MCQs – Class 10 Civics Chapter 1: Power Sharing | CBSE | GPN

🧠 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) - Chapter 1: Power-sharing

Test your grasp of power-sharing concepts in democracies with these 30 questions. The set follows the CBSE pattern and includes standard, assertion-reasoning, and case-based questions.

Standard MCQs (1 Mark Each)

Choose the single correct option for questions 1 to 15.

Which country is an example of a ‘coming together’ federation?

(a) India

(b) Spain

(c) Belgium

(d) USA

Answer: (d) USA
Explanation: In a ‘coming together’ federation, independent states come together to form a bigger unit. The USA, Switzerland, and Australia are examples.
In which year did the Sri Lankan Tamils launch their struggle for political independence?

(a) 1948

(b) 1956

(c) 1970s

(d) 1980s

Answer: (d) 1980s
Explanation: The demand for an independent Tamil state (Tamil Eelam) in Sri Lanka grew stronger and turned into a full-fledged conflict in the 1980s.
The ‘community government’ exists in:

(a) Sri Lanka

(b) Belgium

(c) India

(d) USA

Answer: (b) Belgium
Explanation: Belgium has a unique ‘community government’ elected by people belonging to one language community (Dutch, French, German) to handle cultural, educational, and language-related issues.
Which of the following is NOT a form of power-sharing in modern democracies?

(a) Power sharing among different organs of government

(b) Power sharing among governments at different levels

(c) Power sharing among social groups

(d) Power sharing among political parties without pressure groups

Answer: (d) Power sharing among political parties without pressure groups
Explanation: Power sharing among political parties, pressure groups, and movements is a key form of power-sharing. The option excludes pressure groups, making it incorrect.
Which language was recognized as the only official language of Sri Lanka in 1956?

(a) Tamil

(b) Sinhala

(c) English

(d) Hindi

Answer: (b) Sinhala
Explanation: The Sinhala Only Act of 1956 made Sinhala the sole official language, neglecting Tamil, which led to alienation and conflict with the Tamil minority.
The system of ‘checks and balances’ is related to:

(a) Horizontal distribution of power

(b) Vertical distribution of power

(c) Community government

(d) Coalition government

Answer: (a) Horizontal distribution of power
Explanation: Checks and balances ensure that no single organ of government (Legislature, Executive, Judiciary) becomes too powerful. This is a feature of horizontal power-sharing.
Which of the following is a coalition government likely to have?

(a) Single-party dominance

(b) Two or more parties coming together to form a government

(c) Rule by the military

(d) No opposition parties

Answer: (b) Two or more parties coming together to form a government
Explanation: A coalition government is formed when no single party gets a clear majority, leading to an alliance of multiple parties to govern together.
In Belgium, the percentage of French-speaking people is approximately:

(a) 59%

(b) 40%

(c) 1%

(d) 20%

Answer: (b) 40%
Explanation: In Belgium, about 59% of the population lives in the Flemish region and speaks Dutch. About 40% lives in the Wallonia region and speaks French. 1% speaks German.
The idea that majority community should be able to rule a country by disregarding the wishes and needs of the minority is:

(a) Power sharing

(b) Community government

(c) Majoritarianism

(d) Federalism

Answer: (c) Majoritarianism
Explanation: Majoritarianism is a belief that the majority community should dominate and rule in whichever way it wants, often ignoring minority rights.
Which of the following is an example of power sharing among different social groups?

(a) Reservation of seats for SC/ST in legislatures

(b) Coalition government

(c) Decentralization to local governments

(d) Separation of powers

Answer: (a) Reservation of seats for SC/ST in legislatures
Explanation: Providing reservation for marginalized social groups (like SCs/STs) in elected bodies is a method of ensuring power is shared with, and not monopolized by, dominant groups.
Which city is the capital of Belgium?

(a) Brussels

(b) Wallonia

(c) Flanders

(d) Antwerp

Answer: (a) Brussels
Explanation: Brussels is the capital of Belgium. It has a special status as a bilingual region, though a majority of its population speaks French.
Which of the following statements about Sri Lanka is correct?

(a) Major social groups are Sinhala (74%) and Tamil (18%).

(b) All Tamils are Hindus.

(c) Sinhala-speaking people are a minority.

(d) There was no conflict between Sinhala and Tamil groups.

