StudyOSStudyOS CBSE Study Material, Class 5–12

Power Sharing

NCERT Class 10 · Social Science Based on NCERT Class 10 Social Science textbook · Free CBSE study kit

Everything you need to ace this chapter, in one place.
Notes · Mind Map · Quiz · Assertion-Reason · Case Studies · Question Bank · Past Papers

Get Full Study Kit →
Studying with friends? Send them this chapter.

Chapter Notes

Overview
This chapter explores the concept of power sharing in democracies, using the contrasting case studies of Belgium and Sri Lanka to illustrate how different approaches to managing ethnic diversity can lead to either national unity or conflict. The one big idea a student must walk away with is that power sharing is not just a prudent strategy to avoid violence and instability, but is the very spirit of democracy, as it gives citizens a stake in the system and ensures that no single group can impose its will on others.
Key Concepts (11)
Ethnic
A social division based on shared culture. People belonging to the same ethnic group believe in their common descent because of similarities of physical type or of culture or both. They need not always have the same religion or nationality.
e.g. In India, the Tamil ethnic group shares a common language and cultural traditions, but includes both Hindus and Christians.
Majoritarianism
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.
e.g. In Sri Lanka, the Sinhala-speaking majority passed laws making Sinhala the only official language and giving preference to Sinhala applicants for university positions and government jobs, disregarding the Tamil minority.
Civil war
A violent conflict between opposing groups within a country that becomes so intense that it appears like a war.
e.g. The conflict between the Sinhala and Tamil communities in Sri Lanka turned into a civil war that lasted from the 1980s until 2009.
Prudential reasons for power sharing
Reasons based on careful calculation of gains and losses, stressing that power sharing will bring out better outcomes, such as reducing the possibility of conflict and ensuring stability of the political order.
e.g. In India, sharing power with state governments helps prevent regional conflicts and holds the country together.
Moral reasons for power sharing
Reasons that emphasise the very act of power sharing as valuable, because it is the spirit of democracy and people have a right to be consulted on how they are governed.
e.g. In India, the system of reserved constituencies for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes ensures that these groups have a voice in the government, which is a moral imperative in a democracy.
Horizontal distribution of power
Power shared among different organs of government, such as the legislature, executive and judiciary, placed at the same level, allowing each organ to check the others, resulting in a balance of power.
e.g. In India, the Supreme Court can declare a law passed by Parliament unconstitutional, checking the power of the legislature.
Federal division of power
Power shared among governments at different levels – a general government for the entire country and governments at the provincial or regional level. Also called vertical division of power.
e.g. In India, the Union Government at the centre and State Governments in each state share power as laid down in the Constitution.
Community government
A third kind of government in Belgium, elected by people belonging to one language community – Dutch, French and German-speaking – no matter where they live, having power regarding cultural, educational and language-related issues.
e.g. A French-speaking citizen of Belgium living in the Flemish region can vote for the French community government to manage French-language schools.
Coalition government
A government formed when two or more parties form an alliance to contest elections and, if elected, share power.
e.g. In India, the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) was a coalition government formed by multiple parties after the 2004 general elections.
System of checks and balances
An arrangement in which different organs of government (legislature, executive, judiciary) can check the functioning of each other, ensuring that none can exercise unlimited power.
e.g. In India, although judges are appointed by the executive, they can check the functioning of the executive or laws made by the legislature.
Alienation
A feeling of being isolated, ignored, or separated from the mainstream of society, often resulting from discriminatory policies.
