Power Sharing- SET 1
✅ A.MCQs
1. Power sharing is the spirit of:
(a) Dictatorship (b)
Democracy
(c) Monarchy (d)
Oligarchy
Answer: (b) Democracy
2. Belgium is located in:
(a) Asia (b)
Europe
(c) Africa (d)
America
Answer: (b) Europe
3. Majority community in Sri Lanka:
(a) Tamils (b)
Muslims
(c) Sinhalese (d)
Christians
Answer: (c) Sinhalese
4. Sinhala Only Act passed in:
(a) 1948 (b)
1956
(c) 1970 (d) 1993
Answer: (b) 1956
5. Civil war in Sri Lanka ended in:
(a) 2000 (b)
2005
(c) 2009 (d)
2012
Answer: (c) 2009
6. Brussels is the capital of:
(a) France (b)
Belgium
(c) Germany (d)
Netherlands
Answer: (b) Belgium
7. Majoritarianism means:
(a) Rule of minority (b) Rule of majority without concern
for minority
(c) Equal rule (d) No rule
Answer: (b) Rule of majority without
concern for minority
8. Federal government means:
(a) Single government (b)
Multi-level government
(c) Military rule (d)
None
Answer: (b) Multi-level government
9. Horizontal power sharing is among:
(a) Levels (b)
Organs of government
(c) Parties (d)
Communities
Answer: (b) Organs of government
10. Vertical power sharing is:
(a) Among organs (b)
Among levels of government
(c) Among groups (d)
None
Answer: (b) Among levels of
government
11. Which city had tension between Dutch and French speakers?
(a) Paris (b)
Brussels
(c) Berlin (d)
Rome
Answer: (b) Brussels
12. In Belgium, which group was economically stronger earlier?
(a) Dutch (b)
French
(c) German (d)
Tamil
Answer: (b) French
13. Which country has German-speaking population also?
(a) India (b)
Belgium
(c) Sri Lanka (d)
Nepal
Answer: (b) Belgium
14. Sri Lanka is located near:
(a) Gujarat (b)
Kerala
(c) Tamil Nadu (d)
Odisha
Answer: (c) Tamil Nadu
15. Sinhala community forms about:
(a) 50% (b)
60%
(c) 74% (d)
90%
Answer: (c) 74%
16. Tamil speakers form about:
(a) 10% (b)
18%
(c) 25% (d)
30%
Answer: (b) 18%
17. Indian Tamils came during:
(a) Independence (b)
Colonial period
(c) Post-independence (d)
Ancient time
Answer: (b) Colonial period
18. Major conflict in Sri Lanka was due to:
(a) Economic issues (b)
Language policy
(c) Climate (d)
Trade
Answer: (b) Language policy
19. Sinhala Only Act ignored:
(a) English (b)
Tamil
(c) Hindi (d)
French
Answer: (b) Tamil
20. Preferential treatment in Sri Lanka was given to:
(a) Tamils (b)
Sinhalese
(c) Muslims (d)
Christians
Answer: (b) Sinhalese
21. Tamil people felt:
(a) Happy (b)
Equal
(c) Alienated (d)
Powerful
Answer: (c) Alienated
22. Demand for Tamil Eelam was for:
(a) Autonomy (b)
Separate state
(c) Language (d)
Religion
Answer: (b) Separate state
23. Power sharing helps in:
(a) Conflict (b)
Stability
(c) War (d)
Division
Answer: (b) Stability
24. Belgium solution avoided:
(a) Elections (b)
Conflict
(c) Development (d)
Trade
Answer: (b) Conflict
25. Equal number of ministers in Belgium belong to:
(a) Religion (b)
Language groups
(c) States (d) Parties
Answer: (b) Language groups
26. State governments in Belgium are:
(a) Subordinate (b)
Equal to central
(c) Weak (d)
Controlled
Answer: (b) Equal to central
27. Community government deals with:
(a) Defence (b)
Finance
(c) Culture & language (d)
Trade
Answer: (c) Culture & language
28. Belgium model is considered:
(a) Simple (b)
Complex but effective
(c) Weak (d) Failed
Answer: (b) Complex but effective
29. Power sharing prevents:
