NCERT Political Science (Civics) Class 10 | Forms of Power-Sharing
Topic & sub-topics covered: Forms of Power-Sharing 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 “Forms of Power-Sharing” from the NCERT Political Science (Civics) notes for class 10th chapter 1 “Power-sharing“.
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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.
Forms of Power-Sharing
Understanding the Concept of Power Sharing
1. Opposition to Undivided Political Power:
- Earlier belief: All governmental power should reside in one person or group for quick decisions.
- Modern belief: Democracy supports dispersed power to avoid political instability.
2. Democracy and Power Sharing:
- A fundamental principle of democracy: People are the source of all political power.
- Respect for diverse groups and views ensures stability and inclusion.
- In a democracy, political power should be distributed among as many citizens as possible.
Forms of Power Sharing
1. Horizontal Distribution of Power:
- Power is shared among the legislature, executive, and judiciary.
- Ensures no organ exercises unlimited power.
- System of checks and balances: Each organ checks the functioning of the others.
- Example: Judges, though appointed by the executive, can check laws made by the legislature.
2. Vertical Division of Power:
- Power shared among different levels of government:
a. General government: Governs the entire country (e.g., Union Government in India).
b. Provincial governments: Govern regions (e.g., State Governments in India). - Constitution lays down powers at each level (federal division of power).
- Example: Municipalities and Panchayats operate under State Governments.
3. Power Sharing Among Social Groups:
- Power is shared among religious and linguistic groups.
- Example: Community government in Belgium.
- Reserved constituencies ensure representation for weaker sections and women.
- Ensures minority communities have a fair share in governance.
4. Power Sharing Among Political Parties, Pressure Groups, and Movements:
- Competition among political parties prevents the concentration of power.
- Example: Coalition governments where multiple parties share power.
- Pressure and interest groups (e.g., traders, farmers) influence decision-making.
Examples of Power-Sharing Types
1. Horizontal Power Sharing:
- Bombay High Court ordered to Maharashtra government to improve children’s living conditions.
- Represents judiciary checking executive actions.
2. Power Sharing Among Social Groups:
- Ontario State Government’s settlement with Aboriginal people reflects sharing power with diverse groups.
- Based on mutual respect and cooperation.
3. Power Sharing Among Political Parties:
- Russia’s Union of Right Forces and Liberal Yabloko Movement forming a coalition for elections.
- Represents sharing power among political parties.
4. Vertical Power Sharing:
- Nigeria’s state finance ministers demand revenue transparency from the federal government.
- Reflects power-sharing among different levels of government.
Key Learnings
1. Benefits of Power Sharing:
- Prevents tyranny of the majority.
- Ensures representation for diverse communities.
- Promotes stability, peace, and democracy.
2. Application of Power Sharing:
- Examples like Belgium, India, and Canada show how power-sharing adapts to societal needs.
- Essential for maintaining unity and respecting diversity.
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 – Forms of Power-Sharing
Here are top exam oriented mcq’s type questions on “Forms of Power-Sharing” that you should prepare for your CBSE or state board exams:
Question 1. What idea did power-sharing emerge in opposition to?
a) The idea of divided governance
b) The notion of undivided political power
c) The concept of democracy
d) The need for quick decision-making
Answer: b) The notion of undivided political power
Question 2. What is one basic principle of democracy mentioned in the content?
a) Centralization of power
b) People are the source of all political power
c) Quick decision-making
d) Absolute authority of the executive
Answer: b) People are the source of all political power
Question 3. Why is power-sharing considered essential in a democracy?
a) To concentrate decision-making
b) To give quick solutions to societal issues
c) To give diverse groups a voice in public policies
d) To ensure absolute rule of the majority
Answer: c) To give diverse groups a voice in public policies
Question 4. What is the distribution of power among different organs of government called?
a) Federal division of power
b) Horizontal distribution of power
c) Vertical division of power
d) Social division of power
Answer: b) Horizontal distribution of power
Question 5. Which system ensures a balance of power among various institutions?
a) Centralized governance
b) Checks and balances
c) Federal division of power
d) Coalition government
Answer: b) Checks and balances
Question 6. In the horizontal distribution of power, which organs of government are involved?
a) Parliament, Panchayat, and Municipality
b) Executive, Legislature, and Judiciary
c) Local, State, and Central Governments
d) Religious and linguistic groups
Answer: b) Executive, Legislature, and Judiciary
Question 7. What is the term for power-sharing among governments at different levels?
a) Horizontal distribution of power
b) Vertical division of power
c) Community governance
d) Reserved constituencies
Answer: b) Vertical division of power
Question 8. What is the general government for the entire country called in India?
a) State Government
b) Federal Government
c) Union or Central Government
d) Panchayat Government
Answer: c) Union or Central Government
Question 9. Which power-sharing system exists at levels below the State Government?
a) Horizontal distribution
b) Panchayat and Municipality governance
c) Coalition government
d) Reserved representation
Answer: b) Panchayat and Municipality governance
Question 10. What type of power-sharing is represented by the Bombay High Court ordering the Maharashtra State Government to improve conditions in children’s homes?
a) Horizontal distribution of power
b) Vertical division of power
c) Social group power-sharing
d) Coalition government
Answer: a) Horizontal distribution of power
Question 11. Which type of power-sharing is shown in the land claim settlement in Ontario with the Aboriginal community?
a) Horizontal distribution of power
b) Vertical division of power
c) Power-sharing among social groups
d) Political party coalition
Answer: c) Power-sharing among social groups
Question 12. What does the unification of Russia’s two political parties into a coalition represent?
a) Horizontal distribution of power
b) Power-sharing among political parties
c) Federal division of power
d) Social representation
Answer: b) Power-sharing among political parties
Question 13. The demand by Nigerian state finance ministers for the federal government to declare its income sources exemplifies which type of power-sharing?
a) Vertical division of power
b) Horizontal distribution of power
c) Coalition governance
d) Reserved representation
Answer: a) Vertical division of power
Question 14. What does community government in Belgium represent?
a) Power-sharing among governments at different levels
b) Power-sharing among social groups
c) Horizontal distribution of power
d) Federal division of power
Answer: b) Power-sharing among social groups
Question 15. What is the purpose of reserved constituencies in India?
a) To promote coalition governments
b) To prevent political competition
c) To give weaker sections a fair share of power
d) To centralize decision-making
Answer: c) To give weaker sections a fair share of power
Question 16. What is a key feature of political party competition in democracies?
a) Power remains concentrated in one party
b) Power is shared among parties through alliances or coalitions
c) Elections are held without any contenders
d) Only one ideology is represented
Answer: b) Power is shared among parties through alliances or coalitions
Question 17. How do pressure groups share power in democracies?
a) By directly controlling the government
b) By influencing decision-making and participating in committees
c) By competing in elections
d) By forming alliances with political parties
Answer: b) By influencing decision-making and participating in committees
Question 18. Why is power-sharing considered essential in diverse societies?
a) It ensures quick decision-making
b) It prevents the alienation of minority communities
c) It allows the majority community to dominate
d) It centralizes governance for better control
Answer: b) It prevents the alienation of minority communities
Question 19. What is a coalition government?
a) A government formed by different levels of governance
b) A government formed by multiple political parties sharing power
c) A government formed by a single dominant party
d) A government led by social pressure groups
Answer: b) A government formed by multiple political parties sharing power
Question 20. What is the long-term benefit of political party competition in democracies?
a) It keeps power concentrated
b) It ensures that power is shared across various groups
c) It eliminates opposition
d) It discourages minority participation
Answer: b) It ensures that power is shared across various groups