-- ------ -- ---- ---

IPOLITICAL SCIENCE I
~- --- --- --- :1 ::: .:-P_o_w_e...:.r..:S:.:h.::a:.:r.:.:i":.:.:9!___ _ _ __
-----------=---if BELGIUM AND S~I LANKAj 1-- - - - - - - -

~~ OBJE CTIV E T) PE QUE STIO NS* Ans. (1) The two main cause s of resen tmen t in
Belgium in 1960 were as follows :
@tip le Choic e Qllt!stiona (MCQs) )
(i) The minor ity Frenc h-spe aking comm unity
1. Buddhism is the majo r religion of: was relatively rich and powerful. Thir was resented
(a) India (b) Pakis tan by majority Dutch -spea king community, who got
(c) Nepal (cl) Sri Lank a economic and educational benef it much lat.er.
(CBSFrSA-I, 2012-33) (ii) In the capita l city of Bruss els, the Dutch -
Ans. (cf) Sri Lank a speak ing peopl e const ituted mino rity and was
dominated by Frenc h-spe aking community.
2. Which of the following langu ages is NOT
spoken in Belgium ? (2) The conflict was solved by recogniziDCthe
(a) French (b)Dutch existe nce o£ regio nal diffe rence s and cultu ral
(cl) Germ an diver sities . Thus , the Belgi an leade rs took the
(c) Spanish
path of equal oppo rtuni ty and repre senta tion
(CBSFrSA-I, 2012-40)
for every comm unity in gover nmen t. There was
Ans. (c) Spani sh vertic al divis ion of powe r and comm unity
[Fill in the blan k : ) government formed regar ding educa tional , lingu istic
and cultur al issues.
3. In Belgium the perce ntage of French speaking
oommunity is _ _ __ 8. Describe the ethnic composition of Belgium.
Ans. 40% (2016-IVD4U07; 2015-6CVIOP3; 2012-65; 2011-58002-4)
statemef&tB are Qr
State wheth er the follo wing
Tn,e or False : · Assess ethnic problem in Belgium.
(2016-VXN7L6R; 2015-K7MS8UG; 2014-70X9W96)
4. The minority French-speaking community was
relatively rich and powerful. Ans. (1) Tht: ethnic composition of this small
~ - True count ry is very complex. The popu lation of this
• Belgium is a small count ry ofAsia. . country is of over 10 million people which live in
~ - False areas of 30,000 sq. km.
i.!iisho11Answer 'l'ype Question (VSA Q) J (2) This count ry is lingui stical ly divid ed into two

6. Which two langu ages are gener ally spoken in main languages : Dut.ch and Frenc h.

Belgium? (3) Its 59 per cent of popul ation live in Flem ish
Ans. French and Dutch regio n and speak Dutc h langu age and anoth er

• 1tJJ
---,'j1
I
___dii
7 ...iii■
l1•4 ___ijiJ
___jQ■
40 per cent Belgi ans speak Frenc h. Rema ining
one per cent of the Belgi ans speak Germ an. In
in Be;..:Wba~ Were the two main causes 0 ~ resen tment the capit al city 80% peopl e speak Frenc h while
1 20 per cent are Dutch speak ing.
'6•UJn m 1960 ? How was the conflict solved 1)
(2010-1080716-A ·

"-- --- --- --1 [ MAJORITARIANISM IN SRI.LANKA I

- Ans. (b) Sri Lanka
~lllldiiiP@■tl■'!ffU
-
2. Jn Sri Lanka the Sinhala speakers &CCOWlt for:
~h oic e Qunt iona (MCQ s)) (a) 71%
th
foUoln~a.J0 ritaria nism is followed in which of e (b) 72%
(c) 73%
-~collntri es? (cl) 74% (C~ -1. 2012-51)
(a) R...1-.! •
( ~um (b) Sri Lanka
c} England (cl) Russi a Ans. (d) 14%
·cc'BSB-SA-I
· '
2012..a3>
(237)
2all I R 2 It• 0 g 5 n ,._. (S!:1hed) : Social Sc;ia108 - X
Cbooee the an1ec:t option :
3. Whim GIie at.be ~ wmm••t-!ties is in ( s J ( i), <»1, (i!11, (~) Ci), (n} .
majGr •1 io Sri I «nka "
(a)Qui◄ i am ( b) H :.•mdl:zs
(c ) ( in), (J), ( ~), h_v)
(b)
•. <d) GV), ~~• ~
~. Ui~ ~
~ - {b ) Cf), (u1 , ( 1v), (m)
(dBaddhists
,~
(dj Muditm
- u-65)
Ala. B..tdbiaa iii•;Jf i••Ni1iPl,i9Siit-4
~
la
( Fill a tJw #Jm,b: ] 13. Do you think that the stepa
4.. >La r/. the Sinhala--speaking people in Sri Leokan Government to establish the ~ ~ ~
Sinbalas will be long lasting? G i v e - ~
J«oka ve
Ans &ufdbm
---- .IVUC ~ . "