e.g. The Sri Lankan Tamils felt alienated because the government denied them equal political rights, discriminated against them in jobs, and ignored their interests.
How It Works
Majoritarianism in Sri Lanka
  1. Sri Lanka emerged as an independent country in 1948.
  2. The democratically elected government adopted a series of majoritarian measures to establish Sinhala supremacy.
  3. In 1956, an Act was passed to recognise Sinhala as the only official language, disregarding Tamil.
  4. The government followed preferential policies that favoured Sinhala applicants for university positions and government jobs.
  5. A new constitution stipulated that the state shall protect and foster Buddhism.
  6. These measures increased the feeling of alienation among Sri Lankan Tamils.
  7. Tamils launched parties and struggles for recognition of Tamil as an official language, regional autonomy, and equality of opportunity.
  8. Demands for more autonomy were repeatedly denied, leading to the formation of organisations demanding an independent Tamil Eelam.
  9. Distrust turned into widespread conflict and a civil war that lasted until 2009.
  10. The civil war caused thousands of deaths, displacement, and a severe setback to the social, cultural, and economic life of the country.
💡 Students often forget that the conflict in Sri Lanka was not inevitable; it was the result of specific government policies of majoritarianism, not just the existence of ethnic diversity.
Accommodation in Belgium
  1. Belgian leaders recognised the existence of regional differences and cultural diversities.
  2. Between 1970 and 1993, they amended the constitution four times to work out an arrangement for everyone to live together.
  3. The constitution prescribes that the number of Dutch and French-speaking ministers shall be equal in the central government.
  4. Some special laws require the support of a majority of members from each linguistic group, so no single community can make decisions unilaterally.
  5. Many powers of the central government have been given to state governments of the two regions, which are not subordinate to the central government.
  6. Brussels has a separate government in which both communities have equal representation.
  7. A third kind of government, the 'community government', is elected by people belonging to one language community and has power over cultural, educational, and language-related issues.
  8. These arrangements have worked well, helping to avoid civic strife and a possible division of the country on linguistic lines.
💡 Students often confuse the 'community government' with the state government. The community government is based on language, not territory, and exists alongside the central and state governments.
Forms of Power Sharing in Modern Democracies
  1. Power is shared among different organs of government (horizontal distribution) – legislature, executive, judiciary – ensuring a system of checks and balances.
  2. Power is shared among governments at different levels (vertical/federal division) – a central government and state/provincial governments.
  3. Power is shared among different social groups, such as religious and linguistic groups, e.g., community government in Belgium or reserved constituencies in India.
  4. Power is shared among political parties, pressure groups, and movements, e.g., coalition governments or interest groups influencing decision-making.
💡 Students often forget that power sharing among social groups includes not just linguistic/religious groups but also weaker sections and women through reserved constituencies.
Exam Traps — Don't Make These Mistakes
⚠ Confusing 'Prudential' and 'Moral' Reasons
✗ Prudential reasons are based on morality, and moral reasons are based on careful calculation.
→ This is the exact opposite. Prudential reasons are based on careful calculation of gains and losses (practical outcomes), while moral reasons are based on the principle that power sharing is valuable in itself.
✓ Prudential reasons stress that power sharing brings better outcomes like reducing conflict. Moral reasons emphasise that power sharing is the very spirit of democracy and people have a right to be consulted.
⚠ Mixing Up Belgium's 'Community Government' with 'State Government'
✗ Belgium has a community government for each region, like a state government.
→ The community government is not territorial; it is elected by people belonging to one language community regardless of where they live. State governments are territorial and govern specific regions.