Answer: (a) Major social groups are Sinhala (74%) and Tamil (18%).
Explanation: Sri Lanka's population is predominantly Sinhala-speaking Buddhists (about 74%). Sri Lankan Tamils (about 13%) and Indian Tamils (about 5%) together form the Tamil minority.
Power is shared among different political parties to:

(a) Avoid conflict and ensure stability

(b) Give unlimited power to one party

(c) Reduce the choices for voters

(d) Promote dictatorship

Answer: (a) Avoid conflict and ensure stability
Explanation: When power is shared among multiple parties (through coalitions, alliances, or a strong opposition), it prevents the monopoly of a single party and promotes consensus-based governance, reducing political conflict.
Which of the following is an ethnic conflict?

(a) Conflict between Sinhala and Tamil in Sri Lanka

(b) Conflict between rich and poor

(c) Conflict between two political parties

(d) Conflict between central and state governments

Answer: (a) Conflict between Sinhala and Tamil in Sri Lanka
Explanation: An ethnic conflict is based on differences in race, tribe, language, or culture. The Sri Lankan conflict is between the Sinhala (majority) and Tamil (minority) ethnic communities.
The principle of federalism involves:

(a) Concentration of power at the central level

(b) Division of power between different levels of government

(c) Rule by a single leader

(d) No role for state governments

Answer: (b) Division of power between different levels of government
Explanation: Federalism is a system of government where power is constitutionally divided between a central (union) authority and various constituent units (states/provinces).

Assertion-Reasoning Questions (1 Mark Each)

Directions: For questions 16 to 25, a statement of Assertion (A) is followed by a statement of Reason (R). Choose the correct option:

(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A

(b) Both A and R are true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A

(d) A is false but R is true

Assertion (A): Power sharing is good for democracy.
Reason (R): It helps to reduce the possibility of conflict between social groups.
Answer: (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
Explanation: One of the primary virtues of power-sharing in a democracy is that it gives all groups a stake in the system, thereby preventing alienation and conflict, which strengthens democracy.
Assertion (A): The Belgian model of power-sharing is very complex.
Reason (R): It involves only two types of governments: Central and State.
Answer: (c) A is true but R is false
Explanation: The Belgian model is indeed complex. However, the reason is false because Belgium has multiple levels: Central Government, State Governments of two regions, and Community Governments for three language communities.
Assertion (A): Sri Lanka adopted majoritarian measures to establish Sinhala supremacy.
Reason (R): The Tamils in Sri Lanka are a majority community.
Answer: (c) A is true but R is false
Explanation: The assertion is true – Sri Lankan policies favored the Sinhala majority. The reason is false because Tamils are a minority community in Sri Lanka.
Assertion (A): In a democracy, everyone has a voice in the shaping of public policies.
Reason (R): Democracy involves sharing power with those affected by its exercise.
Answer: (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
Explanation: The very essence of democracy is that power resides with the people. Therefore, those who are governed (and affected by policies) must have a share in the power to govern, which gives them a voice.
Assertion (A): Pressure groups and movements influence power-sharing.
Reason (R): They provide a platform for people to voice their demands without contesting elections.
Answer: (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
Explanation: Pressure groups and movements are a form of political power-sharing outside government institutions. They influence decisions by mobilizing public opinion, as explained in R.
Assertion (A): The system of checks and balances prevents the misuse of power.
Reason (R): Each organ of government checks the others, ensuring a balance of power.
Answer: (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
Explanation: The principle of checks and balances means that the Legislature, Executive, and Judiciary have overlapping powers so each can limit the others, preventing misuse.
Assertion (A): The leaders of the Sinhala community sought to secure dominance over government.
Reason (R): They wanted to foster a sense of equality among all communities in Sri Lanka.
Answer: (c) A is true but R is false
Explanation: The assertion is historically accurate. The reason is false because the majoritarian policies adopted were aimed at dominance, not fostering equality, which led to the marginalization of Tamils.
Assertion (A): Decentralization is a form of vertical power-sharing.
Reason (R): It involves the division of power between higher and lower levels of government.
Answer: (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
Explanation: Vertical power-sharing means power is shared among governments at different levels (central, state, local). Decentralization (like Panchayati Raj) is a prime example, as R explains.
Assertion (A): Accommodation in Belgium was not easy to achieve.
Reason (R): The Belgian leaders recognized the existence of regional differences and cultural diversities from the beginning.
Answer: (b) Both A and R are true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A
Explanation: Both statements are true. However, R states that differences were recognized early, which should make accommodation easier. The assertion says it was "not easy," implying a period of tension and negotiation, which R does not explain.
Assertion (A): Power sharing is desirable in itself.
Reason (R): It is the very spirit of democracy which emphasizes that people are the source of all political power.
Answer: (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
Explanation: Power-sharing is not just a prudential choice to avoid conflict; it is morally desirable as it upholds the democratic principle that all citizens should have a share in governing themselves.

