Class 10 Social Science - BIHAR
Political Science: Power-sharing
The chapter 'Power-sharing' in Class 10 Political Science explores how democracies manage diversity and resolve conflicts by distributing power among different organs of government, social groups, and levels. Through the case studies of Belgium and Sri Lanka, students learn why power-sharing is desirable and how prudent and moral reasons support it. This chapter is vital for the Bihar (BSEB) board exams as it forms the foundational base for understanding democratic politics, federalism, and constitutional design, frequently appearing in both objective and subjective sections.
Start Learning FreeKey Concepts
Power-sharing
The distribution of political power among different organs, levels, or social groups of a government to ensure no single group holds a monopoly over power.
Majoritarianism
A belief that the majority community should be able to rule a country in whichever way it wants, by disregarding the wishes and needs of the minority, as seen in Sri Lanka.
Prudential Reason for Power-sharing
Power-sharing is good because it helps to reduce the possibility of conflict between social groups and ensures the stability of political order.
Moral Reason for Power-sharing
Power-sharing is the very spirit of democracy, emphasizing that people who are affected by its exercise must be consulted and given a stake in governance.
Horizontal Distribution of Power
Power is shared among different organs of government such as the legislature, executive, and judiciary, practicing a system of checks and balances.
Vertical Distribution of Power
Power is shared among governments at different levels, such as a general central government and provincial or regional state governments.
Important Formulas
Board Exam Info
In the Bihar (BSEB) Class 10 Social Science board exam, this chapter typically carries around 4 to 6 marks. Questions usually include 1-2 objective (MCQ) questions and a short or long descriptive question based on the comparison between Belgium and Sri Lanka or the forms of power-sharing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is power-sharing desirable in a democracy?
Power-sharing is desirable because it helps reduce the possibility of conflict between social communities, ensures political stability, and upholds the moral core of democratic principles.
What led to ethnic tension in Sri Lanka?
The adoption of majoritarian measures by the Sinhala-majority government, which ignored the language, culture, and political rights of the Tamil minority, led to severe ethnic tension and civil war.
How did Belgium successfully resolve its ethnic problem?
Belgium amended its constitution four times to design a unique power-sharing arrangement that gave equal representation to Dutch and French-speaking populations and introduced a third type of government called community government.
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