Or C20t~
5. Sri Lanka become iodepeodent in the year Describe any three majoritanan
by the Sri Lankan Government t o ~-~
Aa&. 1948 supremacy. C2011- ~
Ans. (1) Meuures : (I) The Act ,,, ~
lBl4IIU •lu:tl,o- flu (oUou,ing ,tatemen.t. are ]
_Trr,,e or FalM : .
6. Hindu religion i8 the official religion of Sri
195 6 to r e cognise Sinhala as the ::1Palaed ~
language, t hus, disregarding the Tamil,. 1 0frlti(J
(n) The government followed preferential .
Janka
that favoured Sinhala applicants for u -~
Am~Fa. position and government jobs. niv~
7. 8inhala was re cognized as the official Jangr,age (i ii) The new Constitution stipulat.e,J that
in Sri J4nka State shall protect and foster Buddhism. f1it
AIU.True (2) Against : (i) The government
coming one after the other, gradually~
( Very S hort An.wer Type Quemmu (VSAQs} )
feeli~ of alienation among the Sri Lankan T8Jlila.
8. What i8 majoritarianism ? ( u ) They felt that the constitution I d
Am. A belief that the majority community should government policies denied them equal po~
be able tb rule a country in whichever way it wants, rights discriminated against them in getting ;..
lJY dfflre--,Yn'ding the wishes and needs of the minority. and other opportunities and ignored their intereatt
(iii) A s a res ult, the relations between the
9. What ig Civil War ? Sinhala and Tamil communities strained over time.
Ant. A war which is fought between different (iv ) The distrust between the two communities
gl'Wf/8 of peop~ who Jive in the country. turned into wides pread conflict, It soon turned in'4
a civil war.
10. tifa.me the major religion of Sri Lanka.
Ana. Tiw major r~ligwn of Sri Lanka is Buddhism. 14. Write three provisions oftheActpassed iD
Sri Lanka in 1956. What were the consequences rJ.
( Cl-nTet:t the natementll and rewrite :] Civil War in Sri Lanka ?
11. In Sri JAnka, a n Act was p888ed in 1956 to Or
recognize Tttmil as t he only offi cial language, Explain the consequences of the 'Majoritarian'
dfmegardin~ 8inhala. policies adopted by the Sri Lanka Government.
(2016-WJMB9AC, KV19E4L; 2016-UGX71IIJ
An•. Jn Sri Lanka, an Act wu pas8Cd in 1956 to
Or
T4'et;gni~e Binhalu aH th" only officia l language,
Evaluate the steps taken by Sri Lankin
di,.n:P,arding 'ramil. Governme nt, which turned out to be the milestonet
___r._1&-~-q-u_e_n_c_·e-)
(ArranNeJn_ O_n_d,e of majoritarianism in Sri Lanka. (2014-CHDE7UP)
Ans. ( 1) Provisions : (j) The Act was passed,~
12. {f) 8 ri I dlftk a e m,j r god HH an inde pendent
19 5 6 to recognise Sinhala as the only officia
muntry. language, thus , disregarding the Tamils. . li •es
( /I) An EJCt wu"' puio<,,d to rocgonlsc S inha lo as (ii) The government followed preferential.Po; 1,
Um only uflicio l lcm6'ungo. th a t fa voured Sinhala applicants for unive
(JJ{J Huvoru l polit.icuJ organi1.0t lonM were formed position a n d government jobs. h t the
8
and domandlns un indopondcnt Tu m il Eola m (1tatc). (iii) The new Cons titution stipulated t
( Iv) AU thc80 gov"mmcnt mo,uwrott, gradually S t ate ehall protect and foster Buddhism, dJ 0(
incroouod th" foolir1H of olionution a mong tho S ri (2) Consequences : (i) Al, a result, thou,aJlbeeP
l ,11 n lutn '1111 m11!4. p eo ple of both the communities have
 r 0-,maliLPQlilic:s - 11 ~ $.illl~ ; CNP-l ) I _,.
~ were forced to leaw the country Ana. ( 1) 1lw Act wa.s pa...~ in 190-6 &Q ~
tJP in,an.r more l06t their livelihood& S inbal a u &h e o nly official la n 1 u •~•· th u •.
~~ .od ~-eral 'Jamil political organizations dmnprdi,na ~ Tamils.
; SY 1 ~ an independent Tamil Ee.lam (2) The auve.mm~nt followed pn.f'i!rential pol1<·~s
·~~ and e u tern parl.9 of Sri Lank.a. tha t favoure d Sinhala a pplkants fo r uni"41NI IJ'
I'. 1¢ oC ~ bet•-een the two communities position and ~ rnmenl job8..
P'\ fb'.,-,aes
1J1Jf
...s pread conflict. (3) The new Constitu tion stipulated that ilie St.-,.,
JO jJJto ·vi] War bas cauaed n terrible eet.back shall protect and foateT Buddhism.
~ .,1 ~ ~turaJ and economic life o( the c:ountey. 17. Me n tion any thne dema.nd8 of S ri Lankan
df ~ re the reaaom for the alienation of Tlunjla. (10 I &-TMCSvtK: to I &-OlJUL60Q.
, ~c 1ft! tOt4...MCODDll
15,
r
~,_, i
~ttY
ila ? What was the effect of this on
(20U-M0014, 37; 2010-1080702-A2. C2>
Or
Or
Which t.hl'ff d~ma oda of tho S ri Lan1ut.n Th mils
~ h . accepted and met with, can t1elll• the e thnic conflict
. the reasons for t e increase in the
in Sri Lank.a for good ? Explain.
t{igill~!nation among the Sri Lankan Tamils (2014-BLU7QAM: IOll-33)
~ of d nee. (2015-K9ML4A8)
_,,,- llldepen e Or Ana. Demands of Sri Lan.kan Tamils w e.re aa
follows :
the Sri Lankan Tamils feel alienated in
. 1~~ Jong stay in Sri Lanka? (2015.JDSFBJP)
(1) The Constitution and governme nt poUcies
should not deny them equal political rights.
i' F Uowing were the reasons that made (2) Tamils should not be discriminat.ed against
/.DI· ~ils to feel alienated : them in getting jobs and other opportunities and
~ ~ecfiately after its independence, Sri Lankan ignored their interests.

