2 MARKS QUESTIONS
Q1. What do you understand by the term “power sharing”?
Approach:
→ Start with a short definition.
→ Mention why it is needed in democracy.
Answer:
Power sharing means dividing the power among different levels and organs of government to avoid concentration of power. It ensures everyone’s participation and strengthens democracy by promoting stability and unity.
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Q2. Why is power sharing necessary in a democracy?
Approach:
→ Write reason and purpose.
→ Relate it to democratic values.
Answer:
Power sharing is necessary because it reduces social conflicts, ensures equal participation, and prevents the misuse of power. It promotes political stability and strengthens the foundation of democracy.
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Q3. Name the three main linguistic communities of Belgium.
Approach:
→ Direct question, give exact answer.
→ Add a small extra fact.
Answer:
The three main linguistic communities of Belgium are the Dutch-speaking (Flemish), French-speaking, and German-speaking communities. The Dutch form the majority, while the German-speaking are the smallest group.
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Q4. What is a majoritarian government?
Approach:
→ Define it.
→ Add one example or consequence.
Answer:
A majoritarian government is one where the majority community holds power and makes decisions in its own interest, ignoring minorities. For example, in Sri Lanka, the Sinhalese majority dominated the Tamils.
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Q5. Mention any two consequences of the majoritarian policy adopted by Sri Lanka.
Approach:
→ Write direct outcomes.
→ Keep it crisp and factual.
Answer:
- It led to feelings of alienation among Sri Lankan Tamils.
- It resulted in a long civil war causing great loss of life and property.
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Q6. What is community government in Belgium?
Approach:
→ Define clearly.
→ Mention its function.
Answer:
The community government in Belgium is a special form of power sharing that looks after cultural, educational, and language-related issues of different linguistic communities, ensuring equal rights for all.
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Q7. What do you mean by horizontal distribution of power?
Approach:
→ Define it.
→ Give one example.
Answer:
Horizontal distribution of power refers to sharing power among different organs of government—legislature, executive, and judiciary—so that each checks the other. For example, in India, the judiciary can review laws made by Parliament.
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Q8. What is vertical division of power?
Approach:
→ Define.
→ Give one clear example.
Answer:
Vertical division of power means power is shared among different levels of government — central, state, and local. For example, India has Union, State, and Panchayati Raj levels.
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Q9. How does power sharing reduce the chances of conflict?
Approach:
→ Start with “Power sharing allows…”
→ End with the benefit.
Answer:
Power sharing gives every community a voice in governance, preventing any single group from dominating others. This reduces feelings of injustice and helps maintain harmony and peace.
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Q10. What lesson can we learn from Belgium’s success story?
Approach:
→ Recall the story.
→ Write the lesson clearly.
Answer:
Belgium teaches that respecting diversity and giving equal power to all communities helps maintain unity and peace in a diverse society.
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Q11. Give any two forms of power sharing.
Approach:
→ List and explain briefly.
Answer:
- Power shared among different organs of government (legislative, executive, judiciary).
- Power shared among different levels of government (central, state, local).
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Q12. What is the main difference between Belgium and Sri Lanka’s approach to power sharing?
Approach:
→ Compare both countries briefly.
Answer:
Belgium adopted a fair power sharing model giving equal representation to all groups, while Sri Lanka followed majoritarianism, favouring the Sinhalese and ignoring the Tamils.
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Q13. How can power sharing make a government more responsible?
Approach:
→ Write how it improves accountability.
Answer:
Power sharing makes government responsible by dividing power among various organs and levels, which allows them to check each other’s actions and prevent misuse of power.
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Q14. What is the moral reason for power sharing?
Approach:
→ Mention moral logic.
→ Keep it conceptual.
Answer:
The moral reason for power sharing is that people have the right to be consulted and participate in governance. It upholds equality and dignity in a democracy.
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Q15. What role does power sharing play in the prevention of conflicts?
Approach:
→ Mention cause and effect.
Answer:
By giving all groups representation and respect, power sharing prevents feelings of neglect and injustice, reducing the chances of social and political conflict.
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3 MARKS QUESTIONS
Q1. Why is power sharing desirable in democracy?
Approach:
-Start with meaning of power sharing.
-Explain both prudential and moral reasons.
-End with its democratic importance.
Answer:
Power sharing means dividing power among various organs and levels of government.
It is desirable because it ensures political stability (prudential reason) by reducing chances of conflict. Morally, it is the essence of democracy, as citizens have the right to be consulted in governance. It prevents misuse of power and encourages public participation.
Thus, power sharing strengthens democracy and promotes harmony among people.
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Q2. What is the difference between horizontal and vertical division of power?
Approach:
-Define both forms.
-Mention example of each.
-Conclude with their importance.
Answer:
Power in democracy is divided to prevent concentration in one hand.
