Power Sharing- SET 1
✅ A. MCQs
(with answers)
- Power sharing is the
spirit of:
- (a) Dictatorship
- (b) Democracy ✅
- (c) Monarchy
- (d) Oligarchy
- Belgium is located in:
- (a) Asia
- (b) Europe ✅
- (c) Africa
- (d) America
- Majority community in Sri
Lanka:
- (a) Tamils
- (b) Muslims
- (c) Sinhalese ✅
- (d) Christians
- Sinhala Only Act passed
in:
- (a) 1948
- (b) 1956 ✅
- (c) 1970
- (d) 1993
- Civil war in Sri Lanka
ended in:
- (a) 2000
- (b) 2005
- (c) 2009 ✅
- (d) 2012
- Brussels is the capital
of:
- (a) France
- (b) Belgium ✅
- (c) Germany
- (d) Netherlands
- Majoritarianism means:
- (a) Rule of minority
- (b) Rule of majority
without concern for minority ✅
- (c) Equal rule
- (d) No rule
- Federal government means:
- (a) Single government
- (b) Multi-level
government ✅
- (c) Military rule
- (d) None
- Horizontal power sharing
is among:
- (a) Levels
- (b) Organs of government
✅
- (c) Parties
- (d) Communities
- Vertical power sharing
is:
- (a) Among organs
- (b) Among levels of
government ✅
- (c) Among groups
- (d) None
- Which city had tension between
Dutch and French speakers?
- (a) Paris
- (b) Brussels ✅
- (c) Berlin
- (d) Rome
- In Belgium, which group
was economically stronger earlier?
- (a) Dutch
- (b) French ✅
- (c) German
- (d) Tamil
- Which country has
German-speaking population also?
- (a) India
- (b) Belgium ✅
- (c) Sri Lanka
- (d) Nepal
- Sri Lanka is located
near:
- (a) Gujarat
- (b) Kerala
- (c) Tamil Nadu ✅
- (d) Odisha
- Sinhala community forms
about:
- (a) 50%
- (b) 60%
- (c) 74% ✅
- (d) 90%
- Tamil speakers form
about:
- (a) 10%
- (b) 18% ✅
- (c) 25%
- (d) 30%
- Indian Tamils came
during:
- (a) Independence
- (b) Colonial period ✅
- (c) Post-independence
- (d) Ancient time
- Major conflict in Sri
Lanka was due to:
- (a) Economic issues
- (b) Language policy ✅
- (c) Climate
- (d) Trade
- Sinhala Only Act ignored:
- (a) English
- (b) Tamil ✅
- (c) Hindi
- (d) French
- Preferential treatment in
Sri Lanka was given to:
- (a) Tamils
- (b) Sinhalese ✅
- (c) Muslims
- (d) Christians
- Tamil people felt:
- (a) Happy
- (b) Equal
- (c) Alienated ✅
- (d) Powerful
- Demand for Tamil Eelam
was for:
- (a) Autonomy
- (b) Separate state ✅
- (c) Language
- (d) Religion
- Power sharing helps in:
- (a) Conflict
- (b) Stability ✅
- (c) War
- (d) Division
- Belgium solution avoided:
- (a) Elections
- (b) Conflict ✅
- (c) Development
- (d) Trade
- Equal number of ministers
in Belgium belong to:
- (a) Religion
- (b) Language groups ✅
- (c) States
- (d) Parties
- State governments in
Belgium are:
- (a) Subordinate
- (b) Equal to central ✅
- (c) Weak
- (d) Controlled
- Community government
deals with:
- (a) Defence
- (b) Finance
- (c) Culture &
language ✅
- (d) Trade
- Belgium model is
considered:
- (a) Simple
- (b) Complex but effective
✅
- (c) Weak
- (d) Failed
- Power sharing prevents:
- (a) Democracy
- (b) Tyranny of majority ✅
- (c) Equality
- (d) Participation
- Democracy involves:
- (a) Single rule
- (b) Shared power ✅
- (c) Military rule
- (d) Dictatorship
- People are source of:
- (a) Money
- (b) Power ✅
- (c) Law
- (d) Religion
- Checks and balances
ensure:
- (a) Power misuse
- (b) Power control ✅
- (c) War
- (d) Corruption
- Legislature, executive,
judiciary represent:
- (a) Vertical division
- (b) Horizontal division ✅
- (c) Social division
- (d) Political division
- Federal system is example
of:
- (a) Horizontal
- (b) Vertical division ✅
- (c) Social
- (d) Political
- Reservation system is example
of:
- (a) Political sharing
- (b) Social group sharing ✅
- (c) Horizontal sharing
- (d) Economic sharing
- Coalition government
means:
- (a) One party
- (b) Two or more parties ✅
- (c) No party
- (d) Military
- Pressure groups
represent:
- (a) Government
- (b) Citizens' interests ✅
- (c) Judiciary
- (d) Army
- Power sharing increases:
- (a) Inequality
- (b) Participation ✅
- (c) Conflict
- (d) War
- Belgium became federal
during:
- (a) 1940s
- (b) 1950s
- (c) 1970–1993 ✅
- (d) 2000s
- Best way to maintain
unity in diverse society:
- (a) Force
- (b) Power sharing ✅
- (c) War
- (d) Dictatorship
- Community government
