Chapter 1: Power-sharing

Important questions — the ones the board asked most (20)

1. Q1Very short answer2 marksAsked: 2023, 2024

   Why is power sharing desirable ? Explain.

   

   Medha Ma’am

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   Model answer · why power sharing is desirable

   1. 1.Power sharing is desirable because it helps to reduce the possibility of conflict between social groups. Since social conflict often leads to violence and political instability, power sharing is a good way to ensure the stability of political order.1 mark
   2. 2.Power sharing is also desirable because it is the very spirit of democracy, as a democratic rule involves sharing power with those affected by its exercise and connects people with the system of governance. People have a right to be consulted on how they are to be governed, and this gives citizens a stake in the system.1 mark

   • Write the phrase 'social groups' and 'conflict' in the first paragraph.
   • Write the phrase 'spirit of democracy' and mention 'governance' in the second paragraph.
   • Keep the two reasons separate, do not mix conflict-reduction with democratic spirit in one line.

   Marks split from a structure derived from past papers (checked twice); not CBSE’s official scheme

2. Q2Long answer5 marksAsked: 2026

   (a) Compare the Belgian model and the Sri Lankan model of power sharing. OR (b) Why is power sharing necessary in a democracy ? Explain.

   

   Medha Ma’am

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   Hear it from Medha Ma’am · 125 s

   Model answer · power sharing, Belgium and Sri Lanka

   1. 1.(a) Belgium shared power to keep harmony and cooperation between its communities, while Sri Lanka adopted majoritarian measures to establish Sinhala dominance. OR (b) Power sharing reduces the chance of conflict between social groups and so keeps the nation united.1 mark
   2. 2.In Belgium many powers of the central government were given to the state governments of the regions, while Sri Lanka kept power concentrated in the central government. OR Power sharing is the very spirit of democracy: people affected by decisions have a stake in power.1 mark
   3. 3.Brussels has a separate government in which both language communities have equal representation, while in Sri Lanka Tamil language and culture were neglected. OR Majoritarianism alienates minorities and threatens the unity of the country, as Sri Lanka shows.1 mark
   4. 4.Belgium's community government, elected by each language group, decides cultural, educational and language matters, while Sri Lanka declared Sinhala the only official language in 1956. OR Power sharing gives the people more control over decisions and checks arbitrary decisions.1 mark
   5. 5.Belgium's model kept the country united, while Sri Lanka's alienated the Tamils and led to civil war. OR Power sharing keeps peace and political stability and makes governance effective.1 mark

   Marks split from a structure derived from past papers (checked twice); not CBSE’s official scheme

3. Q3Long answer5 marksAsked: 2025

   (a) "The law enacted in 1956 and other Constitutional Provisions led to major conflict between the two communities in Sri Lanka." Support the statement. OR (b) "Power sharing increases trust between different groups." Support the statement.

   

   Medha Ma’am

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   Hear it from Medha Ma’am · 110 s

   Model answer · Majoritarianism in Sri Lanka

   1. 1.Sri Lanka became independent in 1948. After that, the democratically elected government adopted a series of majoritarian measures to establish Sinhala supremacy. In 1956, an Act was passed to recognise Sinhala as the only official language, thus disregarding Tamil.1 mark
   2. 2.The governments followed preferential policies that favoured Sinhala applicants for university positions and government jobs. This meant Tamils got fewer chances in education and employment.1 mark
   3. 3.A new constitution stipulated that the state shall protect and foster Buddhism. Most Sinhala-speaking people are Buddhists, while most Tamils are Hindus or Muslims.1 mark
   4. 4.Majoritarianism is 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. These government measures came one after the other and 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 was sensitive to their language and culture.1 mark
   5. 5.The Tamils felt that the constitution and government policies denied them equal political rights, discriminated against them in getting jobs and other opportunities and ignored their interests. Relations between the Sinhala and Tamil communities became strained, and the distrust turned into widespread conflict and later a civil war.1 mark

   • Write the year 1956 and the phrase "Sinhala as the only official language, thus disregarding Tamil".
   • Name both areas of preference: "university positions and government jobs".
   • End by writing that the Tamils felt they were "denied them equal political rights", and link this to the "feeling of alienation".

   Marks split as in the board’s published marking scheme

4. Q4Case-based4 marksAsked: 2026

   Read the given source carefully and answer the questions that follow : Forms of power sharing (27.1) Why should all the powers of the government not be in the hands of one person ? (27.2) Why is power sharing necessary ? (27.3) How does governing through institutions of self-government strengthen democracy ? Explain.

   How the model answer begins

   1. All the powers of the government should not be in the hands of one person because concentration of power in one person or group of persons located at one place increases the risk that this power holder will become…

   The full answer from Medha Ma’am →
5. Q5Case-based4 marksAsked: 2026

   Read the given source carefully and answer the questions that follow : 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 ? (28.2) How are pressure groups part of the power sharing mechanism ? (28.3) How does power sharing contribute to the spirit of democracy ?

