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

📚 Past Year Questions (PYQs) 2019-2024

This section brings you 35 real CBSE questions from board exams (2019 to 2024) for Civics Chapter 1: Power-sharing. Organized mark-wise with model answers. This chapter is about how democracies divide power - get these concepts right and you'll score well in the democracy section.

⚖️ Chapter 1 Focus Areas

This foundation chapter usually carries 6-8 marks. Key topics: Forms of power-sharing, case studies (Belgium & Sri Lanka), majoritarianism vs accommodation, and why power-sharing is crucial for democracies.

Most Repeated: Belgium vs Sri Lanka comparison (7 times), Forms of power-sharing (5 times), Majoritarianism (4 times)

Concept Clarity: Understand the difference between horizontal and vertical power-sharing

Common Confusion: Students often mix up 'community government' with 'federal government' in Belgium's case

PART A: Very Short Answer Questions (1 Mark Each)

Keep answers crisp and to the point. One sentence or one word is enough.

What is power-sharing? [CBSE 2024]
Answer: The distribution of power among different organs of government, levels of government, and social groups.
Name the two main ethnic groups in Sri Lanka. [CBSE 2024]
Answer: Sinhala speakers (74%) and Tamil speakers (18%).
Define majoritarianism. [CBSE 2023]
⚠️ Repeated
Answer: A belief that the majority community should rule a country in whichever way it wants.
Which European country has a community government? [CBSE 2023]
Answer: Belgium (specifically for French, Dutch, and German-speaking communities).
What is horizontal distribution of power? [CBSE 2022]
Answer: Power shared among different organs of government at the same level (legislature, executive, judiciary).
Name the three linguistic communities in Belgium. [CBSE 2022]
Answer: Dutch-speaking (59%), French-speaking (40%), and German-speaking (1%).
What is vertical division of power? [CBSE 2021]
Answer: Power shared among governments at different levels (central, state, local).
Which act established Sinhala as the official language of Sri Lanka? [CBSE 2021]
Answer: The Official Language Act of 1956.
What is meant by 'community government'? [CBSE 2020]
Answer: A government elected by people belonging to one language community in Belgium, dealing with cultural, educational, and language-related issues.
Name the island nation that faced civil war due to majoritarian policies. [CBSE 2020]
Answer: Sri Lanka (civil war from 1983 to 2009).

PART B: Short Answer Questions (3 Marks Each)

Explain the ethnic composition of Belgium. [CBSE 2024, 3 marks]
Answer: Ethnic composition of Belgium:

(1) Language Communities: - Dutch-speaking: 59% (Flemish region in north) - French-speaking: 40% (Wallonia region in south) - German-speaking: 1% (eastern part)
(2) Capital Brussels: - 80% French-speaking - 20% Dutch-speaking - Special status within Belgian federation
(3) Key Feature: Minority French-speakers were richer and more powerful than majority Dutch-speakers, creating tension.
Describe any three forms of power-sharing in modern democracies. [CBSE 2024, 3 marks]
⚠️ High Probability
Answer: Forms of power-sharing:

(1) Horizontal Distribution: Among legislature, executive, judiciary (checks and balances).
(2) Vertical Distribution: Among central, state, and local governments (federalism).
(3) Among Social Groups: Reservation for OBCs, SCs, STs, women in legislatures.
(4) Among Political Parties: Coalition governments, pressure groups.
(5) Among Different Organs: Example: judiciary can review executive actions.
Explain the majoritarian measures adopted by Sri Lanka after independence. [CBSE 2023, 3 marks]
Answer: Majoritarian measures in Sri Lanka:

(1) Official Language Act 1956: Made Sinhala the only official language.
(2) Preferential Policies: Government jobs and university positions favored Sinhala speakers.
(3) State Religion: Buddhism was given primary place as the state religion.
(4) Constitutional Changes: Protected and fostered Buddhism.
(5) Discrimination: Tamil minorities felt alienated and discriminated against.

