Power-sharing – important questions for Boards 2027

CBSE Class 10 Social Science

1. MCQ · 1 mark

   Which statement best describes majoritarianism? (A) The majority community rules while disregarding the needs and wishes of minorities. (B) All communities receive equal representation in every institution. (C) Regional governments hold all political power. (D) Minority communities make decisions for the majority.

   Answer

   (A) The majority community rules while disregarding the needs and wishes of minorities. — Majoritarianism: A belief that the majority community should be able to rule a country in whichever way it wants, by disregarding the wishes and needs of the minority.

2. SA · 2 marks

   How did Sri Lanka’s Sinhala leaders use their majority after independence to pursue political dominance? State the key language provision of the 1956 Act.

   Answer

   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 majoritarian measures to establish Sinhala supremacy. In 1956, an Act was passed to recognise Sinhala as the only official language, thus disregarding Tamil.

3. MA · 3 marks

   Explain how power may be shared among social groups. Include how community government and representation arrangements for weaker sections and women can give diverse groups a fair share in government.

   Answer

   1. Power may be shared among religious and linguistic groups; Belgium’s ‘Community government’ is an example. 2. Constitutional and legal arrangements represent socially weaker sections and women in legislatures and administration; reserved constituencies give diverse groups space in government. 3. These arrangements help groups otherwise alienated from government and give minority communities a fair share in power.

4. LA · 5 marks

   Explain how Sri Lankan government policies favoured the Sinhala community and how these measures alienated Sri Lankan Tamils. Briefly contrast this approach with Belgium’s decision to amend its constitution between 1970 and 1993 to accommodate its communities.

   Answer

   1. Government approach — Sri Lanka: Sinhala leaders used their majority to secure dominance through majoritarian measures; Belgium: leaders recognised regional differences and cultural diversities. 2. Language and representation — Sri Lanka: The 1956 Act recognised Sinhala as the only official language, disregarding Tamil; Belgium: The constitution required equal numbers of Dutch- and French-speaking ministers in the central government, preventing unilateral decisions. 3. Access and state priorities — Sri Lanka: Preferential policies favoured Sinhala applicants for university positions and government jobs, while the constitution required the state to protect and foster Buddhism; Belgium: Leaders amended the constitution four times between 1970 and 1993 to devise an arrangement allowing communities to live together. 4. Effect on communities — Sri Lanka: Tamils felt alienated, denied equal political rights, discriminated against in jobs and opportunities, and ignored; Tamil communities also felt political parties were insensitive to their language and culture. Belgium: Constitutional accommodation recognised communities and enabled power-sharing; regional governments were not subordinate to the Central Government.

5. MCQ · 1 mark

   Which arrangement in Belgium’s central government helps prevent one linguistic community from making decisions unilaterally? (A) Equal numbers of Dutch- and French-speaking ministers (B) A majority of ministers from one linguistic group (C) Appointment of all ministers by regional governments (D) A single language group controlling special laws

   Answer

   (A) Equal numbers of Dutch- and French-speaking ministers — the constitution prescribes equal representation, so no single community can decide unilaterally.

6. SA · 2 marks

   State how Belgium’s regional State Governments relate to the Central Government. How is Brussels governed to ensure representation of both major communities?

   🔒 Answer locked. Unlock all answers on SmartKalike

7. LA · 5 marks

   Explain how political competition and coalition governments share power. Also describe how interest groups can influence or participate in governmental decision-making.

   🔒 Answer locked. Unlock all answers on SmartKalike

8. VSA · 1 mark

   In which year did the Sri Lankan civil war end?

   🔒 Answer locked. Unlock all answers on SmartKalike

9. SA · 2 marks

   State two demands made by Sri Lankan Tamils for equality and recognition. What separate state did some political organisations demand by the 1980s, and where was it proposed?

   🔒 Answer locked. Unlock all answers on SmartKalike

10. LA · 5 marks

    Using the passage, explain the role of Vetal’s storytelling in the journey with Vikram. What does the passage tell you about why Vetal began telling a story?

    🔒 Answer locked. Unlock all answers on SmartKalike