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I. Chapter Summary

The chapter Power-sharing introduces the foundational idea that power must be shared among different organs and levels of government to prevent tyranny and ensure fairness. The chapter uses the examples of Belgium and Sri Lanka to highlight the importance of power-sharing in accommodating social diversity and avoiding conflict. It outlines forms of power-sharing, including horizontal (between organs of government), vertical (between different levels of government), and community-based arrangements. The chapter promotes the idea that power-sharing is not only desirable for good governance but also a necessary step toward achieving political stability and democracy.

II. Key Concepts Covered

Concept	Explanation
Power-sharing	The distribution of power among different organs and levels to prevent misuse and promote unity.
Belgium Model	Accommodated linguistic and cultural diversity through equal representation and community government.
Sri Lankan Model	Imposed majority rule, leading to civil strife with the Tamil minority.
Forms of Power-sharing
‣ Horizontal: Between Legislature, Executive, Judiciary (separation of powers).
‣ Vertical: Between Central, State, and Local Governments.
‣ Community Government: Power-sharing among different social groups (as in Belgium).
‣ Power-sharing among Political Parties: Through coalition governments or alliances.

III. Important Questions

(A) Multiple Choice Questions (1 Mark)

1. Which country adopted majoritarianism leading to civil war?
   • a) Belgium
   • b) Netherlands
   • c) Sri Lanka
   • d) India
   • Answer c) Sri Lanka
2. Which form of power-sharing exists in India?
   • a) Horizontal
   • b) Vertical
   • c) Both
   • d) None
   • Answer c) Both
3. The community government in Belgium is an example of:
   • a) Horizontal division
   • b) Community-based power-sharing
   • c) Vertical power-sharing
   • d) Federal division
   • Answer b) Community-based power-sharing
4. What is the benefit of power-sharing?
   • a) Imposes majority rule
   • b) Prevents political instability
   • c) Reduces participation
   • d) Encourages dictatorship
   • Answer b) Prevents political instability

(B) Short Answer Questions (2/3 Marks)

1. Mention any two differences between the Belgian and Sri Lankan models of power-sharing. (PYQ – 2020)
2. What are the advantages of power-sharing in democracy? (PYQ – 2019)
3. Define horizontal power-sharing with examples.
4. What is the significance of community government in Belgium?

(C) Long Answer Questions (5 Marks)

1. Compare the power-sharing arrangements of Belgium and Sri Lanka. (PYQ – 2021)
2. Describe the different forms of power-sharing practiced in modern democracies. (PYQ – 2020)
3. Why is power-sharing desirable? Explain with two different reasons.
4. How did Belgium manage to accommodate social and linguistic diversity?

(D) HOTS (Higher Order Thinking Skills)

1. Can power-sharing be considered the spirit of democracy? Justify your answer.
2. If you were a policy advisor to Sri Lanka in the 1980s, what power-sharing arrangements would you suggest to avoid conflict?

IV. Key Formulas/Concepts

While this chapter is theoretical, here are important definitions and distinctions:

• Power-sharing: Distribution of political power among various organs, social groups, and levels of government.
• Horizontal Division: Power shared among the executive, legislature, and judiciary.
• Vertical Division: Power shared among national, state, and local governments.
• Majoritarianism: A belief that the majority community should be able to rule over others, often disregarding minority rights.

V. Deleted Portions (CBSE 2025–2026)

 No portions have been deleted from this chapter as per the rationalized NCERT textbooks.

VI. Chapter-Wise Marks Bifurcation (Estimated – CBSE 2025–2026)

Unit/Chapter	Estimated Marks	Type of Questions Typically Asked
Power-sharing	5–7 marks	MCQs, Short and Long Answers, HOTS

VII. Previous Year Questions (PYQs)

Year	Marks	Question
2019	3	Why is power-sharing desirable in modern democracies?
2020	5	Compare the power-sharing arrangements in Belgium and Sri Lanka.
2021	3	Define horizontal distribution of power.

VIII. Real-World Application Examples to Connect with Topics

• India’s Panchayati Raj System: Vertical power-sharing to include rural voices.
• Judicial Independence: Example of horizontal power-sharing in action.
• Coalition Governments: Power-sharing among political parties, alliances.
• Reservation Policy: Power-sharing with socially weaker sections through representation.

IX. Student Tips & Strategies for Success

 Time Management

• Allocate 15 mins each to Belgium vs Sri Lanka, Forms of Power-sharing, and Case Studies.
• Use tables and mind maps to revise types of power-sharing.

 Exam Preparation

• Prepare contrast tables (Belgium vs Sri Lanka, Horizontal vs Vertical power-sharing).
• Use real-world examples from India to support answers.

 Stress Management

• Watch explainer videos or news clips of Indian federal structure in action (e.g., GST Council).
• Discuss contemporary issues like coalition governments to connect better.

X. Career Guidance & Exploration (Class-Specific)

For Classes 9–10

Streams Overview:

• Science: Public policy modeling, systems thinking.
• Commerce: Business governance and organizational structures.
• Arts: Political science, law, sociology.

Career Paths:

• Civil Services (IAS/IPS)
• Constitutional Lawyer
• Political Analyst
• Social Researcher
• Diplomat

Relevant Programs:

• NTSE
• CBSE Heritage Quiz
• UN School Model Assemblies

XI. Important Notes

•  Democracy thrives on decentralization and inclusion—power-sharing ensures both.
•  Remember key principles: trust, transparency, representation, participation.
•  Use flowcharts to remember the forms of power-sharing.