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Power Sharing Class 10 MCQs Questions with Answers
Power Sharing Class 10 MCQ Question 1.
Fill in the blank by choosing the most appropriate Option:
The Tamil natives of Sri Lanka are known as……………..
(a) Indian Tamils
(b) Muslim Tamils
(c) Sri Lankan Tamils
(d) Christian Tamils
Answer:
(c) Sri Lankan Tamils
Class 10 Civics Chapter 1 MCQ With Answers Question 2.
Which of the following terms/phrases appropriately describes “Eelam”?
(a) A city or a town
(b) A Nation/State
(c) Bureaucracy
(d) Cricket Team
Class 10 Power Sharing MCQ Question 3.
Choose the correctly matched pair about the different forms of sharing of power from the following options:
(I) Vertical Power sharing- UK
(II) Horizontal Power sharing- India
(III) Federal Division of Power- Sri Lanka
(a) (I) only
(b) (II) only
(c) (III) only
(d) (I), (II) & (III)
Answer:
(b) Horizontal Power sharing- India
Explanation: India follows a system where power to legislate, execute the laws and adjudicate the execution are divided among three different organs of the government- all at the same level. This is called the Horizontal division of Power.
Related Theory
Federat Division of Power is the division of power among governments at different levels. This could be seen in Belgium- where power is divided among Central and Community government at the centre. Sri Lanka does not follow this. Vertical Power sharing can be found in the US and India.
Class 10 Civics Chapter 1 MCQ Question 4.
With respect to the concept of power-sharing, which of the following statements is not correct about Democracy?
(a) People rule themselves through representatives and institutions of self-governance in a democracy.
(b) People are the source of all political power and this power must be shared among them.
(c) Democratic countries believe in giving respect to ethnically diverse groups and views.
(d) Democracy does not allow the citizens to participate in the political process because power is only shared among representatives.
Answer:
(d) Democracy does not allow the citizens to participate in the political process because power is only shared among representatives. Explanation: Citizens exercise their power in elections where they choose their own representatives. Thus they hold the greatest amount of power.
Power Sharing MCQ Class 10 Question 5.
Fill in the blank by choosing the most appropriate option:
…………… elects the communist government in Belgium.
(a) People belonging to the respective language communities.
(b) All the citizens of Belgium.
(c) Belgium’s leaders
(d) Ministers of the central government of Belgium
Answer:
MCQ Of Power Sharing Class 10 Question 6.
Fill in the blank by choosing the most appropriate option:
Belgium: Dutch-speaking community, Sri Lanka-……………..
(a) Sinhalas
(b) Sri Lankan Tamils
(c) Indian Tamils
(d) Muslims
Answer:
(a) Sinhalas
Ch 1 Civics Class 10 MCQ Question 7.
Which of the following institutions is not one of the three organs of government that share powers?
(a) Legislature
(b) Bureaucracy
(c) Executive
(d) Judiciary
Answer:
(b) Bureaucracy
Power Sharing Class 10 MCQ With Answers Question 3.
Which of the following measures does not establish Sinhala supremacy in Sri Lanka?
(a) Sinhala is the only official language.
(b) Preferential Policies for government jobs.
(c) The state shall protect and foster Buddhism.
(d) Equal political rights to Sri Lankan Tamils.
Answer:
(d) Equal political rights to Sri Lankan Tamils.
Explanation: Other measures made Tamils feel neglected and ignored in their own country.
MCQ On Power Sharing Class 10 Question 9.
Modern democracies maintain a check and balance system. Identify the correct option based on the horizontal power sharing arrangement.
(a) Central government, state government and local bodies.
(b) Legislature, executive and judiciary.
(c) Among different social groups.
(d) Among different pressure groups.
Answer:
(b) Legislature, executive and judiciary
Explanation: Power sharing among legis¬lature, executive and judiciary is an example of horizontal distribution of power because these organs are placed at the same level and are allotted different powers, functions and jurisdictions. Such a separation ensures that none of the organs exercise unlimited power. This results in a balance of power among various institutions.