I (J)[Jntl1 t adopted majoritarian policies which

~ :::: the dominance of Sinhalas over all other
~ groups in the country.
(3) Tamils should also be an official language.
(4) They should have regional autonomy and
equality ofopportunity in securing education and jobs.
itbl1" B the 1956 Act, Sinhala was made the only (5) The trust between the two communities
(2) y din "' ·1
~ w,guage disregar .. g .1anu . . should be restored.
13)For university pos1t1ons and government Jobs, 18. What is majoritarianism ? How has it been
5jnbala applicants were preferred.
adopted in Sri Lanka? (2010-1080706-Al, 715-C2)
(4)The Constitution stipulated that the State shall
Or
~ and foster Buddhism.
What is majoritarianism ? How bas it increased
(5) These measures grad~y increased ~e fee~ the feeling of alienation among the Sri Lankan Tamils
i alienation among the ~n Lankan Ta_nnls. This ? Explain. (201~L9VNHM,
iidiDg Jed to strained relations between Sinhala and 8QXPEO1,Q7NBC8Z; 2016-Sl VENRS, 7917OV6)
fJmil that later led to a prolonged Civil War in the Ans. (1) Majoritarianism is a belief that the
alllllly. majority community should be able to rule a country
16. Explain three measures taken by Sri Lanka, in whichever way it wants, by disregarding the wishes
mrding to an Act passed in 1956. and needs of the minority.
(J011-0H50PFR; 2015-SYNOLUX; 2013; 2012-33, 55) (2) It has been adopted in Sri Lanka in the
Or following ways :
(J) By passing an Act in 1956, which recognizes
Describe any three provisions of the Act which
Sinhala as the only official language and further
l'PJ'e paared in Sri Lanka in 1956 to establish Sinhala
lllpremaey. (2016-67TNVMF; 2015-IH58ATP;
Buddhism as a State religion to be protected and
fostered and, thus disregarding language and culture
2013; 2012-40, 58)
of minority Tamils.
Or (i11 The government adopted preferential policies
Elaborate three features in an Act passed by
s·,.-L_ .
n<Alll&all Government in 1956.
that favoured mRjoriry Sinhalas over minority Tamils
in government jobs and university positiona, thua
(2016-RHAM7TE, U7SIH8B) discrimination of Tamils.
 240 / Reliable Question Bank (Solved) : Social Science - X
-- -- -- -~ !A_c_c_o_M_M_oo-A-=r::-:10::-:N:-:IN:-:-;;B-;;EL~G;..1u71M~I-- -
10.
197::4:d
The Belgia n leader s
* OBJECTIVE TYPE QUESl IONS * Constitution four times between
1
t~
( Mllltip k Choice Que1tion1 (MCQs) ) Ans. True ~ .
L A special government unique to Belgium alone Very Short Answe r Type Que,tu, (Vs
is : 111
(a) community government
11. Which type of policy was . #iQ.)
(b) cultura l govern ment adopted by the govern ment of B e l g i ~
(c) coalition govern ment diversities ? ~ tlit
(d) represe ntative government Ans. The policy of community gov
(CBSE-SA-1, 2012-67) constit utiona lly adopte d by the g o ~ 'II
Ans. (a) community government Belgium to honour the diversities. llUnent I(
2. Apart from the Centra l and the State 12. Which is the third unique type o f ~
Govem -ments , which is the third type of government practised in Belgium ?
practis ed in Belgium ? Ans. Comm unity Government.
(a) Local govern ment
(b) Munici pal govern ment ( Match the follow ing : )
(c) Comm unity govern ment
(d) Ethnic govern ment CBSE-SA-1, 2012-80) 13. Match the following items given in colWDnA
Ans. (c) Commu nity government with those in column B.
3. Who elects commu nity govern ment in Column A Column B
Belgium? (a) Community Governmen (i) Brussels
(a) People belonging to one languag e community (b) European Union (ii) Belgium
only. (c) Flemish (ili) French speuiac
(b) Leaders of Belgium (d) Wallonia (iv) Dutch speaking
(c) The citizen of whole country.
(d) Commu nity leaders of Belgium
"' Ans. (a) - (jj), (b) - (l), (c) - (iv), (d) - (in).

Ans. (a) People belong ing to one langua ge ( Correct the statem ent and rewrite : ]
commu nity only. 14. Belgium is a small country in Europe mi
[ Fill in the blanks : ) shares border s with France , Italy, Germany mi
Luxembourg.
4. The capital of Belgium is _ _ __ Ans. Belgium is a small country in Europe aDl
Ans. Brusse ls shares border s with France , ·the Netherlands.
5. Apart from the Centra l and State Government Germany and Luxembourg.
_ _ _ _ type of govern ment is also in Belgium.
;~ SUBJECTIVE TYPE QUES.TIO\S :,~
Ans. third
6. Brusse~ was 15. Describe the tension that exist ed~
chosen as the headqu arters
of _ _ __, the Dutch and the French speakin g peoP~
Belgium. (2016-EC545D6B, wooIWSC, ~~
Ans. European Union 2014-ul"'f""'"
[ State wheth er the follow ing statem ents are ] Or . bei,eeo
True or False : Explain the causes of tension that exis~
7. In Belgit1.m model, Brusse ls has separa te Dutch and French speaki ng people in Belgi~ tfll
govern ment that represe nts only Dutch community. (201&-TZV9SR6, v1W6SK7, ou}atioOt
Ans.False Ans. (1) Of the countr y's tot~l pOP d peak
5
59 per cent live in the Flemis h region ~e li~ iD
8. Brussels was the headqu arters of NATO. Dutch langua ge. Anoth er 40 per cent peoP
Ans.Fa lse the Wallon ia region and speak French. uJllbef,
9. The Constitution of Belgium prescribes that (2) Consti tution prescribes ~t th ; ; be eq~
the numbe r of Dutch and French -speaki ng ministe rs
shall be equal in the Centra l Government.
Dutch and French -speak ing muuste~ la"9~
in the Central Govern ment. Some special ch~
Ans. True the support ofmajorit y ofmembers froJll 88

