NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Social Science Civics Chapter 1 Power-sharing

NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Social Science Civics Chapter 1: Power sharing is the distribution of political power in a democratic system, ensuring no single group or individual has absolute control. It involves sharing power among different levels of government, social groups, political parties, and between majority and minority groups.

This system prevents the concentration of power, promotes fairness, and encourages equal representation. Power sharing helps reduce conflicts and ensures that diverse groups are heard, making it essential for a balanced, inclusive democracy. Understanding this concept is important for the Class 10 Board Exams.

What Is Power Sharing Class 10?

Power sharing refers to the distribution of power among different organs of government, levels of administration, social groups, and political parties in a democracy.

Instead of concentrating authority in one person or institution, power is shared to ensure balance, accountability, and fairness.

In Class 10 Civics, power sharing is explained as a key feature of democratic governance because it helps prevent misuse of power, protects minority interests, and allows people to participate in decision-making.

By sharing power, a country promotes political stability, equality, and mutual respect among diverse groups.

Why Power Sharing Is Desirable Class 10

Power sharing is desirable because it helps reduce the chances of social and political conflict by accommodating different groups in society. When power is shared, no single group or institution can dominate others, which promotes political stability and unity.

It also strengthens democracy by ensuring participation, accountability, and respect for diverse interests.

Power Sharing Class 10 Questions and Answers

Exercises 

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

Answer.

1. Horizontal distribution of power: Power is shared among various organs of government, including the legislature, executive, and judiciary. For instance, India follows this model.
2. Federal division of power: Power can be divided among governments at different levels, such as a central government for the entire country and regional governments. India's Union Government and State Governments exemplify this arrangement.
3. Community government: Power-sharing may extend to different social groups, such as religious and linguistic communities. Belgium provides an example of this form of power-sharing.
4. Power-sharing among political parties, pressure groups, and movements: Competition among these entities ensures that power is not concentrated in one entity's hands. Over time, power is distributed among different political parties representing diverse ideologies and social groups.

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

Answer.

3. After reading this chapter, three students drew different conclusions. Which of these do you agree with and why? Give your reasons in about 50 words. Thomman – Power sharing is necessary only in societies which have religious, linguistic or ethnic divisions. Mathayi – Power sharing is suitable only for big countries that have regional divisions. Ouseph – Every society needs some form of power-sharing, even if it is small or does not have social divisions.

Answer.

4. The Mayor of Merchtem, a town near Brussels in Belgium, has defended a ban on speaking French in the town’s schools. He said that the ban would help all non-Dutch speakers integrate into this Flemish town. Do you think that this measure is in keeping with the spirit of Belgium’s power-sharing arrangements? Give your reasons in about 50 words.

Answer.

5. Read the following passage and pick out any one of the prudential reasons for power sharing offered in this. “We need to give more power to the panchayats to realise the dream of Mahatma Gandhi and the hopes of the makers of our Constitution. Panchayati Raj establishes true democracy. It restores power to the only place where power belongs in a democracy – in the hands of the people. Giving power to Panchayats is also a way to reduce corruption and increase administrative efficiency. 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. Thus, Panchayati Raj will strengthen the foundations of our democracy.”

Answer.

6. Different arguments are usually put forth in favour of and against power-sharing. Identify those which are in favour 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. delays the decision-making process
4. accommodates diversities
5. increases instability and divisiveness
6. promotes people’s participation in government

G. undermines the unity of a country

Answer.

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

1. In Belgium, the Dutch-speaking majority people tried to impose their domination on the minority 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 a unitary government to a federal one prevented a possible division of the country on linguistic lines.

Which of the statements given above is correct?

(a) A, B, C and D

(b) A, B and D

(c) C and D

(d) B, C and D

Answer.

8. Match List I (forms of power-sharing) with List II (forms of government) and select the correct answer using the codes given below in the lists.

Answer.

9. Consider the following two statements on power-sharing and select the answer using the codes given below.

A) Power-sharing is good for democracy.

B) It helps to reduce the possibility of conflict between social groups.

Which of these statements are true and false?

Answer.

How NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Social Science Civics Chapter 1 Helpful for Board Exams