Related Theory
India is a federal country with a three-tier system, namely: central government, state government and local bodies. The constitution originally provided for a two-tier system and the third tier was added later, which administered local bodies. These tiers enjoy seperate jurisdictions and powers.
Civics Class 10 Chapter 1 MCQ Question 10.
By 1980s which part of Sri Lanka were the political organizations demanding to create an independent Tamil Eelam?
(a) Northern parts
(b) Eastern parts
(c) Western parts
(d) Both (a) and (b)
Answer:
Civics Chapter 1 Class 10 MCQ Question 11.
Belgium is a small country, located in which of the following continent?
(a) Asia
(b) Europe
(c) North America
(d) None the these
Answer:
Class 10 Civics Ch 1 MCQ Question 12.
Which one of the following is a major ethnic group of Sri Lanka?
(a) Christian and Tamil
(b) Buddhist and Hindu
(c) Sinhalia and Tamil
(d) Sinhalia and Christian
Answer:
(c) Sinhalia and Tamil
Explanation: Tamils make up 18% of the ethnicity of Sri Lanka, and the Sinhalese community makes up 74% of the population, forming the largest ethnic composition in Sri Lanka.
Civics Ch 1 Class 10 MCQ Question 13.
There are countries in which the constitution clearly lays down the powers of different levels of government. This is called:
(a) Unitary division of power
(b) Federal division of power
(c) Constitutional division of power
(d) Only (c)
Answer:
Chapter 1 Civics Class 10 MCQ Question 14.
Under which of the following is power shared in the ‘community government’ of Belgium?
(a) Different social groups
(b) Different organs of government
(c) Central and State government
(d) State government and community government.
Answer:
Power Sharing MCQ Questions Question 15.
Which one of the following statements describes a special problem that Brussels presented?
(a) The Dutch-speaking people constituted a majority in the country, but minority in the capital.
(b) The French-speaking people constituted a majority in the country, but minority in the capital.
(c) The Dutch-speaking people constituted a majority in the country and in the capital as welL
(d) None of these
Answer:
(a) The Dutch-speaking people constituted a majority in the country, but minority in the capital
Question 16.
Power-sharing is good because it helps to reduce the possibility of conflict between social groups. This is an example of which reason of the power-sharing?
(a) Prudential
(b) Moral
(c) Both (a) and (b)
(d) None of these
Answer:
(a) Prudential
Explanation: There are two set of reasons of power sharing-prudential and moral. Prudential reasons stress that power-sharing will bring out better outcomes while moral reasons emphasize the very act of power-sharing as valuable.
Question 17.
Sri Lanka emerged as an independent country in which of the following year?
(a) 1946
(b) 1947
(c) 1948
(d) 1949
Answer:
(c) 1948
Question 18.
Which country has successfully negotiated differences among ethnic populations?
(a) Sri Lanka
(b) Belgium
(c) Bangladesh
(d) Pakistan
Answer:
(b) Belgium
Explanation: The Belgian Government recognized the existence of regional differences and cultural diversities. Between 1970 and 1993, they amended their constitution four times so as to work out an arrangement to settle these ethnic diversities.
Related Theory
Sri Lanka could not solve the problem of their ethnic variation and suffered through a Civil war. Pakistan and Bangladesh however both continue to suffer through problems due to ethnic diversity. Most minority groups are dominated and suppressed in these nations.
Question 19.
What major steps did the Belgian government take to enable everyone to live together within the same country? Choose the correct option from the following:
(a) They amended their constitution four times
(b) They amended their constitution three times
(c) They formed a communist government
(d) Only (a) and (c)
Answer:
(a) They amended their constitution four times
Explanation: Between 1970 and 1993, the Belgians amended their constitution four times.
Question 20.
Which of the following was the main reason for the killing of thousands of people in Sri Lanka?
