Question 1: What are the different forms of power-sharing in modern democracies? Give an example of each of these.
Answer.
Power-sharing in modern democracies takes various forms:
- Horizontal distribution of power: Power is divided among different branches of government, like the legislature, executive, and judiciary. For instance, India follows this model.
- Federal division of power: Power is distributed among central and regional governments. India exemplifies this with its Union and State Governments.
- Community government: Power is shared among societal groups, such as religious or linguistic communities. Belgium provides an example of this arrangement.
- Power-sharing among political entities: Competition among political parties, pressure groups, and movements ensures power doesn’t consolidate in one entity’s hands. Over time, power is dispersed among various parties representing diverse ideologies and social groups.
Question 2: State one prudential reason and one moral reason for power-sharing with an example from the Indian context.
Answer.
In India, power-sharing serves both prudential and moral reasons. Horizontally distributed among the Legislature, Executive, and Judiciary, it aims for better outcomes. Additionally, reservation policies mitigate conflicts by providing benefits to various sections. Morally, India values power-sharing, evident in citizens’ fundamental rights and the incorporation of directive principles of state policies into governance.
Question 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.
Ouseph’s conclusion is apt: every state should adopt some form of power-sharing. It balances societal sections, reduces conflict and injustice, embodying a democratic value. Moreover, power-sharing fosters political order stability.
Question 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.
The Mayor of Merchtem’s ban on French-speaking in the town’s schools near Brussels is unfair and contrary to Belgium’s power-sharing arrangement. Power-sharing is crucial for balancing societal sections, particularly between the Dutch and French communities, to prevent civil unrest. Banning French could exacerbate tensions. To foster peace, the Mayor should advocate for a bilingual education system in the town’s schools.
Question 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.
The prudential reason in the given passage is: “Empowering Panchayats can reduce corruption and enhance administrative efficiency.”
Question 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:
- reduces conflict among different communities
- decreases the possibility of arbitrariness
- delays the decision-making process
- accommodates diversities
- increases instability and divisiveness
- promotes people’s participation in government
- undermines the unity of a country
| (a) | A | B | D | F |
| (b) | A | C | E | F |
| (c) | A | B | D | G |
| (d) | B | C | D | G |
Answer.
| (a) | A | B | D | F |
Question 7: Consider the following statements about power-sharing arrangements in Belgium and Sri Lanka.
- In Belgium, the Dutch-speaking majority people tried to impose their domination on the minority French-speaking community.
- In Sri Lanka, the policies of the government sought to ensure the dominance of the Sinhala-speaking majority.
- 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.
- 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.
(d) B, C and D
Question 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.
| List I | List II | |
| 1. | Power shared among different organs of government | A. Community government |
| 2. | Power shared among governments at different levels | B. Separation of powers |
| 3. | Power shared by different social groups | C. Coalition government |
| 4. | Power shared by two or more political parties | D. Federal government |
Answer.
| List I | List II | |
| 1. | Power shared among different organs of government | Separation of powers |
| 2. | Power shared among governments at different levels | Federal government |
| 3. | Power shared by different social groups | Community government |
| 4. | Power shared by two or more political parties | Coalition government |
Question 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?
| (a) A is true, but B is false |
| (b) Both A and B are true |
| (c) Both A and B are false |
| (d) A is false, but B is true |
Answer.
(b) Both A and B are true
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