Extra 20 long answer questions from Chapter:1 Power Sharing (Class 10 CBSE Political Science).
Long Answer Questions
1. What is power-sharing? Why is it important in a democracy?
Answer:
Power-sharing is the system of distributing power among different levels or organs of government to ensure stability in governance. It is important because:
Prevents Conflict
– Helps in reducing social and political conflicts among different groups.
Ensures Political Stability
– Distributes power among various groups, preventing domination by a single group.
Promotes Democracy
– Encourages participation of people in governance.
Prevents Tyranny
– Ensures that power is not concentrated in one authority.
Accommodates Diversity
– Recognizes different social and linguistic groups in society.
Checks and Balances
– Provides a system where one organ of government checks the power of another.
2. Explain the power-sharing model of Belgium.
Answer:
Belgium adopted a unique power-sharing system to resolve ethnic conflicts between the Dutch and French-speaking communities. The key features are:
Equal Representation
– Both linguistic groups (Dutch and French) have equal representation in the government.
State Governments
– Power is divided between central and state governments.
Community Government
– Each linguistic community (Dutch, French, German) has its own government to manage cultural, educational, and language-related issues.
Bilingual Brussels
– The capital, Brussels, has a special power-sharing arrangement where both groups have equal rights.
Autonomy to Regions
– Different regions have autonomy to manage their affairs.
No Dominance of Majority
– The system ensures that no community dominates another.
3. How did Sri Lanka handle power-sharing? What were its consequences?
Answer:
Sri Lanka followed a majoritarian system, which led to ethnic tensions. The majoritarian measures included:
Sinhala Only Act (1956)
– Declared Sinhala as the only official language, ignoring Tamil.
Preference to Sinhalese in Jobs and Education
– Government policies
favored
Sinhalese over Tamils.
Buddhism as State Religion
– Gave special status to Buddhism, neglecting Hindu and Muslim minorities.
Denial of Citizenship to Tamils
– Many Tamils lost their citizenship rights.
Demand for Tamil Autonomy
– Sri Lankan Tamils demanded a separate state called ‘Eelam.’
Civil War
– Discrimination led to protests and violent conflict, resulting in a prolonged civil war.
4. Compare and contrast the power-sharing arrangements in Belgium and Sri Lanka.
Answer:
|
Aspect |
Belgium |
Sri Lanka |
|---|---|---|
|
Ethnic Groups |
Dutch (59%), French (40%), German (1%) |
Sinhalese (74%), Tamils (15%), Others (11%) |
|
Power-Sharing |
Federal and community government |
Majoritarian rule |
|
Linguistic Rights |
Equal rights for all groups |
Sinhala made the only official language |
|
Religion |
No official religion |
Buddhism given special status |
|
Conflict |
Resolved through power-sharing |
Led to civil war |
5. What are the different forms of power-sharing in modern democracies? Explain with examples.
Answer:
Power-sharing takes different forms in democracies:
Horizontal Power-Sharing
– Power is shared among different organs of government (Legislature, Executive, Judiciary) to ensure checks and balances. Example: India’s three branches of government.
Vertical Power-Sharing
– Power is divided among different levels of government (Central, State, Local). Example: Federalism in India.
Power-Sharing among Social Groups
– Different communities and religious groups get representation. Example: Reservation for SCs, STs, and OBCs in India.
Power-Sharing among Political Parties
– Different parties share power in coalition governments. Example: NDA and UPA governments in India.
Power-Sharing through Pressure Groups and Movements
– Influence policies without directly controlling power. Example: Trade Unions, NGOs, Farmer Movements.
6. Why is power-sharing necessary in democracy? Explain with examples.
Answer:
Power-sharing is essential in democracy for the following reasons:
Prevents Monopoly of Power
– Ensures no single group or person has absolute power.
Protects Minority Rights
– Prevents domination of majority groups over minorities.
Encourages Political Participation
– Citizens and groups participate in decision-making.
Maintains Political Stability
– Reduces conflicts by accommodating diverse groups.
