Power Sharing Class 10 MCQs: A Complete Guide

Power sharing is an essential chapter in Class 10 Civics (Democratic Politics-II) as it lays the foundation for understanding how governments function by distributing powers. This blog post provides an overview of the topic and includes 25 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) to help students prepare effectively for their exams.


What is Power Sharing?

It refers to the division of powers and responsibilities among different levels and organs of government. It aims to ensure that no single group or individual holds unchecked power, promoting stability, fairness, and accountability in governance.


Key Concepts of Power Sharing

  1. Forms of it
    • Horizontal Distribution of Power: Power is shared among different organs of government, such as the legislature, executive, and judiciary.
    • Vertical Distribution of Power: Power is shared between different levels of government, such as central, state, and local levels.
    • Social Groups: Power is shared among social groups like religious and linguistic groups to ensure inclusivity.
    • Political Parties and Pressure Groups: Power is also shared among political parties, interest groups, and movements.
  2. Case Studies
    • Belgium: Belgium adopted a complex power-sharing arrangement to maintain peace among its diverse linguistic groups.
    • Sri Lanka: Sri Lanka faced conflicts due to a lack of power-sharing among its ethnic groups.
  3. Principles of Power Sharing
    • It reduces the possibility of conflict between social groups.
    • It ensures political stability in the long run.
    • It is a hallmark of democracy as it accommodates diverse views.

Benefits of Power Sharing

  • Prevents the abuse of power.
  • Protects the rights of minority communities.
  • Promotes the spirit of democracy.
  • Ensures participation of different groups in governance.

Power Sharing

25 MCQs on Power Sharing for Class 10

Here are 25 MCQs to help you practice and test your understanding of power sharing:

1. Introduction to Power-Sharing

  1. What does power sharing mean in a democracy?
    a) Centralizing all power
    b) Distributing power among various groups
    c) Giving power only to political leaders
    d) None of the above
    Answer: b
  2. Which of the following is not a reason for power-sharing?
    a) To avoid conflict among groups
    b) To ensure long-term stability
    c) To promote inequality
    d) To respect diversity
    Answer: c
  3. In a democracy, why is power sharing important?
    a) To provide equal rights to all citizens
    b) To ensure rapid economic growth
    c) To establish a dictatorship
    d) None of the above
    Answer: a

2. Forms of Power-Sharing

  1. What is horizontal power-sharing?
    a) Sharing of power between central and state governments
    b) Sharing of power among different levels of government
    c) Sharing of power among different organs of government
    d) Sharing of power among different political parties
    Answer: c
  2. Which of the following is an example of vertical power-sharing?
    a) Power shared between central and state governments
    b) Power shared between legislature, executive, and judiciary
    c) Power shared among political parties
    d) None of the above
    Answer: a
  3. How is power shared among social groups?
    a) Through community governments
    b) By appointing dictators
    c) By denying them rights
    d) None of the above
    Answer: a

3. Case Study: Belgium

  1. What is the official language of Brussels, the capital of Belgium?
    a) Dutch
    b) French
    c) Both Dutch and French
    d) None of the above
    Answer: c
  2. Which community in Belgium was in the majority?
    a) French-speaking community
    b) Dutch-speaking community
    c) German-speaking community
    d) None of the above
    Answer: b
  3. What kind of government system does Belgium have?
    a) Unitary government
    b) Federal government
    c) Monarchy
    d) None of the above
    Answer: b

4. Case Study: Sri Lanka

  1. What was the majority ethnic group in Sri Lanka?
    a) Tamil
    b) Sinhalese
    c) Muslim
    d) None of the above
    Answer: b
  2. What was the reason for ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka?
    a) Equal power distribution
    b) Unequal power sharing
    c) Lack of natural resources
    d) None of the above
    Answer: b
  3. Which policy in Sri Lanka created tension between Tamils and Sinhalese?
    a) Equal representation policy
    b) Majoritarian policy
    c) Federal policy
    d) None of the above
    Answer: b

5. Principles and Importance

  1. Which principle does power sharing promote?
    a) Dictatorship
    b) Democracy
    c) Autocracy
    d) Monarchy
    Answer: b
  2. How does power sharing prevent conflicts?
    a) By silencing opposition
    b) By including diverse groups
    c) By ignoring minority rights
    d) None of the above
    Answer: b
  3. Why is power sharing necessary in a diverse country?
    a) To create social divisions
    b) To ensure harmony and unity
    c) To give power to one group only
    d) None of the above
    Answer: b

6. Political Implications

  1. Power sharing in democracy is a means to:
    a) Promote dictatorship
    b) Delay decision-making
    c) Prevent concentration of power
    d) None of the above
    Answer: c
  2. Which type of power-sharing involves different political parties?
    a) Horizontal power sharing
    b) Coalition government
    c) Vertical power sharing
    d) None of the above
    Answer: b
  3. How do pressure groups participate in power sharing?
    a) By promoting authoritarianism
    b) By influencing policies
    c) By sidelining democracy
    d) None of the above
    Answer: b

7. Miscellaneous Questions

  1. What is the role of judiciary in power sharing?
    a) To legislate laws
    b) To interpret laws
    c) To execute policies
    d) None of the above
    Answer: b
  2. Federalism is an example of:
    a) Vertical power sharing
    b) Horizontal power sharing
    c) Social power sharing
    d) None of the above
    Answer: a
  3. Which organ of the government ensures checks and balances?
    a) Executive
    b) Judiciary
    c) Legislature
    d) All of the above
    Answer: d
  4. Majoritarianism refers to:
    a) Equal representation
    b) Preference to the majority community
    c) Representation of minorities
    d) None of the above
    Answer: b
  5. Which of the following is a feature of community government?
    a) Equal representation
    b) Representation based on religion and language
    c) Dictatorial control
    d) None of the above
    Answer: b
  6. What does the term “coalition government” imply?
    a) Power held by a single party
    b) Alliance of multiple political parties
    c) Absolute monarchy
    d) None of the above
    Answer: b
  7. Which of the following promotes inclusive governance?
    a) Power centralization
    b) Power sharing
    c) Majoritarianism
    d) None of the above
    Answer: b

Conclusion

Power sharing is a fundamental concept in a democratic system as it ensures fairness, accountability, and inclusivity. Understanding its forms, principles, and implications is crucial for exam preparation. Practice these MCQs to strengthen your grasp on the topic and boost your confidence for the Class 10 board exams.

Let us know in the comments if these questions were helpful or if you’d like more such content. Happy learning!

Also Read: “25 Key MCQs on Life Processes for Class 10 Students”

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