(a) Cold war between Sinhala and Tamil-speaking population
(b) Civil war between Sinhala and Tamil-speaking population
(c) Atomic war between Sinhala and Tamil-speaking population
(d) None of the above
Answer:
(b) Civil war between Sinhala and Tamil¬speaking population
Question 21.
Belgium shares its border with how many countries of Europe?
(a) Three
(b) Four
(c) Five
(d) Six
Answer:
(b) Four
Explanation: Belgium shares its border with four countries-France, Netherlands, Germany and Luxembourg.
Question 22.
Which of the following government in Belgium has the power regarding cultural, educational and language-related issues?
(a) The Communist Government
(b) The Community Government
(c) The Central Government
(d) The Provincial Government
Answer:
Question 23.
A country in which principle of majoritarianism led to civil war:
(a) Belgium
(b) Sri Lanka
(c) Netherlands
(d) Germany
Answer:
(b) Sri Lanka
Explanation: To secure dominance over the government by virtue of their majority, the government passed various acts favoring Sinhala Speakers. The distrust between the two communities- Sri Lanka Tamils and Sinhala Speaking Majority community turned into widespread conflict. It soon turned into Civil war. As a result thousands of people of both communities have been killed.
Identify the following on basis of the hints given:
Question 24.
Identify the form of power-sharing:
(1) The power-sharing arrangement between different organs of the government at the same level
(2) It is found in India.
Answer:
Horizontal form of power-sharing
Question 25.
Identify the country:
(1) It covers less area than the state of Haryana.
(2) It shares its geographical borders with the Netherlands, France and Germany.
(3) Its population is half that of Haryana.
Answer:
Question 26.
Identify the community:
(1) They form a majority in Belgium.
(2) They do not speak French.
(3) They are concentrated in the Flemish Region.
Answer:
The Dutch-speaking community.
Explanation: Belgium’s 59 percent population lives in the Flemish region and speaks Dutch language.
Correct and Rewrite/ True-False
State whether the statements are True or False. If false, correct the statement.
Question 27.
Belgium is a small country in Europe and share borders with France, Italy, Germany and Luxembourg.
Answer:
Belgium is a small country in Europe and share borders with France, the Netherlands, Germany and Luxembourg.
Question 28.
Of the country’s total population, 59 per cent lives in the Wallonia region and speaks Dutch language.
Answer:
Question 29.
In Srilanka, an Act was passed in 1956 to recognize Tamil as the only official language, disregarding Sinhala.
Answer:
In Srilanka. an Act was passed in 1956 to recognize Sinhala as the only official language, disregarding Tamil.
Question 30.
In the capital city Brussels, 80 percent people speak Dutch while 20 percent are French-speaking.
Answer:
In the capital city Brussels, 80 percent people speak French while 20 percent are Dutch-speaking.
Fill in the blanks with suitable information:
Question 31.
The Sri Lankan Tamils launched parties and struggles for the recognition of Tamil as an offcial language, or regional autonomy and ……….
Answer:
Equality of opportunity in securing education andjobs
Explanation: The Act of 1956 established Sinhala supremacy in Sri Lanka and increased the feeling of alienation among the Sri Lankan Tamils which strained the relations between the Sinhala and Tamil communities over time.
Question 32.
The Belgian government shifted to a federal from a…………….. form of government.
Answer:
Unitary
Explanation: Change of system from Unitary to Federal enabled Belgium to accommodate regional diversities and cultural differences. Federal set up involved providing equal opportunities of sustenance, livelihood and policymaking to both French and Dutch speaking, division of powers of central government etc
Question 33.
Rural Local Government is popularly known as …………….
Answer:
Panchayats
Explanation: The lowest level of government- the local government is also called Panchayats. Federal division of power has enabled countries to divide central power into subunits.
Question 34.
Between 1970-1993, the Constitution of Belgium was amended …… times.
Answer:
Four
Question 35.
………….. is the headquarters of the European Union.
