Power-sharing Class 10 important questions with answers

What comes in the exam

• Power-sharing is the first chapter of Democratic Politics – II.
• Almost half the questions here are 1-mark MCQs, and many are Assertion–Reason.
• Almost every year you get questions on horizontal and vertical sharing of power, why power sharing is needed, the Belgian model, and the majoritarian measures in Sri Lanka.
• These come as MCQs and as 2-, 3- and 5-mark answers.
• Belgium's language groups also come almost every year.
• Sometimes a 5-mark question asks you to compare Belgium and Sri Lanka.
• You may also get a 4-mark case study on a source about forms of power sharing.

Top 10 Power-sharing questions from board papers

Real CBSE questions, printed as they appeared. Open each answer to see the marking and the steps.

1. Q1 MCQ · 1 mark CBSE · 2026

   Main language of Belgium

   Which of the following languages is spoken by most people in Belgium ?

   • (A) English
   • (B) German
   • (C) French
   • (D) Dutch
   Answer and marking

   Correct option: (D) Dutch

   1. Recall the Belgium figures. Dutch 59% ; French 40% ; German 1%
   2. Choose Dutch. (D) Dutch 1 mark

   Answer: (D) Dutch

   Marks: Correct option 1

   For full marks: Remember the Belgium figures: 59% Dutch, 40% French, 1% German.

   Where students lose marks: Many pick (C) French because Brussels is mostly French-speaking, but most Belgians speak Dutch.

   CBSE marking scheme

   (D) Dutch

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2. Q2 Assertion–Reason · 1 mark CBSE · 2026

   Belgian model and diversity

   Two statements are given below. They are Assertion (A) and Reason (R). Read both the statements carefully and choose the correct option : Assertion (A) : Belgium’s power sharing arrangements were designed to accommodate its linguistic and cultural divisions. Reason (R) : Belgian leaders recognized the existence of regional differences and cultural diversities.

   • (A) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
   • (B) Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
   • (C) (A) is true, but (R) is false.
   • (D) (A) is false, but (R) is true.
   Answer and marking

   Correct option: (A) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).

   1. Check both statements. A true: arrangements accommodated linguistic and cultural divisions ; R true: leaders recognised regional and cultural diversities
   2. Ask whether R explains A. Because leaders recognised the diversity, they designed arrangements for it
   3. So both are true and R explains A. (A) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A) 1 mark

   Answer: (A) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)

   Marks: Correct option 1

   For full marks: Read 'A because R'; the leaders' recognition led to the design.

   Where students lose marks: Choosing (B) misses that recognising diversity is why the arrangements were made.

   CBSE marking scheme

   (A) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).

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3. Q3 Very short answer · 2 marks CBSE · 2026

   Why power sharing is essential

   Why is power sharing essential ? Explain.

   Answer and marking

   1. Give the prudential reason. It reduces the possibility of conflict between social groups and ensures political stability 1 mark
   2. Add the moral reason. It is the very spirit of democracy 1 mark

   Answer: Reduces conflict, ensures stability ; very spirit of democracy

   Marks: Any two points 1 each

   For full marks: One prudential and one moral reason make two clear marks. Keep to about 40 words.

   Where students lose marks: Telling the Belgium or Sri Lanka story instead of giving two clear reasons why power sharing is good.

   CBSE marking scheme

   Any two, 1 each: (i) reduces possibility of conflict between social groups; (ii) ensures political stability; (iii) is the very spirit of democracy; (iv) brings better outcomes; (v) any other relevant point.

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4. Q4 Very short answer · 2 marks CBSE · 2023

   Tamil alienation after 1956

   Why did the feeling of alienation increase among the Sri Lankan Tamils in 1956 ? Explain.

   Answer and marking

   1. Start with the 1956 language law. The 1956 Act made Sinhala the only official language, disregarding Tamil 1 mark
   2. Add the policies on education and jobs. Preferential policies favoured Sinhalese for university places and government jobs 1 mark

   Answer: Sinhala only official language ; preference for Sinhalese in universities and jobs

   Marks: Any two points 1 each

   For full marks: Say each measure ignored Tamil interests. Keep to about 40 words.

   Where students lose marks: Writing that Tamil was made an official language; the 1956 Act made Sinhala the only one.

   CBSE marking scheme

   Any two (2×1): 1956 Act made Sinhala the only official language, disregarding Tamil; preferential policies for Sinhalese in universities and government jobs; constitution said the state shall protect and foster Buddhism; majoritarian policies ignored Tamil interests; any other point.