single community can make decisions
uP· No
~y~ority French-speaking community was
(3)'11te •ch and powerful. This was resented by
relsu181Y :peaking community who got the benefit
tbe l)ll~c development and education much later.
0feet> T}tis led to tensio~s between ~~e Dutch-
110
(4~ and French-speaking commuruties during
~ s and 1960s.
19
the The tension between the two communities was
(6) te in Brussels. Brussels presented a special
111°~:; the Dutch-speaking ~eo~le ~nstituted a
pro~ . in the country, but a mmonty m the capital.
80
1J1 J "!pital city Brussels, 80 per cent people speak
In tbeh while 20 per cent are Dutch speaking.
freDC . differences and cultural diversities ? Examine.
16. Why was Brussels chosen as the headquarters
. gthe formation of European Union?
dUJ111 (2016-H7NE3II, IM5CXK;
2015-CMPOJMB; 2014-ZOYOyzJ)
Ans. (1) The Ethnic composition of this small
try is very complex. Of the country's total
counulation, 59 per cent live m. the Fl
. e~ . h region
. and
~Dutch language. Another 40 per cent people ijve
• the Wallonia region and speak French. Remaining
:Oe per cent of.the Belgians speak German.
(2) In the capital city Brussels, 80 per cent people
speak French while 20 per cent are D.utch speaking.
(3) The minority French-speaking community
was relatively rich and powerful. This was resented
by the Dutch-speaking community who got t:tie
benefit of economic development and. education
much later.
a
(4) Brussels has separate governmept in which
both the communities have equal representation.
The French speaking people accepted equal
represent.ation in Bl'U:8sels because the Dutch-speaking
oommunity has accepted equal representation in the
Central Government.
(5) This helped to avoid civic strife between the
1
two major communities and a possible division of the
country on linguistic lines. That was why, when many
countries of Europe came together to form the
European Union, Brussels was chosen as its
headquarters. ·
17. Why did Belgians amend their Constitution
four times ?. Explain. . (2014-QFCWBWF)
Ans. (1) Between 1970 and 1993, they amended
tbeir constitution four times so as to work out an
;angement that would enable everyone to live
th ether within the same country. The arrangement
an7-worked out is different from any other country
18
very innovative.
reia(~) The minority French-speaking community was
tively rich and powerful. This was resented by
~ Poltica - D (PoOlialll Sd91'108 : Chap-1) / 2-4 1
the Dutch-speaking oommuoity who got the benefit of
economic development and education much Jeter.
(3) The leaders ofBelgium reoognh:ed the existence
of regional differences end cultural diversities.
(4) Constitution prescribes that the number of
Dutch and French-speaking ministers shall be equal
in the Central Government.
(5) Some powers of the Central Government ~ave
been given to State Governments of the two regions
of the country. The State Governments are not
subordinate to the Central Government. Brussels
has a separate government in which both the
communities have equal representation.
18~ How did Belgium accommodated the regional
(2016-02MRB0Y; 2014-01VQ248)
Or
Which three basic elements of Belgium model of
power sharing make it innovative ? Explain.
(2016-M6E8WF2, S3HP7TO, Z6X7O3Z; 2015-KOPI4EL)
Qr
What positive things do you see in the
acs:ommodation made in Belgium ? Explain.
(2016-U359PXY}
Or
How do elements of Belgium model of power
sharing make it unique and innovative ? Explain.
(2015-TFMBGYZ)
Or
Explain the main features of Belgium model of
accommodation in power sharing. (2018-DoEm)
· Ans. Following are the three elements of the
Belgian model of power sharing :
(1) The Central Government consisted of equal
number of representatives from Dutch and French-
speaking people.
(2) Many powers of the Central Government
have been given to State Governments of the two
regions of the country. The State Governments are
not subordinate to the Central Government.
(3) Apart from the Central and State
Governments, there is a third kind of government.
This 'Community Government' is elected by the people
belonging to one language community:- Dutch,
French and German-speaking-no matter where they
live. This government has the power regarding
cultural, educational and language related issues.
19. "Both Belgium and Sri Lanka are democracies
but they follow different systems of power-sharing."
Support the statement by giving threEJ poi}lts of
difference. (2016-SDRNHV7; 2015-0l29OCM; 2012-69)
Or
In which three ways is the political system in
Belgium different and innovative from other
countries? Explain. (2015-~1EQS5P, Y8283JO, ZDDVF..13)
 242 I Relllblt Ountlon Bank (Solved) : Social Sdlln09 - X

Or
(2) Jn Belgium, there is a Bpecj
\;
called 'community government' to ~ gO\'e~
1
Compare the different ways in which the Belgians
and the Sri Lankans have dealt with the problem of cultural, ~duc~tional and language : k llfter ~
1
cultural diversity. (2013; 2012-62) whereas m Sri Lanka the major p . ~led ~
Ana. Difference in power sharing of Belgium and
Sri Lanka:
are not sensitive to the language
the Tamils.
11
:~!
ca1 Pilft·
CUlt~e ~
(1) In Belgium, the government does not follow ~
preferential policies in matters of jobs and education
while in Sri Lanka the government follows
preferential policies in matters of government jobs
different ~el!gions but in Sri Lanka
official religion.
Bu:~~:
(3) In Belgium, there is no discrimin t'
be~,,..8eti
Ill 14 llie
and education.

--__,;,.....----~1 FORMS.OF PpWER SHARING r-l- - - - ~

!:: OBJECTIVE TYPE QUESTIONS~~ 8. Horyzontal power sharing is also c
' lJ sys~m of checks and balances. ailed a
( Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) ) Ans. True
L Which one of the following is a very important 9. Power_.shatjng decreases the possibili
moral reason for power sharing ? · 1 ' arbitrariness. . r ty (i
(a) It reduces conflicts. rr
(b) It ensures stability. ,. . Ans. Tru~
(c) It keeps the courltry united. , 1 ,.,,. ,10, When power is shared among d'ffi
(d) It keeps up the spirit of·democracy. organs.',of government , 1·t 1s
. ca11ed vertical1 erent
1 •

(CBSE-SA-(2012~3)
1:
SI1anng.•
- power
Ans. (d) It keeps up the spirit of democracy ' Ans.False
2. Which one of the following system of power (yery Short Aµ,swer Type Questions (VSA§.ill
sharing is called checks and balances ? J
(a) Horizontal distribution 'of ~owers .lL What does 'the system of checks and
(b) Federal divisiop of powers balances' ensures in power sharing? ·
(c) Separation of powers · 1
· Ails. The system of checks_and balances ensure~
(d) Power shared among different levels of that none of the organs can exercise unlimited power.
government. (vertical division of ~wers) 12: Why is power sharing desirable? 1
(CBSFrSA-I, 2011-580036; 2010-1080701-Cl)
An.~· Power sharing is desirable to1give due 1
Ans. (a) Horizontal distribu~ion of. powers. respect to diverse groups and views that exists in a
[FiU in the blanks : J society.
3:-in a democracy, people rule themselves through 13. Explain one difference between' horizontal
institutions of _ _ __ and vertical power sharing. .
Ans. In horizontal power sharing, power ~
Ans.Self-government .
shared among different organs of government
4. Power share'd among different organs of whereas in vertical power sharing, .power is shared
government is called _ _ __
among governments at different levels.
Ans. Horizontal distribution of power
5. When·power is shared among government at [ Match the following : )
different levels, it is called as._ _ __ 14. Match Column-I with Column-IT and select
Ans. Vertical power sharing) · the correct answer using the codes given below tbe
6. Power sharing helps to reduce the possibility columns.
of conflict ~_tween _ _ __
Column-I Column-ll
Ans. Social groups
(A) Russia (p) Civil war
State whether the.following statements are (B) Sri Lanka _(q) Decentralisation
True or False : (C) India (r) Federation nt
• 7. Power sharing helps to increase the possibility (D) Belgium (s) Community governme
of conflict between social groups. (1) A ➔ (p); B ➔ (q); C ➔ (r); D ➔ (s)
Ans.False (2) A ➔ (q); B ➔ (p); C ➔ (s); D 4 (r)

