Power-Sharing · Class 10 · 80 Marks
Democratic Politics — Chapter 1
Class X · Social Science (Political Science)
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General Instructions
- This question paper consists of 5 Sections (A–E) and contains 34 questions in all.
- Section A: MCQs (1 mark each) | Section B: Very Short Answer (2 marks each)
- Section C: Short Answer (3 marks each) | Section D: Long Answer (5 marks each)
- Section E: Case-Based Questions (6 marks + 8 marks)
- All questions are compulsory. There is no overall choice; however, internal choices are provided where indicated.
- Write legible answers. Answers exceeding the prescribed word limit may lose marks.
| Section | Type | No. of Questions | Marks per Q | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | MCQ | 16 | 1 | 16 |
| B | Very Short Answer | 6 | 2 | 12 |
| C | Short Answer | 6 | 3 | 18 |
| D | Long Answer | 4 | 5 | 20 |
| E | Case-Based | 2 | 6 + 8 | 14 |
| Grand Total | 80 | |||
Section A
Multiple Choice Questions
16 × 1 = 16 marks
Choose the most appropriate option. Each question carries 1 mark.
1.
Which of the following BEST describes 'power-sharing' in a democracy?
- (a) Concentration of all authority in a single body
- (b) Distribution of power among different organs, levels and groups
- (c) Transfer of power to the judiciary only
- (d) Restriction of voting rights to the majority community
1 mark
2.
Belgium is smaller in area than which Indian state?
- (a) Punjab
- (b) Haryana
- (c) Goa
- (d) Kerala
1 mark
3.
What percentage of Sri Lanka's population are Sinhala-speakers?
- (a) 59%
- (b) 18%
- (c) 74%
- (d) 40%
1 mark
4.
The language spoken by the majority of people in Brussels (Belgium's capital) is:
- (a) Dutch
- (b) German
- (c) French
- (d) English
1 mark
5.
In which year did Sri Lanka pass the Act making Sinhala the only official language?
- (a) 1948
- (b) 1956
- (c) 1970
- (d) 1993
1 mark
6.
How many times did Belgium amend its constitution between 1970 and 1993?
- (a) Two
- (b) Three
- (c) Four
- (d) Five
1 mark
7.
Power shared among Legislature, Executive and Judiciary is called:
- (a) Vertical distribution of power
- (b) Federal division of power
- (c) Horizontal distribution of power
- (d) Community power-sharing
1 mark
8.
Which of the following is a CORRECT feature of Belgium's power-sharing model?
- (a) Only Dutch ministers in the central government
- (b) Equal number of Dutch and French-speaking ministers
- (c) State governments are subordinate to the central government
- (d) Brussels has no separate government
1 mark
9.
The 'community government' in Belgium is elected on the basis of:
- (a) Geographic region
- (b) Religion
- (c) Language community membership
- (d) Income and occupation
1 mark
10.
A 'prudential' reason for power-sharing means it is based on:
- (a) Moral values of democracy
- (b) Careful calculation of gains and losses
- (c) The will of the majority community
- (d) Constitutional obligation only
1 mark
11.
The Sri Lankan civil war ended in which year?
- (a) 2005
- (b) 2007
- (c) 2009
- (d) 2011
1 mark
12.
Which of the following arguments FAVOURS power-sharing? (NCERT Q6)
- (a) A, B, D, F
- (b) A, C, E, F
- (c) A, B, D, G
- (d) B, C, D, G
1 mark
13.
Match List I with List II and choose the correct answer: (NCERT Q8)
1-Organs of govt | 2-Govts at different levels | 3-Social groups | 4-Political parties
1-Organs of govt | 2-Govts at different levels | 3-Social groups | 4-Political parties
- (a) 1-D, 2-A, 3-B, 4-C
- (b) 1-B, 2-C, 3-D, 4-A
- (c) 1-B, 2-D, 3-A, 4-C
- (d) 1-C, 2-D, 3-A, 4-B
1 mark
14.
Which statements about Belgium and Sri Lanka are CORRECT? (NCERT Q7)
- (a) A, B, C and D
- (b) A, B and D
- (c) C and D
- (d) B, C and D
1 mark
15.
