April 10, 2026
No Comments
Chapter 1: Power-sharing
Complete NCERT Solutions | Class 10 Social Science Political Science – Democratic Politics II
Quick Revision
OverviewChapter Summary
What is this chapter mainly about?
Answer:
This chapter explains why power-sharing is essential in a democracy. It compares the experiences of Belgium and Sri Lanka to show two different ways of handling social diversity. Belgium adopted power-sharing arrangements to accommodate linguistic communities, while Sri Lanka followed majoritarian policies that created alienation and conflict. The chapter also explains prudential and moral reasons for power-sharing and the major forms of power-sharing in modern democracies.
This chapter explains why power-sharing is essential in a democracy. It compares the experiences of Belgium and Sri Lanka to show two different ways of handling social diversity. Belgium adopted power-sharing arrangements to accommodate linguistic communities, while Sri Lanka followed majoritarian policies that created alienation and conflict. The chapter also explains prudential and moral reasons for power-sharing and the major forms of power-sharing in modern democracies.
Key IdeaDefinition
What is power-sharing?
Answer:
Power-sharing means distribution of power among different organs of government, different levels of government, different social groups, and different political parties or pressure groups. It prevents concentration of power in one hand and makes democracy more stable, inclusive and accountable.
Power-sharing means distribution of power among different organs of government, different levels of government, different social groups, and different political parties or pressure groups. It prevents concentration of power in one hand and makes democracy more stable, inclusive and accountable.
Belgium and Sri Lanka
ComparisonCase Studies
Compare the ethnic composition and political response of Belgium and Sri Lanka.
| Basis | Belgium | Sri Lanka |
|---|---|---|
| Major communities | Dutch-speaking, French-speaking and German-speaking people. | Sinhala-speaking majority and Tamil-speaking minority. |
| Capital city issue | Brussels has French-speaking majority, although Dutch-speaking people are majority in the country. | No similar capital-city linguistic power-sharing arrangement. |
| Political approach | Accommodation and power-sharing. | Majoritarianism and Sinhala dominance. |
| Outcome | Unity of the country was preserved and civil conflict was avoided. | Alienation of Tamils increased and civil war broke out. |
Belgian ModelAccommodation
What were the main features of the Belgian model of power-sharing?
Answer:
The main features of the Belgian model were:
1. The number of Dutch-speaking and French-speaking ministers is equal in the central government.
2. Some special laws require support from the majority of members of each linguistic group.
3. Many powers of the central government were given to state governments of the two regions.
4. State governments are not subordinate to the central government.
5. Brussels has a separate government with equal representation for both major communities.
6. A community government was created for Dutch, French and German-speaking people to deal with cultural, educational and language-related issues.
The main features of the Belgian model were:
1. The number of Dutch-speaking and French-speaking ministers is equal in the central government.
2. Some special laws require support from the majority of members of each linguistic group.
3. Many powers of the central government were given to state governments of the two regions.
4. State governments are not subordinate to the central government.
5. Brussels has a separate government with equal representation for both major communities.
6. A community government was created for Dutch, French and German-speaking people to deal with cultural, educational and language-related issues.
Sri LankaMajoritarianism
What were the majoritarian measures adopted in Sri Lanka?
Answer:
Sri Lanka adopted several majoritarian measures after independence:
1. In 1956, Sinhala was recognised as the only official language, disregarding Tamil.
2. Government policies favoured Sinhala applicants in university admissions and government jobs.
3. The constitution gave special protection and status to Buddhism.
4. Tamil demands for regional autonomy, language rights and equality of opportunity were repeatedly denied.
These measures increased alienation among Sri Lankan Tamils and eventually led to civil war.
Sri Lanka adopted several majoritarian measures after independence:
1. In 1956, Sinhala was recognised as the only official language, disregarding Tamil.
2. Government policies favoured Sinhala applicants in university admissions and government jobs.
3. The constitution gave special protection and status to Buddhism.
4. Tamil demands for regional autonomy, language rights and equality of opportunity were repeatedly denied.
These measures increased alienation among Sri Lankan Tamils and eventually led to civil war.