✓ Belgium has three kinds of governments: central, state (regional), and community government. The community government is elected by people of one language community and handles cultural, educational, and language issues.
⚠ Thinking Majoritarianism is the Same as Democracy
✗ In a democracy, the majority community should rule, so majoritarianism is democratic.
→ Democracy is not just majority rule; it also involves respecting minority rights and sharing power. Majoritarianism disregards the wishes and needs of the minority, which undermines democracy.
✓ Majoritarianism is a belief that the majority community should rule by disregarding the minority. This is undemocratic because it denies equal rights and can lead to conflict, as seen in Sri Lanka.
⚠ Assuming Power Sharing Always Weakens a Country
✗ Sharing power divides power and weakens the country.
→ The chapter shows the opposite: sharing power can strengthen unity by reducing conflict and giving everyone a stake. Belgium's power-sharing prevented division, while Sri Lanka's refusal to share power led to civil war.
✓ Power sharing helps reduce conflict and ensures stability. It is a good way to ensure the unity of the nation, as seen in Belgium, where it prevented a possible division on linguistic lines.
⚠ Confusing 'Horizontal' and 'Vertical' Division of Power
✗ Horizontal division of power is between central and state governments.
→ Horizontal division is among different organs at the same level (legislature, executive, judiciary). Vertical division is between different levels of government (central and state).
✓ Horizontal division of power is among organs like legislature, executive, and judiciary. Vertical division of power is between central and state governments.
Compare & Contrast
Handling of ethnic diversity
Belgium's approach to power sharing
Sri Lanka's approach to power sharing
Belgium adopted an accommodative model with equal representation, community governments, and federalism, which prevented conflict. Sri Lanka adopted majoritarianism, imposing Sinhala dominance, which led to alienation and civil war.
Basis of justification
Prudential reasons for power sharing
Moral reasons for power sharing
Prudential reasons are based on practical outcomes (reducing conflict, ensuring stability). Moral reasons are based on democratic principles (people's right to be consulted, legitimacy of government).
Exam Focus
Marks pattern: 2 MCQs (1 mark each), 1 Short Answer (3 marks), 1 Long Answer (5 marks) – total 10 marks
Most asked: Case studies of Belgium and Sri Lanka (comparison) · Prudential vs Moral reasons for power sharing · Forms of power sharing (horizontal, vertical, social groups, political parties) · Majoritarianism and its consequences
Don't skip: Compare and contrast the power-sharing arrangements in Belgium and Sri Lanka (5 marks); Explain the prudential and moral reasons for power sharing with examples (3 or 5 marks); Describe the four forms of power sharing in modern democracies (5 marks)
One-Line Revision (read aloud before the exam)
  1. Belgium has a complex ethnic composition: 59% Dutch-speaking, 40% French-speaking, and 1% German-speaking.
  2. In Brussels, 80% of people speak French and 20% speak Dutch.
  3. Sri Lanka's major social groups are Sinhala-speakers (74%) and Tamil-speakers (18%).
  4. Sri Lankan Tamils are concentrated in the north and east of the country.
  5. Majoritarianism is the belief that the majority community should rule by disregarding the wishes of the minority.
  6. In 1956, Sri Lanka passed an Act recognising Sinhala as the only official language.
  7. The civil war in Sri Lanka ended in 2009.
  8. Belgium amended its constitution four times between 1970 and 1993 to accommodate diversity.
  9. In Belgium, the number of Dutch and French-speaking ministers is equal in the central government.
  10. Brussels has a separate government with equal representation for both communities.
  11. Belgium has a 'community government' elected by people of one language community for cultural, educational, and language issues.
  12. Power sharing is desirable for prudential reasons (reduces conflict) and moral reasons (spirit of democracy).
  13. Horizontal distribution of power is among legislature, executive, and judiciary.
  14. Vertical distribution of power is between central and state governments.
  15. Power sharing among social groups includes reserved constituencies for weaker sections and women.
  16. Coalition governments are an example of power sharing among political parties.