l -
 ...t B ➔ (p); C -+ (q); D ➔ (s)
(r); Dtmocrauc PNlll--
.,,._ - 11 (Pollllcat ac.no. :eti.p.1) / 2
(S) ,\ A B ➔ (p); C ➔ (r); D ➔ (q)
(s);
43
18. Horizontal d' · .
(,l: (8) A ➔ (r); B ➔ (p); C ➔ (q)j D ➔ (s) tefetred to as
11 8
- 11tnbution of power i1 often,
of 'checkt and ba18nce8'.
~ ....d Reason Justify.
Ans
YstMm
(20t&-PMZ9.1LO; 2014-J4COOD1)
ft!OP _ . ~ - - -
~ be questions given below, there are tw0 power ie(l} Under horizontal distribution of powe-r,
Jo t ts JJl&rked as Assertion (A) and Re gove shared among diffet-ertt organs of the
611
,telll d the statement s and choose the &son judi ?1m~ such as legislature , executi-ve artd
,1.. Bell correct
andc=~cee~ system is aleo called system of 'checks
~l·
·.JiOO : th A and R are true and R is the 2
w~(B) 13o correct < > Reasons : ( i) All three orgsne of the
Je of A. govern~en t are placed at the same level.
i$9JIIP tJnth Aand R are 1true but R is not the correct (u) The power distribution ensures that no
(b) IJV • •
te of A. . organ .!njoys unlimited powers.
l eisJIIPAis correct but R IS wrong.
(cl A is wrong but R is correct.
.
Th (w). Each organ exercises a check on the others.
I (tfJ ~ ' us, this results in a balance of power.
15, ~rtion (A).: Power may be shared among 1. 19. Explain the duferent forms of power sharing
dl'erent social grcoups. ·ty n modem democracies. Which forms have been
OJl''~n (R): OJJlIIluru government.in Belgium adopted in India ? (2015-TXW54LR· 2014-62E18EO)
good example of this arrangement. . Ans. (1) Forms: '
~'AJIS· (a),Both A and Rare true and R is the . (i) Among different organs of governmen t ; The
taxample of A. . _ , · . . , differe~t organs of government like legislature ,
,16: executive and rju'diciary have power· and they
Assertion (A) : In horizontal distribution/of mutually exercise contITol over each other.
er,· powel 1is sha'red among different organs of
lilf t .. , . (u) Among governments at different levels :
' r rnmen . , . . . ·' . . Power. is, _divided b~t~een Union and State
I gov~ason (R) : It allows different : 'organs of gove~en ts and furt~er be~een the local bodies.
rnment placed at the same level to' exercise (m) Among different local bodies : Different
gove . . ..
different powers. . religious, linguistic, tribal and Iiiinority groups share
AflB. (a) Both A and R are true and R is the pow~rs in different degrees. This may be democratic
~rrect explanation•of A as in Belgium or constitutional as in India.
(iv) By political parties, pressure groups and
* SL;BJECTIVE TYPE QUESTIONS t.c social movements : In the coalition government,
small political parties are more important and
17. What is power sharing ? Which power powerful. Secondly, in the form of pressure group,
sharing arrangem ents are in form in modern the traders, farmers, industriali sts and workers'
~emocracies? (2018-DoEe) associations exercise power on government.
Ans. (1) In a democracy, all power does not rest · (2) In India Power is shared among governmen~s
with any one organ of the governme nt, but it is at different level~ - a general government for tQ.e
shared ·properly among legislature , executive and entire country and governments at the provincial or
judiciary that is called power-sha ring. regional level. ·
, {2) (J) Among different organs of governme nt : Such a general government for the entire country
The different organs of governme nt like legislature, is usually called ~•al government.
I executive and judiciary have power and they In India, we have the Central or Union
mutually exercise control over each other. Governm ent for the entire country, State
(ii) Among governme nts at different levels : Governments for respective states and provinces and
Power is divided between Union and State the local government, such as the municipality and
governments and further between the local bodies. panchayat . ,
(ili) ·Among different local bodies : Different 20. Describe with example the way in which
religious, linguistic,.tribal and minority groups share power e;an be shared among different social and
P0~ers in diff~rent degrees. This may be democrati c
88 mBelgium or constitutio nal as in India.
linguistic groups.
Ans. (1) Power may also be shared among different
_(iv) By political parties, pressure groups and social groups, such as the religious and lingu1stic
IIOcial movements : In the coalition governme nt, groups. It helps to. red~ce the Jossibi~ty of conflict
, Blllall political parties are more importan t and between social groups. Smee social conflict often leads
:werfuI. Secondly, in the_form of pressure group! to violence·and political instability, power sharing is
e traders, farmers industria lists and workers a good way to ensure the stability of political order.
8S&lciations exercise ~wer on governme nt.
 244 / Rollablt OUettlon Bank (Solved) ! Soclal Sckjnct ... X
,AM. (1) When power is shared lltnOfl
(2) rn In India, there are constitutional ~nd rgans of government, such aa Iegfs18tttr g difr~
0
legal ammpmenta whereby soc:ially weaker aecaons djudiciAl'Y, placed at the same Je,.,81 ~ ~
and women are repreaented in the legislatures and
administtation •- the system of 'reserved
constituencies' in assemblies and the parliament of
our country. .
:ftrerent powers, it is called as hOfitontai , ~
of power.
(2) (J1 This' type of" distri~tion of IJOwer
~,
that none of the organs exel'Clses unlitnite 'ee
(b) This type ot arrangement is meant to give (b) Each organ checks the other hen d ~et
space in the government and administration to ca1led a system of checks and balances. ce, thia ~
diverse social groups who otherwise would feel (ih) This systein devetops a balance
alienated from the government. ' . . among various institutions. of ~et
{in) This method is used to give mmor1ty
communities a fair share in power. 23. 'How is power shared among d'
(iv) 'Community Government' in Belgium ~ a organs of the Government? Explain. (20l6-J:r8tit
good example of this arrangement. 'Community 0ICQE75,.O37AG41; 2015-12GVs llttJ
Government' is elected by people belonging to one Ans. (1) Po~er is shar~d-among different201~
language community- Dutch, French and German- of government such as legislatu~e, etecuti,.,egatia
speaking - no matter where they Hve and has the judiciary. . . . . · 1 and
power regarding cultural, educational an4 language- (2) It is honzontal d1stnbution of power•beca
related issues. '; · . · it allows different organs of government ri} ll8e
. . . d"f~ . , t' aeed at
21. Do you,agr~e wjth t~~ s~temept that.power sam& level;.to exercise 1 1erent powers. 'rh·
sharing is keeping with the-spirit ofdemocracy? Give separation of power ~nsures that none·of the O 18
can _exetcise,t,Illlimited power. •. . _rglllla
reasons. (2016-GJAO8G5, JF9.7MFK;R61ZGN11oSYzLEO)
_, ,{-?))t is aJso called as sy~tem of. '<;hecks
I ,> 0:fJ I • . )!lf'"