Answer:
Brussels
Explanation: Brussels, the capital city of Belgium was chosen as the headquarters for a group of European Nations called the European Union.
Match the Columns Choose the correct pairs:
Question 36.
Match the following percentage of the population from column A with the social groups in column B:
|
Column A (Percentage of Population) |
Column B (Social Groups) |
| (a) 59 Percent | (i) French-speakers |
| (b) 74 Percent | (ii) Dutch-speakers |
| (c) 40 Percent | (iii) Tamil-speakers |
| (d) 18 Percent | (iv) Sinhala-speakers |
Answer:
|
Column A (Percentage of Population) |
Column B (Social Groups) |
| (a) 59 Percent | (ii) Dutch-speakers |
| (b) 74 Percent | (iv) Sinhala-speakers |
| (c) 40 Percent | (i) French-speakers |
| (d) 18 Percent | (iii) Tamil-speakers |
Question 37.
Match the following keywords from column A with their explanation in column B:
| Column A (Keywords) | Column B(Explanation) |
| (a) Ethnic | (i) A belief that Let majority community rule a country |
| (b) Civil war | (ii) Calculation of gains and tosses |
| (c) Prudential | (iii) Conflict between opposing groups |
| (d) Majorftarian | (iv) Division based on shared culture |
Answer:
Assertion Reasoning questions Class 10 Civics Chapter 1
In each of the following questions, a statement of Assertion (A) is given followed by a corresponding statement of Reason (R). Select the correct answers to codes (a), (b), (c) or (d) as given below:
(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 correct but (R) is wrong.
(d) (A) is wrong but (R) is correct.
Question 38.
Assertion (A): In a democracy, people are the source of all political power
Reason (R): This is because democracy is the rule of the people, for the people, by the people.
Answer:
(a) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
Question 39.
Assertion (A): Although judges are appointed by the executive, they can check the functioning of the executive or laws made by the legislatures.
Reason (R): Judges are superior and more experienced than the executive.
Answer:
Question 40.
Assertion (A): Social conflict often leads to violence and political instability.
Reason (R): It brings disharmony among the social groups and destroys the peace of the region.
Answer:
(a) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
Question 41.
Assertion (A): Imposing the will of the majority community over others, undermines the unity of the nation.
Reason (R): It divides the majority community itself.
Answer:
(b) Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
Explanation: This is because due to majoritarianism the minority community begins to feel like its needs are neglected. It feels isolated and tends to develop feelings of secessionism.
(Competency Based Questions (CBQs))
Question 1.
Study the given picture and answer the qustion that follows:
Which of the following statements appropriately describe the picture?
(a) Concentration of power under one centre undermines the concept of democracy.
(b) Concentration of power in one hand helps to make quick decisions.
(c) Democracy can help in division of powers.
(d) Despotic rulers do not leave much scope for power sharing.
Answer:
(a) Concentration of power under one centre undermines the concept of democracy.
Question 2.
Read the source and answer the following question:
Power can be shared among governments at different Levels – a general government for the entire country and governments at the provincial or regional level. Such a general government for the entire country is usually called the federal government. In India, we refer to it as the Central or Union Government.
Which of the following types of division of powers best describes the power division between the higher and lower levels of government?
(a) Horizontal division
(b) Side by Side division
(c) Triangle division
(d) Vertical Division
Answer:
(d) Vertical Division
Explanation: The division of powers between the government at the central level and at the state level can be seen as a vertical division because these governments are at different levels, forming a hierarchy. Hence the name vertical arrangement.
Question 3.
Read the source given below and answer the question that follows:
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.
In modern democracies, which of the following options is not a form of power sharing arrangements?
(a) Among different organs of government, such as the Legislature, executive and judiciary.
(b) Among governments at different levels- a general government for the entire country and governments at the provincial or regional level.
(c) Among different social groups.
(d) Among different genders.
Answer:
Question 4.