MCQs — 10 Questions with Answers

Q1. A country has 65% speakers of Language A and 35% speakers of Language B. The government declares Language A as the only official language for all government work and university admissions. Based on the Sri Lankan example in the chapter, what is this policy called and what is its likely consequence?

  • A. Majoritarianism; it will increase alienation among Language B speakers ✓
  • B. Power-sharing; it will strengthen national unity
  • C. Federalism; it will reduce regional tensions
  • D. Constitutionalism; it will protect minority rights

Answer: A — Sri Lanka adopted majoritarian policies (Sinhala-only Act of 1956) that alienated Tamil minorities; students often confuse majoritarianism with legitimate majority rule, ignoring the resulting conflict.

Q2. Assertion (A): Belgium amended its constitution four times between 1970 and 1993 to accommodate ethnic and linguistic diversity. Reason (R): Belgium wanted to prevent the partition of the country by ensuring that no single community could make unilateral decisions. 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 false
  • D. A is false but R is true

Answer: A — Both facts are accurate and causally linked: Belgium's constitutional amendments were directly designed to prevent majoritarian conflict and partition through power-sharing mechanisms.

Q3. A city has 55% French-speaking residents but is located within a nation where 59% speak Dutch nationally. According to the Belgian model discussed in the chapter, which statement best describes the power-sharing challenge this city presents?

  • A. The city's majority matches the national majority, so no special arrangement is needed
  • B. The French-speaking community is a national minority but a local majority in this city, requiring constitutional arrangements for equal community representation ✓
  • C. The city should be governed entirely by the national Dutch-speaking majority without local autonomy
  • D. The city's linguistic diversity makes democratic governance impossible

Answer: B — This models the Brussels-like scenario: French speakers (55% in city) are a local majority but a national minority in a Dutch-majority nation (59%). The Belgian model solves this through constitutional arrangements giving communities equal representation regardless of local/national majority status; options A, C, and D contradict the chapter's power-sharing principle.

Q4. Read this statement from a Tamil political leader in Sri Lanka (1960s): 'Our language is ignored, our children cannot study in our own medium, and government jobs go only to Sinhala speakers. We no longer feel we belong to this nation.' Based on the chapter, what chain of events led to this feeling?

  • A. The Sinhala majority used democratic elections to impose majoritarian policies without consulting minorities ✓
  • B. Tamil speakers refused to participate in the constitution-making process
  • C. India imposed language policies on Sri Lanka during the colonial period
  • D. The British deliberately created linguistic divisions before independence

Answer: A — The chapter documents how Sri Lanka's democratically elected government passed majoritarian measures (1956 Sinhala Act, preferential policies, Buddhist constitution) that systematically alienated Tamils; students may blame external factors or minority non-participation rather than majority dominance.

Q5. Assertion (A): Sri Lanka's majority Sinhala community has a constitutional right to rule the country according to its preferences because it constitutes 74% of the population. Reason (R): In a democracy, the majority always has the right to impose its will on minorities without restrictions. 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 false
  • D. A is false but R is true ✓

Answer: D — While R is true (democracies do allow majority rule), A is false because democracies are supposed to protect minority rights through constitutional safeguards, which Sri Lanka failed to do; the chapter argues majoritarian rule without power-sharing is problematic.

Q6. The Belgian Constitution prescribes that Dutch and French-speaking ministers must be equal in the central government, and some special laws require support from a majority of each linguistic group. How does this arrangement prevent the domination mentioned in the chapter's opening question about power-sharing?

  • A. It distributes power so that no single community can unilaterally make decisions affecting both groups ✓
  • B. It reduces the total power of the central government, making it weaker
  • C. It gives the French-speaking minority veto power over all national laws
  • D. It eliminates the need for a constitution by relying only on community agreements

Answer: A — Belgium's model is designed so that mutual cooperation is required for decisions—neither group can dominate alone; students often misinterpret power-sharing as either weakening government (B) or giving minorities total veto (C).

Q7. Assertion (A): In Belgium, the State Governments of the two regions (Flanders and Wallonia) are not subordinate to the Central Government. Reason (R): This federal arrangement allows communities to protect their language and culture at the regional level without central government interference. 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 false
  • D. A is false but R is true

Answer: A — Both statements are accurate: Belgium's decentralization of powers to regional governments (A) directly serves the purpose of protecting linguistic and cultural autonomy (R), preventing central majoritarian control.

Q8. According to the chapter, 'Sharing power = dividing power = weakening the country.' Examine this equation using the evidence from Belgium and Sri Lanka presented in the text. Which conclusion is most supported?

  • A. The equation is true; Belgium's power-sharing has weakened its ability to govern
  • B. The equation is false; Belgium's power-sharing prevented conflict and state partition, while Sri Lanka's refusal to share power led to civil war and division ✓
  • C. The equation is partially true only for countries with linguistic diversity
  • D. The equation applies only to democracies and not to other forms of government

Answer: B — The chapter's central argument (implicit in comparing the two cases) is that power-sharing strengthens rather than weakens democracy by preventing majoritarian domination; students often accept the equation at face value without testing it against evidence.