exists in:
- (a) India
- (b) Sri Lanka
- (c) Belgium ✅
- (d) Nepal
- The Tamil demand in Sri
Lanka was mainly for:
- (a) Independence from
India
- (b) Autonomy in their
region ✅
- (c) Military rule
- (d) Monarchy
- Prudential reason for
power sharing focuses on:
- (a) Ethics
- (b) Stability of
government ✅
- (c) Religion
- (d) Culture
- Moral reason for power
sharing focuses on:
- (a) Economic growth
- (b) Democracy values ✅
- (c) Military strength
- (d) Language
- Power sharing helps to:
- (a) Increase conflict
- (b) Reduce conflict ✅
- (c) Increase war
- (d) Divide country
- The Constitution of
Belgium was amended:
- (a) 2 times
- (b) 3 times
- (c) 4 times ✅
- (d) 5 times
- Tamil Eelam demand was
for:
- (a) Language rights
- (b) Separate state ✅
- (c) Religious rights
- (d) Jobs
- Sinhala speakers mostly
follow:
- (a) Hinduism
- (b) Islam
- (c) Buddhism ✅
- (d) Christianity
- Tamils mostly follow:
- (a) Buddhism
- (b) Hinduism ✅
- (c) Christianity
- (d) Jainism
- Belgium avoided:
- (a) Elections
- (b) Civil war ✅
- (c) Development
- (d) Federalism
- Sri Lanka experienced:
- (a) Peace
- (b) Civil war ✅
- (c) Revolution
- (d) Dictatorship
- Power sharing increases:
- (a) Conflict
- (b) Participation ✅
- (c) Inequality
- (d) Division
- Judiciary checks the:
- (a) Legislature
- (b) Executive ✅
- (c) Media
- (d) Army
- Legislature is
responsible for:
- (a) Executing laws
- (b) Making laws ✅
- (c) Judging cases
- (d) Elections
- Executive is responsible
for:
- (a) Making laws
- (b) Implementing laws ✅
- (c) Amending laws
- (d) Removing laws
- Coalition government
means:
- (a) Single party rule
- (b) Multiple parties
sharing power ✅
- (c) Military rule
- (d) No government
- Pressure groups mainly:
- (a) Make laws
- (b) Influence government
decisions ✅
- (c) Run elections
- (d) Control army
- The Belgium model is:
- (a) Simple
- (b) Failed
- (c) Complex but
successful ✅
- (d) Weak
- Power sharing avoids:
- (a) Democracy
- (b) Tyranny of majority ✅
- (c) Elections
- (d) Participation
- Democracy means:
- (a) Rule of king
- (b) Rule of people ✅
- (c) Rule of army
- (d) Rule of judges
- Brussels has:
- (a) No government
- (b) Separate government ✅
- (c) Military rule
- (d) King rule
- Dutch-speaking population
in Belgium is about:
- (a) 40%
- (b) 50%
- (c) 59% ✅
- (d) 70%
- French-speaking
population in Belgium is about:
- (a) 20%
- (b) 30%
- (c) 40% ✅
- (d) 60%
- German-speaking
population in Belgium is about:
- (a) 5%
- (b) 2%
- (c) 1% ✅
- (d) 10%
- Sri Lankan Tamil
population is about:
- (a) 10%
- (b) 13% ✅
- (c) 20%
- (d) 30%
- Indian Tamils are:
- (a) Native people
- (b) Plantation workers’
descendants ✅
- (c) Foreign rulers
- (d) Soldiers
- Power sharing ensures:
- (a) Conflict
- (b) Unity ✅
- (c) War
- (d) Division
- Lack of power sharing
leads to:
- (a) Unity
- (b) Peace
- (c) Conflict ✅
- (d) Growth
- Example of horizontal
power sharing:
- (a) Federal system
- (b) Separation of powers ✅
- (c) Reservation
- (d) Elections
- Example of vertical power
sharing:
- (a) Judiciary
- (b) Federal system ✅
- (c) Parliament
- (d) Courts
- Social group power
sharing example:
- (a) Elections
- (b) Reservation system ✅
- (c) Judiciary
- (d) Army
- Political power sharing
example:
- (a) Courts
- (b) Elections/coalition ✅
- (c) Religion
- (d) Culture
- Checks and balances
prevent:
- (a) Use of power
- (b) Misuse of power ✅
- (c) Law making
- (d) Elections
- Democracy requires:
- (a) Dictatorship
- (b) Participation of
people ✅
- (c) War
- (d) Army
- Sri Lanka ignored:
- (a) Sinhala
- (b) Tamil language ✅
- (c) English
- (d) French
- Belgium respected:
- (a) Majority only
- (b) Diversity ✅
- (c) Army
- (d) Religion
- Equal ministers in
Belgium belong to:
- (a) Same party
- (b) Dutch & French
groups ✅
- (c) Only Dutch
- (d) Only French
- Community government
deals with:
- (a) Defence
- (b) Culture &
language ✅
- (c) Trade
- (d) Army
- Panchayati Raj promotes:
- (a) Centralisation
- (b) Decentralisation ✅
- (c) War
- (d) Dictatorship
- Power sharing is
desirable for:
- (a) War
- (b) Stability &
democracy ✅
- (c) Division
- (d) Inequality
✅ B.