These measures led to civil war (1983-2009).
Describe the power-sharing arrangement in Belgium. [CBSE 2023, 3 marks]
Answer: Power-sharing in Belgium:

(1) Equal Representation: Equal number of Dutch and French ministers in central government.
(2) Special Majority: Many laws require majority from both language groups.
(3) Community Government: Elected by each language community for cultural/educational matters.
(4) State Governments: Regional governments for Flanders and Wallonia.
(5) Brussels: Separate government with equal representation of both communities.
(6) German Community: Has its own government in the German-speaking region.
Explain why power-sharing is desirable in democracies. [CBSE 2022, 3 marks]
Answer: Why power-sharing is desirable:

(1) Reduces Conflict: Prevents majority tyranny and minority oppression.
(2) Political Stability: Ensures all groups have stake in system.
(3) Better Decisions: Diverse views lead to wiser policies.
(4) Democratic Principle: People have right to be consulted on how they're governed.
(5) Moral Reason: All communities should have share in power.
(6) Prudential Reason: Prevents social conflict and violence.
Describe the differences between horizontal and vertical power-sharing. [CBSE 2022, 3 marks]
Answer: Horizontal vs Vertical power-sharing:

Horizontal Power-sharing: (1) Among organs at same level (legislature, executive, judiciary)
(2) Based on separation of powers
(3) Example: Indian Parliament, Executive, Supreme Court
(4) System of checks and balances

Vertical Power-sharing: (1) Among governments at different levels (central, state, local)
(2) Based on division of powers
(3) Example: Union government, State governments, Panchayats
(4) Constitutional division of subjects
Explain the consequences of majoritarian policies in Sri Lanka. [CBSE 2021, 3 marks]
Answer: Consequences in Sri Lanka:

(1) Civil War: 26-year civil war (1983-2009) between government and LTTE.
(2) Loss of Life: Over 1 lakh people killed, many displaced.
(3) Economic Damage: Tourism, investment affected, infrastructure destroyed.
(4) International Criticism: Human rights violations condemned globally.
(5) Social Division: Deep mistrust between Sinhala and Tamil communities.
(6) Political Instability: Continuing tensions even after war ended.
Describe how power is shared among different social groups in India. [CBSE 2021, 3 marks]
Answer: Power-sharing among social groups in India:

(1) Reservation System: Seats reserved for SCs, STs, OBCs in legislatures, jobs, education.
(2) Minority Rights: Cultural and educational rights for religious/linguistic minorities.
(3) Federalism: States have powers to accommodate regional diversity.
(4) Coalition Politics: Governments include parties representing different regions/groups.
(5) Local Governments: Reservation for women, SCs, STs in Panchayats and Municipalities.
(6) Judicial Protection: Courts protect rights of marginalized groups.
Explain the concept of 'checks and balances' in power-sharing. [CBSE 2020, 3 marks]
⚠️ Most Important
Answer: Checks and balances:

Concept: System where each organ of government checks the others to prevent concentration of power.

Examples in India: (1) Executive vs Legislature: Parliament makes laws, executive implements them.
(2) Judiciary vs Executive: Courts can declare executive actions unconstitutional.
(3) Legislature vs Judiciary: Parliament can amend Constitution (within limits).
(4) President vs Parliament: President can send bills back for reconsideration.

Purpose: Prevents abuse of power, protects democracy, ensures accountability.
Describe the role of political parties in power-sharing. [CBSE 2020, 3 marks]
Answer: Role of political parties in power-sharing:

(1) Coalition Governments: Multiple parties share power in government.
(2) Representation: Different parties represent different social/regional groups.
(3) Pressure Groups: Influence government policies from outside.
(4) Opposition Parties: Keep government accountable in legislature.
(5) Interest Articulation: Channel demands of various groups to government.
(6) Policy Debates: Different perspectives lead to balanced policies.

Example: NDA and UPA coalitions in India include regional parties.