Read the source given below and answer the question that follows:
Sri Lanka emerged as an independent country in 1948. The Leaders of the SinhaLa community sought to secure dominance over government by virtue of their majority. As a result, the democratically elected government adopted a series of MAJOR.ITALIAN measures to establish Sinhala supremacy.
What do you mean by Majoritarian measures and majoritarianism? Explain with emphasis as to what happened in Sri Lanka.
Answer:
The belief that a majority community can dominate multiple minority communities only because it has more number of people and can administer a country according to its own whims and fancies, without considering or respecting the interests of the minority community is called Majoritarianism. Measures to favour the majority are called majoritarian measures.
Majoritarianism was practiced in Sri Lanka when a democractically elected government assumed power in the parliament and to please the majority, passed laws supporting Sinhala speakers neglecting the interest of Sri lankan Tamils Sinhala speakers were preferred in educational and professional institutions above Sri Lankan Tamils. This turned into civil war due to rising conflicts between the two communities.
Question 5.
Read the source given below and answer the questions that follow:
“In the city of Beirut there lived a man called Khalil. His parents came from different communities. His father was an Orthodox Christian and mother a Sunni Muslim. This was not so uncommon in this modern, cosmopolitan city. People from various communities that lived in Lebanon came to live in its capital, Beirut. They lived together, intermingled, yet fought a bitter civil war among themselves.
One of Khalil’s uncles was killed in that war.
At the end of this civil war, Lebanon’s leaders came together and agreed to some basic rules for power sharing among different communities. As per these rules, the country’s President must belong to the Maronite sect of Catholic Christians. The Prime Minister must be from the Sunni Muslim community. The post of Deputy Prime Minister is fixed for Orthodox Christian sect and that of the Speaker for Shi’a Muslims. Under this pact, the Christians agreed not to seek French protection and the Muslims agreed not to seek unification with the neighbouring state of Syria.
When the Christians and Muslims came to this agreement, they were nearly equal in population. Both sides have continued to respect this agreement though now the Muslims are in clear majority. Khalil does not like this system one bit. He is a popular man with political ambition. But under the present system the top position is out of his reach. He does not practise either his father’s or his mother’s religion and does not wish to be known by either. He cannot understand why Lebanon can’t be like any other ‘normal’ democracy.
(A) Why can’t Lebanon be a normal democracy?
Answer:
(B) Give a name to this arrangement in Lebanon.
(a) Democratic arrangement
(b) Unitary Arrangement
(c) Power sharing arrangement
(d) Autocratic arrangement
Answer:
(c) Power sharing arrangement
Explanation: The sharing of highest posts and powers between the two religious sects is catted power sharing arrangement. It is done to accommodate civil war Like situations.
(C) Which of the following types of ethnic diversities is found in Lebanon?
(a) Caste Divisions
(b) Religious Divisions
(c) Gender Division
(d) Regional Division
Answer:
(b) Religious Divisions
Explanation: The Orthodox Christian and Sunni Muslim are the two religious communities- ethnicaLLy diverse from one another are found in Lebanon.
Question 5.
Read the source given below and answer the questions that follow:
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 rule themselves through institutions of self¬governance. 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.
Answer the following MCQs by choosing the most appropriate option:
(A) Which one of the following is not one of the principles of democracy?
(a) People are the source of all political power.
(b) People rule themselves through institutions of self-governance
(c) Everyone has a voice in the shaping of public policies.
(d) State governments are not as powerful as the Central government and work under their thumb.
Answer:
(d) State governments are not as powerful as the Central government and work under their thumb.
Explanation: Democracy is a political system where the will of the people is supreme. Hence it is considered before each decision is taken.
(B) Which of the following is used as another name to the Federal government in India?
(a) The Union Government
(b) The regional government
(c) The Provincial Government
(d) Community government
Answer:
(C) Fill in the blank by choosing the most appropriate option:
……………….. is an institution of self-governance.