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5. Q5 Case study · 4 marks CBSE · 2026

   Case: Checks and balances source

   Read the given source carefully and answer the questions that follow : Power Sharing Power is shared among different organs of government, such as the legislature, executive and judiciary. Let us call this horizontal distribution of power because it allows different organs of government placed at the same level to exercise different powers. Such a separation ensures that none of the organs can exercise unlimited power. Each organ checks the others. This results in a balance of power among various institutions. Last year, we studied that in a democracy, even though ministers and government officials exercise power, they are responsible to the Parliament or State Assemblies. Similarly, although judges are appointed by the executive, they can check the functioning of executive or laws made by the legislatures. This arrangement is called a system of checks and balances. 28.1 Explain the term 'Balance of Power'. (1) 28.2 Why is the judiciary considered independent in a democracy ? (1) 28.3 How is power shared among different organs of government ? (2)

   Answer and marking

   1. (28.1) Use the source's own line for balance of power. None of the organs can exercise unlimited power, as each organ checks the others 1 mark
   2. (28.2) Say what judges can do though the executive appoints them. Though judges are appointed by the executive, they can check the functioning of the executive or laws made by legislatures 1 mark
   3. (28.3) Name the three organs and how they share power. Legislature, executive and judiciary, at the same level, exercise different powers (horizontal distribution) 1 mark
   4. Give each organ's job as the second point. The legislature makes laws, the executive implements them and the judiciary interprets them and resolves disputes 1 mark

   Answer: (28.1) No organ has unlimited power, each checks the others ; (28.2) judges can check the executive and laws ; (28.3) organs at the same level use different powers ; legislature makes, executive implements, judiciary interprets laws

   Marks: 28.1 1 · 28.2 1 · 28.3 any two 1 each

   For full marks: Read the source first; the answers to 28.1 and 28.2 are lines in it. Give two separate points in 28.3.

   Where students lose marks: In 28.2 writing only 'judges are appointed by the executive', without saying they can still check it.

   CBSE marking scheme

   28.1 (1): none of the organs can exercise unlimited power; each organ checks the others. 28.2 (1): though judges are appointed by the executive, they can check the functioning of the executive or laws made by legislatures. 28.3 (any two, 2x1): three organs — legislature, executive, judiciary — at the same level exercise different powers (horizontal distribution); legislature makes laws; executive implements laws; judiciary interprets laws and resolves disputes; any other relevant point.

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6. Q6 Case study · 4 marks CBSE · 2026

   Case: Pressure groups source

   Read the given source carefully and answer the questions that follow : POWER SHARING Power sharing arrangements can also be seen in the way political parties, pressure groups and movements control or influence those in power. In a democracy, the citizens must have freedom to choose among various contenders for power. In contemporary democracies, this takes the form of competition among different parties. Such competition ensures that power does not remain in one hand. In the long run, power is shared among different political parties that represent different ideologies and social groups. Sometimes this kind of sharing can be direct, when two or more parties form an alliance to contest elections. If their alliance is elected, they form a coalition government and thus share power. In a democracy, we find interest groups, such as those of traders, businessmen, industrialists, farmers and industrial workers. They also will have a share in governmental power, either through participation in governmental committees or bringing influence on the decision-making process. 28.1 How do pressure groups influence the government ? (1) 28.2 How do social groups benefit from power sharing ? (1) 28.3 Explain the contributions of citizens in the power sharing process. (2)

   Answer and marking

   1. (28.1) Use the source on how interest groups get a share. They take part in governmental committees or bring influence on the decision-making process 1 mark
   2. (28.2) Say one gain for social groups. Power sharing protects the interests of linguistic, cultural and other social groups, giving minorities fair representation 1 mark
   3. (28.3) Give the first way citizens take part. Citizens participate in interest groups or civil society organisations to influence decision-making 1 mark
   4. Give a second, different way. Citizens monitor government actions 1 mark

   Answer: (28.1) Through governmental committees and influencing decisions ; (28.2) protects interests of social groups, fair share to minorities ; (28.3) take part in interest groups ; monitor government actions

   Marks: 28.1 1 · 28.2 1 · 28.3 any two 1 each

   For full marks: Read the source first; 28.1 is answered in its last lines. In 28.3 give two different ways citizens take part.

   Where students lose marks: In 28.3 writing two lines that both say 'influence decisions', which earns one mark only.

