CBSE Class 10 SST Notes – Power Sharing: An All-Inclusive Guide
Among the basic ideas of democracy are power sharing. It guarantees the equitable sharing of authority across several institutions and communities, therefore preventing conflicts and preserving stability. Chapter 1 of the CBSE Class 10 Social Science syllabus, which highlights various approaches to governance by means of case studies from Belgium and Sri Lanka, thoroughly clarifies the idea of power sharing.
Based on the CBSE Class 10 SST notes and question bank, this blog will examine the main features of power sharing including its need, forms, and consequences.
Clarifying Power Sharing
Power sharing is the distribution of social, political, and financial power across several groups to uphold democracy and peace. It is predicated on the belief that everyone should participate in government and that no one group should predominate.
The chapter on power sharing looks at two opposing cases: Belgium, where policies of power-sharing were effectively carried out, and Sri Lanka, where a lack of power-sharing resulted in strife.
First case study: Belgium – A Power Sharing Model
Belgium’s ethnic makeup
Small European nation Belgium boasts a varied ethnic composition:
Population with Dutch speaking ability: 59%
40% of the population speaks French.
1% of the population speaks German.
The capital of Brussels boasts:
eighty percent of them are French speakers.
20% of the speakers are Dutch.
Respect of Regional and Cultural Diversity
Belgium used many power-sharing policies to keep harmony:
There are exactly one Dutch and one French-speaking minister serving the central government.
2. Special laws call for the cooperation of both communities since no significant action can be taken without mutual approval.
3. State governments possess autonomy; they are not under control of the central government.
4. Community government: Selected delegates address cultural, linguistic, and instructional issues.
result
By guaranteeing fair representation and hence preventing any ethnic group from feeling excluded, these policies helped Belgium to remain peaceful.
Second case study: Sri Lanka: Majoritarianism’s effects
The ethnic makeup of Sri Lanka
Speakers of Sinhala: 74%
18% of Tamil speakers—including Indian and Sri Lankan Tamils—are
Majoritarianism’s Effects
Following its 1948 independence, the Sinhala-dominated government instituted laws excluding Tamils, such:
Made the sole official language (1956 Act) Sinhala was created from.
2. State affairs paid Buddhism top importance.
3. Sinhala contenders were preferred for university posts and government employment.
Outcomes
Tamils’ general unhappiness brought about by these measures led to :
marches and calls for equal rights.
The emergence of violent organizations as the LTTE.
an extended civil conflict resulting in financial downturn and death toll.
Lesson from Sri Lanka
The absence of power sharing resulted in ethnic conflict and instability, therefore illustrating how majoritarianism may endanger national unity.
Why is sharing power desirable?
Practical as well as ethical considerations depend on power sharing.
Prudential Reasoning: Practical Advantages
1. Helps to ease disputes among several social groups.
2. guarantees representation for every community so preventing political unrest.
3. Promotes people’s involvement to so strengthen democracy.
4. Improves decision-making when several points of view are taken into account.
Moral Motives ( Democratic Standards)
Different communities have the right to be consulted in governance; respect of diversity is thus important.
The core of democracy is power sharing, thereby preserving democratic values.
Encouragement of national unity guarantees that every community feels involved.
Various Forms of Power Distribution
A democracy experiences power sharing in several forms:
1. Horizontal Authority Distribution
Legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government share authority.
Every branch audits the others, therefore preventing the concentration of authority.
For instance: the checks and balances system of India.
2. Vertical Power Distribution
Levels of governance divide power: Central, State, and Local.
Every level has different responsibilities.
For instance, Indian federalism—where states retain their autonomy—allows.
3. Social Group Power Sharing
Power is shared among several organizations including religious ones.
For instance: Belgian community government.
4. Pressure Groups, Political Party Power Sharing
Various political parties fight for control, therefore preventing one from becoming dominant.
Policies are shaped by pressure organizations (such as labor unions, commercial associations).
Multi-party democracy in India, for instance.
Wisdom from Belgium and Sri Lanka
Two case studies underline important lessons:
Belgium: Stability results from a fair power-sharing system.
2. Sri Lanka: Conflict and discord follow from the marginalization of minorities.
Therefore, unity and peace of a country depend on inclusive government.
Crucial Questions and Answers ( CBSE Exam Viewpoint)
One Mark Question
1. Mostly spoken in Belgium’s Flemish area, whatever language is this one?
Dutch
2. Of Belgian communities, which one is rather wealthy and strong?
French-speaking population
3. Sri Lanka’s formal religion is what?
Buddhism
4. Between 1970 and 1993, how many constitutional revisions Belgium underwent?
Fourth
Three to five marks for questions.
1. Why is sharing of authority desired?
Power sharing guarantees stability, helps democracy to be stronger, and lowers conflicts.
2. In Sri Lanka, what conflict resulted from majoritarianism?
Policies exclusive of Sinhala excluded Tamils, sparking demonstrations and even civil war.
3. How did Belgium let many communities coexist?
equal government representation; unique laws; community government.
4. Describe the several ways in which one can share power.
Power sharing based on horizontal, vertical, social group-based, political party lines.
5. From Belgium and Sri Lanka, what lessons might we pick up?
Whereas exclusion causes strife, inclusive government preserves stability.
Finish
A fundamental aspect of democracy, power sharing supports national unity, stability, and peace by means of its distribution. The success of Belgium in implementing power-sharing stands in contrast to Sri Lanka’s lack, therefore stressing the need of inclusive government.
For students in CBSE Class 10, knowledge of power sharing is absolutely essential for tests and practical exercises. The issue not only raises political consciousness but also fosters democratic ideals necessary for a society as varied as India.
Would you like to challenge your knowledge? Try responding from your CBSE SST notes the question bank!