Checks and Balances
– Different organs of government keep a check on each other.
Strengthens Federalism
– Allows different levels of government to work efficiently.
7. What is horizontal distribution of power? How does it function?
Answer:
Horizontal power-sharing means power is shared among different organs of government, ensuring separation of powers and checks and balances. It functions in the following ways:
Legislature (Parliament)
– Makes laws.
Executive (Government)
– Implements laws and policies.
Judiciary (Courts)
– Interprets laws and ensures justice.
Prevents Tyranny
– No single organ can dominate others.
Judicial Review
– Judiciary can strike down unconstitutional laws.
Example
– India’s
three-tier government
(Executive, Legislature, Judiciary).
8. What is vertical distribution of power? How is it implemented in India?
Answer:
Vertical power-sharing refers to the distribution of power among different levels of government. In India, it is implemented as:
Union Government (Central)
– Responsible for national matters like
defense
, foreign policy.
State Governments
– Handle education, health, agriculture, etc.
Local Governments (Panchayati Raj and Municipalities)
– Manage local governance, roads, sanitation.
Decentralization of Power
– Reduces burden on central government.
Federal Structure
– Defined by the Constitution in the
Seventh Schedule
.
Example
– The
73rd and 74th Amendments
established local governments.
9. What is the role of political parties and pressure groups in power-sharing?
Answer:
Political parties and pressure groups play an important role in power-sharing:
Coalition Governments
– When no single party wins, parties form alliances.
Opposition’s Role
– Keeps a check on ruling government.
Interest Groups
– Trade unions, business associations influence government decisions.
Social Movements
– Raise issues like environment, human rights.
NGOs and Media
– Act as watchdogs against misuse of power.
Example
– Farmers’ protests influencing agricultural policies in India.
10. Explain the significance of power-sharing in diverse societies.
Answer:
Power-sharing is crucial in diverse societies to maintain unity and stability:
Prevents Ethnic Conflicts
– Accommodates linguistic, religious groups (Example: Belgium).
Ensures Equal Participation
– Minority groups get representation.
Strengthens Federalism
– Local and regional autonomy in decision-making.
Maintains Social Harmony
– Avoids majoritarian rule (Example: Sri Lanka failed).
Encourages Democratic Practices
– Citizens engage in governance.
Example
– India’s reservation system for SCs, STs, OBCs.
11. What are the main differences between horizontal and vertical power-sharing?
Answer:
|
Feature |
Horizontal Power-Sharing |
Vertical Power-Sharing |
|---|---|---|
|
Definition |
Power is shared among different organs of government (Legislature, Executive, Judiciary). |
Power is shared among different levels of government (Central, State, Local). |
|
Nature |
Equal distribution of power, ensuring checks and balances. |
Power flows from higher to lower levels of government. |
|
Example |
Indian Parliament, Supreme Court, and Executive. |
India’s Union, State, and Local governments. |
|
Function |
Prevents misuse of power by any one organ. |
Ensures decentralization and better governance. |
|
Accountability |
Each organ keeps a check on the other. |
Local governments are accountable to the State, and State to the Union. |
12. How does power-sharing in India strengthen democracy?
Answer:
Power-sharing strengthens democracy in India in the following ways:
Prevents Centralization
– Federal structure divides power among Union, State, and Local governments.
Ensures Representation
– Minority communities, SCs, STs, and OBCs are given reservations.
Checks and Balances
– Judiciary keeps executive and legislature in check.
Coalition Governments
– Political parties share power, preventing dominance by one party.
Decentralization
– Panchayati Raj system gives local bodies autonomy.
Public Participation
– Involves citizens in governance through elections and pressure groups.
13. What are the advantages of power-sharing?
Answer:
The benefits of power-sharing include:
Prevents Conflicts
– Accommodates diverse communities and reduces ethnic tensions.
Maintains Political Stability
– Distributes power and prevents any one group from dominating.
Promotes Good Governance
– Ensures decisions are made collectively.
Enhances Democracy
– Encourages citizen participation in governance.
