Class 10 Social Science - HARYANA
Political Science: Power-sharing
The Class 10 Political Science chapter 'Power-sharing' explores how democracies manage diversity and resolve conflicts through the sharing of power among different organs of government, social groups, and levels. Using the contrasting real-world cases of Belgium and Sri Lanka, the chapter highlights why power-sharing is desirable both prudentially, to reduce social conflict, and morally, as the very spirit of democracy. For Haryana (BSEH) board exams, students must understand the various forms of power-sharing and be able to analyze case studies and theoretical reasons thoroughly to score high marks in both objective and subjective questions.
Start Learning FreeKey Concepts
Power-sharing
The distribution of political power among different organs, levels, and social groups of a government to ensure no single group holds absolute authority.
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 historically in Sri Lanka.
Prudential Reason for Power-sharing
The practical argument that power-sharing brings better outcomes by reducing the possibility of violent conflict and social instability between different social groups.
Moral Reason for Power-sharing
The fundamental democratic principle that power-sharing is valuable in itself because citizens have a right to be consulted on how they are governed.
Horizontal Distribution of Power
Power is shared among different organs of government at the same level—legislature, executive, and judiciary—implementing a system of checks and balances.
Vertical Distribution of Power
Power is shared among governments at different levels, such as a central or federal government and provincial or state-level governments.
Important Formulas
Board Exam Info
For the Haryana Board of School Education (BSEH) Class 10 Social Science exam, the 'Power-sharing' chapter typically carries around 4 to 6 marks. Questions commonly include 1-mark objective questions (MCQs or fill-in-the-blanks), 3-mark short answer questions comparing Belgium and Sri Lanka, and 5-mark long answer questions explaining the forms and importance of power-sharing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is power-sharing desirable in a democracy?
Power-sharing is desirable for two main reasons: prudential reasons (it helps reduce the possibility of conflict between social groups) and moral reasons (it is the very spirit of democracy as it gives citizens a voice in governance).
What is the difference between horizontal and vertical power-sharing?
Horizontal power-sharing divides power among different organs of government at the same level (Legislature, Executive, Judiciary) with checks and balances. Vertical power-sharing divides power between different levels of government (Central, State, and Local).
What lessons can be learned from the Belgium and Sri Lanka case studies?
Belgium's accommodation of its linguistic diversity led to unity and peace, whereas Sri Lanka's majoritarian policies favoring the Sinhala majority led to a prolonged civil war, teaching us that power-sharing is essential for national unity.
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