2 MARKS QUESTIONS (20)
1. What is power sharing?
- Distribution
of power among different organs/groups
- Ensures no
single group dominates
- Promotes
democracy
2. What is majoritarianism?
- Rule
by majority community
- Ignores
minority interests
- Leads
to conflict
3. What is civil war?
- Violent
conflict within a country
- Between
opposing groups
- Causes
loss of life and property
4. What is prudential reason?
- Based on
practical benefits
- Ensures
stability and peace
- Reduces
conflicts
5. What is moral reason?
- Based on
democratic values
- Emphasizes
participation
- Promotes
equality
6. What is horizontal power sharing?
- Sharing
among legislature, executive, judiciary
- Ensures
checks and balances
- Prevents
misuse of power
7. What is vertical power sharing?
- Sharing
among central, state, local governments
- Ensures
decentralisation
- Called
federal system
8. What is community government?
- Government
of specific language group
- Exists
in Belgium
- Handles
cultural issues
9. Who are Sri Lankan Tamils?
- Native
Tamil population
- Mainly
in north and east
- Demand
equal rights
10. Who are Indian Tamils?
- Brought
during colonial period
- Worked
as plantation labour
- Minority
group
11. What is coalition government?
- Government
formed by multiple parties
- No
single party has majority
- Power
is shared
12. What are pressure groups?
- Groups
influencing government
- Represent
interests of people
- Not
directly in power
13. What is federal system?
- Two
or more levels of government
- Power
divided constitutionally
- Example:
India
14. What is tyranny of majority?
- Majority
dominates minorities
- Ignores
their rights
- Undermines
democracy
15. What is decentralisation?
- Transfer
of power to lower levels
- Strengthens
local governance
- Increases
participation
16. What is ethnic group?
- Group
with common culture/language
- Shared
identity
- May
differ in religion
17. What is separation of powers?
- Division
among organs
- Each
organ has specific role
- Ensures
balance
18. What is reservation?
- Special
provision for weaker sections
- Ensures
representation
- Promotes
equality
19. What is democracy?
- Rule
of people
- People
participate in governance
- Ensures
equality
20. Why is power sharing important?
- Reduces
conflict
- Ensures
stability
- Promotes
unity
✅ C.
3 MARKS QUESTIONS (20)
1. Why did conflict arise in Sri Lanka?
- Sinhala
Only Act ignored Tamil language
- Preferential
policies favored Sinhalese
- Tamils
felt alienated and discriminated
2. How did Belgium avoid conflict?
- Equal
representation in government
- Federal
division of power
- Community
government introduced
3. Explain prudential reasons for power
sharing
- Reduces
chances of conflict
- Maintains
political stability
- Ensures
better governance
4. Explain moral reasons for power sharing
- Based
on democratic values
- People
have right to participate
- Government
becomes legitimate
5. What are different forms of power
sharing?
- Among
organs (horizontal)
- Among
levels (vertical)
- Among
social groups and political parties
6. What is horizontal distribution of
power?
- Power
shared among legislature, executive, judiciary
- Each
organ checks others
- Prevents
concentration of power
7. What is vertical division of power?
- Power
divided among central, state, local levels
- Ensures
decentralisation
- Strengthens
democracy
8. How does power sharing reduce conflict?
- Gives
representation to all groups
- Avoids
domination by majority
- Promotes
mutual respect
9. What was the Tamil demand?
- Recognition
of Tamil language
- Equal
opportunities in jobs and education
- Regional
autonomy
10. What were consequences of Sri Lankan
policies?
- Increased
alienation of Tamils
- Formation
of militant groups
- Civil
war
11. Explain Belgian model of power sharing
- Equal
ministers from Dutch & French
- Federal
system
- Community
government
12. What is role of political parties in
power sharing?
- Compete
in elections
- Form
coalition governments
- Represent
different ideologies
13. What is role of pressure groups?
- Influence
policies
- Represent
interests
- Ensure
accountability
14. Why is power sharing essential in
democracy?
