SST Civics Class 10 Ch 1 Power Sharing Notes 2025

Power sharing is a foundational concept in political science, emphasising how democratic nations handle the division of power to ensure stability, protect diverse interests, and avoid conflicts. In Chapter 1 of the Class 10 Civics Power Sharing, we explore how various forms of power sharing promote social harmony, peace, and stability within a country.

Let’s get into this chapter's key ideas and examples, made to support students in understanding these complex ideas effectively. The class 10 civics chapter 1 notes, SST Syllabus Class 10, and other study materials are curated to help students understand concepts clearly, regardless of their learning style. 

CBSE Class 10 Power sharing Notes

Below contains links to downloadable PDFs for Class 10 Civics Chapter 1 notes, categorized according to each question typology.

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Important Notes from Power Sharing Civics Chapter 1

Power sharing in democracy is based on the belief that people in any society have diverse preferences and identities. Acknowledging these differences and giving them a voice in governance helps prevent conflicts and ensures peaceful coexistence. In a democracy, people’s voices are valued, which necessitates a power-sharing mechanism to maintain unity in diversity.

Reasons for Power Sharing

Two main reasons support the need for power sharing:

Prudential Reasons: Power sharing helps reduce conflicts between social groups, ensuring political stability and harmony.

Moral Reasons: Power sharing is an ideal of democratic governance, where citizens participate in decision-making directly or through elected representatives.

Case Studies: Belgium and Sri Lanka

The chapter presents two countries with distinct approaches to managing ethnic diversity: Belgium and Sri Lanka. These examples highlight both successful and unsuccessful outcomes of different power-sharing models.

Belgium: A Model of Accommodation

Belgium is a small European country with a diverse population. The country has three main communities:

• Dutch-speaking Flemish: approximately 19% of the population, mainly in the northern region of Flanders.
• French-speaking Walloons: About 40% of the population, concentrated in the southern Wallonia region.
• German-speaking community: Makes up about 1% of the population in the eastern region.

Due to ethnic diversity, Belgium faced tensions between Dutch and French-speaking communities. To manage these conflicts, Belgium adopted several power-sharing arrangements:

1. Equal Representation in Government: Both Dutch and French-speaking communities have an equal number of ministers in the central government, preventing any one group from overpowering the other.
2. State and Community Governments: Apart from the central government, each community (Dutch, French, and German) has its own government to oversee matters specific to their language and culture.
3. Brussels Arrangement: In Brussels, a bilingual region, separate governments manage different community matters to respect both groups' interests.
4. Community Governments: These governments handle education, culture, and language issues within each community.

The Belgian model is a successful example of how diverse communities can coexist peacefully, thanks to prudent power-sharing arrangements.

Sri Lanka: A Majoritarian Approach

Sri Lanka provides a contrasting example. In this island nation, two main ethnic communities exist:

• Sinhalese make up about 74% of the population, primarily practicing Buddhism.
• Tamils: Constitute around 18% of the population, with a majority being Hindu.

After gaining independence in 1948, the Sri Lankan government adopted policies favouring the Sinhalese majority, such as:

Sinhala as the Official Language: In 1916, Sinhala was made the official language, disregarding Tamil interests.

Preference in Jobs and Education: Sinhalese received preferential treatment, sidelining the Tamil community in government jobs and educational opportunities.

The lack of power sharing and the majoritarian approach led to tensions and ultimately a civil war between the Tamil minority and the Sinhalese government. Sri Lanka’s example shows how neglecting power-sharing arrangements can result in conflict and instability.

Forms of Power Sharing

This chapter also examines different forms of power sharing commonly seen in democracies:

Horizontal Power Sharing: Here, power is distributed among different branches of government, such as the executive, legislature, and judiciary. Each branch operates independently, providing a system of checks and balances to prevent any branch from becoming too powerful. For example, in India, the judiciary can review laws passed by the legislature, and the executive enforces these laws.

Vertical Power Sharing: Power is divided across various levels of government, such as central, state, and local governments. This arrangement is also known as federalism. Each level of government has specific powers and responsibilities, allowing regional governments to address local needs.

Power Sharing Among Social Groups: Power can also be shared among different social or ethnic groups. This form of power sharing provides representation to minority groups, as seen in Belgium, where community governments protect the interests of linguistic minorities.

Power Sharing Among Political Parties and Pressure Groups: In democracies, power is shared among multiple political parties to ensure no single party monopolises power. Coalition governments and alliance politics often exemplify this form of power sharing. Additionally, pressure groups and interest groups influence government decisions, making governance more inclusive.