'Sharing of powers ,•,makes ·a coimtry< -riiore

1
' -·

balances'. because each organ checks ot~rs.

r.~~~ltji. 1µt!) ~ .~alance o( .P?wer among_a.y~tj0118
:!
powerful and-united'. Justify -the .statement':~·. ·, J.
.,(

(20f&!KYU7EX, FILYW9ll~NZMP6HM; 4:is~~~ioJ:?,S. For,ex_ample, ~sters ~d gov~~nt

·: .''- r12015-YFZ39KE;·2O14-OE7.ZWKI) offi.Cials are respoDSible to Parlian_ient. SlllWBflY,judges
~s. U) The idea c>f powe'r1~hai-ing has :ell}.'e!g~? who .are a,ppointed ~y executives; ~an.~4eck the
in opposition to the notions of'wiaivilied<poli~ical functioning of executives through legislii\ure.
power. It was Jelt'that if the p·ower.'to ?ectde is ~4. Comp~e the horizontal and ,verti~ power
dispersed, it would 'not' be pos~ible to take q~c~ sharing in modern democracies. · · · ,'
decisions and to enforce them. · · , (2015.J3NUJIL; ~014-3N1AMZN)
(2) Power sharing is ·}he very·spirit of d~m~r~cy: " Or _ ,
One basic principle of d~mocracy is that people ~re Differentiate horizontal and verticai power
the source of all politicaJ · power. In a 4em~racy, . sharing in modern democracies. (2016-GJA08G5
people rule ,themselves through instituti~ns of s_elf- . 53JD9HE; 20.15-3Fzwp5P; 2014-BEJCUIJ)
governance and due respect is 'given to ~verse gi:oups Ans. In modern democracies, ·pow'er._.sharing
and VIews that exist in a society. . . .. arrangements can take many forms.·'ifh~ most
(3) Ademocratic rule involves sharing power with important are : · ·' 4
•

thQse affected by i~ ~i e~cise, and who have to live (i) Horizontal power sharing : When(,N~er is
with.its effects., ' shared among. different organs of government, such
(4) People have_~ tjght to be, consulte'4· on how as legislature, executive and judiciary, ,placed ~t
they are to be 'governed. same level and exercise different powers, ~ ~ed
. (5) Alegitimat,e·· government ~ one where cifuens, a,s horizontal power sharing. It is also called as
through participation, acquires a stake in the system. system of 'checks and balances' because each organ
I I (6) Everyone has a voice in the shaping of public checks others, to balance power. .
policies. Therefore, it follows that in a democracy . (2) Vertical power sharing : When powe~ ~s
political power ·should be'distributed among as imany shared among governments at different levels,.1~.JS
citizens as possible. ·· called as vertical power sharing because!>· f divis1on
•.
22. What is meant by horizontal distribution of of power from higher to-lower level. In Iridia' 1t JS1
power ? Explain any two meri~ of this forin of power Cen~al or Union Government at ~he-coun~.1eve
sharing. (2014-Vl~_H274; 2013; 2012-82) a'bd $tate Governments at provinctal ,lefelsdifferent
Or . _(~) Power·sharing may als~ be.among _ legal
What is horizontal 'distri~utipn of ·power ? social groups through const1tu:t1odal imd .•1ror
__ ...:Any 1WllP"
Explain any two advantages of this form "of power arrangements for representation of SOC:~:ah'll.tion,
sharing.,_ (2016-GENWDFA) sectio~ and women in legislatures and a(llll11J"'-- ·
 r.::-:----Democrat1c Polfflcs- u (Political Science : Chap-1) / 245
~------1- CASE STUD r--- .........- - - - - - - - - ~ - - ,
passage(s) given bel"1 and an~er th
,'! t;1te two sets of reasons given in fi e questions that follow :
~ 11tete steto reduce the possibility of conft~o:r of power sharing. Firstly, pawer sharing is good
·~ it b81Phranny of the majority is not ju tic betw~n social groups and ensures the stability of
~-J order, 11 The second deeper reason is th oppressive f~ the minority; it often bril'lgs ruin to the
~~ 't'/ -88 w~ · people have a right to be 00 8 \ power shanng is the very spirit of democracy. In a
1

~tic ~ :~e where citizens, through part~:~ te~ on ho":' they are to be governed. A legitimate
~niJ!lent is t set of reastms can be called , pation, acquire a stake in the system.
t"(l1 fbe!~ d ti'al
(b) justifiable ---· .
(c) biased (d) prudential
() JllOflll ·
a~~oo
P'8'Th second set of reasons can be called
(ii) -~ (b) moral - - - · (c) justifiable (d) genuine
(al b1 (b) moral
~rll.-nriY
(ib1 11•-
of the majority is not J. ust
- - - - for the minority, but brings ruin for the majority