- Ensures
participation
- Promotes
equality
- Prevents
conflict
15. What is check and balance system?
- Each
organ limits others
- Prevents
misuse of power
- Maintains
balance
16. How does reservation support power
sharing?
- Provides
representation to weaker sections
- Reduces
inequality
- Strengthens
democracy
17. Why is Sri Lanka an example of failure?
- Ignored
minority rights
- Majoritarian
policies
- Led
to civil war
18. Why is Belgium a success story?
- Accepted
diversity
- Shared
power equally
- Avoided
conflict
19. How does democracy ensure power
sharing?
- Through
elections
- Representation
- Participation
20. What is importance of decentralisation?
- Brings
power closer to people
- Improves
efficiency
- Encourages
participation
✅ D.
5 MARKS QUESTIONS (15)
1. Explain the Belgium model of power
sharing
- Equal
number of Dutch and French ministers
- Special
laws need support from both groups
- Powers
divided between central and state governments
- States
are not subordinate to central government
- Brussels
has separate government
- Community
government handles cultural matters
- Ensures
participation of all groups
- Helped
avoid conflict and maintain unity
2. Explain majoritarianism in Sri Lanka
- Sinhala
majority dominated politics
- Sinhala
Only Act made official language
- Preferential
policies in jobs and education
- Constitution
favored Buddhism
- Tamils
felt excluded
- Demand
for autonomy increased
- Led
to civil war
- Showed
failure of power sharing
3. Why is power sharing desirable?
- Reduces
social conflict
- Ensures
political stability
- Promotes
unity
- Encourages
participation
- Based
on democratic values
- Prevents
tyranny of majority
- Improves
governance
- Strengthens
democracy
4. Explain different forms of power sharing
- Horizontal:
among organs of government
- Vertical:
among different levels
- Among
social groups: reservations
- Among
political parties: coalition govt
- Ensures
balance of power
- Promotes
inclusiveness
- Reduces
conflicts
- Strengthens
democracy
5. Compare Belgium and Sri Lanka
- Belgium
shared power, Sri Lanka did not
- Belgium
respected diversity, Sri Lanka ignored minorities
- Belgium
avoided conflict, Sri Lanka faced civil war
- Belgium
adopted federal system
- Sri
Lanka followed majoritarianism
- Belgium
ensured equality
- Sri
Lanka created discrimination
- Result:
success vs failure
6. Explain prudential and moral reasons
- Prudential:
reduces conflict
- Ensures
stability
- Better
governance
- Moral:
democracy demands sharing
- People
participation
- Equality
- Legitimacy
of government
- Both
essential
7. Explain horizontal power sharing
- Among
legislature, executive, judiciary
- Each
organ performs specific function
- Legislature
makes laws
- Executive
implements laws
- Judiciary
interprets laws
- Checks
and balances
- Prevents
misuse
- Maintains
balance
8. Explain vertical power sharing
- Between
central, state, local governments
- Constitution
defines powers
- Ensures
decentralisation
- Promotes
efficiency
- Brings
governance closer
- Prevents
central domination
- Encourages
participation
- Example:
India
9. Role of social groups in power sharing
- Representation
through reservation
- Protect
minority interests
- Promote
equality
- Reduce
discrimination
- Ensure
participation
- Prevent
alienation
- Strengthen
democracy
- Inclusive
governance
10. Role of political parties in power
sharing
- Compete
for power
- Represent
different ideologies
- Form
coalition governments
- Share
power
- Ensure
accountability
- Provide
choices to people
- Strengthen
democracy
- Prevent
monopoly
11. Effects of lack of power sharing
- Conflict
among communities
- Political
instability
- Civil
war
- Loss
of life
- Economic
damage
- Social
division
- Weak
democracy
- Example:
Sri Lanka
12. Explain check and balance system
- Each
organ checks others
- Prevents
concentration of power
- Ensures
accountability
- Judiciary
reviews laws
- Legislature
controls executive
- Executive
implements laws
- Maintains
balance
- Strengthens
democracy
13. Importance of decentralisation
- Power
to local governments
- Better
governance
- Increases
participation
- Reduces
burden on central govt
- Quick
decision making
- Promotes
development
- Transparency
- Strengthens
democracy
14. Explain role of community government in
Belgium
- Represents
language groups
- Handles
cultural issues
- Promotes
equality
- Avoids
conflict
- Ensures
participation
- Protects
identity
- Works
with other governments
- Unique
model
15. How does power sharing strengthen
democracy?
- Promotes
equality
- Ensures
participation
- Reduces
conflict
- Improves
governance
- Builds
trust
- Protects
rights
- Prevents
domination
- Ensures
stability
E.
Assertion–Reason
Questions (15)
Use Code:
- (a) Both A and
R are true and R is correct explanation
- (b)
Both A and R are true but R is not correct explanation
- (c) A is true
but R is false
- (d) A is false
but R is true
1.