Why Power-sharing is Desirable
ReasonsPrudential and Moral
Explain prudential and moral reasons for power-sharing.
| Reason | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Prudential Reason | Power-sharing reduces conflict between social groups and ensures political stability. | Belgium avoided civil conflict by sharing power among linguistic communities. |
| Moral Reason | Power-sharing is the very spirit of democracy because people affected by power must have a say in its exercise. | Panchayati Raj gives people participation in local governance. |
Forms of Power-sharing
FormsFour Major Types
Major forms of power-sharing in modern democracies.
| Form of Power-sharing | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Among organs of government | Power is shared among legislature, executive and judiciary. | Separation of powers in India. |
| Among different levels of government | Power is divided between central, state and local governments. | Federal system in India and Belgium. |
| Among different social groups | Power is shared among religious, linguistic or socially weaker groups. | Community government in Belgium; reserved constituencies in India. |
| Among political parties and pressure groups | Power is shared through competition, coalitions and influence of interest groups. | Coalition governments and pressure groups in democracies. |
In-text Questions and Activities
ITQ 1Map Question
Look at the maps of Belgium and Sri Lanka. In which regions do you find concentration of different communities?
Answer:
In Belgium, Dutch-speaking people are concentrated in the Flemish region, French-speaking people in the Wallonia region, and German-speaking people in a small eastern area. Brussels has a French-speaking majority despite being located in the Dutch-speaking region. In Sri Lanka, Sinhala-speaking people are concentrated mainly in the south, west and central parts, while Sri Lankan Tamils are concentrated mainly in the north and east.
In Belgium, Dutch-speaking people are concentrated in the Flemish region, French-speaking people in the Wallonia region, and German-speaking people in a small eastern area. Brussels has a French-speaking majority despite being located in the Dutch-speaking region. In Sri Lanka, Sinhala-speaking people are concentrated mainly in the south, west and central parts, while Sri Lankan Tamils are concentrated mainly in the north and east.
ITQ 2Annette and Selvi
If the parents of Annette and Selvi approach their respective governments for the desired medium of instruction, who is more likely to succeed and why?
Answer:
Annette’s parents in Belgium are more likely to succeed because Belgium follows power-sharing arrangements that respect linguistic communities. Belgium has community governments with power over cultural, educational and language-related matters. Selvi’s parents in Sri Lanka are less likely to succeed because Sri Lanka followed majoritarian policies that gave dominance to the Sinhala-speaking majority and ignored Tamil linguistic demands.
Annette’s parents in Belgium are more likely to succeed because Belgium follows power-sharing arrangements that respect linguistic communities. Belgium has community governments with power over cultural, educational and language-related matters. Selvi’s parents in Sri Lanka are less likely to succeed because Sri Lanka followed majoritarian policies that gave dominance to the Sinhala-speaking majority and ignored Tamil linguistic demands.
ITQ 3Power-sharing Examples
Identify the type of power-sharing in the given examples.
| Example | Type of Power-sharing | Power Shared Between |
|---|---|---|
| Bombay High Court orders Maharashtra Government to improve children’s homes. | Power-sharing among organs of government. | Judiciary and executive. |
| Ontario government agrees to a land claim settlement with aboriginal people. | Power-sharing among social groups. | Government and aboriginal community. |
| Two Russian political parties agree to form a coalition. | Power-sharing among political parties. | Political parties. |
| Finance ministers of Nigerian states demand income and revenue distribution formula from the federal government. | Power-sharing among different levels of government. | Federal government and state governments. |
Exercises – NCERT Questions
1Long Answer
What are the different forms of power-sharing in modern democracies? Give an example of each of these.