The Sri Lankan Tamils are geographically concentrated in:
- (a) South and West
- (b) Center and North
- (c) North and East
- (d) East and South
1 mark
16.
Consider: "Power sharing is good for democracy" (A) and "It reduces possibility of conflict between social groups" (B). Which is TRUE? (NCERT Q9)
- (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
1 mark
Section B
Very Short Answer Questions
6 × 2 = 12 marks
Answer in 30–50 words each.
17.
Define 'majoritarianism'. How did Sri Lanka's government practice it after 1948? (Any two measures)
2 marks
18.
What is meant by 'ethnic composition'? Describe Belgium's ethnic composition briefly.
2 marks
19.
What is a 'coalition government'? Give one real-world example from the chapter.
2 marks
20.
Distinguish between 'prudential' and 'moral' reasons for power-sharing in one point each.
2 marks
21.
What special role does the 'community government' play in Belgium? Who elects it?
2 marks
22.
What is meant by 'civil war'? Why did it break out in Sri Lanka?
2 marks
Section C
Short Answer Questions
6 × 3 = 18 marks
Answer in 80–100 words each.
23.
Explain any three features of the Belgian model of power-sharing.
3 marks
24.
How did majoritarian policies in Sri Lanka lead to alienation among Tamil-speaking people? Explain with three points.
3 marks
25.
What do we learn from the examples of Belgium and Sri Lanka about the importance of power-sharing in a democracy?
[OR: Why is power-sharing considered the 'very spirit of democracy'?]
[OR: Why is power-sharing considered the 'very spirit of democracy'?]
3 marks
26.
Give three prudential reasons why power-sharing is desirable in a democracy.
3 marks
27.
Briefly explain the four forms of power-sharing that exist in modern democracies. (1 line each form)
3 marks
28.
The Mayor of Merchtem defended a ban on speaking French in schools, saying it would help non-Dutch speakers integrate. Do you think this is in keeping with Belgium's spirit of power-sharing? Give reasons. (NCERT Q4)
3 marks
Section D
Long Answer Questions
4 × 5 = 20 marks
Answer in 150–200 words each.
29.
Compare and contrast the approaches of Belgium and Sri Lanka in dealing with ethnic diversity. Which approach was more successful and why?
5 marks
30.
Describe the various forms of power-sharing in modern democracies with one example for each form.
[OR: What are the different forms of power-sharing in modern democracies? Give an example of each. — NCERT Q1]
[OR: What are the different forms of power-sharing in modern democracies? Give an example of each. — NCERT Q1]
5 marks
31.
State one prudential reason and one moral reason for power-sharing with an example from the Indian context for each. Explain why both these reasons together make a strong case for power-sharing. (Adapted from NCERT Q2)
5 marks
32.
After reading the chapter, three students drew different conclusions:
Which of these do you agree with and why? (NCERT Q3)
| (i) | Thomman — Power sharing is necessary only in societies which have religious, linguistic or ethnic divisions. |
| (ii) | Mathayi — Power sharing is suitable only for big countries that have regional divisions. |
| (iii) | Ouseph — Every society needs some form of power sharing even if it is small or does not have social divisions. |
5 marks
Section E
Case-Based Questions
6 + 8 = 14 marks
Read each passage carefully and answer the questions that follow.
33.
"Sri Lanka emerged as an independent country in 1948. The leaders of the Sinhala community sought to secure dominance over government by virtue of their majority. As a result, the democratically elected government adopted a series of majoritarian measures to establish Sinhala supremacy. In 1956, an Act was passed to recognise Sinhala as the only official language, thus disregarding Tamil. The governments followed preferential policies that favoured Sinhala applicants for university positions and government jobs. A new constitution stipulated that the state shall protect and foster Buddhism. All these government measures, coming one after the other, gradually increased the feeling of alienation among the Sri Lankan Tamils."