There are two types of division of power in democracy:
- Horizontal division – Power is shared among organs like Legislature, Executive, and Judiciary. Example: India’s central government.
- Vertical division – Power is shared among different levels such as Central, State, and Local. Example: India’s federal system.
Both types ensure equal participation and strengthen democratic governance.
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Q3. Describe the ethnic composition of Belgium.
Approach:
-Start with population groups.
-Mention their regions and influence.
-End with tension created.
Answer:
Belgium is a small European country with complex ethnic composition.
59% people live in the Flemish region and speak Dutch, 40% live in Wallonia and speak French, and 1% speak German. The French-speaking community was more economically powerful, causing tension with the Dutch-speaking majority.
Hence, linguistic diversity in Belgium led to political adjustments through power sharing.
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Q4. How did Belgium overcome its linguistic problem?
Approach:
-Mention the problem first.
-Then describe measures taken.
-End with results.
Answer:
Belgium faced tension between Dutch and French-speaking communities.
The Belgian government introduced a new constitution ensuring equal representation of both communities, separate state governments, and community governments for cultural issues. Brussels got a special status with equal representation.
These power-sharing arrangements brought peace and prevented civil conflict.
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Q5. Explain the concept of majoritarianism in Sri Lanka.
Approach:
-Define majoritarianism.
-Explain how it was practiced.
-End with its effect.
Answer:
Majoritarianism means giving preference to the majority community in decision-making.
In Sri Lanka, after independence, the Sinhala majority made Sinhala the only official language and promoted Buddhism. Tamils were denied equal opportunities in jobs and education.
This policy created dissatisfaction among Tamils and led to civil unrest.
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Q6. What were the consequences of majoritarianism in Sri Lanka?
Approach:
-Begin with background.
-Mention outcomes.
-Conclude with lesson learned.
Answer:
Sri Lanka adopted a majoritarian policy favouring the Sinhala community.
Tamils faced discrimination and started demanding equal rights and autonomy. This led to conflict, violence, and a civil war that lasted for years, damaging national unity.
Hence, Sri Lanka’s experience shows that ignoring minority interests weakens a nation’s stability.
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Q7. How is power shared among different organs of government?
Approach:
-Mention the three organs.
-Explain their roles.
-Conclude with its benefit.
Answer:
In democracy, power is shared among different organs to prevent misuse.
Legislature makes laws, Executive implements them, and Judiciary interprets them. Each organ works independently but keeps a check on the other through a system of checks and balances.
This horizontal division ensures fairness and strengthens democracy.
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Q8. Explain the prudential reasons for power sharing.
Approach:
-Define prudential reason.
-Mention 2–3 points with example.
-End with effect.
Answer:
Prudential reasons are based on practical benefits of power sharing.
Power sharing reduces chances of social conflicts, ensures stability, and promotes unity in diversity. For example, Belgium successfully maintained peace through power sharing.
Therefore, power sharing is a wise approach to maintain harmony and stability.
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Q9. What are the moral reasons for power sharing?
Approach:
-Define moral reason.
-Mention its democratic nature.
-End with conclusion.
Answer:
Moral reasons are based on democratic values and ethics.
Power sharing upholds equality and respect for all communities. People have the right to participate in decisions affecting them, making the government accountable and representative.
Hence, it reflects the true spirit of democracy.
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Q10. What lessons can we learn from Belgium and Sri Lanka about power sharing?
Approach:
-Compare both countries.
-Mention key takeaways.
-Conclude with democratic message.
Answer:
Belgium and Sri Lanka both faced ethnic diversity but handled it differently.
Belgium shared power equally among communities and achieved peace. Sri Lanka followed majoritarianism, leading to conflict. This shows that inclusive power sharing maintains unity, while exclusion causes division.
Hence, accommodation and equality are essential for a successful democracy.
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5 MARKS QUESTIONS
Q1. Describe the different forms of power sharing in modern democracies.
Approach:
-Begin with definition of power sharing.
-Explain the four main forms: among organs, among governments, among social groups, and political parties.
-Conclude with its importance.
Answer:
Power sharing means dividing power among different groups and institutions to prevent its concentration in one hand.
The different form of power sharing in modern democracies are:
- Among different organs: Legislature, Executive, and Judiciary share power horizontally.
- Among different levels: Power is divided vertically among central, state, and local governments (federal form).
- Among social groups: Representation is given to different linguistic and religious communities.
- Among political parties and pressure groups: Different parties compete for power ensuring accountability.
Thus, power sharing is the essence of democracy, preventing dictatorship and ensuring people’s participation in governance.
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Q2. Explain how the Belgian leaders resolved the ethnic conflict in their country.
Approach:
-Start with Belgium’s diversity.
-Describe the 1980s constitutional arrangements.
-End with result achieved.
Answer:
Belgium had Dutch-speaking and French-speaking communities, leading to frequent ethnic tensions.
