NCERT Solutions Class 10 Civics Chapter 1

Question 1

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

Different forms of power sharing in modern democracies are:

1. Horizontal Division of Power:
Sharing of power among different organs of government (Legislature, Executive, and Judiciary) placed at the same level.
Example: In India, the Council of Ministers (Executive) is responsible to the Parliament (Legislature), and judges (Judiciary) check the laws. This creates a system of checks and balances.

2. Vertical Division of Power:
Sharing of power among governments at different levels – a general government for the entire country (Federal/Central) and governments at the regional level (State).
Example: In India, the Constitution defines the powers of the Central and State governments separately.

3. Division Among Social Groups:
Power sharing among different religious and linguistic groups.
Example: ‘Community Government’ in Belgium and ‘Reserved Constituencies’ in India.

4. Division Between Political Parties & Pressure Groups:
Power sharing arrangements can be seen in the way political parties and movements control or influence those in power.
Example: Coalition governments where two or more parties share power.

Question 2

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

Prudential Reason (Calculated Gains):
Power sharing reduces the possibility of conflict between social groups. Since conflict often leads to violence and instability, power sharing ensures the stability of the political order.
Indian Example: Reservation of seats for socially weaker sections in legislatures.

Moral Reason (Intrinsic Value):
Power sharing is the very spirit of democracy. A democratic rule involves sharing power with those affected by its exercise. Citizens have a right to be consulted.
Indian Example: Citizens debating and criticising government policies, forcing the government to rethink decisions.

Question 3

Three students drew different conclusions after reading this chapter:
Thomman: Power sharing is necessary only in societies with divisions.
Mathayi: Power sharing is suitable only for big countries.
Ouseph: Every society needs some form of power sharing even if it is small or does not have social divisions.
Which of these do you agree with and why?

Answer: I agree with Ouseph’s statement as it is the most logical.

Reason: Power sharing is not just about resolving conflict; it inculcates a sense of worth in citizens. Even in a small homogenous society, people have a right to be consulted on how they are governed. They will be more satisfied if they have a say in the decision-making process.

Question 4

The Mayor of Merchtem (Belgium) defended a ban on speaking French in the town’s schools to help integration. Do you think this measure is in keeping with the spirit of Belgium’s power sharing arrangements?

Answer: No, this measure is not in keeping with Belgium’s power sharing arrangements.

Reason: The Belgian model seeks to maintain peace between French and Dutch-speaking communities by respecting both. Banning French ignores this spirit of accommodation and may cause civil unrest. A bilingual education system would be a better way to integrate people.

Question 5

Read the passage (about Panchayats) and pick out any one of the prudential reasons for power sharing offered in this.

The prudential reason offered in the passage is:

“When people participate in the planning and implementation of developmental schemes, they would naturally exercise greater control over these schemes. This would eliminate the corrupt middlemen.”

Question 6

Different arguments are usually put forth in favour of and against power sharing. Select the answer using the codes given below. 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

Correct Option: (a) A, B, D, F

These four points represent the positive outcomes of power sharing (Prudential and Moral reasons).

Question 7

Consider the following statements about power sharing arrangements in Belgium and Sri Lanka. Which of the statements are correct?

A. In Belgium, the Dutch-speaking majority people tried to impose their domination on the minority French-speaking community.
B. In Sri Lanka, the policies of the government sought to ensure the dominance of the Sinhala-speaking majority.
C. The Tamils in Sri Lanka demanded a federal arrangement of power sharing.
D. The transformation of Belgium from unitary government to a federal one prevented a possible division of the country on linguistic lines.

Correct Option: (d) B, C and D

Explanation: Statement A is incorrect because the Dutch majority did not try to impose domination; instead, they agreed to equal representation in the Central Government.

Question 8

Match List I (forms of power sharing) with List II (forms of government).

1. Power shared among different organs of government	B. Separation of powers
2. Power shared among governments at different levels	D. Federal government
3. Power shared by different social groups	A. Community government
4. Power shared by two or more political parties	C. Coalition government

Correct Option: (c) B, D, A, C

Question 9

Consider the following two statements on power sharing:
A. Power sharing is good for democracy.
B. It helps to reduce the possibility of conflict between social groups.

Correct Option: (b) Both A and B are true

Statement A refers to the Moral reason and Statement B refers to the Prudential reason.

Power Sharing