Checks and Balances
– Prevents abuse of power by any organ of government.
Encourages Regional Autonomy
– Different states/regions can make decisions based on local needs.
14. How does the system of reservation in India reflect power-sharing?
Answer:
India's reservation system is a form of social power-sharing:
Representation for Marginalized Groups
– SCs, STs, and OBCs get reserved seats in Parliament, State Legislatures, and government jobs.
Educational Opportunities
– Reservation in universities and colleges promotes social upliftment.
Equal Participation in Governance
– Women and backward communities participate in decision-making.
Prevention of Social Discrimination
– Helps historically disadvantaged groups get equal rights.
Legal Protection
– Constitutionally backed by Articles 15(4), 16(4), and 330-342.
Example
– 33% reservation for women in local governance (Panchayati Raj system).
15. What is the role of Judiciary in power-sharing?
Answer:
Judiciary plays a crucial role in power-sharing through:
Ensuring Constitutional Supremacy
– Laws and government actions must follow the Constitution.
Judicial Review
– Supreme Court can strike down unconstitutional laws.
Interpreting Laws
– Clarifies ambiguous laws for implementation.
Checks and Balances
– Keeps the executive and legislature accountable.
Protecting Fundamental Rights
– Ensures that citizens’ rights are not violated.
Example
– Striking down unconstitutional laws like Section 377 (LGBTQ+ rights).
16. How does the power-sharing model of Belgium prevent conflicts?
Answer:
Belgium’s power-sharing model successfully prevents conflicts by:
Equal Representation
– Both Dutch and French communities have equal power in government.
State Governments
– Each linguistic region has its own state government.
Community Government
– Each language group has the authority over cultural and educational matters.
Bilingual Brussels
– The capital follows a special system to balance both communities.
Federal Structure
– Ensures autonomy for different linguistic groups.
Preventing Majority Domination
– No single community can dominate the government.
17. Explain how coalition governments promote power-sharing.
Answer:
A coalition government is formed when multiple political parties share power. It promotes power-sharing in the following ways:
Prevents One-Party Domination
– No single party can take complete control.
Encourages Negotiation
– Parties must work together and make decisions collectively.
Ensures Wider Representation
– Different parties represent different sections of society.
Leads to Consensus-Based Politics
– Policies are formed with mutual agreement.
Promotes Stability
– Reduces chances of dictatorship or political monopoly.
Example
– The United Progressive Alliance (UPA) and National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in India.
18. What is the significance of the ‘Community Government’ in Belgium?
Answer:
The Community Government in Belgium is unique because:
Represents Different Language Groups
– Dutch, French, and German communities have their own governing bodies.
Handles Cultural and Educational Matters
– Each group makes decisions regarding language, culture, and education.
Prevents Ethnic Conflict
– Ensures no group dominates another.
Federal Structure
– Decentralization allows local decision-making.
Provides Political Stability
– Promotes harmony between Dutch and French speakers.
Example
– The Brussels region follows bilingual policies to balance both communities.
19. How do pressure groups influence power-sharing in a democracy?
Answer:
Pressure groups play a significant role in power-sharing by:
Influencing Government Decisions
– Raise concerns about social, economic, and political issues.
Acting as a Link Between Government and Public
– Represent interests of specific groups.
Promoting Policy Changes
– Advocate for new laws and reforms.
Encouraging Public Participation
– Mobilize people to participate in democracy.
Ensuring Accountability
– Keep an eye on government actions.
Example
– Farmer protests influencing agricultural policies in India.
20. How does decentralization strengthen power-sharing?
Answer:
Decentralization refers to distributing power to local governments. It strengthens power-sharing by:
Empowering Local Bodies
– Panchayats and municipalities manage local affairs.
Reducing Workload of Central Government
– Allows better focus on national issues.
Encouraging Public Participation
– Local governance involves people directly.
Better Implementation of Policies
– Decisions are made at the grassroots level.
Representation of Minorities
– Local leaders represent diverse communities.
Example
– India’s 73rd and 74th Amendments giving constitutional status to local governments.
