CHAPTER WISE QUESTION

Class X SOCIAL SCIENCE Time : 1½ hrs

POWER SHARING Marks : 40

SET A
SECTION A - OBJECTIVE TYPE QUESTIONS 8×1=8
1. A belief that the majority community should be able to rule a country in whichever way it
wants, by disregarding the wishes and needs of the minority is
a) Power sharing b) Central Government
c) Majoritarianism d) Community Government
2. Which of the following was not a provision of the Act of 1956 passed in Sri Lanka?
a) Singhala was recognised as the only official language
b) Buddhism was to be protected by the state
c) Provinces autonomy was given to Tamils
d) Sinhala’s were favoured in government jobs
3. Match list I with list II and select the correct answer using the codes below in the
lists.
List I List II
1) Power sharing a) Power shared among different levels of
the government
2) Check and balances b) Reduce the possibility of conflict between
social groups
3) Vertical divisions c) Example of power sharing among
different social groups
4) Reserved constituencies d) Power sharing among different organs of
the government
a) 1 - c, 2 - d, 3 - a, 4 - b b) 1 - d, 2 - d, 3 - c, 4 - a
c) 1 - b, 2 - d, 3 - a, 4 - c d) 1 - a, 2 - c, 3 - d, 4 - b
4. Apart from the central and the state governments, which is the third type of government
practised in Belgium?
a) Local government b) Municipal government
c) Community government d) Ethnic government
5. In the Capital City Brussels, 80% people speak ................
OR
In Sri Lanka the democratically elected government adopted a series of .............
measures to establish Sinhala supremacy.
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6. What is the prudential reason behind power sharing?
OR
What did Belgians do to bring together the ethnic groups?
7. Why power sharing between different organs of the government is being referred as the
horizontal distribution of power?
a) Different organs of the government can exercise unlimited power
b) Different organs of the government are placed at the same level and can check each
other
c) Different levels of the government can exercise different power
d) Different levels of the government can exercise unlimited power
8. System of ‘checks and balance’ 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

SECTION B - COMPTENCY BASED QUESTIONS

Assertion Reason Type questions
In the following questions there are two statements marked as Assertion Type (A) and
other is Reason Type (R). Read the following statements and choose the correct option.
a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A
c) A is true but R is wrong. d) A is wrong but R is true.
9. Assertion (A) : Democracy accommodates different social groups.
Reason (R) : In a democracy power can be shared among different social group is
linguistic and religions group. 1
10. Assertion (A) : Power should reside with one person and group located at one place
in a democracy.
Reason (R) : If the power is dispersed, it will not be possible to take decision quickly
and enforce it. 1
11. Assertion (A) : Belgian government was unable to solve its ethnic Problem.
Reason (R) : Most of the powers lie with central government and only few powers
given to the state government. 1
12. Assertion (A) : Power sharing is important in a democracy.
Reason (R) : It helps to increase the possibility of conflict between social groups.1
13. Read the source given below and answer the questions that follows.
Power is shared among different organs of government, such as the legislature, executive
and judiciary. Let us call this horizontal distribution of power because it allows different
2 SS-Ch-5A
 organs of government placed at the same level to exercise different powers. Such a
separation ensures that none of the organs can exercise unlimited power. Each organ
checks the others. This results in a balance of power among various institutions, we
studied that in a democracy, even though ministers and government officials exercise
power, 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.
i) Power sharing is between - 4×1=4
a) legislature, executive and parliament b) legislature, executive and judiciary
c) legislature, high court and judiciary d) none of the above
ii) It allows different organs of government placed at the same level to exercise different
powers. This is known as .............
a) circular distribution of power b) vertical distribution of power
c) horizontal distribution of power d) all the above
iii) Judges are appointed by the executive, they can check the functioning of executive or
laws made by the legislatures, known as .................
a) horizontal distribution of power b) checks and balances
c) vertical distribution of power d) all the above
iv) Power sharing means -
a) system of political arrangements in which power is shared between ministers of
the government
b) system of political arrangements in which power is shared between different
organs of the government
c) system of political arrangements in which power is shared between different levels
of government
d) all the above
14. Read the passage and answer the questions that follows.

Power may also be shared among different social groups, such as the religious and
linguistic groups. ‘Community government’ in Belgium is a good example of this
arrangement. In some countries there are constitutional and legal arrangements whereby
socially weaker sections and women are represented in the legislatures and administration.
This type of arrangement is meant to give space in the government and administration to
diverse social groups who otherwise would feel alienated from the government. This
method is used to give minority communities a fair share in power.