— NCERT Democratic Politics Book II, Chapter 1 (Reprint 2025–26)
| (i) | What is 'majoritarianism'? How does the above passage illustrate it? (2 marks) |
| (ii) | Identify and explain any two majoritarian measures mentioned in the passage. (2 marks) |
| (iii) | What was the impact of these measures on Sri Lankan Tamils? How did it ultimately affect the country? (2 marks) |
6 marks
34.
"The Belgian leaders took a different path. They recognised the existence of regional differences and cultural diversities. Between 1970 and 1993, they amended their constitution four times so as to work out an arrangement that would enable everyone to live together within the same country… Constitution prescribes that the number of Dutch and French-speaking ministers shall be equal in the central government. Some special laws require the support of majority of members from each linguistic group. Thus, no single community can make decisions unilaterally. Many powers of the Central Government have been given to State Governments of the two regions of the country. The State Governments are not subordinate to the Central Government. Brussels has a separate government in which both the communities have equal representation… Apart from the Central and the State Government, there is a third kind of government. This 'community government' is elected by people belonging to one language community — Dutch, French and German-speaking — no matter where they live."
— NCERT Democratic Politics Book II, Chapter 1 (Reprint 2025–26)
| (i) | Why did Belgium need to amend its constitution? What was the core problem it was trying to solve? (2 marks) |
| (ii) | List any three key features of the Belgian model of power-sharing as described in the passage. (3 marks) |
| (iii) | How did Brussels represent a "special problem"? How was this resolved? (1 mark) |
| (iv) | In what ways is Belgium's model successful? What does this tell us about the importance of power-sharing? (2 marks) |
8 marks
ANSWER KEY
Power-Sharing · Chapter 1 · Class X · 80 Marks
Section A — MCQ (1 mark each)
Q.1
(b) Distribution of power among different organs, levels and groups — that is the essence of power-sharing.
1
Q.2
(b) Haryana. Belgium is smaller in area than the state of Haryana.
1
Q.3
(c) 74% of Sri Lanka's population are Sinhala-speakers, making them the clear majority.
1
Q.4
(c) French. In Brussels, 80% speak French and only 20% are Dutch-speaking — the reverse of the national composition.
1
Q.5
(b) 1956. The Official Language Act of 1956 recognised only Sinhala, completely disregarding Tamil.
1
Q.6
(c) Four times (1970, 1971, 1993 in stages). Belgian leaders amended their constitution four times to build the power-sharing model.
1
Q.7
(c) Horizontal distribution of power. It places different organs at the same level, each checking the others.
1
Q.8
(b) Equal number of Dutch and French-speaking ministers. The Belgian Constitution prescribes this specifically.
1
Q.9
(c) Language community membership. It is elected by people of one language community — Dutch, French, or German — wherever they live.
1
Q.10
(b) Careful calculation of gains and losses. Prudential reasoning is contrasted with purely moral considerations.
1
Q.11
(c) 2009. The civil war caused by majoritarian policies and Tamil–Sinhala conflict ended in 2009.
1
Q.12
(a) A, B, D, F. These four arguments favour power-sharing. C (delays decisions), E (increases instability) and G (undermines unity) are arguments AGAINST.
1
Q.13
(c) 1-B, 2-D, 3-A, 4-C. Organs→Separation of powers; Levels→Federal govt; Social groups→Community govt; Parties→Coalition govt.
1
Q.14
(d) B, C and D. Statement A is INCORRECT — in Belgium it was the French-speaking MINORITY that was historically powerful and rich, not the Dutch majority imposing domination.
1
Q.15
(c) North and East. As seen on the NCERT map, Sri Lankan Tamils are concentrated in the northern and eastern parts of the country.
1
Q.16
(b) Both A and B are true. Power-sharing is the spirit of democracy (A) and it reduces social conflict (B) — both statements are correct and reinforce each other.
1
Section B — Very Short Answers (2 marks each)
Q.17
Definition Majoritarianism = the belief that the majority community should rule however it wants, disregarding minority wishes.
Sri Lanka's measures: (i) 1956 Act making Sinhala the only official language, (ii) preferential policies for Sinhala university/govt job applicants, (iii) constitution to protect Buddhism. Any two measures for full marks.