Advantages of Power Sharing

Power sharing offers several benefits for democratic governance:

• Conflict Prevention: By giving representation to diverse groups, power sharing reduces social conflicts and fosters unity.
• Political Stability: Equitable power sharing helps avoid political turmoil, as people feel included in the governance process.
• Democratic Participation: Power sharing strengthens democracy by allowing citizens to participate in decision-making, either directly or indirectly.
• Better Governance: Shared power ensures that no single branch or group has unchecked authority, leading to more balanced and accountable governance.

Important Questions from Power Sharing Civics Chapter 1

Chapter 1 on Power Sharing explains the importance of sharing power to promote unity, peace, and justice, and explores various forms of power-sharing arrangements. Here are some important questions from ch1 Civics Class 10 to help you understand the key concepts and significance of power sharing:

1. Very Short Answer Questions (1 Mark)

1. What is power sharing?

Power sharing is the distribution of power among different levels of government and social groups to avoid conflicts and maintain democracy.

2. Give one reason why power sharing is important in democracy.

It prevents the concentration of power in one hand and ensures that different groups have a say in decision-making.

3. Which two major communities are present in Belgium?

Dutch-speaking (59%) and French-speaking (40%) communities.

4. Name the ethnic group that is in the majority in Sri Lanka.

The Sinhalese (74%).

5. What is the official religion of Sri Lanka as per the 1956 Act?

Buddhism was given official status.

2. Short Answer Questions (3 Marks)

6. Why is power sharing desirable in a democracy?

• It helps to reduce conflicts in society.
• It ensures political stability by giving all communities a say in governance.
• It strengthens democratic principles by preventing authoritarian rule.

7. How did Belgium accommodate different linguistic communities?

• Dutch and French speakers got equal representation in the government.
• A separate government was formed for Brussels, where both communities were given equal rights.
• Belgium adopted a federal system, where power was shared between the central and regional governments.

8. What were the consequences of the majoritarian policies in Sri Lanka?

• Tamils felt alienated as Sinhala was made the official language.
• Discrimination in jobs and education created resentment.
• The Sri Lankan Tamils started demanding an independent state, leading to a civil war.

9. Differentiate between horizontal and vertical power sharing.

• Horizontal Power Sharing: Power is shared among different organs of government (Legislature, Executive, Judiciary).
• Vertical Power Sharing: Power is divided among different levels of government (Central, State, Local).

     10. What is the difference between power sharing in Belgium and Sri Lanka?

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3. Long Answer Questions (5 Marks)

11. Explain different forms of power sharing with examples.

• Power sharing among different organs of government: Legislature, Executive, and Judiciary share power (e.g., India’s system of separation of powers).
• Power sharing among different levels of government: Federalism (e.g., India has central, state, and local governments).
• Power sharing among social groups: Community representation (e.g., Reserved seats in Indian Parliament for SCs/STs).
• Power sharing among political parties and pressure groups: Coalition governments and interest groups influencing policies.

12. How does power sharing help in reducing conflicts?

• It gives equal representation to different groups.
• It prevents authoritarian rule and ensures democratic decision-making.
• It helps in protecting minority rights, avoiding social unrest.
• Example: Belgium successfully avoided conflicts by sharing power among communities.

13. Describe the power-sharing model of Belgium.

• Equal power to Dutch & French-speaking communities in central government.
• State governments were given autonomy to rule their regions.
• Brussels had a separate government where both linguistic groups had equal representation.
• A Community Government was formed, giving each ethnic group control over cultural and language-related matters.

14. What were the majoritarian measures adopted in Sri Lanka?

• Sinhala was made the only official language (1956).
• Buddhism was given special status, ignoring Hinduism and Christianity.
• Sinhalese were given preferences in government jobs and education.
• Tamil grievances were ignored, leading to a civil war.

15. What lessons can India learn from Belgium’s power-sharing model?

• Power should be shared among different communities to maintain peace.
• Federalism helps in giving autonomy to different regions.
• Protecting minority rights leads to stability and harmony.
• Community representation in decision-making prevents conflicts.

4. Case-Based / Source-Based Questions (4-5 Marks Each)

Case Study on Belgium:
Belgium’s model of power sharing was carefully designed to ensure stability and avoid ethnic conflicts. The Constitution was amended multiple times to accommodate the interests of all linguistic groups.

16: What are the three key elements of Belgium’s power-sharing arrangement?
A:

• Equal representation for Dutch and French speakers in the government.
• Regional governments with autonomy.
• A community government for cultural and language-related matters.

Case Study on Sri Lanka:
After gaining independence in 1948, Sri Lanka adopted majoritarian policies that favored the Sinhalese community.

17: What were the effects of these policies?
A:

• Tamils felt discriminated against in jobs, education, and language.
• This led to ethnic conflicts and a demand for autonomy.
• The conflict escalated into a civil war between Tamils and Sinhalese.