   How the model answer begins

   1. Power sharing helps to reduce the possibility of conflict between social groups. Since social conflict often leads to violence and political instability, power sharing is a good way to ensure the stability of political…

   The full answer from Medha Ma’am →
6. Q6Case-based4 marksAsked: 2026

   Read the given source carefully and answer the given questions: [passage] 28.1 How do pressure groups influence the government? 1 28.2 How do social groups benefit from the sharing of power? 1 28.3 Explain the contribution of citizens in the sharing of power. 2

   How the model answer begins

   1. 28.1 Pressure groups influence the government in two ways. They take part in governmental committees, where they represent different ideologies and social groups such as traders, businessmen, industrialists, farmers and…

   The full answer from Medha Ma’am →
7. Q7Case-based4 marksAsked: 2026

   Read the given source carefully and answer the questions that follow : POWER SHARING 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. 28.1 How do pressure groups influence the government ? 28.2 How do social groups benefit from power sharing ? 28.3 Explain the contributions of citizens in the power sharing process ?

8. Q8Case-based4 marksAsked: 2026

   Read the given source carefully and answer the questions that follow : [passage] 28.1 Explain the term ‘Balance of Power’. (1) 28.2 Why is the judiciary considered independent in a democracy ? (1) 28.3 How is power shared among different organs of government ? (2)

   How the model answer begins

   1. 28.1 'Balance of power' means that power is divided among the different organs of government, the legislature, executive and judiciary, so that no single organ becomes all-powerful and each organ keeps a check on the…

   The full answer from Medha Ma’am →
9. Q9Case-based4 marksAsked: 2026

   Read the given source carefully and answer the questions that follow : Power Sharing 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. 28.1 Explain the term 'Balance of Power'. 28.2 Why is the judiciary considered independent in a democracy ? 28.3 How is power shared among different organs of government ?

   How the model answer begins

   1. 28.1 Balance of power means that none of the organs of government can exercise unlimited power. Power is separated among the legislature, executive and judiciary, and each organ checks the others. This results in a…

   The full answer from Medha Ma’am →
10. Q10Case-based4 marksAsked: 2025

    Read the given source and answer the questions that follow : [passage] (36.1) Explain the meaning of 'participatory democracy'. 1 (36.2) In the context of separation of powers, the given example defines which type of government ? 1 (36.3) Describe the structure of the system in India which is almost similar to the above example of Brazil. 2

    How the model answer begins

    1. (36.1) Participatory democracy means the direct involvement of ordinary citizens in decision-making processes, not merely through their elected representatives. People rule themselves through institutions of…

    The full answer from Medha Ma’am →
11. Q11Case-based4 marksAsked: 2023

    Read the given extract 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 per cent lives in the Flemish region and speaks Dutch language. Another 40 per cent people live in the Wallonia region and speak French. Remaining one per cent of the Belgians speak German. In the capital city Brussels, 80 per cent of the people speak French while 20 per cent are Dutch-speaking. (36.1) Explain the ethnic composition of Belgium. (36.2) Explain the term 'ethnic'. (36.3) How did the Belgian Government solve their ethnic problem ? Explain.

    How the model answer begins

    1. (36.1) The ethnic composition of Belgium is very complex. Of the country's total population, 59 per cent lives in the Flemish region and speaks Dutch language. Another 40 per cent people live in the Wallonia region and…

    The full answer from Medha Ma’am →
12. Q12Case-based4 marksAsked: 2023

    Read the given extract and answer the questions that follow : [passage] (34.1) Explain the ethnic composition of Belgium. 1 (34.2) Explain the term 'ethnic'. 1 (34.3) How did the Belgian Government solve their ethnic problem ? Explain. 2

    How the model answer begins

    1. The ethnic composition of Belgium is very complex. Of the country's total population, 59 per cent live in the Flemish region and speak Dutch, 40 per cent live in the Wallonia region and speak French, and the remaining…

    The full answer from Medha Ma’am →
13. Q13Short answer3 marksAsked: 2025

    27. "The government measures gradually increased the feeling of alienation among the Sri Lankan Tamils." Explain the statement.

    How the model answer begins

    1. In 1956, an Act was passed to recognise Sinhala as the only official language, thus disregarding Tamil.

    The full answer from Medha Ma’am →
14. Q14Short answer3 marksAsked: 2025

    Evaluate the system of ‘Checks and Balances’ in the horizontal distribution of power in India.

    How the model answer begins

    1. Horizontal distribution of power means that power is shared among different organs of government, such as the legislature, executive and judiciary. It is called horizontal because it allows different organs of…

    The full answer from Medha Ma’am →
15. Q15Short answer3 marksAsked: 2025

    "Power sharing is the very spirit of democracy." Support the statement by giving suitable arguments.

    How the model answer begins

    1. Power sharing is the very spirit of democracy because it helps to reduce the possibility of conflict between social groups. When different social groups share power, each group gets a voice in how it is governed, so no…

    The full answer from Medha Ma’am →
16. Q16Short answer3 marksAsked: 2025

    "Political power cannot be divided." Analyse suitable arguments against the statement.

