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id: "66cef1dde9dce5550f8f91b4"
title: "Power-sharing"
board: "CBSE"
curriculum: "CBSE"
class: "Class 10"
subject: "Social Science"
book: "Democratic Politics"
chapter: "Power-sharing"
chapter_slug: "power-sharing"
canonical_url: "https://www.edzy.ai/cbse-class-10-social-science-democratic-politics-power-sharing"
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last_updated: "2026-06-20"
---

# Power-sharing
This chapter examines the concept of power-sharing in democracies, using case studies from Belgium and Sri Lanka. It delineates how these two nations manage ethnic diversity and political power dynamics, providing insights into the necessity and forms of power-sharing in ensuring internal peace and stability.

---

## Knowledge Snapshot

| Field | Details |
| :--- | :--- |
| Class | Class 10 |
| Subject | Social Science |
| Book | Democratic Politics |
| Chapter | Power-sharing |
| Pages | 1-12 |

---

## Chapter Summary

### Short Summary
This chapter discusses the importance of power-sharing in democracy and provides examples from Belgium and Sri Lanka to illustrate how different forms of power-sharing can either mitigate or exacerbate ethnic tensions.

### Detailed Summary
The chapter begins by stating the significance of power-sharing in a democracy, emphasizing that no single organ of government should hold all the power. It addresses the complex ethnic compositions of Belgium and Sri Lanka, explaining how majoritarian rule led to ethnic strife in Sri Lanka, while Belgium's leaders opted for an innovative approach to respect regional differences and cultural diversities. As a result, Belgium established a system that allows equal representation among linguistic groups, whereas Sri Lanka's failure to share power led to civil conflict, illustrating contrasting outcomes related to power-sharing strategies.

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## Topic-Wise Explanation

### Belgium and Sri Lanka
This section contrasts Belgium’s extensive power-sharing model with Sri Lanka’s majoritarian approach, demonstrating how these differing strategies influenced ethnic relations and national unity.

### Why power sharing is desirable?
Power-sharing is presented as a means to reduce social conflict and enhance democratic governance by ensuring that diverse groups are included in decision-making processes, which is essential for political stability and cohesion.

### Forms of Power-sharing
The chapter outlines four primary forms of power-sharing: among different organs of government, at various government levels, among social groups, and through competitive political participation. Each form plays a critical role in safeguarding democracy by distributing power across multiple segments of society.

---

## Core Ideas

| Idea | Explanation |
| :--- | :--- |
| Importance of Power-sharing | Power-sharing is crucial for maintaining unity and preventing ethnic conflict in democracies. |

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## Key Concepts

| Concept | Meaning |
| :--- | :--- |
| Majoritarianism | A political belief that the majority should hold the most power, often leading to the marginalization of minorities. |
| Ethnic Group | A community of people who share a common cultural background or descent. |

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## Important Points for Revision

* Power-sharing prevents the dominance of majority groups and ensures stability.
* Sri Lanka's majoritarian policies led to ethnic tensions and civil war.
* Belgium’s model allows for equal representation among linguistic groups.
* Power-sharing can be horizontal, vertical, or involve community representation.
* Effective power-sharing respects diverse interests and fosters national unity.
* The chapter illustrates the consequences of both inclusive and exclusive governance models.
* Democratic governance involves shared power among various groups and institutions.
* The difference in outcomes between Belgium and Sri Lanka highlights the critical nature of power-sharing in diverse societies.

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## Practice Questions

### Short Answer Questions
1. What is the significance of power-sharing in a democracy?
2. How did Belgium's government structure address ethnic diversity?
3. What led to the civil war in Sri Lanka?
4. Describe the concept of majoritarianism.
5. What are the different forms of power-sharing discussed in the chapter?

### Long Answer Questions
1. Compare and contrast the power-sharing arrangements in Belgium and Sri Lanka.
2. Discuss the reasons why power sharing is considered desirable in democratic societies.
3. Analyze the impact of the majoritarian policy in Sri Lanka on its ethnic communities.

---

## Source Attribution

| Field | Value |
| :--- | :--- |
| Source | Edzy |
| Reference Type | examSubjectBookChapter |
| Reference ID | 66cef1dde9dce5550f8f91b4 |
| Canonical URL | https://www.edzy.ai/cbse-class-10-social-science-democratic-politics-power-sharing |
| Markdown URL | https://www.edzy.ai/okf/chapter/cbse-class-10-social-science-democratic-politics-power-sharing.md |