Democracy, in general represents the will of the common people.
But when the power is concentrated in a particular hand, in a democratic govt., this individual outlasts the will of the common people.
(OR)
1) The above cartoon signifies that democracy increases instability and divisiveness.
2) It opposes the idea of concentration of powers.
3) According to the cartoon, power is concentrated in a few hands, and democratic principles are only symbolic.
Question 11.
Can you think of some other examples to illustrate the point being made here?
Answer:
For example : When Sheikh Mujibur Rahman did the same thing by declaring Bangladesh as a one party democracy and making his own party more dominant and powerful.
Page No. 18
Question 12.
In my school the class monitor changes every month. Is that what you call a power sharing arrangement?
Answer:
Changing of class monitor every month cannot be called a power sharing arrangement. Because in power sharing arrangement, there are different institutions, interests groups which exercise their power and checks the actions of each others. This system is also called a system of checks and balances.
Page No. 10
Let us Read Newspaper
Question 13.
Read any newspaper for one week and make clippings of news related to on going conflicts or wars. A group of five students could pool their clippings together and do the following:
i) Classify these conflicts by their location (your state, India, outside India).
ii) Find out the cause of each of these conflicts. How many of these are related to power – sharing disputes?
iii) Which of these conflicts could be resolved by working out power – sharing arrangements?
Answer:
i) Classify Conflicts by Location:
- Examine the news clippings and categorize conflicts based on their geographical location.
- Distinguish between conflicts within your state, those within India, and those occurring outside India.
ii) Determine Causes of Conflicts:
- Analyze each conflict to understand its underlying causes and triggers.
- Identify whether any of the conflicts are related to disputes over power – sharing, where different groups or communities are vying for control or influence.
iii) Assess Feasibility of Power – Sharing:
- Evaluate whether power-sharing arrangements could potentially resolve any of the conflicts.
- Consider factors such as historical context, the willingness of involved parties to engage in power – sharing, and the nature of the conflict.
- Note conflicts where power-sharing arrangements could be a viable solution.
- By following these steps, you can gain insights into the geographic distribution of conflicts, their root causes, and the potential for resolving some of them through power-sharing mechanisms. This exercise will help you better understand the role of power – sharing in conflict resolution and its applicability in varjous scenarios.