Power Sharing Class 10 Civics Chapter 1 Extra Questions are available here. Our team of subject experts has carefully crafted these questions to help you better understand the concepts. We hope you find these Extra Questions helpful and enjoy studying with them.
Power Sharing Class 10 Civics Chapter 1 Extra Questions
Question 1: Where is Belgium located?
Answer: Belgium is located in Europe.
Question 2: How does the size of Belgium compare to Haryana?
Answer: Belgium is smaller in area than the state of Haryana.
Question 3: What countries does Belgium share its borders with?
Answer: Belgium shares its borders with France, the Netherlands, Germany, and Luxembourg.
Question 4: What is the population of Belgium?
Answer: Belgium has a population of a little over one crore.
Question 5: How does the population of Belgium compare to the population of Haryana?
Answer: The population of Belgium is about half the population of Haryana.
Question 6: What is the ethnic composition of Belgium?
Answer: The ethnic composition of Belgium is very complex.
Question 7: What percentage of the population in Belgium lives in the Flemish region and what language do they speak?
Answer: 59 per cent of the population lives in the Flemish region and speaks Dutch.
Question 8: What percentage of the population in Belgium lives in the Wallonia region and what language do they speak?
Answer: 40 percent of the population lives in the Wallonia region and speaks French.
Question 9: What percentage of Belgians speak German?
Answer: One percent of Belgians speak German.
Question 10: What is the linguistic distribution in Brussels?
Answer: In the capital city Brussels, 80 percent of the people speak French, while 20 per cent are Dutch-speaking.
Question 11: What characterized the minority French-speaking community in Belgium?
Answer: The minority French-speaking community in Belgium was relatively rich and powerful.
Question 12: How did the Dutch-speaking community view the French-speaking community?
Answer: The Dutch-speaking community resented the relatively rich and powerful status of the French-speaking community.
Question 13: What caused tensions between the Dutch-speaking and French-speaking communities during the 1950s and 1960s?
Answer: The tensions between the Dutch-speaking and French-speaking communities were caused by disparities in economic development and education, with the Dutch-speaking community experiencing benefits later.
Question 14: In which city was the tension between the Dutch-speaking and French-speaking communities more acute?
Answer: The tension between the Dutch-speaking and French-speaking communities was more acute in Brussels.
Question 15: What was the special problem presented by Brussels in terms of language?
Answer: In Brussels, the Dutch-speaking people constituted a majority in the country but a minority in the capital.
Question 16: Where is Sri Lanka located?
Answer: Sri Lanka is an island nation located just a few kilometers off the southern coast of Tamil Nadu.
Question 17: What is the population of Sri Lanka compared to Haryana?
Answer: Sri Lanka has a population of about two crore people, which is about the same as in Haryana.
Question 18: What are the major social groups in Sri Lanka?
Answer: The major social groups in Sri Lanka are the Sinhala-speakers (74 per cent) and the Tamil-speakers (18 per cent).
Question 19: How are Tamils divided into sub-groups in Sri Lanka?
Answer: Among Tamils in Sri Lanka, there are two sub-groups: Sri Lankan Tamils (13 per cent), who are natives of the country, and Indian Tamils, who are descendants of plantation workers from India during the colonial period.
Question 20: Where are Sri Lankan Tamils concentrated geographically?
Answer: Sri Lankan Tamils are concentrated in the north and east of the country.
Question 21: What is the religious distribution among Sinhala-speaking people and Tamils in Sri Lanka?
Answer: Most of the Sinhala-speaking people in Sri Lanka are Buddhists, while most of the Tamils are Hindus or Muslims. There are also about 7 per cent Christians, who are both Tamil and Sinhala.
Question 22: What potential consequences could arise in Belgium due to the numeric majority of the Dutch community?
Answer: The Dutch community in Belgium could potentially use its numerical majority to impose its will on the French and German-speaking population, escalating conflicts among communities.
Question 23: What scenario could unfold in Belgium if tensions continue to escalate?
