Q1. Describe the ethnic composition of Belgium.

Marks: 2 (Very Short Answer – CBSE Pattern)

In Belgium:

• About 59% of the population lives in the Flemish region and speaks Dutch.
• About 40% lives in the Wallonia region and speaks French.
• About 1% of people speak German.
• In Brussels, the capital, the French-speaking community is in majority though the Dutch-speaking community is overall majority in the country.

Q2. Describe the ethnic composition of Sri Lanka.

Marks: 2 (Very Short Answer – CBSE Pattern)

In Sri Lanka:

• The majority community are Sinhalese, about 74%, mostly Buddhists who speak Sinhala.
• Tamils form about 18% of the population:
  • Sri Lankan Tamils (around 13%) have lived there for centuries.
  • Indian Tamils (around 5%) are descendants of plantation workers brought by the British.
• Most Tamils are Hindus or Christians.

Q3. Why was Brussels considered a sensitive region in Belgium?

Marks: 2 (Short Answer – CBSE Style)

Brussels was sensitive because:

• In the country as a whole, the Dutch-speaking community is in majority.
• But in Brussels, the French-speaking community is in majority.
• Both communities wanted control and protection in the capital due to its political and economic importance.
• Any dominance by one group in Brussels could have led to serious nationwide tension.

Q4. Compare the social composition of Belgium and Sri Lanka.

Marks: 3 (Short Answer – CBSE Pattern)

Similarities:

• Both are relatively small countries with socially diverse populations.
• Both have more than one major linguistic or ethnic group.

• Belgium has Dutch, French and German speakers, while Sri Lanka mainly has Sinhalese and Tamils.
• In Belgium, linguistic groups are regionally concentrated; in Sri Lanka, the majority Sinhalese dominate most of the island while Tamils are concentrated in the north and east.

Q5. “Belgium is a small country with complex social divisions.” Explain.

Marks: 3 (Short Answer – Exam Style)

Belgium is described as such because:

• It is small in size but has three language communities – Dutch, French and German.
• Each community is concentrated in different regions – Flanders, Wallonia and the eastern region.
• In Brussels, the capital, French speakers are in majority though Dutch speakers are majority in the country.
• These overlapping regional, linguistic and economic differences created complex social divisions and potential for conflict.

Q6. State any two problems that Belgium faced due to its social composition.

Marks: 2 (Short Answer)

Problems faced:

• Continuous tensions between Dutch-speaking and French-speaking communities, especially over power and economic advantages.
• Fear of civil war or division of the country if one group tried to dominate the other.

Q7. Which two main Tamil groups live in Sri Lanka? How are they different?

Marks: 3 (Short Answer – CBSE Style)

The two main Tamil groups are:

• Sri Lankan Tamils: Tamil-speaking people who have been living in Sri Lanka for centuries and are considered natives.
• Indian Tamils: Descendants of plantation workers brought from India by the British to work on tea, coffee and rubber plantations.

They differ mainly in their historical background and citizenship status, especially in the early years after independence.

Q8. Why did Sri Lankan Tamils feel alienated after independence?

Marks: 3 (Short Answer – frequently asked)

Sri Lankan Tamils felt alienated because:

• They were denied equal status in terms of language – Sinhala was made the only official language.
• They faced discrimination in education and government jobs due to policies favouring Sinhalese.
• Their religion and language were not given due recognition, making them feel like second-class citizens.

Q9. Define ‘majoritarianism’ with reference to Sri Lanka.

Marks: 2 (Very Short Answer)

Majoritarianism is a belief that the majority community should be able to rule a country in any way it wants, ignoring the interests of minorities. In Sri Lanka, the Sinhala majority pursued policies that favoured Sinhalese and ignored Tamil demands, which is an example of majoritarianism.

Q10. Explain any three measures adopted by the Sri Lankan government after 1948 that established Sinhala dominance.

Marks: 3 (Short Answer – CBSE Pattern)

Measures:

• Sinhala Only Act (1956): Made Sinhala the only official language, ignoring Tamil.
• Preference in jobs and education: Policies were introduced to favour Sinhalese applicants in university admissions and government employment.
• Special status to Buddhism: The Constitution gave special protection to Buddhism, making Tamils feel religiously discriminated.

Q11. How did majoritarianism lead to civil war in Sri Lanka?