Answer:
The different forms of power-sharing in modern democracies are:
1. Power-sharing among different organs of government: Power is divided among the legislature, executive and judiciary. This is called horizontal distribution of power. Example: In India, Parliament makes laws, the executive implements them and the judiciary interprets them.
2. Power-sharing among governments at different levels: Power is divided between central, state and local governments. Example: India has Union Government, State Governments and local bodies.
3. Power-sharing among different social groups: Power is shared among religious, linguistic or weaker social groups. Example: Community government in Belgium and reserved constituencies in India.
4. Power-sharing among political parties, pressure groups and movements: Power is shared through party competition, coalitions and influence of interest groups. Example: Coalition governments in India.
The different forms of power-sharing in modern democracies are:
1. Power-sharing among different organs of government: Power is divided among the legislature, executive and judiciary. This is called horizontal distribution of power. Example: In India, Parliament makes laws, the executive implements them and the judiciary interprets them.
2. Power-sharing among governments at different levels: Power is divided between central, state and local governments. Example: India has Union Government, State Governments and local bodies.
3. Power-sharing among different social groups: Power is shared among religious, linguistic or weaker social groups. Example: Community government in Belgium and reserved constituencies in India.
4. Power-sharing among political parties, pressure groups and movements: Power is shared through party competition, coalitions and influence of interest groups. Example: Coalition governments in India.
2Short Answer
State one prudential reason and one moral reason for power-sharing with an example from the Indian context.
Answer:
Prudential reason: Power-sharing reduces conflict among different groups and promotes political stability. In India, linguistic states were created to reduce language-based conflicts and give different regions a fair share in power.
Moral reason: Power-sharing is the spirit of democracy because people have the right to be consulted in decisions that affect them. In India, Panchayati Raj institutions allow people to participate in local governance.
Prudential reason: Power-sharing reduces conflict among different groups and promotes political stability. In India, linguistic states were created to reduce language-based conflicts and give different regions a fair share in power.
Moral reason: Power-sharing is the spirit of democracy because people have the right to be consulted in decisions that affect them. In India, Panchayati Raj institutions allow people to participate in local governance.
3Opinion Based
Three students drew different conclusions. Which view do you agree with and why?
Answer:
I agree with Ouseph: every society needs some form of power-sharing, even if it is small or does not have major social divisions. Power-sharing is not required only in divided societies; it is necessary in every democracy because it prevents concentration of power, ensures accountability and gives citizens participation in governance.
I agree with Ouseph: every society needs some form of power-sharing, even if it is small or does not have major social divisions. Power-sharing is not required only in divided societies; it is necessary in every democracy because it prevents concentration of power, ensures accountability and gives citizens participation in governance.
450 Words
The Mayor of Merchtem, a town near Brussels in Belgium, defended a ban on speaking French in the town’s schools. Is this in keeping with the spirit of Belgium’s power-sharing arrangements?
Answer:
No, this measure is not in keeping with the spirit of Belgium’s power-sharing arrangements. Belgium’s model is based on respect for linguistic diversity and accommodation of different communities. Banning French in schools would ignore the rights and identity of French-speaking people and weaken the principle of mutual respect.
No, this measure is not in keeping with the spirit of Belgium’s power-sharing arrangements. Belgium’s model is based on respect for linguistic diversity and accommodation of different communities. Banning French in schools would ignore the rights and identity of French-speaking people and weaken the principle of mutual respect.
5Passage Based
Read the passage on Panchayati Raj and pick out any one prudential reason for power-sharing offered in it.
Answer:
One prudential reason mentioned in the passage is that giving power to Panchayats helps reduce corruption and increase administrative efficiency. When people participate in planning and implementation of development schemes, they exercise greater control and reduce the role of corrupt middlemen.
One prudential reason mentioned in the passage is that giving power to Panchayats helps reduce corruption and increase administrative efficiency. When people participate in planning and implementation of development schemes, they exercise greater control and reduce the role of corrupt middlemen.