(a) Panchayat
(b) Shopping Mall
(c) Restaurant
(d) Automobile Company
Answer:
(a) Panchayat
(D) Choose the correct option from the following for this description:
When power is divided between higher and lower levels of government, we can call it:
(a) Horizontal division of power-sharing
(b) Vertical division of power-sharing
(c) Diagonal Division of Power Sharing
(d) Unitary Division of Power sharing
Answer:
(b) Vertical division of power sharing Explanation: In vertical division of power sharing, central or federal or union government is the top level government meant for the entire country, below it are the state governments meant for states in India while the municipality and panchayat are the government lower than the state governments.
Question 6.
Read the source given below and answer the questions that follow:
The Sri Lankan Tamils launched parties and struggles for the recognition of Tamil as an oftcial language, for regional autonomy and equality of opportunity in securing education and jobs. But their demand for more autonomy to provinces populated by the Tamils was repeatedly denied. By 1980s several political organisations were formed demanding an independent Tamil Eelam (state) in northern and eastern parts of Sri Lanka. The distrust between the two communities turned into widespread conflict. It soon turned into a CIVIL WAR. As a result thousands of people of both the communities have been killed. Many families were forced to leave the country as refugees and many more lost their livelihoods. Answer the following MCQs by choosing the most appropriate option:
(A) Which of the following statements is not true about the Civil War of Sri Lanka?
(a) It was fought between Sri Lankan Muslim Tamils and Buddhist Sinhalese.
(b) It ended in 2009.
(c) It caused a lot of bloodshed among the civilians and the military.
(d) Sri Lankan Tamils caused struggles because their demands of autonomous state were disapproved.
Answer:
(a) It was fought between Sri Lankan Muslim Tamils and Buddhist Sinhalese.
Explanation: It was fought between the two top most communities- Sri Lankan Tamils and Buddhist Sinhali population.
(B) Which of the following statements is/are true about the ethnic composition of Sri Lanka?
(a) Singhalese form the majority only at the capital of Sri Lanka.
(b) Sri Lankan Tamils constituted about 82% of the total population of Sri Lanka.
(c) Singhalese and Tamils equally populate Sri Lanka.
(d) Singhalese dominate Sri Lankan Tamils throughout Sri Lanka.
Answer:
(d) Singhalese dominate Sri Lankan Tamils throughout Sri Lanka.
(C) Choose the correctly matched pair.
(I) Belgium – Linguistically variant populations
(II) India – Racially variant populations
(III) Sri Lanka – Religiously variant Population
(IV) Lebanon – Linguistically variant populations
(a) (I) only
(b) (III) & (IV) only
(c) (I) & (III) only
(d) (I), (II), (III) & (IV)
Answer:
(D) Fill in the blank by choosing the most appropriate option:
They wanted a separate state for themselves in Sri Lanka.
(a) Muslims
(b) Sinhalese
(c) Sri Lankan Christians
(d) Sri Lankan Tamils
Answer:
(d) Sri Lankan Tamils
Explanation: Tamils felt that they were ignored and neglected in Sri Lanka.
Question 7.
Read the source given below and answer the questions that follow
Two different sets of reasons can be given in favour of power-sharing. Firstly, power sharing is good 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. Imposing the will of majority community over others may look like an attractive option in the short run, but in the long run it undermines the unity of the nation. Tyranny of the majority is not just oppressive for the minority; it often brings ruin to the majority as well. There is a second, deeper reason why power sharing is good for democracies. Power sharing 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 effects. People have a right to be consulted on how they are to be governed.
Answer the following MCQs by choosing the most appropriate option:
(A) Which one of the following is a prudential reason for power sharing?
(a) Power sharing helps in reducing the possibility of conflict between various social groups
(b) Power sharing is the spirit of democracy.
(c) Power sharing helps to strengthen a democratic political system.
(d) Power sharing makes it easier for governments to gather support.
Answer:
(B) Which of the following cart be an example of social division ending in violence?
