🔹 Short Answer Questions (3–4 Marks)
Q1. Why is power sharing desirable in a democracy? (2011)
Answer:
- Power sharing reduces the chances of conflict between social groups.
- Ensures stability in society by accommodating diversity.
- Deepens democracy as people feel represented.
Q2. Mention the major forms of power sharing in modern democracies. (2012)
Answer:
- Among different organs of government (legislature, executive, judiciary).
- Among governments at different levels (Union, State, Local).
- Among different social groups (community governments).
- Among political parties, pressure groups, movements.
Q3. Explain two reasons why power sharing is necessary in Belgium. (2013)
Answer:
- To resolve tensions between Dutch-speaking and French-speaking communities.
- Prevented civil war by ensuring equal representation in government.
Q4. Distinguish between horizontal and vertical forms of power sharing. (2014)
Answer:
- Horizontal: Power shared among organs of government (legislature, executive, judiciary).
- Vertical: Power shared among different levels of government (Union, State, Local).
Q5. Why was the conflict in Sri Lanka more severe than in Belgium? (2015)
Answer:
- In Belgium, leaders accommodated different groups.
- In Sri Lanka, majority Sinhala imposed their language/religion on minorities (Tamils), leading to civil war.
Q6. Define the system of ‘checks and balances’ in power sharing. (2016)
Answer:
- A system where each organ of government checks the other.
- Prevents concentration of power in one organ.
Q7. What is meant by the system of ‘community government’ in Belgium? (2017)
Answer:
- Government elected by people of one language/community.
- Has power over cultural, educational, and language-related issues.
Q8. Differentiate between Prudential and Moral reasons for power sharing. (2018)
Answer:
- Prudential: Power sharing reduces chances of social conflict and political instability.
- Moral: Power sharing is the spirit of democracy; all groups have equal rights to participate.
Q9. Give two examples of power sharing among political parties and pressure groups. (2019)
Answer:
- Coalition governments at Centre/State.
- Movements/pressure groups influencing policies (e.g., farmer protests, trade unions).
Q10. How did the leaders of Belgium solve their ethnic problem? (2020)
Answer:
- Constitution made Dutch & French communities equal.
- Equal representation in central government.
- Community governments created for cultural autonomy.
- Brussels given special bilingual status.
🔹 Long Answer Questions (5–6 Marks)
Q1. Explain the differences in the ways Belgium and Sri Lanka dealt with cultural diversity. (2010)
Answer:
- Belgium: Equal power sharing among communities, bilingual Brussels, community government.
- Sri Lanka: Sinhala majoritarian policies, Buddhism as state religion, discrimination against Tamils → Civil war.
👉 Belgium succeeded, Sri Lanka failed.
Q2. Describe the ethnic composition of Belgium. How did the Belgian government accommodate it? (2011)
Answer:
- Flemish (Dutch-speaking) – 59%.
- Wallonia (French-speaking) – 40%.
- German-speaking – 1%.
Accommodation: Equal central representation, bilingual Brussels, community governments, power sharing among communities.
Q3. What are the merits and demerits of majoritarianism, with reference to Sri Lanka? (2012)
Answer:
- Merits: Strong majority government, quick decisions.
- Demerits: Ignores minority interests, leads to alienation.
- Example: Sri Lankan Sinhala majoritarianism led to ethnic conflict and civil war.
Q4. Why is power sharing good for democracies? Explain with examples. (2013)
Answer:
- Reduces conflict (Belgium example).
- Ensures political stability (coalitions in India).
- Protects rights of minorities.
- Promotes spirit of democracy.
Q5. How is power shared among different organs of government in India? Explain. (2014)
Answer:
- Legislature: Makes laws.
- Executive: Implements laws.
- Judiciary: Interprets laws.
- Each checks the other → “checks and balances.”
Q6. Explain the vertical division of power with examples from India. (2015)
Answer:
- Division among Union, State, and Local governments.
- Union: National subjects (defense, currency).
- State: Education, agriculture.
- Local: Panchayats, municipalities.
- Ensures decentralization.
Q7. Describe the ways in which power is shared among different social groups. (2016)
Answer:
- Reservation of seats in legislatures for SCs, STs, OBCs.
- Minority commissions to protect cultural rights.
- Community governments in Belgium.
Q8. How is power shared among different political parties and groups in India? (2017)
Answer:
- Coalition governments when no single party gets majority.
- Alliances (e.g., UPA, NDA).
- Pressure groups (farmers, workers) influence government policies.
Q9. What are the major forms of power sharing in modern democracies? Explain each with example. (2019)
Answer:
- Organs of government → Legislature, Executive, Judiciary (India).
- Levels of government → Union, State, Local (India’s federalism).
- Social groups → Reservation, Belgium’s community government.
- Political parties & groups → Coalitions, pressure groups.
Q10. “Power sharing is the very spirit of democracy.” Justify this statement. (2020)
Answer:
- Democracy means equal participation of all groups.
- Sharing power prevents majority domination.
- Creates stability and unity in diversity.
- Examples: Belgium success vs. Sri Lanka failure.