Case-Based Questions (1 Mark Each)

For questions 26 to 30, read the case/source carefully and answer.

Case: "In Belgium, the government handled the community difference very differently than in Sri Lanka. They amended their constitution four times between 1970 and 1993 to work out an arrangement acceptable to all communities."
What was the key objective behind these constitutional amendments in Belgium?

(a) To establish Sinhala supremacy

(b) To avoid civic strife and enable peaceful co-existence

(c) To centralize all power

(d) To promote one national language

Answer: (b) To avoid civic strife and enable peaceful co-existence
Explanation: The Belgian leaders pursued a path of accommodation and negotiation to create a power-sharing system that would prevent conflict and keep the country united.
Case: Study the composition of Brussels:

Language Community Percentage in Brussels

French-speaking ~80%

Dutch-speaking ~20%

What special arrangement was made in Brussels to accommodate both linguistic groups?

(a) It was made a part of the Dutch-speaking region of Flanders.

(b) It was made a separate region with a bilingual status and equal representation for both communities in the government.

(c) It was declared a French-only speaking area.

(d) It was placed under direct central government control.

Answer: (b) It was made a separate region with a bilingual status and equal representation for both communities in the government.
Explanation: Despite having a French-speaking majority, Brussels was made a bilingual capital region. Both language communities were given equal representation in its government to ensure fairness.
Case: "The Sri Lankan Tamil population is divided into two sub-groups. ‘Sri Lankan Tamils’ are concentrated in the north and east. ‘Indian Tamils’ are descendants of plantation workers brought by the British."
What was a key difference in how these two Tamil groups were treated after independence?

(a) Both were given citizenship immediately.

(b) Indian Tamils were not given citizenship, making them stateless for a time.

(c) Sri Lankan Tamils were declared the sole official language group.

(d) Both groups were given preferential treatment in jobs.

Answer: (b) Indian Tamils were not given citizenship, making them stateless for a time.
Explanation: A major point of discrimination was that many Indian Tamils were not granted Sri Lankan citizenship until the 1960s and later, rendering them politically marginalized.
Case: Read the following on the importance of power-sharing:

"Prudential Reason: Power sharing is good because it helps to reduce the possibility of conflict between social groups. Moral Reason: Power sharing is the very spirit of democracy. A democratic rule involves sharing power with those affected by its exercise."
Which of the following policies is justified more by the ‘moral reason’ than the ‘prudential reason’?

(a) Forming a coalition government to avoid political instability.

(b) Giving reservations to women in local bodies because it is right to include them in governance.

(c) Sharing power with a linguistic minority to prevent a separatist movement.

(d) Allowing opposition parties to exist to keep the ruling party in check.

Answer: (b) Giving reservations to women in local bodies because it is right to include them in governance.
Explanation: The moral reason emphasizes the intrinsic right of all people to have a say. Reservation for women is based on the principle of justice and inclusion, not just to avoid conflict (which would be prudential).
Case: "In modern democracies, power is shared not just among different organs of government, but also with interest groups such as traders, businessmen, industrialists, farmers, and industrial workers."
What mechanism do these interest groups primarily use to share power?

(a) Contesting elections and forming governments

(b) Influencing government decisions through lobbying and collective bargaining

(c) Taking over the judiciary

(d) Ignoring the political process

Answer: (b) Influencing government decisions through lobbying and collective bargaining
Explanation: Interest groups (or pressure groups) share power indirectly by influencing public policy. They do this through lobbying, protests, strikes, and media campaigns, acting as a check on the government's power.

Language Community	Percentage in Brussels
French-speaking	~80%
Dutch-speaking	~20%

📘 How to Approach This Practice Set

First round: Answer all questions without looking at the solutions.

Self-evaluation: Check your answers against the detailed explanations provided.

Focus areas: For incorrect answers, revise the specific concept from your chapter notes.

Time management: Aim to finish the set in 25-30 minutes in subsequent attempts.

Revision cycle: Revisit the entire set after a gap of 3-4 days to reinforce learning.

GuidedPathNoida.in