The Belgian leaders amended the constitution four times (1970–1993) to balance power:
- Both communities got equal representation in central government.
- State governments were formed for each region.
- Community governments were created for language and cultural affairs.
- Brussels was given special bilingual status.
These arrangements ensured fair representation and maintained peace, making Belgium a model of successful power sharing.
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Q3. Compare the power-sharing arrangements of Belgium and Sri Lanka.
Approach:
-Begin with background of both countries.
-Compare in tabular or paragraph form.
-Conclude with the lesson learned.
Answer:
Belgium and Sri Lanka both faced multi-ethnic societies but handled them differently.
In Belgium, leaders shared power among communities through constitutional means. Both Dutch and French speakers got equal rights and autonomy.
In Sri Lanka, the Sinhala majority imposed its dominance through “Sinhala Only” policy and favoured Buddhism. Tamils were marginalized and demanded a separate state.
Belgium’s inclusive approach brought harmony, while Sri Lanka’s majoritarianism led to conflict. The lesson is clear — equality and inclusion sustain democracy.
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Q4. How does power sharing contribute to the success of democracy?
Approach:
-Start with importance of power sharing.
-Mention its benefits (stability, participation, equality).
-Conclude with democratic values.
Answer:
Power sharing is an essential principle of democracy that distributes authority among various levels and groups.
It prevents concentration of power and ensures equal participation of citizens. It reduces social conflicts and gives voice to minorities. It also promotes transparency, accountability, and cooperation among institutions. Power sharing encourages trust between government and citizens.
Thus, power sharing strengthens democracy by making governance participatory, stable, and just.
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Q5. What is the importance of power sharing in socially diverse countries?
Approach:
-Define social diversity.
-Explain challenges in diverse societies.
-Show how power sharing solves them.
Answer:
Socially diverse countries like India or Belgium have people from different religions, languages, and cultures.
Power sharing in such countries ensures fair representation of all communities. It prevents dominance of one group over others and reduces chances of conflict. For example, Belgium’s community government ensures cultural rights for all. It also helps minorities to feel respected and included in decision-making.
Hence, power sharing is vital for maintaining unity, peace, and equality in diverse societies.
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Q6. What are the key differences between prudential and moral reasons for power sharing?
Approach:
-Define both terms.
-Explain with examples.
-Conclude by linking both to democracy.
Answer:
Power sharing is supported by both prudential and moral reasons.
The main difference between these two are as follow:
- Prudential reasons: Based on practical benefits — reduces chances of conflict and political instability (e.g., Belgium’s success).
- Moral reasons: Based on democratic values — all citizens have equal rights to participate in decisions.
While prudential reasons ensure stability, moral reasons make power sharing ethically right and democratic.
Both together ensure peace, equality, and participation, which are the foundation of democracy.
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Q7. How can power be shared among social and political groups in a democracy?
Approach:
-Explain sharing among social groups.
-Mention sharing among political parties.
-End with examples.
Answer:
Power can be shared not only among organs of government but also among social and political groups.
Social groups like linguistic or religious minorities can get reserved seats or cultural autonomy (e.g., Belgium’s community governments).
Power is also shared among political parties through coalition governments. Pressure groups and movements influence policies, ensuring participation beyond elections.
This type of power sharing makes democracy more inclusive and participatory.
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Q8. Discuss how power sharing reduces social conflicts.
Approach:
-Explain link between power sharing and peace.
-Give examples.
-Conclude with impact.
Answer:
Power sharing allows all sections of society to have a voice in governance.
When groups feel represented, mistrust and competition decrease. For example, in Belgium, equal representation avoided civil war. In contrast, Sri Lanka’s denial of equality led to conflict. Power sharing promotes harmony, mutual respect, and cooperation among communities.
Therefore, fair power sharing prevents social divisions and ensures long-term stability.
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Q9. Describe the main features of the Belgium model of power sharing.
Approach:
-Mention background.
-List features.
-Conclude with result.
Answer:
Belgium designed an advanced form of power sharing to handle its linguistic diversity.
The Main features of Belgium model of power sharing are:
- Equal representation for Dutch and French communities in central government.
- Separate state governments for regions.
- Community governments for language and cultural issues.
- Brussels given special bilingual status.
This unique arrangement maintained unity in a diverse nation and became an example for other democracies.
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Q10. How did the policies of Sri Lankan government lead to civil war?
Approach:
-Explain government policies.
-Mention reaction of Tamils.
-End with impact.
Answer:
After independence, Sri Lanka adopted policies that favoured the Sinhala majority.
Sinhala was declared the only official language and Buddhism was given special status. Tamils were denied jobs, education, and representation. They protested peacefully at first but later demanded a separate state due to continued discrimination. This led to a violent civil war lasting over 25 years.
Thus, majoritarianism in Sri Lanka caused deep divisions and long-lasting conflict.
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