18. Why is power sharing important for unity in a country?

• It ensures equal participation of all communities.
• Prevents conflicts that arise from ethnic or religious divisions.
• Strengthens democracy and national integration.
• Example: Belgium succeeded by sharing power, Sri Lanka failed due to majoritarianism.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

🚫  Ignoring the Concept of Power Sharing

• Many students focus only on examples (Belgium and Sri Lanka) and ignore the core idea of power sharing.
• Tip: Understand why power sharing is important in a democracy and how it prevents conflicts.

🚫 Confusing Belgium and Sri Lanka’s Case Studies

• Students often mix up Belgium’s successful model with Sri Lanka’s majoritarian policies.
• Tip: Create a comparison table to clearly differentiate between the two.

🚫 Not Understanding Different Forms of Power Sharing

• Many students memorize the types of power sharing (horizontal, vertical, among communities, among political groups) without understanding them.
• Tip: Learn with examples (e.g., Horizontal power sharing = Judiciary, Executive, Legislature).

🚫 Overlooking the Role of Community Government in Belgium

• The Community Government in Belgium is often ignored, leading to incorrect answers.
• Tip: Remember that it protects cultural and linguistic rights of communities.

🚫 Writing Incomplete Answers in Case-Based Questions

• Students tend to write one-line answers for case-based questions, leading to lost marks.
• Tip: Read the case carefully and provide detailed explanations with relevant examples.

🚫 Not Practicing Map or Diagram-Based Questions

• Some students ignore flowcharts and diagrams, which can help in better retention.
• Tip: Practice mind maps or flowcharts to remember key concepts quickly.

Creative Ways to Make Notes for Power Sharing Ch 1 Class 10

1. Mind Map 🧠

• Draw a central bubble labeled "Power Sharing" and branch out into:

1. Types of Power Sharing (Horizontal, Vertical, Social, Political)
2. Belgium vs. Sri Lanka (Differences)
3. Why Power Sharing is Important?

• Use arrows and simple drawings for better understanding.

2. Flashcards 🎴

• Write important terms or questions on one side and their answers on the other.
• Example:

Q: What is horizontal power sharing?

A: Power shared among different organs (Legislature, Executive, Judiciary).
📌 Tip: Shuffle and quiz yourself for better recall!

3. Mnemonic Trick 🔤

• To remember the Types of Power Sharing, use: H.V.C.P.

H - Horizontal (Legislature, Executive, Judiciary)

V - Vertical (Central, State, Local)

C - Community (Ethnic/Linguistic groups)

P - Political (Parties, pressure groups)

4. Doodle Notes ✏️

• Instead of writing long paragraphs, draw symbols and small sketches.
• Example:

⚖️ = Balance for equal power sharing (Belgium)

🚫 = Cross mark for majoritarian rule (Sri Lanka)

📌 Tip: Use colors and simple drawings to make notes more engaging!

As students of civics, understanding power sharing helps in grasping the importance of inclusivity and prudence in governance. The chapter serves as a valuable lesson on the importance of embracing diversity within democratic frameworks, ensuring peace, stability, and equality for all citizens. Happy learning!

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is power sharing important in a democracy?

Power sharing is important in a democracy because it reduces conflicts, promotes social harmony, and ensures that all groups in society have a voice. It helps to maintain political stability and protects the interests of minority groups, making governance more inclusive and fair.

What are the two main reasons for power sharing in a democratic country?

The two main reasons are:

Prudential Reason: Power sharing prevents social conflicts and ensures political stability.

Moral Reason: It upholds the democratic principle of respecting every group’s voice in decision-making.

How did Belgium and Sri Lanka handle ethnic diversity differently?

Belgium handled ethnic diversity by implementing power-sharing arrangements that included all communities in governance, resulting in stability and harmony.

Sri Lanka took a majoritarian approach that favoured the Sinhalese majority, leading to conflicts and civil war due to the exclusion of the Tamil minority.

What are the different forms of power sharing in democracies?

The forms of power sharing include:

• Horizontal Power Sharing (among branches like the executive, legislature, and judiciary)
• Vertical Power Sharing (across central, state, and local levels)
• Power Sharing Among Social Groups (to protect minority rights)
• Power Sharing Among Political Parties and Pressure Groups (involving coalitions and multiparty systems).

What lessons can be learned from the power-sharing examples of Belgium and Sri Lanka?

Belgium shows that a balanced, inclusive approach to power sharing can bring stability and peace. Sri Lanka’s example demonstrates that ignoring the needs of minority groups can lead to severe conflict, highlighting the importance of inclusive governance in maintaining harmony within a nation.