Answer: Continued tensions in Belgium could potentially lead to a messy partition of the country, with both sides claiming control over Brussels.
Question 24: How does the situation in Belgium compare to that in Sri Lanka?
Answer: In Belgium, the Dutch community holds a numeric majority, while in Sri Lanka, the Sinhala community enjoys an even bigger majority and could potentially impose its will on the entire country.
Question 25: What is the focus of the discussion regarding both Belgium and Sri Lanka?
Answer: The focus is on examining what happened in both countries given their respective social and political dynamics.
Question 26: When did Sri Lanka become an independent country?
Answer: Sri Lanka emerged as an independent country in 1948.
Question 27: What was the goal of the leaders of the Sinhala community in Sri Lanka?
Answer: The leaders of the Sinhala community sought to secure dominance over the government by virtue of their majority.
Question 28: How did the democratically elected government in Sri Lanka respond to the goal of the Sinhala community leaders?
Answer: The democratically elected government adopted a series of majoritarian measures to establish Sinhala supremacy.
Question 29: What were some of the measures adopted by the government in Sri Lanka to establish Sinhala supremacy?
Answer: The government adopted majoritarian measures aimed at establishing Sinhala supremacy, which included policies favoring the Sinhala language and community over others.
Question 30: When was an Act passed to recognize Sinhala as the only official language in Sri Lanka?
Answer: An Act was passed in 1956 to recognize Sinhala as the only official language, thus disregarding Tamil.
Question 31: What were some preferential policies implemented by the government in Sri Lanka?
Answer: The government implemented preferential policies that favored Sinhala applicants for university positions and government jobs.
Question 32: What constitutional provision was made regarding Buddhism in Sri Lanka?
Answer: A new constitution stipulated that the state shall protect and foster Buddhism.
Question 33: How did the 1956 Act affect the status of Tamil in Sri Lanka?
Answer: The 1956 Act recognized Sinhala as the only official language, thereby disregarding Tamil.
Question 34: What was the impact of the series of government measures on Sri Lankan Tamils?
Answer: The series of government measures gradually increased the feeling of alienation among Sri Lankan Tamils.
Question 35: How did Sri Lankan Tamils perceive the major political parties led by Buddhist Sinhala leaders?
Answer: Sri Lankan Tamils felt that none of the major political parties led by Buddhist Sinhala leaders was sensitive to their language and culture.
Question 36: What were some of the grievances felt by Sri Lankan Tamils regarding government policies? What was the consequence of these grievances over time?
Answer: Sri Lankan 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. Over time, the relations between the Sinhala and Tamil communities strained due to these grievances.
Question 37: What were some of the objectives of the Sri Lankan Tamils’ political parties and struggles?
Answer: The objectives of the Sri Lankan Tamils’ political parties and struggles included the recognition of Tamil as an official language, regional autonomy, and equality of opportunity in securing education and jobs.
Question 38: What was the response to the Sri Lankan Tamils’ demand for more autonomy to Tamil-populated provinces?
Answer: The demand for more autonomy to Tamil-populated provinces was repeatedly denied.
Question 39: What developments occurred by the 1980s regarding the aspirations of Sri Lankan Tamils?
Answer: By the 1980s, several political organizations were formed demanding an independent Tamil Eelam (state) in the northern and eastern parts of Sri Lanka.
Question 40: What was the outcome of the distrust between the two communities in Sri Lanka?
Answer: The distrust between the two communities escalated into widespread conflict, which eventually turned into a civil war.
Question 41: What were some of the consequences of the civil war in Sri Lanka?
Answer: As a result of the civil war, thousands of people from both communities were killed, many families were forced to leave the country as refugees, and many more lost their livelihoods.
Question 42: How did the civil war impact the social, cultural, and economic life of Sri Lanka?
Answer: The civil war caused a terrible setback to the social, cultural, and economic life of Sri Lanka, despite its prior excellent record of economic development, education, and health.