Assertion (A):
Power sharing reduces the possibility of conflict.
Reason (R): It gives equal representation to different groups.
- Answer: (a)
- Reduces
conflict
- Representation
ensures fairness
2.
Assertion (A):
Sri Lanka experienced civil war.
Reason (R): It followed majoritarianism.
- Answer: (a)
- Majority
dominated
- Minorities
ignored
3.
Assertion (A):
Belgium avoided conflict successfully.
Reason (R): It adopted power sharing arrangements.
- Answer: (a)
- Equal
sharing
- Respect for
diversity
4.
Assertion (A):
Power sharing is the spirit of democracy.
Reason (R): Democracy involves participation of people.
- Answer:
(a)
- Participation
essential
- Power
must be shared
5.
Assertion (A):
Prudential reasons emphasize stability.
Reason (R): They are based on practical benefits.
- Answer:
(a)
- Stability
goal
- Practical
approach
6.
Assertion (A):
Moral reasons emphasize values of democracy.
Reason (R): Power sharing is intrinsically good.
- Answer:
(a)
- Based
on ethics
- Democracy
principle
7.
Assertion (A):
Horizontal power sharing prevents misuse of power.
Reason (R): Power is shared among organs of government.
- Answer:
(a)
- Separation
of powers
- Checks
and balances
8.
Assertion (A):
Vertical power sharing is also called federal system.
Reason (R): Power is divided among different levels of government.
- Answer:
(a)
- Central–state
division
- Constitutional
structure
9.
Assertion (A):
Tamil people demanded Tamil Eelam.
Reason (R): They wanted a separate state.
- Answer:
(a)
- Demand
for independence
- Due
to discrimination
10.
Assertion (A):
Sinhala Only Act increased conflict in Sri Lanka.
Reason (R): It ignored Tamil language.
- Answer:
(a)
- Language
discrimination
- Caused
alienation
11.
Assertion (A):
Coalition governments promote power sharing.
Reason (R): Multiple parties share power.
- Answer:
(a)
- No
single dominance
- Shared
decision making
12.
Assertion (A):
Community government exists in Belgium.
Reason (R): It deals with cultural and language issues.
- Answer:
(a)
- Language-based
governance
- Protects
identity
13.
Assertion (A):
Power sharing increases participation.
Reason (R): People get opportunity to be involved in governance.
- Answer:
(a)
- Inclusive
system
- Democratic
involvement
14.
Assertion (A):
Lack of power sharing leads to instability.
Reason (R): It creates dissatisfaction among groups.
- Answer:
(a)
- Discontent
grows
- Leads
to conflict
15.
Assertion (A):
Reservation system supports power sharing.
Reason (R): It ensures representation of weaker sections.
- Answer:
(a)
- Inclusive
governance
- Equal
opportunity
Power Sharing- SET 2
Choose the correct
option:
1. Tamil
natives of Sri Lanka are called the
(a) Indian Tamils (b) Muslim Tamils (c) Sri Lankan Tamils (d)
Christian Tamils
2. The
term Eelam stands for
(a)
government (b) state (c)
country (d)
political party
3. Division
of powers between higher and lower levels of government is called
(a) horizontal
division (b)
parallel division
(c) vertical
division (d)
none of the above
4. Which
two languages are generally spoken in Belgium?
(a) French and
English (b)
Dutch and Sinhala
(c) French and
Sinhala (d) Dutch
and French.
5. Brussels
is the capital of
(a) Belgium (b) the
Netherland (c) Sri
Lanka (d) West Indies
6. A
system of ‘checks and balances’ is another name for which one of the following
power-sharing arrangements:
(a) Power sharing among different social groups.
(b) Vertical division of power or power shared among different levels of
government.
(c) Horizontal division of power or power shared among different organs
of the government.
(d) Power sharing in the form of political parties, pressure groups and
governments.
7. In
dealing with power sharing, which one of the following statements is NOT
correct about democracy?
(a) People are the source of all political power. !
(b) In a democracy, people rule themselves j through institutions of
self-governance.
(c) In a democracy, due respect is given to diverse groups and views that exist
in a society.
(d) In a democracy, if the power to decide is dispersed, it is not
possible to take quick decisions and enforce them.
8. System
of ‘checks and balances’ means:
(a) Horizontal distribution of
powers.
(b) Separation
of powers.
(c) Put a check on the exercise of unlimited powers of the organs of government
by maintaining a balance of power among various institutions.
(d) Federal division of powers
9. Power
sharing is:
(a) the very spirit of democracy. (b)
separation of powers at different levels.
(c) system of checks and balances. (d) a type of balancing powers.
10. Who
elects the community government in Belgium?
(a) People belonging to one language community only.
(b) By the
leader of Belgium.
(c) The citizens of the whole
country.