   CBSE marking scheme

   28.1 (any one, 1): represent different ideologies and social groups in governmental committees; create public awareness about programmes; influence the decision-making process; any other relevant point. 28.2 (any one, 1): protects interests of linguistic, cultural and other social groups; fair representation of minorities; reduces conflict; ensures stability; weaker sections and women represented in legislature and administration; reserved constituencies give diverse groups space in government; any other relevant point. 28.3 (any two, 2x1): participate in governmental committees and branches; influence decision-making; participate in interest groups or civil society organisations; monitor government actions; any other relevant point.

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7. Q7 Case study · 4 marks CBSE · 2026

   Case: Undivided power source

   Read the given source carefully and answer the questions that follow : Forms of power sharing The idea of power sharing has emerged in opposition to the notions of undivided political power. For a long time, it was believed that all power of a government must reside in one person or group of persons located at one place. It was felt that if the power to decide is dispersed, it would not be possible to take quick decisions and to enforce them. But these notions have changed with the emergence of democracy. One basic principle of democracy is that people are the source of all political power. In a democracy, people rule themselves through institutions of self-government. In a good democratic government, due respect is given to diverse groups and views that exist in a society. Everyone has a voice in the shaping of public policies. Therefore, it follows that in a democracy, political power should be distributed among as many citizens as possible. (27.1) Why should all the powers of the government not be in the hands of one person ? (1) (27.2) Why is power sharing necessary ? (1) (27.3) How does governing through institutions of self-government strengthen democracy ? Explain. (2)

   Answer and marking

   1. (27.1) Say what concentrated power can lead to. Power in one person's hands might lead to dictatorship, while in a democracy people are the source of power 1 mark
   2. (27.2) Give one reason power sharing is needed. To accommodate social diversity and avoid conflicts 1 mark
   3. (27.3) Give the first way self-government helps. People participate directly in decision making, and local people know local problems better 1 mark
   4. Give a second, different way. It makes the government more accountable to the people 1 mark

   Answer: (27.1) Might lead to dictatorship ; (27.2) accommodate diversity, avoid conflict ; (27.3) people participate directly ; government more accountable

   Marks: 27.1 1 · 27.2 1 · 27.3 any two 1 each

   For full marks: Read the source first. In 27.3 'explain' needs two different points, each in one line.

   Where students lose marks: In 27.3 writing two lines that both mean 'people take part', which earns one mark only.

   CBSE marking scheme

   (27.1) Any one (1): democracy’s basic principle is power sharing, so power should be shared; it might lead to dictatorship; any other relevant point. (27.2) Any one (1): to accommodate social diversity; to avoid conflicts; any other relevant point. (27.3) Any two (2x1): strengthens the rights of the people; makes government more accountable; local people know local problems better; people participate directly in decision making; any other relevant point.

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8. Q8 Case study · 4 marks CBSE · 2026

   Case: Forms of power-sharing

   Read the given source carefully and answer the questions that follow : Forms of Power-sharing The idea of power-sharing has emerged in opposition to the notions of undivided political power. For a long time, it was believed that all power of a government must reside in one person or group of persons located at one place. It was felt that if the power to decide is dispersed, it would not be possible to take quick decisions and to enforce them. But these notions have changed with the emergence of democracy. One basic principle of democracy is that people are the source of all political power. In a democracy, people rule themselves through institutions of self-government. In a good democratic government, due respect is given to diverse groups and views that exist in a society. Everyone has a voice in the shaping of public policies. Therefore, it follows that in a democracy, political power should be distributed among as many citizens as possible. (28.1) How does power sharing promote stability of political order ? (1) (28.2) How are pressure groups part of the power sharing mechanism ? (1) (28.3) How does power sharing contribute to the spirit of democracy ? (2)

   Answer and marking

   1. (28.1) Link respect for groups to less conflict. Respect for diverse groups reduces conflict and violence, so the political order stays stable 1 mark
   2. (28.2) Name the groups and how they act. Interest groups of traders, businessmen, farmers and workers sit on governmental committees and influence decision-making 1 mark
   3. (28.3) Give the first link to democracy's spirit. Democratic rule involves sharing power with those affected by its exercise 1 mark
   4. Give a second, different link. It gives legitimacy, as citizens acquire a stake in the system 1 mark

   Answer: (28.1) Respect for groups reduces conflict ; (28.2) sit on committees, influence decisions ; (28.3) shared with those affected ; legitimacy, citizens' stake

   Marks: 28.1 1 · 28.2 1 · 28.3 any two 1 each

   For full marks: Read the source first. In 28.3 explain why sharing is the spirit of democracy, not just repeat the phrase.

   Where students lose marks: In 28.3 writing 'power sharing is the spirit of democracy' twice in other words, which earns one mark.

