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Exam Focused Revision Notes for CBSE Class 10 Power Sharing - Political Science (Civics) Chapter 1
Power Sharing Class 10 Notes CBSE Political Science Chapter 1 (Free PDF Download)
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FAQs on Power Sharing Class 10 Notes CBSE Political Science Chapter 1 (Free PDF Download)
1. What is a quick summary of the concept of 'power-sharing' as explained in Class 10 Political Science Chapter 1?
Power-sharing is a core democratic principle where political power is not held by a single entity but is distributed among different organs, levels, and groups within a society. The key idea for revision is that it involves distribution among the legislature, executive, and judiciary (horizontal); between central, state, and local governments (vertical); among different social and linguistic groups; and among political parties and pressure groups to ensure stability and fair governance.
2. What are the two main case studies used to quickly revise the outcomes of power-sharing?
For a quick recap, the chapter contrasts two main case studies to show the effects of power-sharing policies:
- Belgium: This case illustrates a successful power-sharing model. Leaders accommodated ethnic diversity by creating a complex but effective system with equal representation, thus preventing civil conflict.
- Sri Lanka: This case highlights the failure of not sharing power. The government adopted majoritarianism, favouring the Sinhala majority, which alienated the Tamil minority and led to a long and tragic civil war.
3. What is the key takeaway from the Belgian model of accommodation?
The key takeaway from the Belgian model is that peaceful coexistence in a diverse country is possible through mutual accommodation and power-sharing. Instead of one group imposing its will, Belgian leaders amended their constitution to ensure equal representation for Dutch and French speakers in the central government and created a unique 'Community Government' to handle cultural and linguistic issues, proving that respecting differences strengthens national unity.
4. What are the four main forms of power-sharing to remember for revision?
According to the CBSE 2025-26 syllabus, the four essential forms of power-sharing for a quick concept recap are:
- Horizontal Distribution: Power is shared among government organs at the same level (Legislature, Executive, Judiciary), ensuring a system of 'checks and balances'.
- Vertical Division (Federalism): Power is divided between different levels of government (e.g., Union, State, and Local governments in India).
- Among Social Groups: Power is shared among different linguistic or religious groups, such as the 'Community Government' in Belgium or reserved constituencies in India.
- Among Political Parties & Groups: Power is shared through competition, alliances, and coalition governments, allowing diverse ideologies to influence policy.
5. What is the fundamental difference between prudential and moral reasons for power-sharing?
The fundamental difference lies in their core justification. Prudential reasons are practical and strategic; they argue that power-sharing is beneficial because it helps reduce social conflict and ensure political stability. In contrast, moral reasons are principled and value-based; they state that power-sharing is the very spirit of democracy, as it upholds the right of people to be consulted on how they are to be governed.
6. How does the system of 'checks and balances' relate to the horizontal form of power-sharing?
The system of 'checks and balances' is the operational mechanism of horizontal power-sharing. It ensures that although the legislature, executive, and judiciary have separate powers, they can also limit each other's authority. For example, the judiciary can declare laws passed by the legislature unconstitutional, and the legislature can control the executive. This prevents any single organ from gaining absolute power, thus maintaining a democratic balance.
7. Why is a 'Community Government' considered a unique feature of the Belgian power-sharing model?
The 'Community Government' in Belgium is unique because it is a third tier of government that is not defined by geography but by language. Elected by people belonging to one language community (Dutch, French, or German-speaking), it has power over cultural, educational, and language-related issues. This innovative approach solved the problem of protecting minority cultural rights without dividing the country along rigid territorial lines.
8. How does power-sharing among political parties prevent the 'tyranny of the majority' in a democracy?
Power-sharing among political parties prevents the 'tyranny of the majority' by ensuring that power is not permanently vested in one group. In a democracy, different parties compete for power, representing varied interests and ideologies. If no single party wins a clear majority, they form a coalition government, forcing them to negotiate and build consensus. This process ensures that diverse viewpoints are considered in policymaking, preventing any one party from dominating unfairly.