(d) The
community leaders of Belgium.
11. In
which year Sri Lanka emerged as an independent country?
(a)
1947 (b) 1948 (c)
1949 (d)
1950
12. Which
is the state religion of Sri Lanka?
(a) Buddhism (b) Hinduism (c)
Islam (d)
Christianity
13. Which
major social group constituted the largest share in population of Sri Lanka?
(a) Sinhalas (b) Sri
Lankan Tamils (c) Indian
Tamils (d) Muslims
14. Which
language is spoken by the majority of Belgians?
(a) German (b)
French (c) Dutch (d)
English
15. Which
religion is followed by Sinhala speaking people?
(a) Hindus (b)
Muslims (c) Buddhists (d)
None of these
16. Which
language was declared as the only official language of Sri Lanka by an Act
passed in 1956?
(a)
Tamil (b) Sinhala (c)
Hindi (d)
English
17. Which
of the following is not one of the three organs of government powers are
shared?
(a) Legislature (b) Bureaucracy (c)
Executive (d) Judiciary
18. Which
of the following is not one of the aspects of federal division of powers?
(a) Sharing of powers among central provincial and local governments
(b) Division of powers involving higher and lower levels of government
(c) The Constitution clearly lays down powers of different levels of government
(d) There is no vertical division of powers
19. What
led to non-sharing of power?
(a) Peace among all the communities
(b) The tyranny
of the majority and oppression of minority
(c) Negation of the very spirit of democracy
(d) Both (b) and (c)
20. How
many times was the Constitution of Belgium amended between 1970 and 1993?
(a) Two times (b) Three
times (c)
Five times (d) Four times
Picture-based Questions:
Look at the
given cartoon taken from the NCERT Textbook Page 8 and answer the question that
follow:
Question:
In 2005, some new laws were made in Russia giving more powers to its President.
During the same time the US President visited Russia. What, according to this
cartoon, is the relationship between democracy and concentration of power? Can
you think of some other examples to illustrate the point being made here?
Answer:
A good democracy opposes the idea of concentration
of powers. It welcomes the idea of sharing of power for the smooth running of
the government. One basic principle of democracy is that people are the
ultimate source of all political power. Giving more power to the Russian
President means power is concentrated in one person which is against the
principle of democracy.
2016
Very Short Answer Type Question [1 Mark]
Question 1.
After independence, Sri Lanka witnessed the supremacy of which community?
Answer:
After independence in 1948, Sri Lanka witnessed the supremacy of Sinhala
community.
Short Answer Type Questions [3 Marks]
Question 2.
Do you think that the steps taken by Shri Lankan Government to establish the
supremacy of Sinhalas were justified be long lasting? Give your view point.
Answer:
The steps taken by the Sri Lankan government to establish Sinhalas’
supremacy cannot be justified as long lasting because of the following reasons.
These steps
ignored the interests of a minority community. Even the basic rights were not
given to them.
Discrimination
based on religion and language further deprived other communities in Sri Lanka.
Repeated
denial of the demands further developed distrust and ignited the situation that
resulted in a civil war causing terrible setback to Sri Lankan social, cultural
and economic life.
Question 3.
Sharing of powers makes a country more powerful and united’. Justify the
statement.
Answer:
Sharing of power makes a country more powerful and united because of the
following reasons.
Power sharing
ensures that all people have stake in government.
Power sharing ensures maximum participation. It upholds the concept of people’s
rule. It always brings better outcomes in democracy. It ensures the political
stability in democracy.
Power sharing accommodates diverse groups. It helps to reduce the possibility
of conflict between social groups.
2015
Short Answer Type Question [3 Marks]
Question 4.
Describe any three ‘majoritarian measures’ taken by the Sri Lankan Government
to establish Sinhala supremacy.
Answer:
The following are the majoritarian measures adopted by the Sri Lankan
government to establish Sinhala supremacy.
In the
year 1956, an act was passed, which established Sinhala as the official
language to be used in Sri Lanka disregarding the minority group of Tamils. The
passing of this act created a feeling of alienation among the minority group,
i.e. Sri Lankan Tamils and they started to feel left-out from the society.
The government
then started adopting and formulating government policies that favoured the
Sinhala people in government jobs and for university positions, which made the
Sri Lankan Tamils feel ousted.
The Sri
Lankan Government further proclaimed that they shall foster and protect only
Buddhism as their Sate religion and refused to cater to any other religion
disregarding the religion of Sri Lankan Tamils.
Long Answer Type Question [5 Marks]
Question 5.
Bring out any two sharp contrasts between Belgium and Sri Lankan democracies.
Answer:
Sri Lanka and Belgium are both democratic countries yet have a very diverse
social set-up. Both the countries have adopted very different approaches when
it comes to power sharing.