    How the model answer begins

    1. The statement is wrong because power sharing is the essence of democracy. It is the very spirit of democracy. A democratic rule involves sharing power with those affected by its exercise, and who have to live with its…

    The full answer from Medha Ma’am →
17. Q17Short answer3 marksAsked: 2025

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

    How the model answer begins

    1. Power sharing is essential because it helps to reduce the possibility of conflict between social groups. Social conflict often leads to violence and political instability, so sharing power keeps different groups…

    The full answer from Medha Ma’am →
18. Q18Short answer3 marksAsked: 2025

    Why is the division of power essential to democratic system ? Explain.

    How the model answer begins

    1. The division of power, or power sharing, is essential to a democratic system for two different sets of reasons: prudential and moral. Prudential reasons stress that power sharing will bring out better outcomes. Moral…

    The full answer from Medha Ma’am →
19. Q19Short answer3 marksAsked: 2024

    Describe three provisions through which Belgium solved its problem.

20. Q20Short answer3 marksAsked: 2023

    "In modern democracies, power sharing arrangements can take many forms." Explain the statement.

    How the model answer begins

    1. Power sharing in modern democracies takes three common forms. First is the horizontal distribution of power. Power is shared among different organs of government, such as the legislature, executive and judiciary. These…

    The full answer from Medha Ma’am →

9 more questions of this chapter, each with its model answer, in the AskMedha app.

Objective questions with the board’s key (10)

1. 1. CBSE 2026

   In Sri Lanka, which one of the following changes to the 1956 law gave rise to the possibility of civil war ?

   • (A) Ensuring power sharing among all sections.
   • (B) Declaring Sinhala as the official language. ✓
   • (C) Declaring Tamil as the official language.
   • (D) Implementing a policy of preference for Sinhalese in government jobs.

   Answer: (B)

2. 2. CBSE 2026

   Identify the correct statement regarding Belgium :

   • (A) A small country of Europe ✓
   • (B) A big country of Asia
   • (C) A big country of North America
   • (D) A small country of Africa

   Answer: (A)

3. 3. CBSE 2026

   Observe the given picture carefully and identify the building. Note: The following questions are for the Visually Impaired Candidates only, in lieu of Q. No. 20 : Which of the following is a house of the Indian Parliament? (A) Vidhan Parishad (B) Vidhan Sabha (C) Rajya Sabha (D) Vikas Parishad

   • (A) Rashtrapati Bhavan
   • (B) Nirvachan Sadan
   • (C) Indian Parliament ✓
   • (D) Supreme Court of India

   Answer: (C)

4. 4. CBSE 2026

   20. Two statements are given below. They are Assertion (A) and Reason (R). Read both the statements carefully and choose the correct option : 1 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.

   • (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)

5. 5. CBSE 2026

   Two statements are given below. These are Assertion (A) and Reason (R). Read both the statements carefully and choose the correct option : Assertion (A) : The power-sharing arrangement of Belgium was designed to accommodate its linguistic and cultural divisions. Reason (R) : The leaders of Belgium acknowledged their regional differences and cultural diversities.

   • (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)

6. 6. CBSE 2026

   Two statements are given below. They are Assertion (A) and Reason (R). Read both the statements carefully and choose the correct option : Assertion (A) : Both, Sri Lanka and Belgium faced challenges of ethnic and linguistic diversity. Reason (R) : Sri Lanka had majority of Tamils whereas Belgium had majority of French speaking people.

   • (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: (C)

7. 7. CBSE 2026

   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.

   • (A) Both (A) and (R) are correct and (R) is the correct explanation of (A). ✓
   • (B) Both (A) and (R) are correct, 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)

8. 8. CBSE 2025

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

   • (A) United Nations Organisation
   • (B) European Union ✓
   • (C) Non-Alignment Movement
   • (D) South Asian Association for Regional Co-operation

   Answer: (B)

9. 9. CBSE 2025

   Choose the correct option to fill the blank. The Belgian leaders took a different path than Sri Lanka. They recognised the existence of regional differences and ________.

   • (A) Religious diversities
   • (B) Historical diversities
   • (C) Cultural diversities ✓
   • (D) Administrative diversities

   Answer: (C)

10. 10. CBSE 2025

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

    • (A) Unitary
    • (B) Presidential
    • (C) Federal ✓
    • (D) Parliamentary

    Answer: (C)

Questions parents and students ask

How many marks does "Power-sharing" carry in CBSE Class 10 Social Science?

In the CBSE papers of 2023–2026, this chapter carried about 4 marks and about 2 questions a year; by marks it ranks 11 in Social Science.

Which are the most important (VVI) questions of "Power-sharing"?

The 20 questions above are from the board’s real papers, each with the years it was asked; the most-asked come first with their full model answers. All 29 written questions of this chapter, with answers, are in the AskMedha app.

Do the answers follow the board’s marking scheme?

Yes. CBSE publishes its marking schemes; every model answer here is written point by point to the marks the board’s own scheme gives, and checked by a second, independent model.