In this section, you will get NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Social Science Civics Democratic Politics Chapter 1 Power Sharing. These questions and answers for Power Sharing Chapter of 10th Class Civics are very important from examination point of view.

What are the different forms of power sharing in modern democracies? Give an example of each of these.

In modern democracies, power sharing arrangements can take many forms. Some of the more common arrangements that we have or will come across are given as under:

1. Among different organs of government: In democracy, power is shared among different organs of government such as legislature, executive and judiciary. We can call it horizontal distribution of power because it allows different organs of government placed at the same level to exercise different powers. Example, in India, though ministers and government officials exercise power but they are responsible to the Parliament or State Assemblies. Similarly, although judges are appointed by the executive, they can check the functioning of executive or laws made by the legislatures. This arrangement is called a system of checks and balances.
2. Among governments at different levels: In this, power is shared among governments at different levels such as a general government for the entire country and governments at the provincial or regional level. Example, in India, the general government is called Central or Union Government and the provincial or regional government is called State Government. The constitution clearly lays down the powers of different levels of government. We can call this division of powers including higher and lower levels of government as vertical division of power.
3. Among different social groups: It includes power sharing among different religious and linguistic groups. This type of arrangement is meant to give space to diverse social groups in the government and administration who otherwise would feel alienated from the government. This method is used to give minority communities a fair share in power. Community Government in Belgium is a good example of this arrangement.
4. Among political parties, pressure groups and movements: In modern democracies, power is shared among different political parties that represent different ideologies and social groups. The competition among these political parties ensures that power does not remain in one hand. We also find pressure groups such as those of traders, businessmen, industrialists, farmers, and workers. They also have a share in governmental power, either. through participation in governmental committees or bringing influence on the decision making process.

State one prudential reason and one moral reason for power sharing with an example from Indian context.

A prudential reason for power sharing is that which helps to reduce the possibility of conflict between social groups. Since social conflict often leads to violence and political instability, power sharing is a good way to ensure the stability of political order. For example, in India, seats have been reserved for the socially and economically weaker sections by keeping in view the prudential reason of power sharing.

A moral reason of power sharing is that which upholds the spirit of democracy. A democratic rule involves sharing power with those affected by its exercise. Therefore, people have a right to be consulted on how they are to be governed. For example, in India, the citizens can com@ together to debate and criticize the policies and decisions of the Government. This in turn puts pressure on the government to rethink its policies and reconsider its decisions. This active political participation of people is in accordance with the moral reason of power sharing.

Different arguments are usually put forth in favor of and against power sharing. Identify those which are in favor of power sharing and select the answer using the codes given below? Power sharing:

1. reduces conflict among different communities.
2. decreases the possibility of arbitrariness.
3. délays decision making process.
4. accommodates diversities.
5. increases instability and divisiveness.
6. promotes people’s participation in government.
7. undermines the unity of a country.

The correct code is 1,2,4,6.

Consider the following statements about the power sharing arrangements in Belgium and Sri Lanka.

1. In Belgium, the Dutch-speaking majority people tried to impose their domination on the minority of French-speaking community.
2. In Sri Lanka, the policies of the government sought to ensure the dominance of the Sinhala-speaking majority.
3. The Tamils in Sri Lanka demanded a federal arrangement of power sharing to protect their culture, language and equality of opportunity in education and jobs.
4. The transformation of Belgium from unitary Government to a federal one prevented a possible division of the country on linguistic lines.

Which among the above statements are correct?

Ans: The correct code is 2,3,4.