J.1~~~uppressive . (b) depressive (c) oppressive (d) successive

>JIS· (c) oppressive .
(iV) A--;- government is one ~here citizens through participation, acquire a stake in the system.
(a) authent~c. - · (b) pruc!_e~tial · (c) legitimate (d) biased ·
ADS- (c)_ legi~imate . _. . . .
2. Belgium 1s a small country m Europe, smaller m area than the state of Haryana. It has borders
'th France, the Nethe_rlands, Germany and Luxembourg. It has a population of a little ·over one crore,
I ;ut half the_pop~ati~n. of ~ID;'an~. __ , , _ ·
('1 Which one of the countnes does not shares its boundaries·with Belgium ?
(a) Francp • . , (b) Netherlands ,- . (c) Sweden . (d) Luxemburg
Ans, '(c) Sweden· . 1' ·,. -., ·l i /, · ' ... , , · ·' .
0

(h1 The population of Belgium is over _ __

Ans, one crore r .. ' ' ' _ .. V l
(in) Wh~re 'is Belgium situated ?
Reigning the Reins
Ans. )lelgifilD: is sit'":lted in Europe.
3. Study the picture-and answer .the•questioilS' that, ·, . -,I
II.
fullows: -
I (1) What are sho~ in the ·above pict~.r~. · .
Ans. President Putin and Bush are shown in the
above pi.ctvre. .
(n) Vfhat, accordiflg to this picture/ca_rtoon, is th~ . i
Irelationslµp between democracy and concentration of
1,11Wer? .
Ans. Democracy,,represents th~ will of the ~ommon
people.)Jut, when the power is concentrated in a
~cular hand 'i n a democratic government, this
mdividual outlasts the will of common people.
g

QUESTIONS FOR PRACTICE

* OBJECTIVE TYPE QUESTIONS *

~-Which O~j3 of the following was NOT a demand of t:tie,S?J~~an Tall\ils? : .
ti Recognition 0£ Tamil as ~ ~fficial language · (b) Regional autonomy ·.
c Equality of opportunity in jobs
· .
(d) Reservation .of seats in Parliament .
2 . . . ~: ·· . (CBSE-SA-1, 2011-580037)
(aiBelgi~ does not have borders with which of the f~llowmg countries ? , (CBSE-~011-580039)
,..._~l'lllany (b) France · (c) Netherland (d) Sweden
~~-- - - - - - ~ - - - - - _- - - --:-.- -:--.- - - . .- - ~ - - - --=--=--=- - --;..- -
7
-- ---~
246 I Reliable Question Bank (Solved) : Socia

- 3. Which ;;; ,f the followini;~ ~t ies is ------

l ScleflC8 - X
:~ SliBJECTIVE TYPE QUESll
I ~~
not related to Sri Lanka ? . 8. State any three demands of the
(a) Sinhalas (b) Indian Tam•18 • . '
(c) Persis
Tamils which could settle the eth . 8?i Lal\!
(d) Sri Lankan Tamil:
Sri Lanka for good, if accepted by ttic col\tl.i~
(CBBE-SA-1, 2011-580019; 2010-l0 80716·~
4. In which one of the following countries
) of Sri Lanka. eeo..,el't\lt\~-
~
principle of majoritarianism led to civil war ? 9. Wh at lessons can be lear ~l
. . ; . S . Lank nt fr
(a) Pakistan (b) Sri Lanka majontanarusm m n a? Explain. 0ltl lh
(c) Belgium (d) India 1O. "Is the majoritarianism ad '
(CBSE-SA-1, 2011-580021, 33; 2010-1080706-B .
5. Which language was recognised as the only1) Lanka agam st t he spm
. ·t ~d opted .
01 emoeracy ')II • Ill 8.
viewpom. · C1 ~
official language of Sri Lanka in 1956 ? t. \'e}Oiir
. 11. In which three ways is the P0liti
6.How many times the Constitution of Belgium
was amended between 1970 and 1993 ? ·
in Belgmm d'fli
1 erent an d inno
. vativ· e fcals,,J~~
. roll\
7. Which -major social group constituted the countries ? Exp1am. oth~
largest share in population of Sri Lanka ?

r - - - - - - - - - 4 ~ NCERT EXE
RCISES
1. · What are the different forms of power shar
ing in modem democracies ? Give an exalllple
of
each of these.
Or
What are the different forms of power sharing
in modem democracies ? (20lS; 2Ol4-ZZDR105.
- Or
Explain any three forms of power sharing amo ,20Iai
ng different organs of government in India.
Or (2015-ERL2sAL
In what way the political power is shared amo l
ng different organs of the Gov e~e nt? Explai
n,
.. .· ' . . ·
Ans. Following are the major ~orms of pow (2~16-4L1AISU, FD7ZHUBl
er shanng m the modem democracies :
(l) Among different organs of, governm
ent : The different organs of government
executive and judiciary have power and they like legislature
mutually exercise control over each other.
(2) Among governments at different leve '
ls: Power is divided between Union and Stat
· and further between the local bodies. e government .I
(3) Among different local bodies : Differen
t religious, linguistic, tribal and minority group
. powers in different degrees. This may be dem s share
ocratic as in Belgium or constitutional as in India.
(4) By political parties, pressure groups
and social movements : In the coalition
· small political parties are more important and government,
powerful. Secondly, in the form of pressure group,
the traders, farmers, industrialists and workers
' associations exercise power on government.
2. State one J?rud.ential reason and one moral reas
on for power sharing with ·an example from the
Indian context.
Or
Explain the two main reasons why power shar
ing is important in a democracy.
.
(2010-1080702-Al, 1080715.Cll
Or .
Why power sharing is desirable ? Explain givi
ng any three prudential reasons.
. (2015-17M1GYA; 2014-JZSVFflll
Ans. (1) Pru den tial reason : It lays emphasi
s on better outcomes of power sharing, such
(i) Power sharing helps to reduce the poss as;
ibility of conflict between social groups. Thus
the stability of political order. , it en sures
(ii) Its absence results into imposition . 0r
of will by majority community, w:hich undermin
nation. es urut)'
(iiD The domination of majority is not only
oppress
- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --ive--
for minority but also ruins majority,
-- -- -- -- ~ ~ ~ _.,,.
'
 -
'"
7 ________
/z)
,.,- 1 -- on : It stre
reas
ft{_orB very spirit of democracy.
-- - as a valuable - -use;- -
ng
.
Democratic POiitics - II (Polillcal Scief'IC8 : ChaP