2
Q.18
Definition Ethnic composition = social division based on shared culture/descent/physical type.
Belgium: 59% Dutch (Flemish), 40% French (Wallonia), 1% German. Brussels: 80% French, 20% Dutch — a "reverse" of national majority.
2
Q.19
Definition Coalition government = formed when two or more parties ally because no party won a clear majority on its own.
Example: Germany's 2005 Grand Coalition between CDU and SPD — historical rivals who had to govern together as neither won a majority.
2
Q.20
Prudential Based on careful calculation of gains/losses — sharing power reduces conflict and ensures stability. (The Head)
Moral Based on democratic values — people have a right to be consulted; a legitimate government ensures citizens acquire a stake through participation. (The Heart)
Moral Based on democratic values — people have a right to be consulted; a legitimate government ensures citizens acquire a stake through participation. (The Heart)
2
Q.21
The community government handles cultural, educational, and language-related issues.
It is elected by people belonging to one language community (Dutch, French, or German-speaking) regardless of where in Belgium they live. This ensures linguistic/cultural autonomy without geography.
2
Q.22
Definition Civil war = a violent conflict between opposing groups within a country, so intense it resembles a war.
In Sri Lanka: prolonged majoritarian policies alienated Tamils; demands for Tamil Eelam were denied; the resulting distrust between Sinhala and Tamil communities escalated into a devastating civil war, ending in 2009.
2
Section C — Short Answers (3 marks each)
Q.23
Any three of the following:
1. Equal ministers: Constitution prescribes equal Dutch and French-speaking ministers in the central government; special laws need majority from each group.
2. Decentralisation: Many central powers transferred to state governments; states are NOT subordinate to centre.
3. Brussels compromise: Capital Brussels has a separate government with equal representation for both communities.
4. Community government: A third-tier government elected by language community to handle cultural/educational/language matters.
(1 mark per clearly explained feature)
2. Decentralisation: Many central powers transferred to state governments; states are NOT subordinate to centre.
3. Brussels compromise: Capital Brussels has a separate government with equal representation for both communities.
4. Community government: A third-tier government elected by language community to handle cultural/educational/language matters.
(1 mark per clearly explained feature)
3
Q.24
1. The 1956 Act made Sinhala the only official language, making Tamils feel their language and identity were denied.
2. Preferential policies in university admissions and government jobs discriminated against Tamils in getting equal opportunities.
3. The constitution gave state protection to Buddhism, making Tamils — mostly Hindu or Muslim — feel like second-class citizens.
Result: Tamils formed parties, launched struggles, demanded Tamil Eelam, leading to civil war.
(1 mark per point with explanation)
2. Preferential policies in university admissions and government jobs discriminated against Tamils in getting equal opportunities.
3. The constitution gave state protection to Buddhism, making Tamils — mostly Hindu or Muslim — feel like second-class citizens.
Result: Tamils formed parties, launched struggles, demanded Tamil Eelam, leading to civil war.
(1 mark per point with explanation)
3
Q.25
Belgium: Recognised diversity → mutual power-sharing → avoided civic strife, became EU HQ. Unity maintained.
Sri Lanka: Ignored minority rights → majoritarian rule → alienation, civil war, economic setback.
Lesson: Power-sharing is the spirit of democracy — reduces conflict (prudential), ensures all citizens have a stake (moral). Imposing majority will undermines national unity in the long run.
[OR for the 'spirit of democracy' variant]: Democratic rule involves sharing power with those affected by it. People have a right to be consulted. A legitimate government is one where citizens acquire a stake through participation.
Sri Lanka: Ignored minority rights → majoritarian rule → alienation, civil war, economic setback.
Lesson: Power-sharing is the spirit of democracy — reduces conflict (prudential), ensures all citizens have a stake (moral). Imposing majority will undermines national unity in the long run.
[OR for the 'spirit of democracy' variant]: Democratic rule involves sharing power with those affected by it. People have a right to be consulted. A legitimate government is one where citizens acquire a stake through participation.
3
Q.26
1. Reduces social conflict: Power-sharing prevents any one group from dominating, lowering the risk of communal or political violence.