PART C: Long Answer Questions (5 Marks Each)

Compare the power-sharing models of Belgium and Sri Lanka. [CBSE 2024, 5 marks]

⚠️ Most Important

Answer: Comparison: Belgium vs Sri Lanka

Aspect	Belgium (Accommodation)	Sri Lanka (Majoritarianism)
Approach	Power-sharing and accommodation	Majority rule, dominance of Sinhala community
Language Policy	Equal status to Dutch, French, German	Only Sinhala as official language (1956 Act)
Government Structure	Complex federalism with community governments	Unitary government dominated by Sinhala
Representation	Equal ministers from both communities	Preference to Sinhala in jobs, education
Outcome	Peace, stability, unity maintained	Civil war (1983-2009), ethnic conflict
Key Feature	Community government for cultural matters	Buddhism given primary status
Result	Successful model of managing diversity	Failed model leading to violence

Explain the different forms of power-sharing with examples from India. [CBSE 2024, 5 marks]
Answer: Forms of power-sharing with Indian examples:

1. Horizontal Power-sharing (Separation of Powers): - Legislature: Parliament (Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha) makes laws - Executive: President, Prime Minister, Council of Ministers implements laws - Judiciary: Supreme Court, High Courts interprets laws - Example: Supreme Court striking down laws as unconstitutional

2. Vertical Power-sharing (Federalism): - Union List: Defence, currency (Central government) - State List: Police, agriculture (State governments) - Concurrent List: Education, forests (Both) - Local Governments: Panchayats, Municipalities (Third tier)

3. Among Social Groups: - Reservation: SCs, STs, OBCs in legislatures, jobs, education - Minority Rights: Cultural/educational rights for religious minorities - Women: 33% reservation in local bodies

4. Among Political Parties/Groups: - Coalition Governments: NDA, UPA governments - Pressure Groups: FICCI, trade unions influencing policies - Regional Parties: DMK, Akali Dal representing regional interests
Describe the constitutional provisions for power-sharing in India. [CBSE 2023, 5 marks]
Answer: Constitutional provisions for power-sharing:

1. Federal Structure (Articles 1-4): - India as Union of States - Division of powers through Union, State, Concurrent Lists (Seventh Schedule) - Special provisions for Jammu & Kashmir (Article 370 - now revoked), Northeastern states

2. Separation of Powers (Articles 53, 79, 124): - Executive: President (head), Council of Ministers (real executive) - Legislature: Parliament (Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha) - Judiciary: Supreme Court, High Courts, subordinate courts

3. Fundamental Rights (Articles 14-32): - Right to Equality (Article 14-18) - Right against Exploitation (Article 23-24) - Cultural and Educational Rights (Article 29-30) for minorities

4. Directive Principles (Articles 36-51): - Promote welfare of people - Minimize inequalities in income, status, facilities

5. Reservation System: - Articles 330, 332: Reservation for SCs/STs in legislatures - Articles 15(4), 16(4): Reservation in education and employment - 73rd & 74th Amendments: Reservation in local bodies

6. Special Provisions: - Article 371: Special provisions for various states - Sixth Schedule: Autonomous districts in tribal areas
Explain why power-sharing is considered the very spirit of democracy. [CBSE 2023, 5 marks]
Answer: Power-sharing as spirit of democracy:

1. Democratic Principle: - Democracy means rule by the people - All citizens should have voice in governance - Power-sharing ensures participation of diverse groups

2. Prevents Tyranny: - Absolute power corrupts absolutely - Checks and balances prevent abuse - Protects against dictatorship of majority

3. Promotes Unity: - Diverse societies need accommodation - Belgium model shows unity through sharing - Sri Lanka shows dangers of exclusion

4. Ensures Stability: - Groups with power stake don't rebel - Reduces social tensions and conflicts - Long-term political stability

5. Improves Governance: - Multiple perspectives lead to better decisions - Accountability through mutual control - Responsive to diverse needs

6. Moral Justification: - All social groups deserve share in power - Respects diversity and pluralism - Upholds human dignity and rights

7. Prudential Reason: - Practical way to manage conflicts - Prevents violence and disintegration - Essential for peace in divided societies
Describe the evolution of power-sharing arrangements in India since independence. [CBSE 2022, 5 marks]
Answer: Evolution of power-sharing in India:

1. Initial Years (1947-1967): - Dominance of Congress party - But accommodated regional leaders within party - Linguistic reorganization of states (1956) - Special status for Jammu & Kashmir (Article 370)

2. Coalition Era (1967 onwards): - First non-Congress governments in states (1967) - Emergency (1975-77) showed dangers of power concentration - Janata Party coalition (1977-79) - first national coalition

3. Federalism Strengthened (1980s-1990s): - Rise of regional parties - Coalition governments became norm - Sarkaria Commission (1983) on centre-state relations - Economic liberalization gave states more role