(a) Democracy (b) Tyranny of
majority
(c) Equality (d)
Participation
Answer: (b) Tyranny of majority
30. Democracy involves:
(a) Single rule (b)
Shared power
(c) Military rule (d)
Dictatorship
Answer: (b) Shared power
31. People are source of:
(a) Money (b)
Power
(c) Law (d)
Religion
Answer: (b) Power
32. Checks and balances ensure:
(a) Power misuse (b)
Power control
(c) War (d)
Corruption
Answer: (b) Power control
33. Legislature, Executive and Judiciary represent:
(a) Vertical division (b)
Horizontal division
(c) Social division (d)
Political division
Answer: (b) Horizontal division
34. Federal system is an example of:
(a) Horizontal division (b)
Vertical division
(c) Social division (d)
Political division
Answer: (b) Vertical division
35. Reservation system is an example of:
(a) Political sharing (b)
Social group sharing
(c) Horizontal sharing (d)
Economic sharing
Answer: (b) Social group sharing
36. Coalition government means:
(a) One party (b)
Two or more parties
(c) No party (d)
Military
Answer: (b) Two or more parties
37. Pressure groups represent:
(a) Government (b)
Citizens' interests
(c) Judiciary (d)
Army
Answer: (b) Citizens' interests
38. Power sharing increases:
(a) Inequality (b)
Participation
(c) Conflict (d)
War
Answer: (b) Participation
39. Belgium became a federal state during:
(a) 1940s (b)
1950s
(c) 1970–1993 (d)
2000s
Answer: (c) 1970–1993
40. Best way to maintain unity in a diverse society:
(a) Force (b)
Power sharing
(c) War (d) Dictatorship
Answer: (b) Power sharing
41. Community government exists in:
(a) India (b)
Sri Lanka
(c) Belgium (d)
Nepal
Answer: (c) Belgium
42. The Tamil demand in Sri Lanka was mainly for:
(a) Independence from India (b)
Autonomy in their region
(c) Military rule (d)
Monarchy
Answer: (b) Autonomy in their region
43. Prudential reason for power sharing focuses on:
(a) Ethics (b)
Stability of government
(c) Religion (d)
Culture
Answer: (b) Stability of government
44. Moral reason for power sharing focuses on:
(a) Economic growth (b)
Democratic values
(c) Military strength (d)
Language
Answer: (b) Democratic values
45. Power sharing helps to:
(a) Increase conflict (b)
Reduce conflict
(c) Increase war (d) Divide country
Answer: (b) Reduce conflict
46. The Constitution of Belgium was amended:
(a) 2 times (b)
3 times
(c) 4 times (d)
5 times
Answer: (c) 4 times
47. Tamil Eelam demand was for:
(a) Language rights (b)
Separate state
(c) Religious rights (d)
Jobs
Answer: (b) Separate state
48. Sinhala speakers mostly follow:
(a) Hinduism (b)
Islam
(c) Buddhism (d)
Christianity
Answer: (c) Buddhism
49. Tamils mostly follow:
(a) Buddhism (b)
Hinduism
(c) Christianity (d)
Jainism
Answer: (b) Hinduism
50. Belgium avoided:
(a) Elections (b)
Civil war
(c) Development (d)
Federalism
Answer: (b) Civil war
51. Sri Lanka experienced:
(a) Peace (b)
Civil war
(c) Revolution (d)
Dictatorship
Answer: (b) Civil war
52. Power sharing increases:
(a) Conflict (b)
Participation
(c) Inequality (d)
Division
Answer: (b) Participation
53. Judiciary checks the:
(a) Legislature (b)
Executive
(c) Media (d)
Army
Answer: (b) Executive
54. Legislature is responsible for:
(a) Executing laws (b)
Making laws
(c) Judging cases (d)
Elections
Answer: (b) Making laws
55. Executive is responsible for:
(a) Making laws (b)