2. Ensures political stability: A system where all major groups are represented has a stronger, more durable democratic order.
3. Prevents tyranny of majority: Majority rule without checks eventually harms not just the minority but the majority itself — power-sharing avoids this spiral.
(1 mark per distinct prudential reason)
2. Ensures political stability: A system where all major groups are represented has a stronger, more durable democratic order.
3. Prevents tyranny of majority: Majority rule without checks eventually harms not just the minority but the majority itself — power-sharing avoids this spiral.
(1 mark per distinct prudential reason)
3
Q.27
1. Horizontal distribution: Among legislature, executive & judiciary (same level) — system of checks & balances. Example: Judges can check executive.
2. Vertical distribution: Between different levels — Union, State, Panchayat. Federal division of power. Example: India's Central vs State governments.
3. Among social groups: Reserved constituencies, community governments — gives minority/weaker sections representation. Example: Belgium's community govt.
4. Among political parties: Competition and coalition governments ensure power rotates. Example: Germany's CDU–SPD coalition.
(Note: The question asks for all four in 1 line each — award 3 marks for covering all four; deduct ½ for each missed form)
2. Vertical distribution: Between different levels — Union, State, Panchayat. Federal division of power. Example: India's Central vs State governments.
3. Among social groups: Reserved constituencies, community governments — gives minority/weaker sections representation. Example: Belgium's community govt.
4. Among political parties: Competition and coalition governments ensure power rotates. Example: Germany's CDU–SPD coalition.
(Note: The question asks for all four in 1 line each — award 3 marks for covering all four; deduct ½ for each missed form)
3
Q.28
No, the ban is NOT in keeping with Belgium's power-sharing spirit.
Belgium's model is built on recognising and respecting linguistic diversity. The community government was specifically created to protect the language and culture of each group.
Banning French in schools violates the rights of the French-speaking community. Forcing linguistic integration is a majoritarian approach — exactly what Belgium's constitution was amended to prevent.
The spirit of Belgium's arrangement is that no community should feel alienated; imposing Dutch even in education contradicts this principle entirely.
Belgium's model is built on recognising and respecting linguistic diversity. The community government was specifically created to protect the language and culture of each group.
Banning French in schools violates the rights of the French-speaking community. Forcing linguistic integration is a majoritarian approach — exactly what Belgium's constitution was amended to prevent.
The spirit of Belgium's arrangement is that no community should feel alienated; imposing Dutch even in education contradicts this principle entirely.
3
Section D — Long Answers (5 marks each)
Q.29
Belgium (Accommodation):
• Recognised regional & cultural diversity rather than ignoring it.
• Amended constitution 4 times (1970–1993) to build a comprehensive sharing model.
• Equal ministers at centre; regional autonomy for states; Brussels compromise (equal representation); community govt for cultural/language issues.
• Result: Civic strife avoided; country stayed united; became seat of European Union headquarters.
Sri Lanka (Majoritarianism):
• After independence in 1948, Sinhala leaders pursued supremacy via democratic elections.
• Sinhala-only Act (1956), preferential policies for Sinhala in jobs/university, constitution protecting Buddhism.
• Tamil alienation grew; demands for Tamil Eelam emerged in 1980s; civil war erupted and lasted until 2009.
• Terrible setback to social, cultural and economic life.
Conclusion: Belgium's accommodation approach was more successful — it prevented partition, maintained unity and built mutual trust. Sri Lanka's majoritarianism shows that ignoring minority rights creates long-term instability, harming the country as a whole.
(Marking: 2 marks Belgium + 2 marks Sri Lanka + 1 mark comparative conclusion)
• Amended constitution 4 times (1970–1993) to build a comprehensive sharing model.
• Equal ministers at centre; regional autonomy for states; Brussels compromise (equal representation); community govt for cultural/language issues.
• Result: Civic strife avoided; country stayed united; became seat of European Union headquarters.
Sri Lanka (Majoritarianism):
• After independence in 1948, Sinhala leaders pursued supremacy via democratic elections.