Belgium produced
an ideal example of democratic system. It adopted the policy of accommodation
of social and ethnics divisions. On the other hand, Sri Lanka also adopted
democratic system but followed majoritarian policies.
Under the
Belgium model of democracy, power was shared among two ethnic groups. Sri Lanka
favoured the interests of the majority Sinhala community.
In Belgium, both
the groups had equal share in working of government but in Sri Lanka the
minority community was isolated.
To
maintain political stability and unity, equal representation was provided to
both the groups. Apart from that, community government of both the ethnic
groups also existed at the local level. Sri Lanka, however, had no such
arrangement.
Belgium
constitution was amended four times before arriving at a final draft to prevent
civil strife. In Sri Lanka, majoritarianism led to civil war for twenty long
years.
2014
Very Short Answer Type Questions [1 Mark]
Question 6
What is the official religion of Sri Lanka?
Answer:
Buddhism is the official religion of Sri Lanka.
Question 7.
After independence, Sri Lanka witnessed the supremacy of which community?
Answer:
Sri Lanka witnessed the supremacy of Sinhala community after independence.
Short Answer Type Question [3 Marks]
Question.8
Explain the three ways by which Belgium has accommodated the existing regional
differences and cultural diversities.
Answer:
When the Belgian leaders recognized the existence of regional differences and
cultural diversities, they amended their constitution four times in order to
accommodate these differences.
The following are the ways in which Belgium has accommodated the existing
regional differences and cultural diversities.
Equal
number of ministers: The Government of Belgium has equal number of
Dutch- and French-speaking ministers. This has been done to give equal power to
the majority and the minority language speaking groups.
Setting up of
Community Government: A third kind of government, named the community
government, is introduced in addition to the Central and the State Government.
This government has the power regarding cultural, educational and lingual
issues. This government comprises members from all the three
communities—Dutch-speaking, French-speaking and German-speaking.
Fair share of
power: Many powers of the Central government have been given to the state
governments of the two regions of the country. The state governments are not
subordinate to the Central government but are independent.
Equal
representation: In the State Government of Brussels—the capital
city—both the French- and Dutch-speaking communities have equal representation.
2012
Short Answer Type Questions [3 Marks]
Question 9.
Sharing of powers makes a country more powerful and united. Do you agree with
the statement? Why?
Answer:
Yes, I agree with the statement. Power sharing makes a country more united.
Power sharing
helps to reduce the possibility of conflict between social groups.
It is a
good way to ensure the stability of political order as social conflict often
leads to violence and political instability.
Power
sharing is the very spirit of democracy. The concept of democracy is a system
of government of the people, by the people and for the people, which emphasizes
on distribution of power among people.
It
involves sharing powers with those affected by its exercise and who have to
live with its effects, so that the people would be consulted on how they are to
be governed.
Question 10.
Highlight the measures adopted by the Belgium Constitution for the prevention
of conflicts in Belgium.
Or, Explain with
examples the accommodative experience of Belgium for peace and harmony.
Answer:
When the Belgian leaders recognized the existence of regional differences and
cultural diversities, they amended their constitution four times in order to
accommodate these differences.
The following are the ways in which Belgium has accommodated the existing
regional differences and cultural diversities.
Equal number of
ministers: The Government of Belgium has equal number of Dutch- and
French-speaking ministers. This has been done to give equal power to the
majority and the minority language speaking groups.
Setting up of
Community Government: A third kind of government, named the community
government, is introduced in addition to the Central and the State Government.
This government has the power regarding cultural, educational and lingual
issues. This government comprises members from all the three communities—Dutch-speaking,
French-speaking and German-speaking.
Fair share of
power: Many powers of the Central government have been given to the state
governments of the two regions of the country. The state governments are not
subordinate to the Central government but are independent.
Equal
representation: In the State Government of Brussels—the capital
city—both the French- and Dutch-speaking communities have equal representation.
Question 11.
Describe any three provisions of the act which was passed in Sri Lanka in 1956
to establish Sinhala supremacy.
Answer:
The following are the majoritarian measures adopted by the Sri Lankan
government to establish Sinhala supremacy.
In the year
1956, an act was passed, which established Sinhala as the official language to
be used in Sri Lanka disregarding the minority group of Tamils. The passing of
this act created a feeling of alienation among the minority group, i.e. Sri
Lankan Tamils and they started to feel left-out from the society.
The
government then started adopting and formulating government policies that
favoured the Sinhala people in government jobs and for university positions,
which made the Sri Lankan Tamils feel ousted.
The Sri
Lankan Government further proclaimed that they shall foster and protect only Buddhism
as their Sate religion and refused to cater to any other religion disregarding
the religion of Sri Lankan Tamils.
2011
Short Answer Type Question [3 Marks]
Question 12.
How have Belgium and Sri Lanka dealt with the question of power sharing differently?
Answer:
Sri Lanka and Belgium are both democratic countries yet have a very diverse
social set-up. Both the countries have adopted very different approaches when
it comes to power sharing.