Which is not a feature of Community government? 1

a) Apart from the Central and the State Government, this is a third type of government

3 SS-Ch-5A
 b) It is elected by the people belonging to one community that is Dutch, French, German
speaking

c) It is mainly based on cooperation and tolerance

d) It does not have the power regarding cultural, educational and language related issues

OR

Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follows.

Power sharing arrangements can also be seen in the way political parties, pressure groups
and movements control or influence those in power. In a democracy, the citizens must
have freedom to choose among various contenders for power. In contemporary
democracies, this takes the form of competition among different parties. Such competition
ensures that power does not remain in one hand. In the long run, power is shared among
different political parties that represent different ideologies and social groups. Sometimes
this kind of sharing can be direct, when two or more parties form an alliance to contest
elections. If their alliance is elected, they form a coalition government and thus share
power. In a democracy, we find interest groups such as those of traders, businessmen,
industrialists, farmers and industrial workers. They also will have a share in governmental
power, either through participation in governmental committees or bringing influence on
the decision-making process.

What do you understand by pressure groups?

a) Organisations that attempt to oppose government policies
b) Organisations that attempt to influence government policies
c) Organisations that attempt to reject government policies
d) None of the above
15. Analyze the information given below considering one of the following correct
options.

Power is shared among different organs of government, such as the legislature, executive
and judiciary. Let us call this horizontal distribution of power because it allows different
organs of government placed at the same level to exercise different powers. Such a
separation ensures that none of the organs can exercise unlimited power. Each organ
checks the others. This results in a balance of power among various institutions.

a) Horizontal distribution of power b) Vertical division of power

c) Union Government d) Community Government 1

16. Read the passage below and answer the questions that follow.

Belgium is a small country in Europe, smaller in area than the state of Haryana. It has
borders with France, the Netherlands, Germany and Luxembourg. It has a population of a
little over one crore, about half the population of Haryana. The ETHNIC composition of
this small country is very complex. Of the country’s total population, 59 percent lives in
the Flemish region and speaks Dutch language. Another 40 percent people live in the
4
SS-Ch-5A
 Wallonia region and speak French. Remaining one percent of the Belgians speak German.
In the capital city Brussels, 80 percent people speak French while 20 percent are Dutch
speaking.

Sri Lanka is an island nation, just a few kilometres off the southern coast of Tamil Nadu.
It has about two crore people, about the same as in Haryana. Like other nations in the
South Asia region. Sri Lanka has a diverse population. The major social groups are the
Sinhala-speakers (74 percent) and the Tamil-speakers (18 percent). Among Tamils there
are two sub-groups. Tamil natives of the country are called ‘Sri Lankan Tamils’ (13 percent).

i) Why is the Ethnic composition of Belgium complex or unique? 2

ii) Who are Sri Lankan Tamils? 1

iii) What were the consequences of the conflict between Sinhalas and Tamils? 1

17. Consider the following statements about the ethnic composition of Sri Lanka? 1

A) Major social groups are the Sinhala - speaking (74%) and Tamil - speaking (18%)?

B) Among the Tamils, there are two sub-groups, Sri Lankan Tamils and Indian Tamils.

C) There are about 7% Christians, who are both Tamil and Sinhala.

D) Most of the Sinhala-speaking are Hindus or Muslims and most of the Tamil-speaking
are Buddhists.

Which of the above statements are correct?

a) A, B, C b) A, B, D c) B, C, D d) A, B, C, D

SECTION C - SHORT & LONG ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS

18. In modern democracies, power is often shared among different organs of the government.
Explain. 3

19. How can power be shared among governments at different levels? Explain. 3

20. Describe any three majoritarian measures adopted by the Sri Lankan Government to establish
Sinhala supremacy. 5
OR

How is the system of checks and balances maintained among the different organs of the
government?

21. Compare the different ways in which the Belgians and the Sri Lankans have dealt with the
problem of cultural diversity. 5

OR

Explain how Belgium was able to solve its ethnic problem.