Q9. Extract: 'The minority French-speaking community was relatively rich and powerful. This was resented by the Dutch-speaking community who got the benefit of economic development and education much later.' Based on this and the chapter's discussion, what does this reveal about the causes of conflict in Belgium?

  • A. Linguistic differences alone are sufficient to cause conflict in any country
  • B. Conflict arose from a combination of linguistic division AND economic inequality, not from language alone ✓
  • C. The French-speaking community deliberately prevented Dutch-speakers from developing economically
  • D. Belgium's conflict was caused by colonial exploitation before independence

Answer: B — The chapter indicates that both linguistic identity and economic disparity fueled Belgian tensions; students often attribute conflict to single factors (language) rather than understanding the intersection of multiple social divisions.

Q10. Extract: 'The governments followed preferential policies that favoured Sinhala applicants for university positions and government jobs.' How did this majoritarian policy directly contribute to the alienation of Tamil minorities described later in the chapter?

  • A. It prevented Tamils from accessing education and employment opportunities, making them feel excluded from national resources ✓
  • B. It was intended to improve the economy and would eventually benefit all communities
  • C. It was a temporary measure that was later reversed by the government
  • D. It applied only to certain regions and did not affect Tamil communities nationally

Answer: A — The chapter explicitly links preferential policies to Tamil alienation by stating these measures 'discriminated against them in getting jobs and other opportunities and ignored their interests'; students may downplay structural discrimination or assume such policies are neutral.

Flashcards

What does 'majoritarian' mean in political science?

A belief that the majority community should rule a country as it wishes while disregarding the wishes and needs of the minority.

Name two ethnic/linguistic communities in Belgium and their percentages.

Dutch-speaking Flemish (59%) and French-speaking Walloon (40%).

What major language act did Sri Lanka pass in 1956 and what was its impact?

The 1956 Act made Sinhala the only official language, disregarding Tamil and increasing alienation among Tamil-speaking minorities.

Why was Brussels a special problem in Belgium?

Dutch-speakers were the national majority but a minority in Brussels where 80% spoke French, creating a contradiction.

How did Belgium's constitution handle power-sharing between linguistic communities?

It prescribed equal numbers of Dutch and French-speaking ministers in central government and required some laws to have support from majority members of each linguistic group.

What was the outcome of Sri Lanka's majoritarian policies on Tamil communities?

Relations strained, Tamil organizations demanded autonomy and independent Tamil Eelam, eventually leading to civil war with thousands killed.

Define 'civil war' with an example from the chapter.

A violent conflict between opposing groups within a country that becomes so intense it appears like war, such as Sri Lanka's Tamil-Sinhala conflict.

Name two key elements of the Belgian power-sharing model.

Equal representation of linguistic communities in central government and devolution of many Central Government powers to regional State Governments.

What percentage of Sri Lanka's population spoke Tamil?

18% of the population, with 13% being Sri Lankan Tamils and the remainder being Indian Tamils.

How many times did Belgium amend its constitution between 1970 and 1993?

Four times to work out an arrangement enabling different communities to live together within the same country.

Important Board Questions

Define majoritarian and explain why Sri Lanka's approach of making Sinhala the only official language in 1956 was considered majoritarian. [2 marks]

Majoritarian = majority imposing will on minorities. 1956 Act disregarded Tamil language and favoured Sinhala speakers in jobs/education, denying Tamils equal political rights.

Explain with two examples how Belgium's power-sharing arrangement was different from Sri Lanka's approach and why this made Belgium more successful. [3 marks]

Belgium: (1) Equal ministers from both linguistic groups + special laws need majority from each group; (2) Regional autonomy to State Governments. Sri Lanka: Only Sinhala official language + preferential policies. Belgium's approach gave minorities constitutional protection; Sri Lanka's excluded them, causing alienation and eventual civil war.

