NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Social Science Civics Chapter 1 Power-Sharing

Author at PW
April 15, 2025

Class 10 Civics Chapter 1 Power Sharing :- In Class 9, you learned that in a democracy, no single branch of government holds all the power. Effective power distribution among the legislature, executive, and judiciary is essential for maintaining democratic balance. In Chapter 1 of Class 10 Political Science, titled “Power-sharing,” students delve into this concept further. The Class 10 Civics Chapter 1 question answer section provides a detailed look at how power is shared to prevent monopolization by any one group. 

The Class 10 Civics Chapter 1 question answers sections offer insights into real-world applications of power-sharing across various democracies. By examining Power Sharing Class 10 solutions, students understand why dividing power among government branches fosters harmony and inclusiveness. Additionally, these NCERT Class 10 Political Science Chapter 1 questions and answers enhance comprehension of how power-sharing strengthens democracy and promotes fair governance.

The NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Civics Chapter 1 – Power-Sharing provide a clear understanding of how power is distributed in a democracy to maintain balance and prevent concentration in a single branch. In Civics Class 10 Chapter 1, students explore essential concepts of power-sharing and learn why it's crucial for unity and stability in diverse societies. 

These Power Sharing Class 10 questions and answers NCERT guide students through real-world examples, offering insight into the importance of equitable power distribution in democratic governance. Here are the solutions for power sharing class 10 below:- 

NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Civics Chapter 1 Power-Sharing

Exercises Page No. 10

1. What are the different forms of power-sharing in modern democracies? Give an example of each of these.

Ans. Modern democracies employ various forms of power-sharing, including:

  • Horizontal Distribution of Power: Power is allocated among different branches of government, such as the legislature, executive, and judiciary. This system ensures a balance of power and prevents any one organ from becoming too dominant. Example: India.

  • Federal Division of Power: Power is distributed across different levels of government, encompassing a central government for the entire nation and regional or provincial governments. This structure allows for local governance and regional autonomy. Example: India (Union Government and State Governments).

  • Community Government: Power can also be shared among different social groups, such as religious and linguistic communities. This form of power-sharing ensures representation and protection for diverse groups within a country. Example: Belgium.

  • Power-sharing between Political Parties, Pressure Groups, and Movements: By promoting competition and collaboration among various political entities, this method ensures that power is not concentrated in one group. Over time, power is shared among different political parties that represent a range of ideologies and social interests.

 2. State one prudential reason and one moral reason for power-sharing with an example from the Indian context.

Ans. 

  • Prudential Reason: Power-sharing can lead to better governance outcomes by preventing the concentration of power and reducing conflicts. For example, in India, the reservation system provides benefits to various sections of society, such as Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, to ensure their representation and reduce social tensions.

  • Moral Reason: Power-sharing is valuable because it promotes fairness and inclusivity. In India, the Constitution grants citizens fundamental rights, ensuring that everyone is treated equally and has a voice in the government. This fosters a more just and equitable society.

Check out, CBSE Class 10 Sample Papers for Boards

3. After reading this chapter, three students drew different conclusions. Which of these do you agree with and why? Give your reasons in about 50 words. Thomman – Power sharing is necessary only in societies which have religious, 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.

Ans. Ouseph's conclusion is correct: every state should implement some form of power-sharing. Power-sharing creates an optimal balance between different segments of society, reducing the likelihood of conflicts and injustices. Thus, power-sharing is a fundamental value of democracy. Moreover, it is an effective means to ensure political stability.

4. 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 the ban would help all non-Dutch speakers integrate into this Flemish town. Do you think that this measure is in keeping with the spirit of Belgium’s power-sharing arrangements? Give your reasons in about 50 words.

Ans. The decision by the Mayor of Merchtem to ban French-speaking in the town’s schools near Brussels is unjust. This action contradicts Belgium’s power-sharing arrangement, which aims to balance the interests of different communities. In Belgium, maintaining power-sharing between the Dutch and French-speaking populations is crucial to prevent civil unrest. Banning French-speaking will likely increase tensions and promote conflict. To foster peace among different communities, the Mayor should implement a bilingual education system in the town’s schools.

Also, check CBSE Class 10 Previous Year Papers

5. 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 realise 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.”

Ans. The prudential reason mentioned in the passage is: "Empowering Panchayats helps to reduce corruption and enhance administrative efficiency."

6. Different arguments are usually put forth in favour of and against power-sharing. Identify those which are in favour of power-sharing and select the answer using the codes given below. Power-sharing:

  1. reduces conflict among different communities

  2. decreases the possibility of arbitrariness

  3. delays the decision-making process

  4. accommodates diversities

  5. increases instability and divisiveness

  6. promotes people’s participation in government

  7. 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

Ans. “a”

7. Consider the following statements about power-sharing arrangements in Belgium and Sri Lanka.

  1. In Belgium, the Dutch-speaking majority people tried to impose their domination on the minority French-speaking community.

  2. In Sri Lanka, the policies of the government sought to ensure the dominance of the Sinhala-speaking majority.

  3. 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.

  4. The transformation of Belgium from a unitary government to a federal one prevented a possible division of the country on linguistic lines.

Which of the statements given above is correct?

(a) A, B, C and D

(b) A, B and D

(c) C and D

(d) B, C and D

Ans. (d) B, C and D

8.  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

Ans. 

 

List I

List II

1.

Power shared among different organs of government

Separation of powers

2.

Power shared among governments at different levels

Federal government

3.

Power shared by different social groups

Community government

4.

Power shared by two or more political parties

Coalition government

9.  Consider the following two statements on power-sharing and select the answer using the codes given below.

A). Power-sharing is good for democracy.

B). It helps to reduce the possibility of conflict between social groups.

Which of these statements are true and false?

(a) A is true, but B is false

(b) Both A and B are true

(c) Both A and B are false

(d) A is false, but B is true

Ans. (b) Both A and B are true

Power-Sharing Summary

Chapter 1 of the NCERT Social Science Civics textbook – Democratic Politics-II introduces students to power-sharing in democratic systems. This practice allows governments to divide responsibilities and authority among different entities.

In India, the legislature, executive, and judiciary are separate organs that collectively govern the country. Class 10 students will study diverse forms of power-sharing, exemplified by case studies from nations such as Sri Lanka and Belgium.

Key topics include:

  • Comparative study of power-sharing models in Belgium and Sri Lanka

  • Analysis of Majoritarianism in Sri Lanka

  • Examination of Accommodation Strategies in Belgium

Read More: Mistakes to Avoid While Using CBSE Previous Year Question Papers Class 10

NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Social Science Civics Chapter 1 FAQs

Q1. What is power-sharing?

Ans. Power-sharing refers to the distribution of powers and responsibilities among different organs of government or between different levels of government.

Q2. Why is power-sharing important in a democracy?

Ans. Power-sharing is essential in democracies to prevent the concentration of power in one person or group, ensure inclusivity, accommodate diverse interests, and maintain stability.

Q3. What are the different forms of power-sharing discussed in Chapter 1?

Ans. Chapter 1 discusses horizontal distribution of power among different branches of government, federal division of power between central and regional governments, and power-sharing among social groups and political parties.

Q4. How does power-sharing contribute to democracy?

Ans. Power-sharing promotes democratic values such as participation, equality, accountability, and justice by distributing power and involving diverse groups in decision-making processes.

Q5. What are the examples of power-sharing from Belgium and Sri Lanka discussed in Chapter 1?

Ans. Belgium practices power-sharing between linguistic communities (Dutch-speaking and French-speaking), while Sri Lanka addresses power-sharing challenges between majority Sinhalese and minority Tamil communities.

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