6MCQ
Different arguments are usually put forth in favour of and against power-sharing. Identify those in favour of power-sharing:
A. reduces conflict among different communities
B. decreases the possibility of arbitrariness
C. delays decision-making process
D. accommodates diversities
E. increases instability and divisiveness
F. promotes people’s participation in government
G. undermines the unity of a country
A. reduces conflict among different communities
B. decreases the possibility of arbitrariness
C. delays decision-making process
D. accommodates diversities
E. increases instability and divisiveness
F. promotes people’s participation in government
G. undermines the unity of a country
Answer: (a) A, B, D, F
Explanation: Power-sharing reduces conflict, decreases arbitrariness, accommodates diversity and promotes people’s participation. These are arguments in favour of power-sharing.
Explanation: Power-sharing reduces conflict, decreases arbitrariness, accommodates diversity and promotes people’s participation. These are arguments in favour of power-sharing.
7MCQ
Consider the following statements about power-sharing arrangements in Belgium and Sri Lanka:
A. In Belgium, the Dutch-speaking majority people tried to impose their domination on the minority French-speaking community.
B. In Sri Lanka, the policies of the government sought to ensure the dominance of the Sinhala-speaking majority.
C. 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.
D. The transformation of Belgium from unitary government to a federal one prevented a possible division of the country on linguistic lines.
Which statements are correct?
A. In Belgium, the Dutch-speaking majority people tried to impose their domination on the minority French-speaking community.
B. In Sri Lanka, the policies of the government sought to ensure the dominance of the Sinhala-speaking majority.
C. 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.
D. The transformation of Belgium from unitary government to a federal one prevented a possible division of the country on linguistic lines.
Which statements are correct?
Answer: (d) B, C and D
Explanation: Statement A is incorrect because Belgium did not allow the Dutch-speaking majority to impose domination. Belgium adopted accommodation and power-sharing. Statements B, C and D are correct.
Explanation: Statement A is incorrect because Belgium did not allow the Dutch-speaking majority to impose domination. Belgium adopted accommodation and power-sharing. Statements B, C and D are correct.
8Matching
Match List I with List II and select the correct answer.
Answer: (c) B, D, A, C
| List I | Correct Match |
|---|---|
| Power shared among different organs of government | B. Separation of powers |
| Power shared among governments at different levels | D. Federal government |
| Power shared by different social groups | A. Community government |
| Power shared by two or more political parties | C. Coalition government |
9MCQ
Consider the following two statements on power-sharing:
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. 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?
Answer: (b) Both A and B are true
Explanation: Power-sharing is good for democracy because it allows participation and prevents concentration of power. It also reduces conflict among social groups.
Explanation: Power-sharing is good for democracy because it allows participation and prevents concentration of power. It also reduces conflict among social groups.
Important Topics
Topic 1Majoritarianism
What is majoritarianism?
Answer:
Majoritarianism is the belief that the majority community should be able to rule a country in whichever way it wants, disregarding the wishes and needs of minority communities. Sri Lanka followed majoritarian policies by giving dominance to the Sinhala-speaking majority and ignoring the demands of Tamils.
Majoritarianism is the belief that the majority community should be able to rule a country in whichever way it wants, disregarding the wishes and needs of minority communities. Sri Lanka followed majoritarian policies by giving dominance to the Sinhala-speaking majority and ignoring the demands of Tamils.
Topic 2Community Government
What is community government?
Answer:
Community government is a special form of government in Belgium elected by people belonging to one language community — Dutch, French or German-speaking — no matter where they live. It has power over cultural, educational and language-related issues. It is an example of power-sharing among different social groups.
Community government is a special form of government in Belgium elected by people belonging to one language community — Dutch, French or German-speaking — no matter where they live. It has power over cultural, educational and language-related issues. It is an example of power-sharing among different social groups.
