Q1.

Which situation best explains why Belgium adopted power sharing?

A) Belgium adopted power sharing because economic development required decentralised industrial planning.

B) Belgium adopted power sharing because ethnic groups demanded equal political representation to avoid civil conflict.

C) Belgium adopted power sharing because international organisations forced constitutional reforms.

D) Belgium adopted power sharing because monarchy wanted to reduce its administrative burden.

Q2.

Which statement correctly explains the political arrangement in Belgium’s central government?

A) The majority Dutch community was given more ministerial positions to reflect its population strength.

B) Equal number of ministers from Dutch and French communities were appointed to maintain balance.

C) Only minority communities were given representation to correct historical injustice.

D) Ministers were selected only on economic qualifications rather than community identity.

Q3.

Assertion (A): Belgium is considered a successful example of power sharing.
Reason (R): Belgium recognised the existence of cultural diversity and created institutions to accommodate it.

A) Both A and R are true and R correctly explains A.

B) Both A and R are true but R does not explain A.

C) Assertion is true but Reason is false.

D) Assertion is false but Reason is true.

Q4.

Which situation reflects the idea of checks and balances?

A) The executive takes all decisions without consulting the legislature to ensure efficiency.

B) The judiciary has the authority to declare laws unconstitutional if they violate the constitution.

C) The legislature controls the judiciary by deciding court verdicts.

D) The executive appoints judges and controls their decisions.

Q5.

Which of the following explains the purpose of community government in Belgium?

A) It was created to manage defence and foreign policy.

B) It was created to deal with cultural, educational and language related matters of specific communities.

C) It was created to replace state governments.

D) It was created to control economic policies of industries.

Q6.

Which statement best describes why Sri Lanka faced ethnic tension after independence?

A) Because it provided equal rights to all linguistic groups.

B) Because it followed policies favouring Sinhala speakers over Tamil minorities.

C) Because it adopted a federal constitution similar to Belgium.

D) Because it divided power equally among all communities.

Q7.

Consider the following statements:

1 Power sharing reduces chances of social conflict.
2 Power sharing always delays decisions without any benefit.
3 Power sharing increases legitimacy of government.

Which statements are correct?

A) Only statements 1 and 2 are correct.

B) Only statements 1 and 3 are correct.

C) Only statements 2 and 3 are correct.

D) All statements are correct.

Q8.

Which example best represents vertical power sharing?

A) Sharing power between legislature and judiciary at the same level.

B) Sharing power among central, state and local governments.

C) Sharing power among political parties during elections.

D) Sharing power among pressure groups.

Q9.

Assertion (A): Power sharing is considered the spirit of democracy.
Reason (R): Democracy involves participation of people in governance.

A) Both A and R are true and R explains A.

B) Both A and R true but R not explanation.

C) A true R false.

D) A false R true.

Q10.

Which situation would most likely lead to failure of power sharing?

A) When all groups are consulted before major policy decisions.

B) When majority community imposes its will without protecting minority rights.

C) When political parties form coalition governments.

D) When judiciary remains independent.

Q11.

Which statement best explains the difference between prudential and moral reasons of power sharing?

A) Prudential reasons focus on practical benefits like stability while moral reasons focus on democratic values.

B) Prudential reasons focus only on ethics while moral reasons focus only on administration.

C) Prudential and moral reasons both focus only on economic growth.

D) Prudential reasons focus on elections while moral reasons focus on judiciary.

Q12.
In a country, multiple political parties form a coalition government and major decisions require agreement among partners.
Which form of power sharing is illustrated here?

A) This shows power sharing among organs of government.

B) This shows power sharing among political parties through coalition arrangements.

C) This shows power sharing among social groups only.

D) This shows power sharing through military intervention.

Q13.

Which situation best explains the concept of majoritarianism?

A) When government policies protect the interests of all communities equally.

B) When majority community imposes its decisions without considering minority concerns.

C) When judiciary protects fundamental rights.

D) When different institutions share power equally.

Q14.

Which of the following best explains why Tamil leaders demanded regional autonomy in Sri Lanka?

A) They wanted to establish a monarchy in Tamil dominated regions.

B) They wanted protection of their language, culture and equal opportunities.

C) They wanted to remove democracy from Sri Lanka.