   CBSE marking scheme

   (28.1) Any one (1): people participate directly, giving legitimacy and stability; respect for diverse groups reduces conflict and violence; everyone has a voice in public policy. (28.2) Any one (1): interest groups of traders, businessmen, industrialists, farmers, workers influence government policies; they sit on governmental committees and influence decision-making. (28.3) Any two (1+1): power sharing is the very spirit of democracy; rule involves sharing power with those affected by it; it gives legitimacy — citizens acquire a stake in the system; reduces conflict between social groups and so ensures stability; ensures participation, gives everyone a voice and prevents tyranny of the majority; any other relevant point.

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9. Q9 Long answer · 5 marks CBSE · 2026

   Need for power sharing

   Why is power sharing necessary in a democracy ? Explain.

   Answer and marking

   1. Start with the prudential reason about social groups. Power sharing reduces the possibility of conflict between social groups 1 mark
   2. Link less conflict to the political order. It ensures the stability of political order 1 mark
   3. Add the deeper, moral reason. Power sharing is the very spirit of democracy 1 mark
   4. Explain the right of the people. People have a right to be consulted on how they are to be governed 1 mark
   5. End with what makes a government legitimate. A legitimate government is one where citizens, through participation, acquire a stake in the system 1 mark

   Answer: Reduces conflict between social groups ; ensures political stability ; very spirit of democracy ; people have a right to be consulted ; citizens acquire a stake, giving legitimacy

   Marks: Any five points 1 each

   For full marks: Give both kinds of reason, prudential and moral, with five separate points. Keep to about 120 words.

   Where students lose marks: Telling the Belgium and Sri Lanka stories instead of giving five reasons why power sharing is needed.

   CBSE marking scheme

   Any five (5x1=5): reduces the possibility of conflict between social groups; ensures stability of the political order; accommodates majority as well as minority; it is the very spirit of democracy; people have a right to be consulted on how they are governed; a legitimate government is one where citizens acquire a stake through participation; strengthens unity of the country; reinforces people's trust in democracy; any other relevant point.

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10. Q10 Long answer · 5 marks CBSE · 2025

    1956 law and Sri Lanka conflict

    "The law enacted in 1956 and other Constitutional Provisions led to major conflict between the two communities in Sri Lanka." Support the statement.

    Answer and marking

    1. Start with the 1956 language law. The 1956 Act recognised Sinhala as the only official language, disregarding Tamil 1 mark
    2. Add the policies on education and jobs. Preferential policies favoured Sinhala applicants for university positions and government jobs 1 mark
    3. Name the constitutional provision on religion. The new constitution said the state shall protect and foster Buddhism 1 mark
    4. Say how Tamils felt about these measures. These majoritarian measures increased alienation; Sri Lankan Tamils felt denied equal political rights 1 mark
    5. End with how Tamils responded. Tamils launched parties and struggles for Tamil as an official language and regional autonomy, but demands were repeatedly denied 1 mark

    Answer: Sinhala only official language (1956) ; preference for Sinhalese in universities and jobs ; state to foster Buddhism ; alienation, denied equal rights ; Tamil struggles, demands denied

    Marks: Any five points 1 each

    For full marks: Give the three government measures first, then two points on how they led to conflict. Keep to about 120 words.

    Where students lose marks: Writing only the three measures and stopping, without showing how they strained Sinhala–Tamil relations.

    CBSE marking scheme

    Any five (5x1): 1956 Act recognised Sinhala as the only official language, disregarding Tamil; preferential policies favoured Sinhala applicants for university positions and government jobs; new constitution said the state shall protect and foster Buddhism; majoritarianism increased alienation among Sri Lankan Tamils; they felt denied equal political rights; Sinhala–Tamil relations strained; Tamils launched parties and struggles for recognition of Tamil as an official language; demanded regional autonomy and equal opportunity in education and jobs; demands repeatedly denied; any other relevant point.

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Free 10-question test: Power-sharing

MCQ and Assertion–Reason questions from CBSE papers. About 10 minutes. Your score shows straight away.

Common mistakes in Power-sharing

How to write for full marks

• Count the marks: 'any five' for 5 marks means five separate points, one mark each. Number them.
• Keep to the word limits on the paper: about 40 words for 2 marks, 60 for 3 marks and 120 for 5 marks.
• To compare Belgium and Sri Lanka, write each point as a pair: 'Belgium did this; Sri Lanka did that.' Five pairs earn the five marks.
• Answer each case-study part under its own number, and keep the whole case study within 100 words.
• Use the book's terms: horizontal distribution, checks and balances, majoritarianism, accommodation, community government, coalition government.

Questions students ask