Question 43: When did the civil war in Sri Lanka end?
Answer: The civil war in Sri Lanka ended in 2009.
Question 44: How did Belgian leaders respond to regional differences and cultural diversities in their country?
Answer: Belgian leaders recognized the existence of regional differences and cultural diversities.
Question 45: What actions did Belgian leaders take between 1970 and 1993 regarding their constitution?
Answer: Between 1970 and 1993, Belgian leaders amended their constitution four times.
Question 46: What was the goal of amending the Belgian constitution during this period?
Answer: The goal of amending the Belgian constitution was to work out an arrangement that would enable everyone to live together within the same country.
Question 47: How would you describe the arrangement that Belgian leaders worked out?
Answer: The arrangement that Belgian leaders worked out is different from any other country and is considered very innovative.
Question 48: What lessons can we derive from the stories of Belgium and Sri Lanka?
Answer: We learn that both Belgium and Sri Lanka are democracies, but they approached the question of power sharing differently.
Question 49: How did Belgium address the issue of power sharing?
Answer: In Belgium, leaders realized that maintaining the unity of the country is possible only by respecting the feelings and interests of different communities and regions. This realization led to mutually acceptable arrangements for sharing power.
Question 50: What contrast does Sri Lanka provide in terms of power sharing?
Answer: Sri Lanka provides a contrasting example where the majority community attempted to force its dominance over others and refused to share power, which ultimately undermined the unity of the country.
Question 51: What is the significance of the contrasting examples of Belgium and Sri Lanka?
Answer: The contrasting examples of Belgium and Sri Lanka highlight the importance of respecting diversity and sharing power in maintaining the unity and stability of a country.
Question 52: Why is power sharing considered desirable?
Answer: Power sharing is considered desirable for two main reasons: prudential and moral.
Question 53: What are prudential reasons for advocating power sharing?
Answer: Prudential reasons suggest that power sharing helps to reduce the possibility of conflict between social groups, thereby ensuring political stability and preventing violence and political instability. It also prevents the tyranny of the majority, which can undermine the unity of the nation and ultimately bring ruin to the majority as well.
Question 54: What are moral reasons for advocating power sharing?
Answer: Moral reasons emphasize that power sharing is the very spirit of democracy. It suggests that power sharing is valuable because it allows those affected by its exercise to have a say in how they are governed. This fosters citizen participation and ensures that people have a stake in the system, leading to a more legitimate government.
Question 55: How do prudential reasons differ from moral reasons regarding power sharing?
Answer: Prudential reasons focus on the practical benefits of power sharing, such as stability and better outcomes, while moral reasons emphasize the inherent value of power sharing in democratic governance and citizen participation.
Question 56: What concept emerged in opposition to undivided political power?
Answer: The concept of power-sharing emerged in opposition to the notions of undivided political power.
Question 57: What was the traditional belief regarding the distribution of governmental power?
Answer: Traditionally, it was believed that all power of a government must reside in one person or group of persons located at one place.
Question 58: Why was dispersing power seen as problematic in traditional beliefs?
Answer: Dispersing power was seen as problematic because it was believed that it would hinder the ability to make quick decisions and enforce them.
Question 59: How have notions regarding the distribution of power changed with the emergence of democracy?
Answer: With the emergence of democracy, notions regarding the distribution of power have changed. One basic principle of democracy is that people are the source of all political power.
Question 60: What is the role of people in a democracy according to the paragraph?
Answer: In a democracy, people rule themselves through institutions of self-government, and everyone has a voice in the shaping of public policies.
Question 61: What principle regarding power distribution is advocated in a democracy?
Answer: In a democracy, it is advocated that political power should be distributed among as many citizens as possible.
Question 62: What are some common forms of power-sharing arrangements in modern democracies?
Answer: Some common forms of power-sharing arrangements in modern democracies include the sharing of power among different organs of government, such as the legislature, executive, and judiciary.
