Short Introduction
Power Sharing is one of the most important chapters in Class 10 Democratic Politics. It explains how sharing power among different groups and institutions helps maintain democracy, political stability, and national unity. Through the examples of Belgium and Sri Lanka, students learn the importance of accommodating diversity and preventing conflicts.
Quick Information Box
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Class | 10 |
| Subject | Social Science (Political Science) |
| Chapter | 1 |
| Chapter Name | Power Sharing |
| Board | CBSE/NCERT |
| Key Themes | Democracy, Power Sharing, Federalism, Diversity |
Concepts Used (Topics Covered)
- Power Sharing
- Majoritarianism
- Belgium Model of Accommodation
- Sri Lankan Ethnic Conflict
- Prudential and Moral Reasons
- Horizontal Power Sharing
- Vertical Power Sharing
- Community Government
- Coalition Government
- Checks and Balances
Important Formulas
Political Science does not contain numerical formulas, but the following conceptual formulas are important:
- Democracy = Participation + Representation + Accountability
- Power Sharing = Stability + Unity + Inclusion
- Majoritarianism = Conflict + Alienation
- Federalism = Division of Power Between Levels of Government
Question 1
What are the different forms of power sharing in modern democracies? Give an example of each.
Solution
There are four major forms of power sharing in modern democracies:
1. Horizontal Distribution of Power
Power is shared among Legislature, Executive, and Judiciary.
Example: In India, courts can review laws passed by Parliament.
2. Vertical Distribution of Power
Power is shared among different levels of government.
Example: Central Government, State Governments, and Local Governments in India.
3. Power Sharing Among Social Groups
Power is shared among religious, linguistic, and social communities.
Example: Reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
4. Power Sharing Among Political Parties and Pressure Groups
Power is shared through political competition and coalition governments.
Example: Coalition Governments at the Centre in India.
Answer:
Modern democracies practice horizontal, vertical, social-group-based, and political-party-based power sharing to ensure participation and stability.
Question 2
State one prudential reason and one moral reason for power sharing with an example from the Indian context.
Solution
Prudential Reason
Power sharing reduces social conflicts and political instability.
Example:
Reservation policies help reduce social tensions and ensure representation.
Moral Reason
Power sharing is the spirit of democracy because people have the right to participate in governance.
Example:
Panchayati Raj Institutions allow citizens to participate directly in local governance.
Answer:
Power sharing is desirable because it promotes stability (prudential reason) and democratic participation (moral reason).
Question 3
Which student’s conclusion do you agree with and why?
Solution
I agree with Ouseph.
Reason:
Every society needs power sharing because democracy requires participation, accountability, and checks on power. Even societies without major social divisions need institutional power sharing among different organs of government.
Answer:
Ouseph’s view is correct because power sharing is essential for every democratic society regardless of its size or diversity.
Question 4
Do you think the ban on speaking French in schools of Merchtem is consistent with Belgium’s power-sharing arrangements?
Solution
No, the ban is not consistent with the spirit of Belgium’s power-sharing arrangements.
Explanation:
- Belgium respects linguistic diversity.
- Equal recognition is given to different language groups.
- A language ban promotes exclusion rather than accommodation.
Answer:
The decision contradicts Belgium’s model of cooperation, mutual respect, and cultural accommodation.
Question 5
Pick out any one prudential reason for power sharing from the passage.
Solution
Prudential Reason:
“Giving power to Panchayats helps reduce corruption and increase administrative efficiency.”
Explanation:
When local people participate in governance, transparency increases and misuse of resources decreases.
Answer:
Reducing corruption and improving administrative efficiency is a prudential reason for power sharing.
Question 6
Identify the statements in favour of power sharing.
Solution
Correct Statements:
A. Reduces conflict among different communities ✔
B. Decreases arbitrariness ✔
D. Accommodates diversities ✔
F. Promotes people’s participation ✔
Answer:
Option (a) A, B, D, F
Question 7
Consider the statements about Belgium and Sri Lanka.
Solution
Statement A – Incorrect
The Dutch-speaking majority did not impose domination.
Statement B – Correct
Sri Lankan governments promoted Sinhala dominance.
Statement C – Correct
Tamils demanded federal arrangements.
Statement D – Correct
Federalism helped Belgium avoid division.
Answer:
Option (d) B, C and D
Question 8
Match List I with List II.
Solution
1 → B (Separation of Powers)
2 → D (Federal Government)
3 → A (Community Government)
4 → C (Coalition Government)
Answer:
Option (c) B D A C
Question 9
Consider the two statements on power sharing.
Solution
Statement A:
Power sharing is good for democracy. ✔
Statement B:
It reduces conflicts among social groups. ✔
Answer:
Option (b) Both A and B are true
Common Mistakes
- Confusing horizontal and vertical power sharing.
- Assuming power sharing weakens a nation.
- Forgetting the difference between prudential and moral reasons.
- Mixing up Belgium and Sri Lanka examples.
- Ignoring the role of community governments.
Exam Tips
- Learn the Belgium and Sri Lanka examples thoroughly.
- Remember all four forms of power sharing.
- Understand prudential and moral reasons clearly.
- Use keywords like democracy, stability, participation, accommodation, and diversity.
- Practice MCQs regularly.
Practice MCQs
1. Which country adopted majoritarian policies after independence?
A. Belgium
B. India
C. Sri Lanka
D. Nepal
Answer: C
2. Which type of power sharing exists between Centre and States?
A. Horizontal
B. Vertical
C. Community
D. Coalition
Answer: B
3. What is the community government in Belgium responsible for?
A. Defence
B. Judiciary
C. Language, Education, and Culture
D. Foreign Affairs
Answer: C
4. Which of the following is a moral reason for power sharing?
A. Reduces conflicts
B. Increases efficiency
C. Democratic participation
D. Economic growth
Answer: C
5. Which arrangement ensures checks and balances?
A. Coalition Government
B. Community Government
C. Separation of Powers
D. Panchayati Raj
Answer: C
FAQ Section
Q1. What is power sharing?
Power sharing means distributing power among different institutions, groups, and levels of government.
Q2. Why is power sharing important?
It reduces conflicts, promotes democracy, and ensures political stability.
Q3. What is majoritarianism?
It is the belief that the majority community should dominate governance.
Q4. Which country successfully adopted power-sharing arrangements?
Belgium successfully implemented power-sharing arrangements.
Q5. How many forms of power sharing are discussed in the chapter?
Four forms of power sharing are discussed.
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