sses on power sh; _- -- - - - - -act- beca

- - - - - -
"1)
1247

I
I l Jt is the . I . I ted by its exercise and who have to live with
(~ Adernocrat1c ru e mvo ves it with those affec
!11\tfects, . .. h of these do you
ter, three students drew d'tt t . 1usum s.
. -·
Wh:i
c
,ts re11ding dthishchap ? G' iuer en cone
.A-.er your reasons in about 60 words. .
JY.. .,,;th an w Y . ive · · e thnic
9, gree "'· p h h have relig ious ; linguisti c or
ower ann g necessary only in societies whic
8 18
~ ~rnan -
0
. ..
·0s1o n~• p h . . . tries that have regio naJ div1s1011s.
dJ thllY1 - ower s . ann g is swted only for big coun
er sharing even if they are sme11 do not have
or
rJBseph-:- ~very society needs some form of pow
0°. I diVJSlOnS.h I . reached at by Ouseph that every society needs some form of pow~r
c111 t_ e cone us1on
so9gree with is because it is the basic
~S· JbBring even if they are small or do not have social divisions. This
th es through institutions of self-governance. The
5
riJlciple of democ:acy at people rule themselv ll or
way they want. Even it the socie~y is s~a
people have _the .n~h t t? rule. themselves the to avoid conf lict and
n sufficient representation
t-qisionless, it.~as its will, which should be give
political instab1hty. _
in Belgium, has defended a ban on spe ~g
The mayor of Merchtem, a town near Brussels i-ate m
4, French in_the town's schools. _He said that the ban would help all non-Dutch speakers ~te,g8
keeping with the spirit of Belgium power
tbis Flenush town. Do yo~ think that his measure tis50in words. .
sharing arrange~ents ? _Gi!e your reasons in abou b~ca use ~elg iu~
spirit of Belgium's power sharing,
. No, in no way t~s ban m k~eping with the ~
15
59 per cent people live in the Flemish. regions
IJlS is a country of di~erse populatio~. I~ Belgium, m
Dute ~, whil e 40 per cent hv~ m W
_ allon ia regions and speak French. ~f French is_ b~ ed.
spe~ for a ban on Dutch in their area. This will give
Flemish regions, people of Walloma will demand re
er the Belgian model of power sharing, wh~
rise to social conflict and political instability. Und not in keep ing
esentation, ban on any langp._age_is
minority in a region ha_~ been given equal ·repr · ·
with this spirit. - ·
ring
pass age and pick out any cine of the prudential reasons for ~ower sha
5, Read the follo wing
· · "-· ·· · ·
offered in this. - . . · the
to realise the dream of Mahatma Gandhi and
"We need to give more power to the Panchayats ~es
hayati Raj establishes true· democracy. It res~
hopes of the makers of our Constitution. Panc ing
a democracy~in the hands of the people~ Giv
power: to the only place where power belorigs_in trati ve effic ienc y.
corruption and increase adminis
power to Panchayats is also a way to reduce mes , they
implementation of developmental sche
When people participate in the planning, and upt
d natu rally exer cise grea ter control '· over these schemes. This would eliminate the corr
n.the foundation; of OU; democracy."
woul
middlemen: Thus, Panchayati Raj will strengthe trative
to reduce corruption and increase adminis·
Ans. Giving power to Panchayats is also a way ·
efficienct ·
those
ts are usua lly put forth in favour and against power sharing. Seiect
6. Diffe rent argu men
ct the answer using the codes given below ?
which are in favour of power sharing and sele '
Power sharing : ·
A reduces conflict among different communities
B. decreases the possibility of arbitrariness
C. delays decision making process
D. accommodates diversities
E. increases instability and divisiveness
F. promotes people's participation in government
G. undermines the unity of a country
(a) A B D F
(b) A C E F
(c) A -B D G
(d) B C D G
__ __ __ __ __ _
J ~-~•~~B.'..D..'..::_ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ -- -
L_
1 .
248 / Reliable Q ut
1 -7.- -Con- - - -Ba-nk- - - - - - _ - - - - -
tt\ On (Solffd) : &c,dal
8Cll('IO
I- X _ _ _ .- - -
sharinR- a-rr a-n g-e m- - - - -
sider the follow
Sri Lanka : ing 1tatements
abou
t po
wer e n ts in B e l; ....
. . . ._ I
A. ln Belgium, th . . . o le tried to . . u '
e Dutch-speaking im po se ll\ 'tt~
minority French- ~a1onty pe p their donunatioti
speaking commun
B. ln Sri Lanka,
the policies of go
ity. ught to ensure
th e dominance 01\ t~~
speaking majority ve rn ment 80 of the ~
C. The Tamils in . fed al arrang
Sri L ~ a deman
ded a :U ty in ement of power sharing to PTot
,
culture, language education and jo et t,
D. The transform and equali~ of opport . bs.
possible division
Which of the stat
ation of Belgium
of the country on
from ~tai
linguistic es.
government to
a federal one pr
ev .
th~
em et l.ted a
(a) A, B, C and D ents given above are correct ?
dD
(c) C and D (b) A, B an
Ans. (a) A, B, (d) B, C and D
C and D. .
8. M atch List l (forms of po
wer sharing) with ·
answer using the List 11 (forms of
codes given below govemment) a n d
the lists : select the corr
List I
List II ett
1. Power shared am
ong different
organs of govern A. Community go
ment vernment---......
2. Power shared am

---
ong governments
at different levels B. Separation of
powers
3. Power shared by

---
different social gr
oups C. Coalition gove -
4. Power shared by rnment
two or more polit
ical parties D. Federal gove
rnment
-
l
2 -
(a)
D
A
3
4 -
(b) B
B C
(c) C
B D
(d) D A
C A
Ans. (c) B, D, A, D C
C. A
9. Consider th B
givex:,. belowe:following two statements
on owe h .
. p r s anng an .
(A) Power sharing .
d select th e answ
is good for democ er using the codes
(B ) It helps to racy.
Which of these st redu ce the possib
atements 8l'e triliuty of confli t b
e and fal c ? etw .
(a) A is true but B een social groups
is false ., .
(c) Both A and B se .
8l 'e false
Ans. (b) Beth A an
d B are true (b) Bo.th A and B
a re true
(d) A is false b
ut B is true