NCERT Political Science (Civics) Class 10 | Accommodation in Belgium

Topic & sub-topics covered: Accommodation in Belgium and MCQs Questions: Power-sharing (All single detail notes are exam-oriented).

We have discussed in-depth and exam-oriented pointers that can be asked in the board exam of class 10th about “Accommodation in Belgium” from the NCERT Political Science (Civics) notes for class 10th chapter 1 “Power-sharing“.

Download the NCERT Political Science (Civics) for Class 10 Chapter 1 Power-sharing PDF Notes

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This chapter explains the concept of power-sharing in a democracy, its necessity, and various forms through real-life examples from countries like Belgium and Sri Lanka, Majoritarianism in Sri Lanka, Accommodation in Belgium, Khalil’s Dilemma, and Forms of Power-sharing.

Visit the E-book NCERT to download the NCERT Political Science (Civics) for Class 10 Chapter 1 Power-sharing PDF Notes. Prepare for your board & school exam with our notes that will help you understand the concepts and boost your understanding and mark in exams.

Accommodation in Belgium

The Belgian Model

1. Recognition of Diversity:

• Belgian leaders acknowledged regional differences and cultural diversities.
• The constitution was amended four times (1970–1993) to ensure peaceful coexistence.

2. Innovative Power-Sharing Model:

• Unique arrangement, unlike any other country.
• Aimed at accommodating all communities within a unified nation.

3. Key Features of the Belgian Model:

• Central Government:
  a. Equal number of Dutch and French-speaking ministers.
  b. Special laws require majority support from each linguistic group.
  c. No single community can make unilateral decisions.
• State Governments:
  a. Significant powers transferred to State Governments.
  b. State Governments are not subordinate to the Central Government.
• Brussels Government:
  a. Separate government with equal representation for Dutch and French communities.
  b. French-speaking people accepted this due to Dutch equal representation in the Central Government.
• Community Government:
  a. Third type of government elected by linguistic communities (Dutch, French, German-speaking).
  b. Handles cultural, educational, and language-related issues.

4. Outcomes of the Model:

• Avoided civic strife and possible division along linguistic lines.
• Chosen as a model of cooperation; Brussels became the headquarters of the European Union.

Comparative Analysis of Belgium and Sri Lanka

1. Belgium’s Approach:

• Emphasis on respecting diverse communities and their interests.
• Resulted in mutually acceptable power-sharing arrangements.
• Fostered unity by accommodating differences.

2. Sri Lanka’s Approach:

• The majority community (Sinhala) imposed its dominance.
• Refusal to share power undermined unity, leading to civil strife.

Key Terms and Learnings

1. Civil War Definition:

• A violent conflict between opposing groups within a country, resembles war in intensity.

2. Lessons from Belgium and Sri Lanka:

• Belgium: Unity can be achieved by respecting and sharing power among different communities.
• Sri Lanka: Dominance by a majority community can lead to division and conflict.

Why power sharing is desirable?

1. Reasons for Power Sharing:

• Prudential Reasons for Power Sharing:
  a. Power sharing reduces the possibility of conflict between social groups
  b. Prevents violence and political instability caused by social conflicts.
  c. Ensures the stability of the political order.
  d. Imposing the majority’s will may seem effective in the short term but undermines the unity of the nation in the long run.
  e. The tyranny of the majority is oppressive for minorities and often harms the majority itself.
• Moral Reasons for Power Sharing:
  a. Core of Democracy: Power sharing is the essence of democratic governance.
  b. Democracy requires sharing power with those affected by its exercise and who live under its effects.
  c. People have the right to participate and be consulted on how they are governed.
  d. A legitimate government gains its legitimacy when citizens, through participation, acquire a stake in the system.

2. Distinction Between Prudential and Moral Reasons:

• Prudential vs. Moral Reasons:
  a. Prudential Reasons:
  i. Based on careful calculation of gains and losses.
  ii. Emphasizes better outcomes through power sharing.
  b. Moral Reasons:
  i. Emphasizes the value of the act of power-sharing itself.
  Stresses the importance of democratic ideals and participation.

3. Definition

• Prudential:
  a. Based on prudence (careful calculation of benefits and risks).
  b. Contrasted with decisions based solely on moral considerations.

