Going through class 10 political science chapter 1 is an experience in itself. It exposes one to one of the most important concepts: that of power sharing. This very chapter lays the absolute basics of understanding how power is shared between different levels of government and communities—the essence of democratic life. Enunciating the Basics: We at Orchids International School take care that all our students clearly understand these very fundamentals through explicit elaboration and practice with examples. Done patently, NCERT solutions have framed themselves in a way to lead the readers step-by-step, thereby making gradually difficult-to-understand ideas simple. So, whether you are looking for quick revision in this class 10 political science chapter 1 PDF or need an in-depth explanation on Power Sharing, the solution will provide perfect support toward the mastery of the content.
The NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Civics Chapter - 1 Power Sharing are tailored to help the students master the concepts that are key to success in their classrooms. The solutions given in the PDF are developed by experts and correlate with the CBSE syllabus of 2023-2024. These solutions provide thorough explanations with a step-by-step approach to solving problems. Students can easily get a hold of the subject and learn the basics with a deeper understanding. Additionally, they can practice better, be confident, and perform well in their examinations with the support of this PDF.
Download PDF
Students can access the NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Civics Chapter - 1 Power Sharing. Curated by experts according to the CBSE syllabus for 2023–2024, these step-by-step solutions make SST-Political-Science much easier to understand and learn for the students. These solutions can be used in practice by students to attain skills in solving problems, reinforce important learning objectives, and be well-prepared for tests.
What are the different forms of power sharing in modern democracies? Give an example of each of these.
The different forms of power sharing are:
Horizontal Division of Power - Sharing of power between different departments of government, example, power sharing by the executive, the Legislature and the Judiciary. Here, power sharing arrangement, different departments of government, placed at the same level use different powers. This kind of separation makes sure that none of the departments use unlimited power.
Vertical Division of Power - Sharing of power at different levels in a government. Example, a government for the whole country, and a government for the state. In India, it is the Central Government, State Government, Municipality, Gram Panchayat etc. The Constitution helps in laying down powers of different levels of government.
Division of Power among Different Social Groups - Power can be shared among different groups which are different from religious groups. ‘Community Government’ in Belgium is an example of this kind of power sharing. Reserved constituencies in India are also another example. This kind of arrangement is used for fair share in power.
Division of Power among Political Parties, Pressure Groups and Movements - In contemporary democracy such a division takes the form of competition among different parties, which in turn ensures that power does not remain in one hand and is shared among different political parties representing different ideologies and social groups.
State one prudential reason and one moral reason for power sharing with an example from the Indian context.
Prudential Reason: Power sharing helps in reducing the conflict between various social groups. So, power sharing is necessary for maintaining social harmony and peace. In India, seats are reserved for weaker sections. Example: reservation of seats for SC and ST. This helps weaker sections to contribute in running the Government.
Moral Reason: It holds the spirit of democracy. In a democratic setup, the citizens too have a stake in governance. The citizens in India come together to debate the policies and decisions of the government, this will put pressure on the government to rethink about the policies and its decisions.
After reading the chapter, three students drew different conclusions. Which of these do you agree with and why? Give your reason in about 50 words.
Thomman - Power sharing is necessary only in societies which have religions, linguistic or ethnic divisions.
Mathayi - Power sharing is suitable only for big countries that have regional divisions.
Ouseph - Every society needs some form of power sharing even if it is small or does not have social divisions.
Ouseph’s statement is quite logical, hence, should be agreed on. Any society requires power sharing even if it is small.
In a democratic society, members or citizens participate and acquire stake in the system. Power sharing prevents conflict between any two groups, it also generates a sense of belongingness in the society.
Power sharing helps in maintaining a balance of power in various institutions, irrespective of type of society and its size people will be satisfied where they have a role to play in decision making.
The Mayor of Merchtem, a town near Brussels in Belgium, has defended a ban on speaking French in the town’s schools. He said that this’ measure is in keeping with the spirit of Belgium’s power sharing arrangements? Give your reason in about 50 words.
No, this measure was not related to Belgium’s power sharing arrangements. The arrangements seek to maintain peace between the French and Dutch speaking communities. Both French and Dutch languages will be made acceptable in town’s schools. Bilingual education system is a better way to integrate the people.
Read the following passage and pick out any one of the prudential reasons for power sharing offered in this.
“We need to give more power to the panchayats to realize the dream of Mahatma Gandhi and the hopes of the makers of our Constitution. Panchayati Raj establishes true democracy. It restores power to the only place where power belongs in a democracy – in the hands of the people. Giving power to panchayats is also a way to reduce corruption and increase administrative efficiency. When people participate in the planning and implementation of developmental schemes, they would naturally exercise greater control over these schemes. This would eliminate the corrupt middlemen. Thus, Panchayati Raj will strengthen the foundations of our democracy.”
The prudential reason for power sharing offered in the above passage is giving power to panchayats. It is a way to reduce corruption and increase administrative efficiency.
Different arguments are usually put forth in favor of and against power sharing. Identify those which are in favor of power sharing and select the answer using the codes given below? Power sharing:
Reduces conflict among different communities
Decreases the possibility of arbitrariness
Delays decision making process
Accommodates diversities
Increase instability and divisiveness
Promotes people’s participation in government
Undermines the unity of a country
a) |
A |
B |
D |
F |
b) |
A |
C |
E |
F |
c) |
A |
B |
D |
G |
d) |
B |
C |
D |
G |
a) |
A |
B |
D |
F |
Consider the following statements about power sharing arrangements in Belgium and Sri Lanka.
A. In Belgium, the Dutch-speaking majority people tried to impose their domination on the minority French-speaking community.
B. In Sri Lanka, the policies of the government sought to ensure the dominance of the Sinhala-speaking majority.
C. The Tamils in Sri Lanka demanded a federal arrangement of power sharing to protect their culture, language and equality of opportunity in education and jobs.
D. The transformation of Belgium from unitary government to a federal one prevented a possible division of the country on linguistic lines.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
A, B, C and D
A, B and D
C and D
B, C and D
d) B, C and D
Match list I (forms of power sharing) with List II (forms of government) and select the correct answer using the codes given below in the lists:
List I |
List II |
1. Power shared among different organs of government. |
A. Community government |
2. Power shared among governments at different levels. |
B. Separation of powers |
3. Power shared by different social groups |
C. Coalition government |
4. Power shared by two or more political parties |
D. Federal government |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
|
a) |
D |
A |
B |
C |
b) |
B |
C |
D |
A |
c) |
B |
D |
A |
C |
d) |
C |
D |
A |
B |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
|
c) |
B |
D |
A |
C |
Consider the following two statements on power sharing and select the answer using the codes given below:
Power sharing is good for democracy.
It helps to reduce the possibility of conflict between social groups.
Which of these statements are true and false?
A is true but B is false
Both A and B are true
Both A and B are false
A is false but B is true
b) Both A and B are true.
Admissions Open for 2025-26