Implementing laws
(c) Amending laws (d)
Removing laws
Answer: (b) Implementing laws
56. Coalition government means:
(a) Single party rule (b)
Multiple parties sharing power
(c) Military rule (d)
No government
Answer: (b) Multiple parties sharing
power
57. Pressure groups mainly:
(a) Make laws (b)
Influence government decisions
(c) Run elections (d)
Control army
Answer: (b) Influence government
decisions
58. The Belgium model is:
(a) Simple (b)
Failed
(c) Complex but successful (d)
Weak
Answer: (c) Complex but successful
59. Power sharing avoids:
(a) Democracy (b)
Tyranny of majority
(c) Elections (d)
Participation
Answer: (b) Tyranny of majority
60. Democracy means:
(a) Rule of king (b)
Rule of people
(c) Rule of army (d)
Rule of judges
Answer: (b) Rule of people
61. Brussels has:
(a) No government (b)
Separate government
(c) Military rule (d)
King rule
Answer: (b) Separate government
62. Dutch-speaking population in Belgium is about:
(a) 40% (b)
50%
(c) 59% (d)
70%
Answer: (c) 59%
63. French-speaking population in Belgium is about:
(a) 20% (b)
30%
(c) 40% (d)
60%
Answer: (c) 40%
64. German-speaking population in Belgium is about:
(a) 5% (b)
2%
(c) 1% (d)
10%
Answer: (c) 1%
65. Sri Lankan Tamil population is about:
(a) 10% (b)
13%
(c) 20% (d)
30%
Answer: (b) 13%
66. Indian Tamils are:
(a) Native people (b)
Plantation workers' descendants
(c) Foreign rulers (d)
Soldiers
Answer: (b) Plantation workers'
descendants
67. Power sharing ensures:
(a) Conflict (b)
Unity
(c) War (d)
Division
Answer: (b) Unity
68. Lack of power sharing leads to:
(a) Unity (b)
Peace
(c) Conflict (d)
Growth
Answer: (c) Conflict
69. Example of horizontal power sharing:
(a) Federal system (b)
Separation of powers
(c) Reservation (d)
Elections
Answer: (b) Separation of powers
70. Example of vertical power sharing:
(a) Judiciary (b)
Federal system
(c) Parliament (d)
Courts
Answer: (b) Federal system
71. Social group power sharing example:
(a) Elections (b)
Reservation system
(c) Judiciary (d)
Army
Answer: (b) Reservation system
72. Political power sharing example:
(a) Courts (b)
Elections/Coalition
(c) Religion (d)
Culture
Answer: (b) Elections/Coalition
73. Checks and balances prevent:
(a) Use of power (b)
Misuse of power
(c) Law making (d)
Elections
Answer: (b) Misuse of power
74. Democracy requires:
(a) Dictatorship (b)
Participation of people
(c) War (d)
Army
Answer: (b) Participation of people
75. Sri Lanka ignored:
(a) Sinhala (b)
Tamil language
(c) English (d)
French
Answer: (b) Tamil language
76. Belgium respected:
(a) Majority only (b)
Diversity
(c) Army (d)
Religion
Answer: (b) Diversity
77. Equal ministers in Belgium belong to:
(a) Same party (b)
Dutch & French groups
(c) Only Dutch (d)
Only French
Answer: (b) Dutch & French groups
78. Community government deals with:
(a) Defence (b)
Culture & language
(c) Trade (d)
Army
Answer: (b) Culture & language
79. Panchayati Raj promotes:
(a) Centralisation (b)
Decentralisation
(c) War (d)
Dictatorship
Answer: (b) Decentralisation
80. Power sharing is desirable for:
(a) War (b)
Stability & democracy
(c) Division (d)
Inequality
Answer: (b) Stability & democracy
✅ 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
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.
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