D) They wanted foreign intervention.

Q15.

Why is power sharing considered a strength of democracy rather than a weakness?

A) Because it removes political competition completely.

B) Because inclusive decisions increase acceptance and reduce chances of conflict.

C) Because it guarantees faster decisions.

D) Because it removes the need for elections.

Q16.

Which example best represents horizontal distribution of power?

A) Division of powers between central and state governments.

B) Division of power among legislature, executive and judiciary at the same level.

C) Division of power among linguistic communities.

D) Division of power among municipalities only.

Q17.

Assertion (A): Concentration of political power can damage democracy.
Reason (R): It increases the possibility of arbitrary decisions without accountability.

A) Both A and R are true and R correctly explains A.

B) Both A and R are true but R does not explain A.

C) Assertion is true but Reason is false.

D) Assertion is false but Reason is true.

Q18.

Which statement correctly explains the democratic role of opposition parties?

A) Opposition parties only criticise government without any responsibility.

B) Opposition parties participate in debates and ensure government accountability.

C) Opposition parties have no role after elections are completed.

D) Opposition parties only function during election campaigns.

Q19.

Which example best represents power sharing among social groups in India?

A) Division of power between Prime Minister and President.

B) Reservation of constituencies for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.

C) Division of powers between Union and State governments.

D) Division of work among judges.

Q20.

Identify the correct cause–effect relationship related to power sharing.

A) Cause: Power sharing increases participation
Effect: Government loses legitimacy

B) Cause: Power sharing accommodates social diversity
Effect: Social tensions reduce

C) Cause: Power sharing increases consultation
Effect: Minority rights disappear

D) Cause: Power sharing distributes power
Effect: Democracy collapses

Q21.

Which situation shows lack of democratic accommodation?

A) Equal representation of linguistic groups in government.

B) Protection of minority language rights.

C) Imposition of one official language ignoring diversity.

D) Formation of coalition governments.

Q22.
The Supreme Court declares a law invalid because it violates constitutional provisions.
Which democratic principle is demonstrated?

A) This shows federalism between different levels.

B) This shows judicial review as part of checks and balances.

C) This shows rule of military authority.

D) This shows majoritarian dominance.

Q23.

Which statement best explains why power sharing increases legitimacy of government?

A) Because it reduces the number of elections.

B) Because people feel their voices are included in decision making.

C) Because it increases the power of bureaucracy.

D) Because it removes opposition parties.

Q24.

Which of the following is NOT considered a democratic form of power sharing?

A) Sharing power among organs of government.

B) Sharing power among levels of government.

C) Concentrating power in one leader without accountability.

D) Sharing power among political parties.

Q25.

Which of the following statements justify the need for power sharing?

1 It reduces social conflict.
2 It ensures only faster decision making.
3 It promotes political equality.

A) Only statements 1 and 2 are correct.

B) Only statements 1 and 3 are correct.

C) Only statements 2 and 3 are correct.

D) All statements are correct.

Q26.

Which situation best represents the accommodation policy adopted by Belgium?

A) Ignoring demands of minority communities.

B) Recognising diversity and adjusting political arrangements accordingly.

C) Promoting only majority culture.

D) Removing regional autonomy.

Q27.

Assertion (A): Sri Lanka’s experience shows dangers of majoritarian policies.
Reason (R): Minority communities felt politically excluded.

A) Both A and R are true and R correctly explains A.

B) Both A and R are true but R does not explain A.

C) Assertion is true but Reason is false.

D) Assertion is false but Reason is true.

Q28.

Which factor most strongly supports the moral justification of power sharing?

A) It increases industrial production.

B) It recognises participation as a democratic right.

C) It reduces administrative costs.

D) It speeds up policy implementation.

Q29.

Why do democratic governments prefer power sharing arrangements?

A) Because it eliminates political competition.

B) Because it prevents concentration of power and strengthens democracy.

C) Because it removes constitutional limitations.

D) Because it reduces citizen participation.

Q30.

If a country with diverse communities refuses to adopt power sharing, what is the most likely political outcome?

A) Stronger national unity automatically develops.

B) Marginalised groups may develop political dissatisfaction.

C) Cultural differences automatically disappear.

D) Elections become unnecessary.

Q31.