Marks: 5 (Long Answer – CBSE Style)

• The Sinhala government implemented policies that discriminated against Tamils in language, jobs and education.
• Tamil political parties initially demanded equality of status for Tamil language and regional autonomy.
• When these demands were repeatedly ignored, Tamils felt politically excluded and treated as second-class citizens.
• Some Tamil groups began to demand a separate Tamil state in the north and east of Sri Lanka.
• This turned into a prolonged and violent civil war between the Sri Lankan army and Tamil militant groups, leading to heavy loss of life and property.

Thus, the majoritarian policies created deep alienation among Tamils, which ultimately resulted in civil war.

Q12. What were the initial demands of Tamil political organisations in Sri Lanka?

Marks: 3 (Short Answer)

Initially, Tamil political organisations demanded:

• Recognition of Tamil as an official language along with Sinhala.
• Regional autonomy for Tamil-majority areas in the north and east.
• Equal opportunities in education and government jobs, without discrimination against Tamils.

Q13. How did the policies of the Sri Lankan government create a feeling of alienation among Tamils?

Marks: 3 (Short Answer – frequently tested)

The policies:

• Excluded the Tamil language from the status of an official language, creating language barriers.
• Favoured Sinhalese people in university admissions and government employment, reducing Tamil opportunities.
• Gave a special place to Buddhism, marginalising Hindu and Christian Tamils.

As a result, Tamils felt that the constitution and government were not theirs and that they were not equal citizens, leading to alienation.

Q14. What lessons can other democracies learn from the Sri Lankan experience?

Marks: 4 (Value-based – CBSE Style)

Lessons:

• Majoritarianism can be dangerous; ignoring minority interests can lead to conflict and division.
• Democracies must ensure that all communities feel included in political processes.
• Power should be shared with minorities to build trust and loyalty towards the nation.
• Peaceful and inclusive policies are better than force; otherwise, the country’s unity and development suffer.

Q15. Explain the main features of the power-sharing model adopted in Belgium.

Marks: 5 (Long Answer – CBSE Pattern)

Main features:

• At the centre, the number of Dutch and French-speaking ministers is equal. No single community can dominate the government.
• Important laws require the support of majorities in both language groups in the parliament.
• Many powers of the central government have been given to state governments for the regions of Flanders and Wallonia.
• There is a separate government for the Brussels-Capital Region where both communities have equal representation.
• Community governments (Dutch, French, German) have powers regarding language, education and cultural issues.

This model ensures accommodation of all communities and prevents domination by any one group.

Q16. How did the Belgian government prevent the domination of any one community?

Marks: 3 (Short Answer)

The Belgian government:

• Gave equal representation to Dutch and French-speaking ministers in the central government.
• Required that important decisions be approved by majorities in both language groups.
• Set up state and community governments to share power and protect the interests of each community at different levels.

Q17. What is meant by ‘community government’ in Belgium?

Marks: 2 (Very Short Answer)

A community government in Belgium is an elected body representing people of one language community – Dutch, French or German. It has powers over cultural, educational and language-related matters for that community, regardless of where its members live in the country.

Q18. How is the government of Brussels different from the government of other regions in Belgium?

Marks: 3 (Short Answer – Application)

Brussels has:

• A separate Brussels-Capital Region government.
• Both French-speaking and Dutch-speaking communities have equal representation, irrespective of their population share in the city.
• Special arrangements ensure that no law or decision harms the interests of either community in Brussels.

In other regions (Flanders and Wallonia), power is primarily based on the regional majority language.

Q19. “Belgium solved its problem of social divisions very successfully.” Justify.

Marks: 4 (Reasoning – CBSE Style)

• Belgium recognised its linguistic diversity and shared power among communities instead of letting one dominate.
• The system of central, state and community governments gave all groups a say in decision-making.
• The arrangements prevented civil war and division of the country, unlike in Sri Lanka.
• Today, Belgium is a stable and united country, showing that accommodation of differences can strengthen democracy.

Q20. Differentiate between the approach of Sri Lanka and Belgium in dealing with questions of power sharing.

Marks: 4 (Difference-based Question)

Belgium:

• Recognised linguistic diversity and negotiated a power-sharing arrangement.
• Ensured equal representation of Dutch and French communities.
• Created state and community governments to accommodate all groups.

• Followed majoritarianism, favouring the Sinhala majority.
• Denied Tamils equal rights in language, education and jobs.
• Ignored Tamil demands, which led to civil war and instability.

Q21. Explain any three prudential reasons for power sharing in a democracy.