• Sinhala-only Act (1956), preferential policies for Sinhala in jobs/university, constitution protecting Buddhism.
• Tamil alienation grew; demands for Tamil Eelam emerged in 1980s; civil war erupted and lasted until 2009.
• Terrible setback to social, cultural and economic life.
Conclusion: Belgium's accommodation approach was more successful — it prevented partition, maintained unity and built mutual trust. Sri Lanka's majoritarianism shows that ignoring minority rights creates long-term instability, harming the country as a whole.
(Marking: 2 marks Belgium + 2 marks Sri Lanka + 1 mark comparative conclusion)
5
Q.30
1. Horizontal: Power shared among different organs of govt — legislature, executive, judiciary. Checks & balances. Example: Judges appointed by executive can check laws made by legislature.
2. Vertical: Power shared between different levels — Central (Union), State, Panchayat/Municipality. Federal division of power. Example: India's state governments vs Union Government.
3. Social groups: Constitutional/legal arrangements for religious, linguistic, weaker sections. Prevents alienation of minorities. Example: Reserved constituencies in India; Belgium's community government.
4. Political parties & pressure groups: Multi-party competition ensures no single party monopolises power; coalition governments share power directly. Interest groups (traders, farmers) influence policy. Example: Germany's 2005 Grand Coalition (CDU + SPD).
(Marking: 1 mark per form with example = 4 marks; ½ mark overall presentation/clarity)
2. Vertical: Power shared between different levels — Central (Union), State, Panchayat/Municipality. Federal division of power. Example: India's state governments vs Union Government.
3. Social groups: Constitutional/legal arrangements for religious, linguistic, weaker sections. Prevents alienation of minorities. Example: Reserved constituencies in India; Belgium's community government.
4. Political parties & pressure groups: Multi-party competition ensures no single party monopolises power; coalition governments share power directly. Interest groups (traders, farmers) influence policy. Example: Germany's 2005 Grand Coalition (CDU + SPD).
(Marking: 1 mark per form with example = 4 marks; ½ mark overall presentation/clarity)
5
Q.31
Prudential reason: Power-sharing reduces the possibility of conflict between social groups, ensuring political stability and better governance outcomes.
Indian example: India's federal system — sharing power between Centre and States prevents regional groups from feeling alienated. E.g., linguistic states like Tamil Nadu having their own government reduces separatist pressure.
Moral reason: Power-sharing is the very spirit of democracy. People have a right to be consulted; a legitimate government is one where citizens acquire a stake through participation.
Indian example: Reserved constituencies for SC/ST communities in Parliament ensure marginalised groups have a voice in lawmaking — not just as voters but as representatives.
Together: The prudential reason shows power-sharing leads to BETTER OUTCOMES (stability, less conflict). The moral reason shows power-sharing is the RIGHT THING TO DO (democratic participation). Together they create an unanswerable case — it is both wise and just.
(Marking: 1 mark prudential reason + 1 Indian example + 1 moral reason + 1 Indian example + 1 synthesis)
Indian example: India's federal system — sharing power between Centre and States prevents regional groups from feeling alienated. E.g., linguistic states like Tamil Nadu having their own government reduces separatist pressure.
Moral reason: Power-sharing is the very spirit of democracy. People have a right to be consulted; a legitimate government is one where citizens acquire a stake through participation.
Indian example: Reserved constituencies for SC/ST communities in Parliament ensure marginalised groups have a voice in lawmaking — not just as voters but as representatives.
Together: The prudential reason shows power-sharing leads to BETTER OUTCOMES (stability, less conflict). The moral reason shows power-sharing is the RIGHT THING TO DO (democratic participation). Together they create an unanswerable case — it is both wise and just.
(Marking: 1 mark prudential reason + 1 Indian example + 1 moral reason + 1 Indian example + 1 synthesis)
5
Q.32
Agreement with Ouseph.
Why Thomman is wrong: Even societies without ethnic/religious divisions need power-sharing. At minimum, every democracy requires horizontal sharing (legislature + executive + judiciary) to prevent authoritarian concentration of power. Social homogeneity does not eliminate the need for checks and balances.
