NCERT Civics Class 10 Chapter 1 Notes | Khalil’s Dilemma

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NCERT Political Science (Civics) Class 10 | Khalil’s Dilemma

Topic & sub-topics covered: Khalil’s Dilemma 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 “Khalil’s Dilemma” 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

Are you preparing for your Class 10 exams and looking for the best & exam-oriented notes? Look no further than E-bookncert.com! Download the NCERT Political Science (Civics) for Class 10 Chapter 1 Power-sharing PDF Notes to understand one of the most important chapters in your board exam syllabus.

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.

Khalil’s Dilemma

Khalil’s Dilemma - Power Sharing in Lebanon
Source: NCERT Book

Power Sharing in Lebanon

1. Diversity in Lebanon:

  • Lebanon is a modern, cosmopolitan country with a diverse population from various communities.
  • Khalil’s parents belong to different communities: his father is an Orthodox Christian, and his mother is a Sunni Muslim.

2. Civil War and Its Consequences:

  • A bitter civil war occurred among Lebanon’s communities, causing loss of lives, including Khalil’s uncle.
  • The war highlighted the need for power-sharing agreements to ensure peace.

3. Power Sharing Pact in Lebanon:

  • The leaders agreed on a communal power-sharing arrangement:
    a. President: Maronite Catholic Christian.
    b. Prime Minister: Sunni Muslim.
    c. Deputy Prime Minister: Orthodox Christian.
    d. Speaker of Parliament: Shi’a Muslim.
  • Christians agreed not to seek French protection, and Muslims agreed not to unify with Syria.

4. Significance of the Pact:

  • The agreement was based on the nearly equal population of Christians and Muslims at the time.
  • Even though Muslims are now in the majority, the agreement continues to be respected as it ensures peace and stability.

Criticism of the System

1. Challenges and Criticisms:

  • Khalil, a politically ambitious individual, criticizes the system:
    a. He believes the system restricts people from contesting top positions based on their community.
    b. Advocates for a ‘normal’ democracy where elections determine leaders without communal restrictions.

2. Lessons from the System:

  • Elders who witnessed the bloodshed of civil war argue that the present system guarantees peace by avoiding communal dominance.

Vetal’s Question and Implications

1. Vetal’s Question on Power Sharing:

  • Vikram is asked whether Lebanon should:
    a. Adopt regular democratic rules as Khalil suggests.
    b. Retain the current communal power-sharing system.
    c.     Devise an alternative system for Lebanon’s governance.

Broader Themes and Concepts

1. Importance of Power Sharing:

  • The Lebanese example underscores that power-sharing arrangements can maintain peace in socially diverse countries.

2. Contextual Application of Democracy:

  • Khalil’s criticism reflects the tension between universal democratic principles and context-specific solutions like Lebanon’s communal pact.

3. Trade-Offs in Governance:

  • Lebanon’s system shows the trade-off between fairness and stability, prioritizing peace over individual aspirations.

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

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

MCQ’s on NCERT Civics Class 10 Chapter 1 Tpoic – Khalil’s Dilemma

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

Question 1. What is the mode of transportation for Vikram and Vetal in the story?

a) Car
b) Bicycle
c) Motorbike
d) Train

Answer: c) Motorbike

Question 2. What is Vetal’s primary purpose for telling Vikram stories?

a) To entertain him
b) To keep him awake while driving
c) To distract him from the journey
d) To test his knowledge

Answer: b) To keep him awake while driving

Question 3. Where is the story narrated by Vetal set?

a) Baghdad
b) Beirut
c) Damascus
d) Cairo

Answer: b) Beirut

Question 4. Who is Khalil in the story?

a) A politician in Lebanon
b) A man from a mixed religious background
c) A Maronite Christian leader
d) A Muslim scholar

Answer: b) A man from a mixed religious background

Question 5. Which of the following positions in Lebanon is reserved for the Sunni Muslim community?

