Power Sharing Class 10 Political Science notes
Class 10 Civics – Power Sharing: Complete exam-ready notes covering Belgium and Sri Lanka, forms of power sharing, prudential and moral reasons, key concepts, important questions, MCQs, and assertion-reason practice for quick revision.
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Power Sharing Class 10 Political Science notes
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POWER SHARING
Class 10 Civics • CBSE / NCERT
Chapter Focus | Why power sharing is desirable and how it works |
Case Studies | Belgium and Sri Lanka |
Key Concepts | Prudential & moral reasons • Forms of power sharing |
Exam Focus | Important questions • MCQs • Assertion–Reason |
1. What is Power Sharing?
Power sharing means distributing political power among different organs, levels, social groups and political parties so that no single group or institution can exercise unlimited power.
Why is power sharing important?
It reduces the possibility of conflict between different social groups.
It prevents the concentration of power in one person or group.
It creates political stability and strengthens democracy.
It gives different communities and groups a voice in decision-making.
It promotes respect for diversity and democratic participation.
2. Belgium: A Successful Example
Belgium is a small European country with linguistic diversity. The population is mainly Dutch-speaking, French-speaking and German-speaking. Brussels has a different language composition from the country as a whole. Belgium adopted constitutional arrangements based on accommodation and power sharing.
Main features of the Belgian model
Arrangement | Meaning |
Equal representation | The central government has an equal number of Dutch- and French-speaking ministers. |
State governments | Many powers are given to regional governments. |
Community government | A separate government deals with cultural, educational and language-related matters for language communities. |
Brussels arrangement | Brussels has a government in which both major language communities have representation. |
3. Sri Lanka: Majoritarianism and Its Consequences
Sri Lanka has a Sinhala-speaking majority and a Tamil-speaking minority. After independence, majoritarian policies gave preference to the Sinhala community. Making Sinhala the only official language and giving preference to Sinhala applicants in education and employment increased alienation among many Tamils and contributed to prolonged conflict.
Majoritarianism
Majoritarianism is the belief that the majority community should rule without properly considering the needs and wishes of minority communities.
4. Why Power Sharing is Desirable
A. Prudential Reason
Power sharing reduces the possibility of conflict and political instability. It is a practical way to maintain peace and stability.
B. Moral Reason
Power sharing is the spirit of democracy. People affected by government decisions have a right to be consulted and represented.
5. Forms of Power Sharing
Form | Explanation | Example |
Among organs of government | Power is shared among legislature, executive and judiciary. | Checks and balances |
Among levels of government | Power is shared among central, state and local governments. | Federal system |
Among social groups | Different communities and weaker groups receive representation. | Community government |
Among political parties, pressure groups and movements | Different political actors influence decision-making. | Coalition government |
6. Belgium vs Sri Lanka — Quick Comparison
Belgium | Sri Lanka |
Accommodation of diversity | Majoritarian approach |
Power shared among communities | Power concentrated with majority |
Constitutional arrangements protected interests of groups | Policies favoured the Sinhala majority |
Helped maintain unity and stability | Contributed to tension and conflict |
7. One-Page Exam Revision
Power sharing
Distribution of political power among different organs, levels, groups and political actors.
Prudential reason
Reduces conflict and political instability.
Moral reason
Power sharing is the spirit of democracy.
Belgium
Example of accommodation through power-sharing arrangements.
Sri Lanka
Majoritarian policies created alienation and conflict.
Majoritarianism
Majority community attempts to dominate without adequately considering minorities.
Horizontal sharing
Sharing among legislature, executive and judiciary.
Vertical sharing
Sharing among central, state and local levels.
Community government
Government elected by a language community for cultural, educational and language matters.
Coalition government
Government formed by two or more political parties sharing power.
8. Important Questions with Answers
Q1. What is power sharing?
Answer: Power sharing is the distribution of political power among different organs, levels of government, social groups and political actors.
Q2. State two reasons why power sharing is desirable.
Answer: It reduces social conflict and political instability. It is also a basic democratic principle.
Q3. How did Belgium solve its ethnic problem?
Answer: Belgium adopted arrangements sharing power among language communities, regional governments and community governments.
Q4. What is majoritarianism?
Answer: It is the belief that the majority community should rule without adequately considering minority interests.
Q5. Mention the four forms of power sharing.
Answer: Among organs of government; among levels of government; among social groups; and among political parties, pressure groups and movements.
Q6. Distinguish between prudential and moral reasons.
Answer: Prudential reasons stress practical benefits such as stability. Moral reasons stress participation and democratic principles.
9. Competency-Based Practice
1. A country gives its regions constitutional powers and encourages different communities to participate. Which principle is followed?
A. Majoritarianism
B. Power sharing
C. Dictatorship
D. Centralisation
Answer: B
2. Which reason for power sharing is mainly practical?
A. Moral reason
B. Prudential reason
C. Religious reason
D. Cultural reason
Answer: B
3. Which country is an example of successful accommodation?
A. Sri Lanka
B. Belgium
C. Nepal
D. India
Answer: B
4. Sharing power between legislature, executive and judiciary is called:
A. Vertical division
B. Horizontal division
C. Community division
D. Social division
Answer: B
5. Which policy in Sri Lanka contributed to alienation among Tamils?
A. Equal language recognition
B. Sinhala-only language policy
C. Community government
D. Regional autonomy
Answer: B
6. A government formed by several political parties is an example of:
A. Power sharing among political parties
B. Judicial review
C. Majoritarianism
D. Unitary rule
Answer: A
Assertion–Reason
Assertion: Power sharing is desirable in a democracy.
Reason: It reduces conflict and respects participation.
Answer: Both A and R are true, and R correctly explains A.
Assertion: Belgium followed a majoritarian approach.
Reason: Belgium created arrangements to accommodate language communities.
Answer: A is false, but R is true.
Assertion: Majoritarianism can create instability.
Reason: It may make minority communities feel excluded.
Answer: Both A and R are true, and R correctly explains A.
Last-minute tip: Belgium → accommodation → power sharing → stability. Sri Lanka → majoritarianism → alienation → conflict.
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