Why Mathayi is wrong: Power-sharing is not about size. Small countries like Belgium need it. Even small communities need the judiciary to check the executive. The forms may differ but the principle applies universally.
Why Ouseph is right: Power-sharing is the SPIRIT of democracy itself. It is about people's right to participate and be consulted — this applies to ALL societies. Even a small, homogeneous society benefits from its legislature checking its executive, and from local self-governance.
Conclusion: Power-sharing is not a remedy for diversity alone — it is the fundamental design principle of a democratic government regardless of the size or diversity of the society.
(Marking: 1 mark stating Ouseph + 1 mark dismissing Thomman with reason + 1 mark dismissing Mathayi + 2 marks elaborating why Ouseph is right)
Why Thomman is wrong: Even societies without ethnic/religious divisions need power-sharing. At minimum, every democracy requires horizontal sharing (legislature + executive + judiciary) to prevent authoritarian concentration of power. Social homogeneity does not eliminate the need for checks and balances.
Why Mathayi is wrong: Power-sharing is not about size. Small countries like Belgium need it. Even small communities need the judiciary to check the executive. The forms may differ but the principle applies universally.
Why Ouseph is right: Power-sharing is the SPIRIT of democracy itself. It is about people's right to participate and be consulted — this applies to ALL societies. Even a small, homogeneous society benefits from its legislature checking its executive, and from local self-governance.
Conclusion: Power-sharing is not a remedy for diversity alone — it is the fundamental design principle of a democratic government regardless of the size or diversity of the society.
(Marking: 1 mark stating Ouseph + 1 mark dismissing Thomman with reason + 1 mark dismissing Mathayi + 2 marks elaborating why Ouseph is right)
5
Section E — Case-Based Questions
Q.33(i)
Majoritarianism = belief that the majority should rule however it wants, disregarding minority wishes. The passage shows this when Sinhala leaders used their electoral majority to pass the Sinhala-only Act and preferential policies — systematically excluding Tamils from equal status.
2
Q.33(ii)
Any two: (1) Sinhala-only Act (1956) — made Sinhala the only official language, disregarding Tamil completely. (2) Preferential policies — favoured Sinhala applicants for university admissions and government jobs, discriminating against Tamils. (3) Constitutional protection for Buddhism — made Tamils feel the state did not represent them religiously.
(1 mark per measure with brief explanation)
2
Q.33(iii)
Tamils felt alienated — denied equal political rights, discriminated in jobs and education, and their interests ignored. By the 1980s, organisations demanded an independent Tamil Eelam. Distrust escalated into a civil war that caused thousands of deaths, massive displacement, and a terrible setback to Sri Lanka's social, cultural, and economic life. The war ended only in 2009.
2
Q.34(i)
Belgium needed to amend its constitution because of growing tensions between the Dutch-speaking majority and the French-speaking minority (who were historically richer and more powerful). The core problem was how to ensure no single linguistic community could dominate the other, given the unique Brussels situation where Dutch were nationally dominant but locally a minority.
2
Q.34(ii)
Any three: (1) Equal Dutch and French-speaking ministers in the central government; special laws need majority from each linguistic group. (2) Many central powers transferred to state governments, which are NOT subordinate to the centre. (3) Brussels has its own government with equal representation for both communities. (4) Community government elected by language community for cultural/educational issues.
(1 mark per feature clearly stated)
3
Q.34(iii)
Brussels was a "special problem" because Dutch speakers were the national majority but a minority in the capital (20%), while French speakers were the national minority but the majority in Brussels (80%). This was resolved by giving Brussels its own separate government with equal (50–50) representation for both communities.
1
Q.34(iv)
Belgium's model successfully avoided civic strife, prevented the country from splitting on linguistic lines, and built enough mutual trust that Brussels was chosen as the headquarters of the European Union. This tells us that power-sharing — when genuinely and innovatively designed — preserves national unity, ensures political stability, and allows diverse communities to coexist. It is both a practical tool and a democratic value.
2
End of Answer Key
Total: 80 marks · Chapter 1: Power-Sharing · Class X Democratic Politics