Topic 3Horizontal and Vertical
Difference between horizontal and vertical power-sharing.
| Horizontal Power-sharing | Vertical Power-sharing |
|---|---|
| Power is shared among different organs of government at the same level. | Power is shared among governments at different levels. |
| It ensures checks and balances. | It creates federal division of power. |
| Example: Legislature, executive and judiciary. | Example: Central, state and local governments. |
Activity Answers
Activity 1Newspaper Clippings
Read newspapers for one week and collect clippings related to conflicts or wars. Classify them and identify whether they are related to power-sharing.
Suggested Answer:
Students can classify conflicts into three categories: local/state level, national level and international level. After classification, identify the cause of each conflict. Many conflicts may be related to power-sharing, such as demands for regional autonomy, language rights, ethnic representation, control over resources, minority rights or federal disputes. Such conflicts can often be reduced through dialogue, representation, decentralisation and fair power-sharing arrangements.
Students can classify conflicts into three categories: local/state level, national level and international level. After classification, identify the cause of each conflict. Many conflicts may be related to power-sharing, such as demands for regional autonomy, language rights, ethnic representation, control over resources, minority rights or federal disputes. Such conflicts can often be reduced through dialogue, representation, decentralisation and fair power-sharing arrangements.
Activity 2Lebanon Story
If you had the power to rewrite the rules in Lebanon, would you keep the old rules, adopt regular democratic rules, or do something else?
Suggested Answer:
I would not completely remove power-sharing rules because Lebanon has a history of conflict among communities. However, I would improve the system by ensuring both community representation and democratic choice. Important posts should not be permanently reserved only by religion, but all communities should receive fair representation in government. This balanced arrangement can protect minorities and also allow democratic competition.
I would not completely remove power-sharing rules because Lebanon has a history of conflict among communities. However, I would improve the system by ensuring both community representation and democratic choice. Important posts should not be permanently reserved only by religion, but all communities should receive fair representation in government. This balanced arrangement can protect minorities and also allow democratic competition.
Key Terms
GlossaryImportant Terms
Important terms from the chapter.
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Power-sharing | Distribution of power among different organs, levels, groups or parties. |
| Democracy | A form of government in which people participate directly or through representatives. |
| Ethnic Group | A social group based on shared culture, descent, language or physical similarities. |
| Majoritarianism | Belief that the majority community should rule according to its wishes, ignoring minorities. |
| Civil War | A violent conflict between opposing groups within the same country. |
| Accommodation | Adjustment and compromise among different groups to live together peacefully. |
| Community Government | Belgian government elected by one language community for cultural, educational and language matters. |
| Prudential Reason | A reason based on careful calculation of gains and losses. |
| Moral Reason | A reason based on democratic values and the belief that power-sharing is right in itself. |
| Horizontal Distribution of Power | Sharing power among organs of government at the same level. |
| Vertical Distribution of Power | Sharing power among governments at different levels. |
| Federalism | A system in which power is divided between central and regional governments. |
| Coalition Government | A government formed by two or more political parties sharing power. |
| Pressure Group | An organised group that tries to influence government decisions. |
| Checks and Balances | A system where one organ of government checks the powers of another. |
Also Get
Class 9- NCERT- Science Solⁿ.
Class 9-NCERT- English Solⁿ
Class 9-NCERT- Maths
Solⁿ
Class 9-NCERT- Social Science Solⁿ
Class 9 CBSE - SYLLABUS
📚 Exploration | Grade 9 Science | NCERT 2026-27
Chapter 11: Reproduction: How Life Continues (Complete Questions & Solutions)
Chapter 11: Reproduction: How Life Continues (Complete Questions & Solutions)
Study materials
- Refernce Books
- NCERT Solutions
- Syllabus
Send Us A Message
Latest posts
News
Navigating the Shift: A Comprehensive Guide to the Revised NCERT Class 9 Syllabus (2026-27)
Read More »
February 25, 2026
No Comments
Blog
January 24, 2026
No Comments