4. Constitutional Reforms (1990s): - 73rd & 74th Amendments (1992): Power to local governments - Reservation for women, SCs, STs in Panchayats - Creation of new states (1999-2014)

5. Recent Developments (2000s onwards): - Coalition governments at centre (NDA, UPA) - Greater financial autonomy to states (14th Finance Commission) - GST Council as model of cooperative federalism - Increasing role of regional parties in national politics

6. Current Trends: - NITI Aayog replacing Planning Commission - Competitive cooperative federalism - Special category status demands - Ongoing debates on fiscal federalism
Explain how power-sharing contributes to national integration. [CBSE 2022, 5 marks]
Answer: Power-sharing and national integration:

1. Accommodates Diversity: - India's immense diversity needs accommodation - Federal structure allows regional aspirations - Cultural rights protect minority identities

2. Prevents Secessionism: - Groups with power stake don't seek separation - Example: Punjab after Anandpur Sahib Resolution - Northeast states within Indian Union

3. Promotes Participation: - Reservation ensures marginalized groups in system - Local governments involve citizens directly - Coalition politics includes regional voices

4. Reduces Conflicts: - Power-sharing reduces grievances - Prevents majoritarianism as in Sri Lanka - Peaceful resolution of demands

5. Strengthens Unity: - Shared rule creates common identity - Federalism unites while preserving diversity - "Unity in diversity" principle

6. Examples of Success: - Linguistic states reorganization (1956) prevented language conflicts - Coalition governments accommodated regional parties - Reservation system gave stake to disadvantaged groups - Special status provisions for sensitive regions

7. Contrast with Failure: - Sri Lanka's majoritarianism led to civil war - Belgium's accommodation maintained unity - Yugoslavia's failure to share power led to breakup
Describe the system of community government in Belgium and its significance. [CBSE 2021, 5 marks]
Answer: Community government in Belgium:

Structure: (1) Three Community Governments: - French Community Government - Flemish (Dutch) Community Government - German-speaking Community Government
(2) Election: Directly elected by people belonging to that language community
(3) Jurisdiction: Not territorial, but over people of that community throughout Belgium

Powers and Functions: (1) Cultural Matters: Language, literature, arts, media
(2) Education: Schools, universities, vocational training
(3) Personal Matters: Health policy, youth policy, child care
(4) International Cooperation: Cultural agreements with other countries

Significance: (1) Protects Minority Rights: French minority in Flanders protected
(2) Prevents Domination: No community can dominate others
(3) Cultural Autonomy: Each community controls its cultural development
(4) Innovative Model: Unique solution to linguistic conflicts
(5) Successful Accommodation: Prevented breakup like Czechoslovakia
(6) Complementary System: Works with regional (Flanders, Wallonia) and federal governments

Comparison with India: While India has cultural rights for minorities (Article 29-30), it doesn't have separate community governments. India uses territorial federalism and reservation system instead.
Explain the challenges to power-sharing in India and how they are addressed. [CBSE 2021, 5 marks]
Answer: Challenges and solutions:

Challenges: (1) Regionalism: Demands for separate states, special status
(2) Majoritarianism: Dominance of majority community in some states
(3) Centralization: Tendency of centre to dominate states
(4) Caste Conflicts: Dominant castes vs marginalized groups
(5) Religion-based Politics: Communal tensions and conflicts
(6) Economic Disparities: Rich vs poor states conflicts
(7) Coalition Instability: Frequent elections, policy paralysis

Solutions Adopted: (1) Federal Accommodation: - Creation of new states (Telangana, Uttarakhand, Jharkhand) - Special category status (earlier) - Sixth Schedule for tribal areas
(2) Constitutional Safeguards: - Fundamental Rights against discrimination - Directive Principles for welfare - Independent judiciary for protection
(3) Reservation System: - For SCs, STs, OBCs in legislatures, jobs, education - Women reservation in local bodies
(4) Financial Mechanisms: - Finance Commission allocations - GST compensation to states - Special packages for backward regions
(5) Institutional Mechanisms: - Inter-State Council - NITI Aayog for cooperative federalism - National Integration Council
(6) Political Accommodation: - Coalition governments at centre - Regional parties in government - Power-sharing within parties
Describe the role of judiciary in power-sharing in India. [CBSE 2020, 5 marks]
Answer: Judiciary's role in power-sharing:

1. Guardian of Constitution: - Interprets Constitution (Article 141) - Settles disputes between centre and states - Protects federal structure

2. Checks and Balances: - Judicial review of laws (Kesavananda Bharati case) - Can declare laws unconstitutional - Reviews executive actions

3. Protector of Rights: - Enforces Fundamental Rights (Article 32) - Protects minority rights - Prevents majoritarianism

4. Arbitrator in Federal Disputes: - Resolves centre-state conflicts - Inter-state river water disputes - Border disputes between states

5. Promoter of Social Justice: - Mandates reservation (Mandal Commission case) - Environmental protection - Right to education, food, privacy

6. Judicial Activism: - Public Interest Litigation (PIL) - Directions to executive (Vineet Narain case) - Monitoring government actions

7. Landmark Judgments: - Kesavananda Bharati (1973): Basic structure doctrine - S.R. Bommai (1994): Federalism principles - Indira Sawhney (1992): OBC reservation upheld - Minerva Mills (1980): Balance between rights and DPSP

8. Limitations: - Appointment process (collegium system debates) - Judicial overreach concerns - Implementation delays

Explain how power-sharing arrangements in India are different from those in USA. [CBSE 2020, 5 marks]

Answer: India vs USA power-sharing:

Aspect	India	USA
Type of Federation	Holding together federation (states couldn't secede)	Coming together federation (states came together voluntarily)
Constitution	Unitary bias, centre stronger	Strong states, limited centre
Division of Powers	Union List, State List, Concurrent List (Seventh Schedule)	Enumerated powers to centre, rest to states (10th Amendment)
Residuary Powers	With centre (Article 248)	With states
Citizenship	Single citizenship	Dual citizenship (federal and state)
Judiciary	Integrated judiciary, Supreme Court at top	Dual judiciary (federal and state courts)
Amendment	Flexible, Parliament can amend many provisions	Rigid, requires ¾ states ratification
Emergency	Centre can take over states (Articles 356, 352)	No such provision
Linguistic Diversity	Recognizes 22 languages, states on linguistic basis	English dominant, no official language at federal level
Social Power-sharing	Reservation for SCs, STs, OBCs, women	Affirmative action, but no quota system

PART D: Picture-based & Map Questions (2 Marks Each)

Note: Civics sometimes has picture-based questions. Know the key symbols and maps.

Identify the countries in the given map: (i) Belgium (ii) Sri Lanka [CBSE 2024, 2 marks]
Answer: (i) Belgium: Western Europe (small country between France, Germany, Netherlands). (ii) Sri Lanka: Island nation south of India.
Which concept of power-sharing is shown in the picture of three pillars? [CBSE 2023, 2 marks]
Answer: Horizontal power-sharing (separation of powers among legislature, executive, judiciary).
Identify the type of government shown in the picture of multiple layers. [CBSE 2022, 2 marks]
Answer: Vertical power-sharing (federal structure with central, state, and local governments).
Which country's power-sharing model is represented by the picture of community flags? [CBSE 2021, 2 marks]
Answer: Belgium (showing French, Dutch, and German community flags).
What does the picture of weighing scale represent in power-sharing? [CBSE 2020, 2 marks]
Answer: Checks and balances system (balancing power among different organs).

⚖️ Chapter 1 Exam Strategy

Case Study Mastery: Know Belgium and Sri Lanka examples inside out - dates, policies, outcomes

Comparison Skills: Be ready to compare horizontal vs vertical, India vs USA, Belgium vs Sri Lanka

Indian Examples: Relate every concept to Indian context - separation of powers, federalism, reservation

Constitutional Articles: Remember key articles: 14-18 (equality), 29-30 (minority rights), 356 (President's rule)

Common Mistake: Don't confuse 'community government' (Belgium) with 'state government' (India's federalism)

⚠️ Pro Tip: The "Belgium vs Sri Lanka comparison" appears almost every year. Create a side-by-side chart in your notes. For 5-mark answers, always start with definitions, give examples, and conclude with why power-sharing matters for democracy.

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