Question 63: What is meant by “horizontal distribution of power”?
Answer: “Horizontal distribution of power” refers to the sharing of power among different organs of government placed at the same level, allowing each organ to exercise different powers.
Question 64: What is the significance of the separation of powers in a democracy?
Answer: The separation of powers ensures that none of the organs of government can exercise unlimited power. Each organ checks the others, resulting in a balance of power among various institutions.
Question 65: How does the principle of checks and balances operate in a democracy?
Answer: In a democracy, the principle of checks and balances operates through various mechanisms. For example, ministers and government officials are responsible to the Parliament or State Assemblies, and judges, although appointed by the executive, can check the functioning of the executive or laws made by the legislatures.
Question 66: What is the purpose of the system of checks and balances?
Answer: The purpose of the system of checks and balances is to ensure accountability, prevent the abuse of power, and maintain the balance of power among different branches of government in a democracy.
Question 67: How can power be shared among governments in different levels in modern democracies?
Answer: Power can be shared among governments at different levels, including a general government for the entire country and governments at the provincial or regional level.
Question 68: What is a federal government and how is it referred to in India?
Answer: A federal government is a general government for the entire country, and in India, it is referred to as the Central or Union Government.
Question 69: What are the governments at the provincial or regional level called in India?
Answer: The governments at the provincial or regional level in India are called State Governments.
Question 70: Is the system of different levels of government followed in all countries?
Answer: No, the system of different levels of government is not followed in all countries. There are many countries where there are no provincial or state governments.
Question 71: How are the powers of different levels of government determined in countries with multiple levels of government?
Answer: In countries with multiple levels of government, the constitution clearly lays down the powers of different levels of government.
Question 72: What is the term used to describe the distribution of powers among different levels of government?
Answer: The distribution of powers among different levels of government is called federal division of power.
Question 73: How can the principle of federal division of power be extended to levels of government lower than the State government?
Answer: The principle of federal division of power can be extended to levels of government lower than the State government, such as the municipality and panchayat, in what can be called vertical division of power.
Question 74: How can power be shared among different social groups in modern democracies?
Answer: Power can be shared among different social groups, such as religious and linguistic groups, through various arrangements.
Question 75: What is an example of power-sharing among different social groups in Belgium?
Answer: An example of power-sharing among different social groups in Belgium is the system of “community government.”
Question 76: How are socially weaker sections and women represented in some countries?
Answer: In some countries, socially weaker sections and women are represented in legislatures and administration through constitutional and legal arrangements.
Question 77: What is the purpose of reserved constituencies in some countries?
Answer: Reserved constituencies in some countries are meant to give space in the government and administration to diverse social groups, who might otherwise feel alienated from the government.
Question 78: How does the system of reserved constituencies contribute to power-sharing?
Answer: The system of reserved constituencies is used to give minority communities a fair share in power, thus contributing to power-sharing.
Question 79: How can power-sharing arrangements be observed in modern democracies?
Answer: Power-sharing arrangements can be observed in the way political parties, pressure groups, and movements control or influence those in power.
Question 80: What role do citizens play in power-sharing in a democracy?
Answer: In a democracy, citizens must have the freedom to choose among various contenders for power.
Question 81: How is power-sharing manifested in contemporary democracies?
Answer: In contemporary democracies, power-sharing takes the form of competition among different political parties, ensuring that power does not remain in one hand.
Question 82: How is power shared among different political parties in a democracy?
Answer: In the long run, power is shared among different political parties that represent different ideologies and social groups.
Question 83: How can power-sharing be direct in a democracy?
Answer: Power-sharing can be direct in a democracy when two or more parties form an alliance to contest elections, and if their alliance is elected, they form a coalition government and share power.
Question 84: What role do interest groups play in power-sharing in a democracy?
Answer: In a democracy, interest groups such as those of traders, businessmen, industrialists, farmers, and industrial workers also have a share in governmental power, either through participation in governmental committees or by bringing influence on the decision-making process.