Analyze why the relationship between Sinhala and Tamil communities in Sri Lanka deteriorated from 1948 to the 1980s. What role did government policies play in this deterioration? Could Sri Lanka have adopted a Belgium-like model to prevent civil war? [5 marks]

Government majoritarian policies (1956 language act, preferential employment, Buddhism protection) systematically excluded Tamils from decision-making and opportunities. Tamils demanded autonomy/recognition; government denied these. By 1980s, independent Tamil Eelam movements emerged, leading to civil war. Yes, Belgium-like model with constitutional power-sharing, equal representation, and regional autonomy could have prevented conflict by including minorities in governance and decision-making.

Assertion-Reason Questions for Power Sharing

Q1. Assertion (A):

Belgium successfully managed ethnic tensions through power-sharing mechanisms in its constitution.

Reason (R):

Between 1970 and 1993, Belgium amended its constitution to ensure equal representation of Dutch and French-speaking communities and distributed powers to regional governments.

Answer: A — Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A — Both the assertion and reason are true, and the reason directly explains why Belgium was successful in managing tensions. The constitutional amendments creating power-sharing mechanisms (equal ministers, regional governments) are the exact cause of Belgium's success.

Q2. Assertion (A):

Sri Lanka adopted majoritarian policies after independence that discriminated against Tamil minorities.

Reason (R):

The Sinhala community constituted the largest percentage of Sri Lanka's population and possessed greater economic resources than Tamil communities.

Answer: C — A is true but R is false — The assertion is true—Sri Lanka did adopt majoritarian measures like making Sinhala the only official language and providing preferential policies for Sinhalas. However, the reason is incomplete and incorrect. The reason focuses on majority size and wealth, but the actual motivation for majoritarian policies was the Sinhala community's desire to secure dominance, not merely because they had greater resources. Majority size alone doesn't justify discriminatory policies.

Q3. Assertion (A):

The Brussels problem in Belgium arose because Dutch-speakers were a majority nationally but a minority in the capital city.

Reason (R):

Belgium's capital city had 80 per cent French-speakers and only 20 per cent Dutch-speakers, creating a unique power-sharing challenge.

Answer: B — Both A and R are true, but R is NOT the correct explanation of A — Both the assertion and reason are factually true. However, the reason is not the correct explanation of why the 'problem' arose. The problem wasn't simply the demographic difference; it was the conflict potential when a national majority becomes a capital minority, which could lead to competing claims over control of the capital. The reason states facts but doesn't explain the actual problem.

Unlock more Assertion-Reason questions in Premium — unlock →

Case-Based Questions (CBQ) for Power Sharing

Case Study:

A research team studied two regions that experienced ethnic diversity. Region X had constitutional provisions ensuring equal representation of its three major communities in the cabinet, distributed powers to local governments, and required special laws to have majority support from each community. Region Y had a majority community (62%) that controlled parliament and passed laws without minority consultation, favoured its language in schools and administration, and appointed judges exclusively from the majority community. After 10 years, Region X had peaceful inter-community relations with only minor disagreements resolved through courts. Region Y experienced mass protests, community violence, and a threat of civil conflict that required international mediation.

Q1. Which Belgian power-sharing feature does Region X's system most resemble?

  • A. A unitary government with centralised power
  • B. Constitutional equality of communities and distributed powers ✓
  • C. Monarchy with ceremonial functions only
  • D. Military rule with administrative control

Answer: B

Q2. Which Sri Lankan majoritarian policy does Region Y most closely mirror?

  • A. Equal representation of all communities in government
  • B. Regional autonomy for minority-populated areas
  • C. Preference for majority language and community in administration ✓
  • D. Constitutional protection for all religious groups

Answer: C

Q3. What outcome difference is evident between Region X and Region Y after 10 years?

  • A. Region X had violence; Region Y had peace
  • B. Region X maintained peace; Region Y experienced conflict ✓
  • C. Both regions experienced equal levels of conflict
  • D. Neither region had any disagreements

Answer: B

Q4. What does this comparison suggest about power-sharing in diverse societies?

  • A. Power-sharing increases conflict and instability
  • B. Majoritarian rule is always better for national unity
  • C. Inclusive power-sharing mechanisms help maintain democratic peace ✓
  • D. Diversity automatically leads to civil war regardless of system

Answer: C

Unlock more case studies in Premium — unlock →

Previous Year Questions (PYQ) for Power Sharing

Real CBSE board exam questions from past papers — free to attempt.