Which feature of Belgium’s constitution helped avoid ethnic conflict?

A) Granting unlimited powers to central government.

B) Providing equal representation and autonomy to different communities.

C) Removing regional governments completely.

D) Making Dutch the only official language.

Q32.

Which of the following best explains the purpose of federalism as a form of power sharing?

A) To concentrate all power at the national level.

B) To divide power between different levels for better governance.

C) To eliminate local governments.

D) To reduce the role of constitution.

Q33.

Assertion: Power sharing improves quality of democracy.
Reason: It encourages consultation and discussion before decisions.

A) Both A and R are true and R explains A.

B) Both true but R not explanation.

C) A true R false.

D) A false R true.

Q34.

Which example best illustrates power sharing among pressure groups and movements?

A) Government ignoring public protests.

B) Consultation with trade unions before labour reforms.

C) Military takeover of administration.

D) Suspension of elections.

Q35.

Which statement best explains why tyranny of majority is harmful?

A) Because it increases election costs.

B) Because it ignores minority rights and damages democratic equality.

C) Because it reduces parliamentary debates.

D) Because it strengthens executive power.

Q36.

Which institution implements laws made by legislature?

A) Judiciary implements all laws.

B) Executive implements laws through administration.

C) Media implements laws.

D) Election Commission implements laws.

Q37.

Which situation best reflects a democratic compromise?

A) One group imposes its will on others.

B) Different groups agree to share power to maintain unity.

C) Military decides policies.

D) Elections are cancelled to avoid conflict.

Q38.

Which statement best explains the importance of an independent judiciary?

A) It helps executive dominate legislature.

B) It ensures laws are implemented without constitutional review.

C) It protects constitution and fundamental rights.

D) It reduces the importance of constitution.

Q39.

Which situation reflects successful power sharing?

A) Continuous protests by minorities.

B) Equal participation of different communities in governance.

C) Banning minority languages.

D) One party controlling all institutions.

Q40.

Which factor most directly increases political stability through power sharing?

A) Ignoring opposition demands.

B) Including diverse groups in decision making.

C) Removing regional autonomy.

D) Concentrating power in executive.

Q41.

Which situation best explains the role of judiciary in power sharing?

A) Judiciary makes laws according to political pressure.

B) Judiciary interprets laws and ensures they follow constitutional principles.

C) Judiciary works under executive control.

D) Judiciary only conducts elections.

Q42.

Assertion: Power sharing is necessary in modern democracies.
Reason: Modern societies are culturally diverse.

A) Both A and R are true and R explains A.

B) Both true but R not explanation.

C) A true R false.

D) A false R true.

Q43.

Which step taken by Sri Lanka increased Tamil dissatisfaction?

A) Adoption of equal language policy.

B) Preferential policies favouring Sinhala candidates in education and jobs.

C) Equal political representation.

D) Federal distribution of power.

Q44.

Which statement correctly explains coalition government?

A) Government formed by military leaders.

B) Government formed by alliance of multiple political parties.

C) Government without elections.

D) Government formed by judiciary.

Q45.
A constitution requires that important decisions must have support from representatives of different communities.
Which objective is being achieved?

A) Concentration of power.

B) Protection of diversity through power sharing.

C) Removal of democracy.

D) Elimination of opposition.

Q46.

Which of the following best explains the role of civil society in power sharing?

A) Civil society groups influence policies through discussion and public participation.

B) Civil society replaces elected government.

C) Civil society controls judiciary.

D) Civil society removes constitution.

Q47.

Which example shows power sharing at the local level?

A) Parliament making national laws.

B) Panchayats and municipalities taking local decisions.

C) Supreme Court giving verdict.

D) President signing bills.

Q48.

Consider the following statements:

1 Power sharing is only useful in federal countries.
2 Power sharing can exist in both unitary and federal systems.
3 Power sharing promotes democratic participation.

A) Only 1 and 2 correct.

B) Only 2 and 3 correct.

C) Only 1 and 3 correct.

D) All correct.

Q49.

Which principle ensures that no organ of government becomes too powerful?

A) Centralisation.

B) Checks and balances.

C) Majoritarianism.

D) Authoritarianism.

Q50.

Which outcome shows failure of power sharing?

A) Peaceful elections.