a) President
b) Prime Minister
c) Deputy Prime Minister
d) Speaker

Answer: b) Prime Minister

Question 6. What is the sect of Catholic Christians that the President of Lebanon must belong to?

a) Sunni Muslim
b) Shi’a Muslim
c) Orthodox Christian
d) Maronite Catholic

Answer: d) Maronite Catholic

Question 7. Who holds the position of Deputy Prime Minister in Lebanon’s power-sharing agreement?

a) Sunni Muslim
b) Orthodox Christian
c) Shi’a Muslim
d) Maronite Catholic

Answer: b) Orthodox Christian

Question 8. What is the position reserved for Shi’a Muslims in Lebanon?

a) President
b) Prime Minister
c) Deputy Prime Minister
d) Speaker

Answer: d) Speaker

Question 9. What was the agreement between Christians and Muslims in Lebanon after the civil war?

a) Christians would seek French protection
b) Muslims would unify with Syria
c) Both communities agreed to avoid foreign alliances
d) The constitution was rewritten to favour one group

Answer: c) Both communities agreed to avoid foreign alliances

Question 10. When was the power-sharing agreement in Lebanon formulated?

a) After independence
b) During the French mandate
c) After the Civil War
d) After unification with Syria

Answer: c) After the Civil War

Question 11. Why was this power-sharing system implemented in Lebanon?

a) To maintain Christian dominance
b) To prevent French intervention
c) To ensure peace and avoid future conflicts
d) To promote economic development

Answer: c) To ensure peace and avoid future conflicts

Question 12. What change in demographics has occurred since the power-sharing agreement was established?

a) Christians have become the majority
b) Muslims are now in the clear majority
c) Shi’a Muslims dominate the government
d) There has been no demographic change

Answer: b) Muslims are now in the clear majority

Question 13. Why does Khalil dislike the Lebanese power-sharing system?

a) It is biased towards Muslims
b) It prevents him from achieving the top position
c) It allows too much foreign intervention
d) It does not focus on economic issues

Answer: b) It prevents him from achieving the top position

Question 14. What type of democracy does Khalil prefer for Lebanon?

a) One based on elections with no communal restrictions
b) One with a fixed representation for each community
c) One dominated by the majority religion
d) One controlled by foreign powers

Answer: a) One based on elections with no communal restrictions

Question 15. What argument do Khalil’s elders give to justify the current system?

a) It guarantees peace by preventing conflict
b) It ensures Christian dominance
c) It aligns with international democratic practices
d) It strengthens the economy

Answer: a) It guarantees peace by preventing conflict

Question 16. What is a potential downside of a “regular” democracy in Lebanon, as hinted in the story?

a) It might undermine peace and reignite conflict
b) It would reduce international support
c) It would favour Christians over Muslims
d) It would centralize power excessively

Answer: a) It might undermine peace and reignite conflict

Question 17. What does the term ‘civil war’ refer to in the context of Lebanon?

a) A war between Lebanon and Syria
b) A violent conflict within Lebanon among different communities
c) A war fought against foreign invaders
d) A rebellion led by Khalil’s family

Answer: b) A violent conflict within Lebanon among different communities

Question 18. What is the story’s broader message about power-sharing systems?

a) They are always unfair and unnecessary
b) They are a practical solution to avoid conflict in diverse societies
c) They favour majority communities
d) They lead to economic prosperity

Answer: b) They are a practical solution to avoid conflict in diverse societies

Question 19. What challenge does Khalil face as a result of his mixed religious background?

a) He is forced to adopt one parent’s religion
b) He is excluded from the highest political positions
c) He is pressured to leave Lebanon
d) He is targeted by foreign powers

Answer: b) He is excluded from the highest political positions

Question 20. If Lebanon adopted Khalil’s proposed system, what might be a possible consequence?

a) Complete unity among all communities
b) Renewed conflict and political instability
c) Equal representation of all groups
d) Unification with Syria

Answer: b) Renewed conflict and political instability

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