9 worked answers · short steps first, explanations when you need them
Exercises
Textbook pages 10–12
Question 1
What are the different forms of power sharing in modern democracies? Give one example of each.
Steps only
There are four common forms: (1) among the legislature, executive and judiciary—for example, courts can review government actions; (2) among levels of government—for example, Union, State and local governments; (3) among social groups—for example, representation for different communities; and (4) among parties and pressure groups—for example, coalition governments and public-interest groups influencing policy.
Answer
There are four common forms: (1) among the legislature, executive and judiciary—for example, courts can review government actions; (2) among levels of government—for example, Union, State and local governments; (3) among social groups—for example, representation for different communities; and (4) among parties and pressure groups—for example, coalition governments and public-interest groups influencing policy.
Question 2
Give one prudential reason and one moral reason for power sharing, with an example from India.
Steps only
A prudential reason is that sharing power reduces conflict and can make a country more stable.
Answer
A prudential reason is that sharing power reduces conflict and can make a country more stable. For example, local governments allow communities to help decide local issues. A moral reason is that people have a right to participate in decisions that affect them. Elections and Gram Sabha meetings give citizens a voice.
Question 3
Which student’s conclusion do you agree with, and why? Thomman says power sharing is needed only in divided societies; Mathayi says only in large countries with regional divisions; Ouseph says every society needs some form of it.
Steps only
I agree most with Ouseph.
Answer
I agree most with Ouseph. Even a small or socially similar community needs ways to share decisions and check authority. For example, a school can consult students and teachers before making rules. Power sharing is not only a way to manage social divisions; it also supports participation and prevents one person from making every decision.
Question 4
A mayor in a Flemish town supports banning French in schools to help non-Dutch speakers integrate. Is this in keeping with Belgium’s power-sharing arrangements? Explain.
Steps only
No.
Answer
No. Belgium’s power-sharing approach recognises language communities and seeks to include them in public life. A complete ban on French would silence French-speaking students instead of making them equal participants. Schools can help students learn Dutch while also respecting their language rights and allowing both communities to take part.
Question 5
Which statements about Belgium and Sri Lanka are correct? A: Dutch-speaking Belgians tried to dominate French speakers. B: Sri Lankan policies sought Sinhala-majority dominance. C: Sri Lankan Tamils demanded federal power sharing to protect culture, language and equal opportunities. D: Belgium’s move to federal government helped prevent division.
Steps only
The correct answer is (d) B, C and D.
Answer
The correct answer is (d) B, C and D. Statement A is false: historically, French speakers were more powerful despite being fewer in number, and Belgium’s reforms sought to accommodate both major language groups. Sri Lankan policies favoured Sinhala speakers; Tamils demanded fairer power sharing; federal reforms helped Belgium manage linguistic differences.
Question 6
From the passage on Panchayati Raj, identify one prudential reason for sharing power.
Steps only
One prudential reason is that local participation can reduce corruption and improve administrative efficiency.
Answer
One prudential reason is that local participation can reduce corruption and improve administrative efficiency. When people help plan and monitor development schemes, they can question how public funds are used and make officials more accountable.
Question 7
Which reasons support power sharing? A reduces conflict; B limits arbitrariness; C delays decisions; D accommodates diversity; E increases instability; F promotes participation; G weakens unity. Choose the correct combination.
Steps only
The correct answer is (a) A, B, D and F.
Answer
The correct answer is (a) A, B, D and F. Power sharing can reduce social conflict, prevent arbitrary decisions, make room for diverse groups and increase people’s participation. Statements C, E and G describe possible criticisms, not reasons in favour.
Question 8
Match the forms of power sharing: (1) among organs of government (2) among levels of government (3) among social groups (4) among political parties. Options: A community government, B separation of powers, C coalition government, D federal government.
Steps only
The correct matching is 1–B, 2–D, 3–A and 4–C.
Answer
The correct matching is 1–B, 2–D, 3–A and 4–C. Power shared among organs is separation of powers; among levels is federal government; among social groups can be community government; and among parties can take the form of a coalition government. This corresponds to option (c).
Question 9
Statement A: Power sharing is good for democracy. Statement B: It reduces the possibility of conflict between social groups. Which option is correct?
Steps only
The correct answer is (b): both statements are true.
Answer
The correct answer is (b): both statements are true. Sharing power lets people and groups participate in decisions, which supports democracy. It can also reduce conflict by giving different communities a fair voice in government.