Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE - India) Class 10 Social Science: Power Sharing

Instructions. Answer all questions. Fill exactly one bubble per question on the OMR sheet.

1. Power Sharing

   1.

   In a democratic system, why is power sharing considered essential for political stability?

   1. (A)

      It centralizes power, making decision-making faster.

   2. (B)

      It promotes a one-party system, ensuring strong governance.

   3. (C)

      It allows the majority community to dominate minority groups.

   4. (D)

      It reduces the possibility of conflict between social groups.

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   Answer: (D)

   It reduces the possibility of conflict between social groups.

   Power sharing helps in reducing the chances of conflict between various social groups by giving them a stake in the government, thus ensuring political stability.

   Power Sharing · Easy

2. 2.

   Which form of power sharing is exemplified by the Belgian model, where different linguistic groups have separate governments with specific powers?

   1. (A)

      Vertical power sharing

   2. (B)

      Community government

   3. (C)

      Separation of powers

   4. (D)

      Horizontal power sharing

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   Answer: (B)

   Community government

   The Belgian model, particularly its community government, is a prime example of power sharing among different social groups based on language and culture, allowing them to govern specific cultural, educational, and language-related issues.

   Power Sharing · Medium

3. 3.

   What is the primary objective of horizontal power sharing, where power is distributed among different organs of government like the legislature, executive, and judiciary?

   1. (A)

      To facilitate the dominance of the executive branch.

   2. (B)

      To ensure that no single organ can exercise unlimited power.

   3. (C)

      To consolidate power in a single authority.

   4. (D)

      To allow for rapid decision-making in times of crisis.

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   Answer: (B)

   To ensure that no single organ can exercise unlimited power.

   Horizontal power sharing, also known as the system of checks and balances, aims to prevent any one organ of government from becoming too powerful, thereby ensuring accountability and preventing abuse of power.

   Power Sharing · Easy

4. 4.

   Consider a situation where a country has a federal system with powers divided between a central government and state governments. What type of power sharing does this represent?

   1. (A)

      Power sharing among political parties

   2. (B)

      Power sharing among different social groups

   3. (C)

      Power sharing among different levels of government

   4. (D)

      Power sharing among different organs of government

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   Answer: (C)

   Power sharing among different levels of government

   This scenario describes vertical power sharing, where power is shared among governments at different levels – the central or union government and the regional or state governments.

   Power Sharing · Medium

5. 5.

   In India, the reservation of seats for women in local self-government bodies like Panchayats and Municipalities is an example of which form of power sharing?

   1. (A)

      Power sharing among different levels of government

   2. (B)

      Horizontal power sharing

   3. (C)

      Power sharing among different social groups

   4. (D)

      Power sharing in the form of political parties

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   Answer: (C)

   Power sharing among different social groups

   The reservation of seats for women in local self-government is a form of power sharing among different social groups, ensuring that marginalized sections of society have a voice and representation in governance.

   Power Sharing · Hard

— End of the paper · updated 1 October 2026 —