CBSE 2026 · Set 31/4/1 · 1 mark

Two statements are given below. They are Assertion (A) and Reason (R). Read both the statements carefully and choose the correct option: Assertion (A): The civil war in Sri Lanka resulted due to failure of political accommodation of ethnicity. Reason (R): The distrust between the Sinhala and Tamil communities turned into widespread conflict in Sri Lanka.

  • Both (A) and (R) are correct and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
  • Both (A) and (R) are correct, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
  • (A) is true, but (R) is false.
  • (A) is false, but (R) is true.

CBSE 2026 · Set 31/4/1 · 1 mark

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. Last year, 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.

Explain the term 'Balance of Power'.

CBSE 2026 · Set 31/5/1 · 1 mark

Two statements are given below. They are Assertion (A) and Reason (R). Read both the statements carefully and choose the correct option: Assertion (A): Belgium's power sharing arrangements were designed to accommodate its linguistic and cultural divisions. Reason (R): Belgian leaders recognized the existence of regional differences and cultural diversities.

  • Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
  • Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
  • (A) is true, but (R) is false.
  • (A) is false, but (R) is true.

CBSE 2026 · Set 31/5/1 · 1 mark

Forms of Power-sharing 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 dispersed, 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 power should be distributed among as many citizens as possible.

How does power sharing promote stability of political order?

CBSE 2026 · Set 31/5/2 · 4 marks

Forms of Power-sharing. 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 dispersed, 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 power should be distributed among as many citizens as possible.

(28.1) How does power sharing promote stability of political order?

CBSE 2025 · Set 31/1/1 · 1 mark

An Experiment in Brazil A city called Porto Alegre in Brazil has carried out an extraordinary experiment in combining decentralisation with participative democracy. The city has set up a parallel organisation operating alongside the municipal council, enabling local inhabitants to take real decisions for their city. The nearly 13 lakh people in this city get to participate in making the budget for their own city. The city is divided into many sectors or what we call wards. Each sector has a meeting, like that of the gram sabha, in which anyone living in that area can participate. There are some meetings to discuss issues that affect the entire city. Any citizen of the city can participate in those meetings. The budget of the city is discussed in these meetings. The proposals are put to the municipality that takes a final decision about it.

Explain the meaning of participatory democracy.

CBSE 2025 · Set 31/1/2 · 1 mark

Belgium solved its problem of majoritarianism by strengthening which of the following types of government ?

  • Unitary
  • Presidential
  • Federal
  • Parliamentary

CBSE 2025 · Set 31/2/1 · 1 mark

Which of the following countries is an example of sharing of power between the national and state governments to account for internal diversity?

  • United States of America
  • Australia
  • Belgium
  • Switzerland

CBSE 2025 · Set 31/2/1 · 2 marks

Describe any two provisions made in the Constitution to establish federalism.

CBSE 2025 · Set 31/2/2 · 1 mark

Which one of the following organisations has its headquarter in Brussels?

  • United Nations Organisation
  • European Union
  • Non-Alignment Movement
  • South Asian Association for Regional Co-operation

CBSE 2025 · Set 31/2/3 · 3 marks

Why is power sharing essential for the success of democracy? Explain.

CBSE 2025 · Set 31/3/1 · 1 mark

Which one of the following languages is included in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution ?

  • Bhojpuri
  • Magadhi
  • Rajasthani
  • Tamil

See all 49 board PYQs for this chapter — open PYQ tab →

Class 10 Social Science Previous Year Questions, Chapter-wise

All 805 CBSE board questions from 2022–2026, sorted by chapter and question type. Free PDF download.

See all past board questions →

Next chapterFederalism →
Found this useful? Share it with your class group.

You've seen the free preview. Open the full interactive study kit — mind map, instant-graded quiz, progress tracking — free, no sign-in required.

Open Full Study Kit — Free →

Premium unlocks the full Question Bank, Daily Practice Papers, Chapter Quiz and Full Mock Papers for every chapter.