Next & Previous Topics of NCERT/CBSE Political Science (Civics) Class 10 Chapter 1: Power-sharing

Topics No.	Topics Name
1	Belgium and Sri Lanka
2	Majoritarianism in Sri Lanka
3	Accommodation in Belgium
4	Khalil’s Dilemma
5	Forms of Power-sharing

MCQ’s on NCERT Civics Class 10 Chapter 1 Tpoic – Accommodation in Belgium

Here are top exam oriented mcq’s type questions on “Accommodation in Belgium” that you should prepare for your CBSE or state board exams:

Question 1. Between which years did Belgium amend its constitution four times?

a) 1960-1980
b) 1970-1993
c) 1980-2000
d) 1993-2010

Answer: b) 1970-1993

Question 2. What is the unique feature of the Belgian model?

a) Complete dominance of the central government
b) Equal representation of Dutch and French-speaking ministers in the central government
c) Abolishment of state governments
d) No role for linguistic groups in governance

Answer: b) Equal representation of Dutch and French-speaking ministers in the central government

Question 3. Which laws in Belgium require the support of a majority of members from each linguistic group?

a) Religious laws
b) Educational laws
c) Special laws
d) Economic laws

Answer: c) Special laws

Question 4. What powers were given to the state governments in Belgium?

a) Limited powers subordinate to the central government
b) Equal powers, independent of the central government
c) Only cultural and linguistic powers
d) No powers were given to the state governments

Answer: b) Equal powers, independent of the central government

Question 5. What is the composition of the Brussels government?

a) Dominated by Dutch-speaking representatives
b) Dominated by French-speaking representatives
c) Equal representation of Dutch and French-speaking communities
d) No representation of linguistic groups

Answer: c) Equal representation of Dutch and French-speaking communities

Question 6. What is the third type of government in Belgium called?

a) Central government
b) State government
c) Community Government
d) Regional government

Answer: c) Community Government

Question 7. What powers does the community government in Belgium have?

a) Cultural, educational, and language-related issues
b) Defense and foreign affairs
c) Economic and industrial policies
d) Judicial and law enforcement

Answer: a) Cultural, educational, and language-related issues

Question 8. Why was Brussels chosen as the headquarters of the European Union?

a) Because of its historical significance
b) Due to its successful power-sharing model
c) Because it is a French-speaking region
d) Due to its geographical location in Eastern Europe

Answer: b) Due to its successful power-sharing model

Question 9. What does Belgium teach us about power-sharing?

a) Majority dominance leads to unity
b) Respect for all communities ensures unity
c) Centralized power is the best approach
d) Cultural diversity should be suppressed

Answer: b) Respect for all communities ensures unity

Question 10. What does the Sri Lankan example highlight about power-sharing?

a) Power sharing strengthens the majority
b) Imposing majority rule undermines national unity
c) Avoiding power-sharing ensures stability
d) Suppressing minorities leads to long-term peace

Answer: b) Imposing majority rule undermines national unity

Question 11. What was the main contrasting feature between Belgium and Sri Lanka’s approach to governance?

a) Belgium ignored cultural diversity, while Sri Lanka respected it
b) Belgium respected diversity, while Sri Lanka imposed majority dominance
c) Both countries adopted majoritarian measures
d) Both countries encouraged cultural suppression

Answer: b) Belgium respected diversity, while Sri Lanka imposed majority dominance

Question 12. What is a key benefit of power sharing according to prudential reasons?

a) Reducing the possibility of social conflicts
b) Ensuring majority dominance
c) Increasing centralized control
d) Avoiding participation of minorities

Answer: a) Reducing the possibility of social conflicts

Question 13. What is the moral reason for power sharing in a democracy?

a) It reduces political instability
b) It ensures better economic outcomes
c) It upholds the spirit of democracy
d) It promotes cultural diversity

Answer: c) It upholds the spirit of democracy

Question 14. What does the tyranny of the majority refer to?

a) Rule by consensus
b) Oppression of the minority by the majority
c) Equal representation of all groups
d) Economic advantages for the majority

Answer: b) Oppression of the minority by the majority

Question 15. Why is power sharing considered the very spirit of democracy?

a) It centralizes governance
b) It allows citizens to participate and have a stake in the system
c) It ensures the majority community controls governance
d) It prevents the formation of regional governments

Answer: b) It allows citizens to participate and have a stake in the system

Question 16. What type of reasons emphasize the positive outcomes of power-sharing?

a) Economic reasons
b) Moral reasons
c) Prudential reasons
d) Political reasons

Answer: c) Prudential reasons

Question 17. What happens in the long run if the majority imposes its will over others?

a) It strengthens the unity of the nation
b) It undermines the unity of the nation
c) It leads to economic growth
d) It ensures cultural harmony

Answer: b) It undermines the unity of the nation

Question 18. What is the definition of “prudential”?

a) Based on moral considerations
b) Based on careful calculation of gains and losses
c) Focused on short-term benefits
d) Driven by cultural beliefs

Answer: b) Based on careful calculation of gains and losses

Question 19. What is one of the main elements of the Belgian power-sharing model?

a) Dominance of the central government over all regions
b) Decentralization of powers to state governments
c) Equal representation for all religions in the central government
d) Focus only on economic issues

Answer: b) Decentralization of powers to state governments

Question 20. How is the linguistic group representation ensured in Belgium’s central government?

a) Dutch-speaking ministers dominate
b) Equal representation of Dutch and French-speaking ministers
c) French-speaking ministers dominate
d) No fixed representation for any linguistic group