B) Violent ethnic conflict.

C) Coalition governments.

D) Independent judiciary.

Q51.

Assertion: Prudential reasons focus on outcomes of power sharing.
Reason: Prudential reasons are concerned with political stability.

A) Both true and R explains A.

B) Both true but R not explanation.

C) A true R false.

D) A false R true.

Q52.

Which example shows accommodation of social diversity?

A) Banning minority festivals.

B) Recognising multiple official languages.

C) Removing cultural rights.

D) Restricting minority education.

Q53.

Which democratic value is most directly promoted by power sharing?

A) Political equality.

B) Military strength.

C) Economic monopoly.

D) Cultural uniformity.

Q54.

If judiciary becomes dependent on executive, what democratic risk may arise?

A) Stronger checks and balances.

B) Biased decisions favouring those in power.

C) Increased independence.

D) Greater constitutional protection.

Q55.

Which situation best represents political power sharing?

A) Sharing natural resources.

B) Sharing decision making authority.

C) Sharing industrial profits.

D) Sharing military weapons.

Q56.

Which feature distinguishes Belgium from Sri Lanka?

A) Belgium ignored minority demands.

B) Belgium adopted accommodation policies.

C) Belgium banned linguistic diversity.

D) Belgium promoted only majority culture.

Q57.

Identify correct cause–effect pair.

A) Cause: Equal representation
Effect: Increase in conflict

B) Cause: Ignoring diversity
Effect: Political instability

C) Cause: Power sharing
Effect: Authoritarian rule

D) Cause: Judicial review
Effect: Removal of constitution

Q58.

Which situation best explains decentralisation?

A) Transfer of powers to local governments.

B) Transfer of power to army.

C) Removal of local governments.

D) Increasing central authority only.

Q59.

Which statement best explains the link between power sharing and democracy?

A) Democracy encourages concentration of power.

B) Democracy is based on participation and sharing of authority.

C) Democracy removes opposition.

D) Democracy removes elections.

Q60.

Assertion: Sharing power with opposition is democratic.
Reason: It allows different viewpoints in decision making.

A) Both true and R explains A.

B) Both true but R not explanation.

C) A true R false.

D) A false R true.

Q61.

Which example shows vertical power sharing in India?

A) Power division between Supreme Court and Parliament.

B) Power division between Union, State and Local governments.

C) Power division between media and government.

D) Power division between political parties.

Q62.

Which of the following is an example of moral reason for power sharing?

A) It reduces administrative cost.

B) It is the right of citizens to be consulted.

C) It improves industrial growth.

D) It speeds up decisions.

Q63.

Which situation shows the success of accommodation policy?

A) Decline in ethnic violence.

B) Increase in discrimination.

C) Cultural suppression.

D) Political exclusion.

Q64.
A government ensures representation of minorities in cabinet even when they are numerically smaller.
Which democratic principle is applied?

A) Majoritarian dominance.

B) Inclusive power sharing.

C) Political exclusion.

D) Authoritarian governance.

Q65.

Which is the most important feature of a democratic power sharing arrangement?

A) Ignoring minority demands.

B) Participation of different groups.

C) Military intervention.

D) Removal of elections.

Q66.

Which situation best shows institutional power sharing?

A) Division of power between legislature, executive and judiciary.

B) Division of power between social groups.

C) Division of power between languages.

D) Division of power between religions.

Q67.

Which of the following best explains why power sharing reduces conflicts?

A) It removes cultural diversity.

B) It gives groups a stake in the system.

C) It removes elections.

D) It increases majority power.

Q68.

Which statements are correct?

1 Power sharing strengthens unity.
2 Power sharing weakens democracy.
3 Power sharing promotes consultation.

A) Only 1 and 3 correct.

B) Only 2 and 3 correct.

C) Only 1 and 2 correct.

D) All correct.

Q69.

Which situation best explains democratic prudence?

A) Ignoring minority voices.

B) Sharing power to avoid conflict.

C) Concentrating authority.

D) Cancelling elections.

Q70.

Which overall lesson do we learn from the chapter Power Sharing?

A) Democracy works best with concentrated power.

B) Stable democracy requires sharing of power among different groups.

C) Diversity should be ignored.

D) Opposition should be removed.