Power Sharing — Previous Year Questions (Class 10 Social Science)
Power sharing is the foundation of democratic governance, ensuring that authority is distributed among different levels and institutions. This chapter expl
TL;DR: Power sharing is the foundation of democratic governance, ensuring that authority is distributed among different levels and institutions. This chapter…
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Power sharing is the foundation of democratic governance, ensuring that authority is distributed among different levels and institutions. This chapter expl
Power Sharing — Previous Year Questions with Solutions
Q (2023, 3 marks): What is power sharing? Explain its importance in a democracy.
Answer: Power Sharing:
Definition - Distribution of authority and responsibility among different levels, organs, and groups of government.
Importance in Democracy:
1. Prevents concentration of power - No single person/group has absolute authority
2. Protects rights - Ensures minority protection
3. Reduces conflicts - Different groups have representation
4. Ensures accountability - Multiple centers of power check each other
5. Promotes participation - Citizens involved at multiple levels
6. Legitimacy - Government becomes more representative
Q (2022, 4 marks): Explain horizontal and vertical power sharing with examples.
Answer: Horizontal Power Sharing:
Definition - Distribution of power among different organs of government at the same level.
Example - India: Power shared among Executive (President, PM), Legislature (Parliament), and Judiciary (Courts)
Features:
- Check and balance system
- Each organ has specific powers and duties
Vertical Power Sharing:
Definition - Distribution of power among different levels of government (national, state, local).
Example - India: Federal system with central, state, and local governments
Features:
- Each level has separate jurisdiction
- Local bodies have specific autonomy
- Prevents concentration at top
Q (2021, 5 marks): What are the different forms of power sharing? Explain any two with examples.
Answer: Forms of Power Sharing:
1. Executive Power Sharing - Shared among President, PM, Cabinet
Example: Indian PM and Cabinet share executive functions
2. Legislative Power Sharing - Parliament divided into two houses
Example: Lok Sabha (lower) and Rajya Sabha (upper) in India
3. Horizontal Power Sharing - Among different organs (executive, legislative, judicial)
Example: Courts can strike down laws, PM accountable to Parliament
4. Vertical Power Sharing - Among different levels of government
Example: Central, State, and Local governments in federal systems
5. Community-based Power Sharing - Among different social groups
Example: Reserved seats for minorities, OBCs in government
Q (2023, 5 marks): Describe the federal structure of the Indian government and how power is shared.
Answer: Federal Structure and Power Sharing in India:
1. Three-tier system:
a) Union/Central Government - Executive, Legislature, Judiciary at national level
b) State Government - Separate executive, legislature, judiciary in each state
c) Local Government - Gram Panchayat (rural), Municipality (urban)
2. Union List - Central government jurisdiction (foreign affairs, defense, currency)
3. State List - State government jurisdiction (police, education, health)
4. Concurrent List - Shared by both (criminal law, trade, taxes)
5. Benefits:
- Prevents centralization of power
- Local participation in governance
- Diversity accommodation
- Regional aspirations recognized
Q (2022, 3 marks): Explain the concept of checks and balances in the Indian Constitution.
Answer: Checks and Balances in Indian Constitution:
1. Executive Checks:
- PM needs majority support in Lok Sabha
- Can be impeached by Parliament
- Supreme Court can strike down executive orders
2. Legislative Checks:
- President can refuse assent to bills
- Court can declare laws unconstitutional
- Can pass no-confidence motion against PM
3. Judicial Checks:
- Can interpret Constitution
- Can strike down laws and orders
- Acts as watchdog of Constitution
4. Purpose:
- Prevent abuse of power
- Ensure accountability
- Protect fundamental rights
Q (2021, 3 marks): What role do local government institutions play in power sharing?
Answer: Role of Local Government in Power Sharing:
1. Democratic Decentralization:
- Brings governance closer to people
- Increases citizen participation
2. Functions:
- Gram Panchayat: Rural development, agriculture, water
- Municipality: Urban services, sanitation, roads
3. 73rd and 74th Amendments (1992):
- Constitutional recognition to local bodies
- Reserved seats for women, SC, ST
- Elected councils with specific powers
4. Importance:
- Addresses local issues
- Develops grassroots leadership
- Reduces burden on central/state governments
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between parliamentary and presidential form of government?
In parliamentary system, executive is responsible to legislature, while in presidential system, executive is independent of legislature.
How many tiers of government exist in India?
India has three tiers of government: Union/Central, State, and Local (Gram Panchayat/Municipality).
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