Answer: b) Equal representation of Dutch and French-speaking ministers

Question 21. Why did the French-speaking people accept equal representation in Brussels?

a) They were the majority in the country
b) The Dutch-speaking community accepted equal representation in the central government
c) They wanted to avoid a civil war
d) Brussels was already dominated by French-speaking people

Answer: b) The Dutch-speaking community accepted equal representation in the central government

Question 22. What role does the ‘community government’ play in Belgium?

a) Handles cultural, educational, and language-related issues
b) Controls defense and foreign affairs
c) Supervises economic policies
d) Focuses on international trade

Answer: a) Handles cultural, educational, and language-related issues

Question 23. Which of the following is NOT true about the Belgian power-sharing model?

a) Central government laws need the support of majority members from each linguistic group
b) State governments are subordinate to the central government
c) Community governments are based on linguistic groups
d) Brussels has equal representation of both communities

Answer: b) State governments are subordinate to the central government

Question 24. What is the primary purpose of the Belgian power-sharing arrangement?

a) To promote economic development
b) To avoid civic strife and division on linguistic lines
c) To ensure religious harmony
d) To promote international trade relations

Answer: b) To avoid civic strife and division on linguistic lines

Question 25. What does the term ‘special laws’ refer to in the Belgian context?

a) Laws that only apply to the Brussels region
b) Laws requiring approval from majority members of each linguistic group
c) Laws governing only community governments
d) Laws focusing on international policies

Answer: b) Laws requiring approval from majority members of each linguistic group

Question 26. What made the Belgian model unique compared to other countries?

a) Total dominance of one linguistic group
b) Innovative power-sharing mechanisms accommodating all communities
c) Complete focus on central governance
d) Isolation of minority communities

Answer: b) Innovative power-sharing mechanisms accommodating all communities

Question 27. What did Belgian leaders realize was essential for national unity?

a) Suppression of minority communities
b) Respecting the interests of different communities and regions
c) Dominance of the majority community
d) Avoiding power-sharing arrangements

Answer: b) Respecting the interests of different communities and regions

Question 28. What does Sri Lanka’s experience teach us about majoritarianism?

a) It strengthens national unity
b) It undermines national unity and leads to conflict
c) It ensures long-term political stability
d) It fosters cultural harmony

Answer: b) It undermines national unity and leads to conflict

Question 29. What is a key lesson from the story of Belgium?

a) Imposing majority rule is an effective governance method
b) Power sharing respects diversity and ensures unity
c) Centralized power is essential for a stable democracy
d) Linguistic diversity should be discouraged

Answer: b) Power sharing respects diversity and ensures unity

Question 30. Which of the following terms best describes Sri Lanka’s governance approach?

a) Inclusive democracy
b) Majoritarianism
c) Federalism
d) Linguistic equality

Answer: b) Majoritarianism

Question 31. What is a prudential reason for power sharing?

a) It undermines the majority community’s role
b) It reduces the possibility of social conflict
c) It focuses only on moral considerations
d) It eliminates minority participation in governance

Answer: b) It reduces the possibility of social conflict

Question 32. What is a moral reason for power sharing?

a) It ensures political stability
b) It respects the spirit of democracy
c) It increases economic growth
d) It promotes centralization of power

Answer: b) It respects the spirit of democracy

Question 33. Why is the tyranny of the majority harmful?

a) It benefits only the majority
b) It oppresses the minority and often affects the majority adversely
c) It strengthens the democratic system
d) It promotes cultural diversity

Answer: b) It oppresses the minority and often affects the majority adversely

Question 34. What is a key argument against imposing majority rule?

a) It ensures short-term peace but long-term instability
b) It eliminates the role of central government
c) It focuses only on minority issues
d) It always promotes cultural harmony

Answer: a) It ensures short-term peace but long-term instability

Question 35. How does power-sharing contribute to a legitimate government?

a) By ensuring minority groups are excluded from governance
b) By enabling citizen participation and giving them a stake in governance
c) By promoting centralized decision-making
d) By focusing solely on economic policies

Answer: b) By enabling citizen participation and giving them a stake in governance

Question 36. What is meant by the term ‘prudential’?

a) Decisions based on cultural traditions
b) Decisions based on careful calculation of gains and losses
c) Decisions focused on moral considerations alone
d) Decisions ignoring minority concerns

Answer: b) Decisions based on careful calculation of gains and losses

Question 37. What is the definition of ‘civil war’?

a) Conflict between two nations
b) Violent conflict between groups within a country
c) Peaceful protest against a government
d) Struggle for regional autonomy

Answer: b) Violent conflict between groups within a country

Question 38. What does ‘tyranny of the majority’ imply in a democracy?

a) Respect for minority rights
b) Oppressive rule by the majority
c) Equal representation of all communities
d) A peaceful coexistence of linguistic groups

Answer: b) Oppressive rule by the majority