Marks: 3 (Short Answer – often asked)

Prudential reasons:

• Reduces conflict: When groups share power, they are less likely to feel alienated and to use violent methods.
• Ensures political stability: A government that includes different communities is more stable and long-lasting.
• Helps maintain unity: Power sharing helps to protect the unity and integrity of the country by satisfying diverse interests.

Q22. What are moral reasons for power sharing in a democracy?

Marks: 3 (Short Answer – Conceptual)

Moral reasons:

• Democracy is based on the principle that all people are equal and should participate in decision-making.
• Power sharing respects the idea that people affected by decisions should have a voice in those decisions.
• It makes power-sharing not just a strategy to avoid conflict, but a moral obligation to treat every group and citizen with respect.

Q23. “Power sharing is good for democracy.” Give any four arguments in support of this statement.

Marks: 4 (Long Short Answer – CBSE Pattern)

• It reduces the possibility of conflict between social groups.
• It ensures stability of political order and prevents breakdown of democracy.
• It strengthens democracy by giving every group a stake in the political system.
• It prevents concentration of power in one person or group and thus guards against dictatorship.

Q24. Distinguish between prudential and moral reasons for power sharing.

Marks: 4 (Difference-based – CBSE Style)

Prudential reasons:

• Based on practical benefits such as avoiding conflict and ensuring political stability.
• Focus on what is useful and beneficial for the country.
• Example: Power sharing in Belgium to avoid civil war and division of the country.

• Based on values and ethics of democracy.
• Emphasise that power sharing is the right thing to do, as all citizens have equal rights in decision-making.
• Example: Giving minority communities representation because it is fair and just, not merely convenient.

Q25. How does power sharing make a country more united and stable? Explain with the example of Belgium.

Marks: 5 (Long Answer – Application)

• Belgium had deep linguistic and regional divisions that could have led to civil war.
• Instead of imposing majority rule, leaders negotiated a complex power sharing arrangement that included all language communities.
• This gave every community a sense of security and respect, reducing fear and mistrust.
• As a result, Belgium remained a united and stable democracy, showing that power sharing increases unity.
• It proves that respecting the rights of all groups strengthens the long-term stability of the country.

Q26. Describe any four forms of power sharing in modern democracies with examples.

Marks: 5 (Long Answer – CBSE Pattern)

Forms of power sharing:

• Among different organs of government (Horizontal): Legislature, Executive and Judiciary share power (e.g., in India, Supreme Court can review laws passed by Parliament).
• Among governments at different levels (Vertical): Central, state and local governments share powers (e.g., Indian federal system).
• Among different social groups: Representation is given to weaker sections through reservations (e.g., SC/ST seats in legislatures).
• Among political parties, pressure groups and movements: In coalition governments power is shared among parties; pressure groups influence policies (e.g., coalition governments in India).

Q27. Differentiate between horizontal and vertical distribution of power.

Marks: 3 (Short Answer – Difference-based)

Horizontal distribution:

• Power is shared among different organs of government – Legislature, Executive, Judiciary.
• Each organ is placed at the same level and checks the others.
• Example: In India, Judiciary can declare laws passed by Parliament unconstitutional.

• Power is shared among different levels of government – Central, State, Local.
• Each level has powers given by the Constitution.
• Example: Union and State governments in India share powers on separate and concurrent subjects.

Q28. How do political parties, pressure groups and movements share power in a democracy?

Marks: 3 (Short Answer)

• Political parties contest elections and form governments. In a coalition, several parties share ministerial positions and policy-making powers.
• Pressure groups (like trade unions, business associations) influence decisions by lobbying and campaigning.
• Movements shape public opinion and pressurise the government to change or introduce laws.

Thus, even those not in government directly can exercise influence, making power widely shared.

Q29. Why is the principle of “one person, one vote, one value” considered a form of power sharing?

Marks: 2 (Very Short Answer – Conceptual)

This principle gives every adult citizen one vote of equal value, allowing people to choose their representatives. In this way, political power is indirectly shared among all citizens, as the government is formed by elected representatives of the people.

Q30. “Power sharing is not only about sharing power among governments and organs; it is also about social groups.” Explain.

Marks: 4 (Long Short Answer)

• Democracy aims to include all sections of society in decision-making.
• Power is shared among social groups when weaker or minority communities are given special representation.
• Examples include reservations of seats in legislatures for SCs, STs, women, and other backward sections.
• This ensures that different social groups have a voice in governance and prevents their marginalisation.

Therefore, social power sharing is an important dimension of democracy along with territorial and institutional sharing.