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SS-Ch-5A
 CHAPTER WISE QUESTION

Class X SOCIAL SCIENCE Time : 1½ hrs

POWER SHARING Marks : 40

SET B

SECTION A - OBJECTIVE TYPE QUESTIONS 8×1=8

1. 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
2. Reservation to weaker section and community government are the example of
a) Power sharing between different organs of the government
b) Power sharing among different social group
c) Power sharing among Political parties, pressure groups and movements
d) All the above
3. Match the list I with II and select the correct answer using the codes below in the
lists.

List I List II

1) Federalism a) Power shared by different social groups

2) Coalition government b) When power is taken away from central

& state government and given to local
government

3) Community government c) A system of the government in which

power is divided between central authority
and various constituent units of the
country

4) Decentralisation d) Power shared by two or more political

parties.

a) 1 - c, 2 - a, 3 - d, 4 - b b) 1 - c, 2 - d, 3 - b, 4 - a

c) 1 - c, 2 - d, 3 - a, 4 - b d) 1 - a, 2 - c, 3 - d, 4 - b

4. Which of the following is not one of the three organs of government powers are shared?

a) Legislature b) Bureaucracy

c) Executive d) Judiciary
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5. Fill in the blanks

............... was started in Sri Lanka due to distrust between the two communities.

OR

................ has started power struggle demanding Separate Eelam in Sri Lanka.

6. Which prudential reasons made power sharing desirable?

OR
Why is horizontal power sharing also called a system of checks and balances?
7. Brussels presented a special problem : What was it?
a) Dutch-speaking people constituted a minority in the country, but a majority in the
capital
b) Dutch-speaking people constituted a majority in the country, but a minority in the
capital
c) Other foreign languages were sleeping in
d) English was becoming dominant
8. Prudential reasons of power sharing stress on the facts that

A) It ensures the stability of political order

B) It reduces the possibility of conflict between social groups

C) It gives a fair share to minority

D) It is the very spirit of democracy

Which of the above statements are correct?

a) A, B b) A, C & D c) All are correct d) A, B & C

SECTION B - COMPTENCY BASED QUESTIONS

Assertion Reason Type questions
In the following questions there are two statements marked as Assertion Type (A) and
other is Reason Type (R). Read the following statements and choose the correct option.
a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A
c) A is true but R is wrong. d) A is wrong but R is true.
9. Assertion (A) : Sinhala was recognized as only official language of Sri Lanka.
Reason (R) : The government of Sri Lanka wanted to establish the supremacy of
Sinhala community. 1
10. Assertion (A) : Belgium and Sri Lanka both faced ethical tension among different
communities.
Reason (R) : Both the countries resolved the conflict by power sharing arrangement
which gave equal representation to all the communities. 1
7 SS-Ch-5B
11. Assertion (A) : In modern democracies, power is often shared among different organs
of the government.
Reason (R) : The legislature is concerned with passing the laws, controlling the
finance of the state and delivering on matter of public importance. 1
12. Assertion (A) : Sharing of powers makes a country more powerful and united.
Reason (R) : Power sharing accommodates diverse group. 1
13. Read the source given below and answer the questions that follows.
Government measures, coming one after the other, gradually increased the feeling of
alienation among the Sri Lankan Tamils. They felt that none of the major political parties
led by the Buddhist Sinhala leaders were sensitive to their language and culture. They felt
that the constitution between the Sinhala and Tamil communities strained over time. The
Sri Lankan Tamils launched parties and struggles for the recognition of Tamil as an official
language, for regional autonomy and equality of opportunity in securing education and
jobs. But their demand for more autonomy to provinces populated by the Tamils was
repeatedly denied. By 1980s several political organisations were formed demanding an
independent Tamil Eelam (state) in northern and eastern parts of Sri Lanka. The distrust
between the two communities turned into widespread conflict. It soon turned into a CIVIL
WAR. As a result thousands of people of both the communities have been killed. Many
families were forced to leave the country as refugees and many more lost their livelihoods.
i) What is not the geographical location of Sri Lanka as compared to India?
a) Sri Lanka is an island nation
b) It is about 20 kms from Rameshwaram, the Southern coast of Tamil Nadu
c) It lies in the Indian Ocean d) None of the above 4×1=4
ii) What happened when demand of Tamils, for more autonomy, repeatedly denied by
the government?
a) It soon turned into a Civil War. Thousands of people of both the communities
have been killed.
b) Many became refugees.
c) It improved the social, cultural and economic life of the country.
d) Both a and b.
iii) Which of the following was not a provision of the Act of 1956 passed in Sri Lanka?
a) It recognises Sinhala as the only official language.
b) The government followed preferential policies that favoured Sinhala applicants.
c) A new constitution stipulated that the state should protect and foster Buddhism.
d) Provincial autonomy was given to Tamils.
iv) The Sri Lankan Tamils launched parties and struggles for
a) For regional autonomy
b) Equality of opportunity in securing education and jobs
8 SS-Ch-5B
 c) The recognition of Tamils as an official language
d) All of the above
14. Read the passage and answer the questions that follows.