(a) Sri Lankan Civil War
(b) Belgian Constitutional Amendment
(c) Indian adoption of Federalism
(d) Both (b) and (c)
Answer:
(a) Sri Lankan Civil War.
Explanation: Other two were peaceful, methodical processes.
(C) In a democracy, the power is not shared with:
(a) People who live in the democracy
(b) Social Groups which are present in the democracy
(c) Leaders of the governments
(d) Neighbouring countries
Answer:
(d) Neighbouring countries
Explanation: In a sovereign country, no external country can influence it in making any decision.
(D) Fill in the blank by choosing the most appropriate option:
Tyranny means
(a) Government by a single or multiple rulers with few powers
(b) Government by a single or multiple rulers with absolute power
(c) Government by a single ruler
(d) Government by multiple rulers
Answer:
(b) Government by a single or multiple rulers with absolute power.
Explanation: Giving absolute powers in the hands of an individual or a group can lead to tyrannical or despotic government.
Very Short Answer Type Questions
Question 1.
How and when was Sinhala recognised as the official language of Sri Lanka?
Answer:
Sinhala was recognised as the national language of Sri Lanka in 1956 through an act.
Question 2.
Which factor is responsible for increasing the feeling of alienation among the Sri Lankan Tamils?
Answer:
Majoritarianism of the democratically elected government.
Question 3.
Which types of powers does the Community government of Belgium enjoy? [CBSE 2015]
Answer:
The government enjoys powers related to matters regarding culture, education and language of the people.
Question 4.
Who formed the majority in terms of population in Sri Lanka?
Answer:
Sinhala community.
Question 5.
What is a Homogenous Society?
Answer:
It shares a common language, ethnicity and culture. For example- Japan and South Korea.
Question 6.
What does the system of checks and balances ensure in power sharing?
Answer:
Question 7.
Why is power sharing desirable? Explain one reason.
Answer:
Power sharing reduces possibilities of social conflicts and the accumulation of powers in the hands of a particular group of people.
Question 8.
How is community government elected in Belgium?
Answer:
Question 9.
Recognize the form of power sharing which is represented by the Community Government in Belgium.
Answer:
Power sharing among different social groups like the religious and linguistic groups,
Question 10.
An independent Tamil Eelam was one of the main demands of the Tamils in Sri Lanka. What is meant by ‘Eelam’ here?
Answer:
Here ‘Eelam’ means a separate state exclusively meant for the Tamils.
Question 11.
Why is there a need to give space to diverse social groups in the administration of a democratic country? Give any one reason.
Answer:
It is necessary to give space to diverse social groups in the administration of a country to avoid majoritarianism, accumulation of power in the hands of a particular social group which would lead to social conflicts.
Question 12.
Why is power sharing good for democracies? Explain one reason.
Answer:
Power sharing is good for the democracy as it helps to reduce conflicts between the social groups. Since social conflicts often lead to violence and political instability, power sharing is a good way to ensure stability and political order.
Related Theory
Power sharing is a term used to describe a system of governance in which power is proportionately divided between different organs of government, like judiciary, legislature and executive, and between different levels of government.
Question 13.
How did the feeLing of aLienation develop among Sri Lankan Thmils?
Answer:
Question 14.
Differentiate between community government in Belgium and majoritarian government in Sri Lanka.
Answer:
|
Belgium |
Sri Lanka |
| (1) They adopted a policy of power-sharing. | They adopted a policy of majoritarianism. |
| (2) They gave equal powers to all communities whether majority or minority | They gave preferences to the majority (Sinhala) group alone disregarding the minority (Tamils). |
| (3) Hence, peace was maintained in Belgium. | Hence, conflicts arose in the two communities of Sri Lanka, |
Question 15.
Why was there an acute problem in Brussels during 1950s and 1960s between the two communities ?
Answer:
There was a problem in Brussels in the 1950s and 1960s because the Dutch speaking people constituted majority in the country but were a minority in the capital.