Belgium produced
an ideal example of democratic system. It adopted the policy of accommodation
of social and ethnics divisions. On the other hand, Sri Lanka also adopted
democratic system but followed majoritarian policies.
Under the
Belgium model of democracy, power was shared among two ethnic groups. Sri Lanka
favoured the interests of the majority Sinhala community.
In Belgium, both
the groups had equal share in working of government but in Sri Lanka the
minority community was isolated.
To
maintain political stability and unity, equal representation was provided to
both the groups. Apart from that, community government of both the ethnic
groups also existed at the local level. Sri Lanka, however, had no such
arrangement.
Belgium
constitution was amended four times before arriving at a final draft to prevent
civil strife. In Sri Lanka, majoritarianism led to civil war for twenty long
years.
Long Answer Type Question [5 Marks]
Question 13.
Explain two reasons as to why power sharing is desirable.
Answer:
There are many reason as to why power sharing is important in a democracy.
The following are the two main sets in which the reasons can be broadly
divided.
Prudential reason:
Power sharing
helps to reduce the possibility of conflict between social
groups.
It is a
good way to ensure the stability of political order as social conflict often
leads to violence and political stability.
Moral Reason:
Power
sharing is the very spirit of democracy. The concept of democracy is a system
of government of the people, by the people and for the people, which emphasizes
on distribution of power among people.
It
involves sharing powers with those affected by its exercise and who have to
live its effects, so that the people would be consulted on how they are to be
governed.
2010
Short Answer Type Question [3 Marks]
Question 14.
Explain how Belgium was able to solve her ethnic problems.
Answer:
When the Belgian leaders recognized the existence of regional differences and
cultural diversities, they amended their constitution four times in order to
accommodate these differences.
The following are the ways in which Belgium has accommodated the existing
regional differences and cultural diversities.
Equal
number of ministers: The Government of Belgium has equal number of Dutch-
and French-speaking ministers. This has been done to give equal power to the
majority and the minority language speaking groups.
Setting up of
Community Government: A third kind of government, named the community
government, is introduced in addition to the Central and the State Government.
This government has the power regarding cultural, educational and lingual
issues. This government comprises members from all the three
communities—Dutch-speaking, French-speaking and German-speaking.
Fair share of
power: Many powers of the Central government have been given to the state
governments of the two regions of the country. The state governments are not
subordinate to the Central government but are independent.
Equal
representation: In the State Government of Brussels—the capital
city—both the French- and Dutch-speaking communities have equal representation.
2009
Short Answer Type Question [3 Marks]
Question 15.
Explain how power is shared among between different organs of government.
Answer:
In democracy, power is shared among different organs of government, i.e.
legislature, executive and judiciary through the horizontal distribution of
power. It is so because it allows different organs of government to be placed
at the same level to exercise different powers. In horizontal division,
different organs exercise their power based on the concept of separation of
powers such as legislature makes laws, executive enforces these laws and
judiciary interprets these laws. This results in balance of power among
different organs of government. No organ can exercise unlimited power as each
organ checks the other. Hence, in horizontal division the concept of checks and
balance is followed.
The power is shared between different organs of the government in horizontal
form of power sharing.
Long Answer Type Question [5 Marks]
Question 16.
What is majoritarianism? How has it increased the feelings of alienation among
Sri Lankan Tamils? Explain with examples.
Answer:
Majoritarianism is a concept which signifies a belief that the majority
community should be able to rule a country in whichever way it wants. In this
type of rule, the majority community disregards the wishes and needs of the
minority community.
The majoritarian concept has increased the strong feelings of alienation among
Sri Lankan Tamils after a series of majoritarian measures adopted by the
democratically-elected government in Sri Lanka after its independence in 1948
to establish Sinhala Supremacy.
In 1956,
an act was passed to recognise Sinhala as the only official language, thus
disregarding Tamil.
The
Government followed preferential policies that favoured Sinhala applicants for
university positions and government jobs.
A new
constitution advocated that the state shall protect and foster Buddhism.
Question 17.
Describe the demands of Sri Lankan Tamils. How did they struggle for their
demands?
Answer:
The following were the demands of Sri Lankan Tamils.
Recognition of
Tamil language and that Tamil should be given equal status with that of the
Sinhala language and should be added as an official language.
There should be
no discrimination between the Sri Lankan Tamils and Sinhala residents of Sri
Lanka in government jobs and university posts.
Their
religion should be equally respected with that of Buddhism and they should be
given equal political rights.
They struggled
for their demands in the following ways.
By 1980,
several political organizations were formed demanding an independent Tamil
state.
Sri Lankan
Tamils launched struggles for the fulfillment of their rights.
As a result, a
civil war was proclaimed and thousands of people were killed when their
legitimate demands were denied by the Sri Lankan government.
***************