Sri Lanka emerged as an independent country in 1948. The leaders of the Sinhala
community sought to secured dominance over government by virtue of their majority. As
a result, the democratically elected government adopted a series of MAJORITARIAN
measures to establish Sinhala supremacy. In 1956, an Act was passed to recognize Sinhala
as the only official language, thus disregarding Tamil. The governments followed preferential
policies that favoured Sinhala applicants for university positions and government jobs. A
new constitution stipulated that the state shall protect and foster Buddhism.

Which of the following are the ethnic communities of Sri Lanka?

a) Indian Tamils and Sri Lankan Tamils b) Tamils, Buddhists, Hindus

c) Indian Tamils, Sri Lankan Tamils and Buddhists

d) Sinhala speakers, Sri Lankan Tamils and Indian Tamils 1

OR

Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follows.

The idea of power-sharing has emerged in opposition to the notions of undivided political
power. For a long time it was believed that all power of a government must reside in one
person or group of persons located at one place. It was felt that if the power to decide is
displaced, it would not be possible to take quick decisions and to enforce them. But these
notions have changed with the emergence of democracy. One basic principle of democracy
is that people are the source of all political power. In a democracy, people rule themselves
through institutions of self-government. In a good democratic government, due respect is
given to diverse groups and views that exist in a society. Everyone has a voice in the
shaping of public policies. Therefore, it follows that in a democracy political forms of
power-sharing should be distributed among as many citizens as possible.

Which of the following options describes a good democratic system?

a) Everyone has a voice in the shaping of public policies

b) Power to take quick decision and to enforce them

c) All power resides in one person

d) Power is shared among central and state governments

15. Analyze the information given below considering one of the following correct
options.

The Belgian leaders took a different path. They recognised the existence of regional
differences and cultural diversities. Between 1970 and 1993, they amended their
constitution four times so as to work out an arrangement that would enable everyone to
live together within the same country. The arrangement they worked out is different from
any other country and is very innovative. Apart from the Ventral and the State Government,
9 SS-Ch-5B
 there is a third kind of government. This ‘community government’ is elected by people
belonging to one language community - Dutch, French and German-speaking - no matter
where they live.

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 the Belgium 1

16. Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follows.

The Sri Lankan Tamils launched parties and struggles for the recognition of Tamil as an
official language, for regional autonomy and equality of opportunity in securing education
and jobs. But their demand for more autonomy to provinces populated by the Tamils was
repeatedly denied. By 1980s several political organisations were formed demanding an
independent Tamil Eelam (state) in northern and eastern parts of Sri Lanka.

The distrust between the two communities turned into widespread conflict. It soon turned
into a CIVIL WAR. As a result thousands of people of both the communities have been
killed. Many families were forced to leave the country as refugees and many more lost
their livelihoods. But the civil war has caused a terrible setback to the social, cultural and
economic life of the country.

i) Who were the Indian Tamils? 1

ii) What were the reasons for the distrust between the Sinhalas and Tamils? 2

iii) What were the results of distrust between Sinhalas and Tamils? 1

17. Apart from the Central and the State Government, there is a third kind of government ie.
community government which is elected by people belonging to one language community-
Dutch, French and German - speaking. What kind of power sharing is this? 1

a) Power-sharing among different levels b) Power-sharing among different organs

c) Power-sharing among social groups d) Power-sharing among community groups

SECTION C - SHORT & LONG ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS
18. Explain how power is shared among different organs of the government. 3

19. “Sharing of powers makes a country more powerful and united.” Do you agree with this
statement and why? 3

20. How have Belgium and Sri Lanka dealt with question of power sharing differently? 5
OR
Give reasons why power sharing is desirable.
21. Explain the four forms of Power Sharing with examples.
5 OR

What were the reasons for the alienation of Sri Lankan Tamils? What was the effect of
this on the country?

10 SS-Ch-5B