Power Sharing, Civics, Class-X

Which of the following statements best describe the meaning of an ethnic group?

• A group of people based on the culture they share and believe in common descent.

• A group of people who speak a common language.

• A group of people who share common religious views.

• A group of people ruled by one ruler or one government.

Answer explanation

An ethnic group is defined by shared culture and common descent, making the first choice the best description. Language and religion can be factors, but they do not encompass the full meaning of an ethnic group.

Power sharing refers to ----------------

• Sharing of power among different organs of the government.

• Sharing of power among different levels of government.

• Sharing of power among different social groups.

• All of the above.

Answer explanation

Power sharing encompasses the distribution of power among various government organs, levels, and social groups, ensuring a balanced and inclusive governance structure. Therefore, the correct answer is 'All of the above.'

Horizontal division of power is also known as ------.

• Federal division of power.

• Vertical division of power.

• Division of power among different levels of government.

• A system of checks and balances.

Answer explanation

Horizontal division of power refers to the distribution of authority among different branches of government, which is best described as a system of checks and balances. This ensures that no single branch becomes too powerful.

By which of the following names is the distribution of power among the Central, State, and local governments known?

• Horizontal division of power.

• Vertical division of power.

• Power sharing among political parties.

• Power sharing among social groups.

Answer explanation

The distribution of power among Central, State, and local governments is known as the vertical division of power, as it delineates authority at different levels of governance.

Which among the following is not a policy of 'Majoritarianism' in Sri Lanka?

• Reservation in government jobs and seats in higher education for Tamil-speaking people.

• Declaring Sinhala as the only official language.

• New rules to protect and foster Buddhism.

• Disregarding the demand for recognizing Tamil as an official language.

Answer explanation

Reservation in government jobs and seats in higher education for Tamil-speaking people is not a policy of Majoritarianism, which favors the Sinhala majority, unlike the other options that promote Sinhala dominance.

'Walloon' refers to-

• Tamil speakers in Sri Lanka.

• Sinhala speakers in Sri Lanka.

• French speakers in Belgium.

• Dutch speakers in Belgium.

Answer explanation

'Walloon' specifically refers to the French-speaking community in Belgium, distinguishing them from Dutch speakers, who are primarily in the Flanders region. Thus, the correct answer is French speakers in Belgium.

Which among the following statements is not correct about the ethnic composition of Belgium?

• 59 percent of the total population lives in the Flemish region and speaks Dutch.

• In the capital city Brussels, 80 percent of people speak Dutch while 20 percent are French-speaking.

• The French-speaking community was relatively rich and powerful.

• The majority community of the country was a minority in the capital city of Brussels.

Answer explanation

The statement about Brussels is incorrect; in reality, about 50% of the population speaks French, while Dutch speakers are around 20%. This highlights the linguistic diversity and the French-speaking community's prominence in the capital.

Because of which of the following reasons was the Dutch-speaking community resentful towards the French-speaking community in Belgium?

• Belgium government declared French as the official language of the country.

• People from the Dutch-speaking community were barred from contesting elections.

• A law has been made to reserve some of the government jobs only for French speakers.

• Dutch speakers received the benefits of economic development and education much later in comparison to French speakers.

Answer explanation

The Dutch-speaking community was resentful because they received the benefits of economic development and education much later than the French speakers, leading to disparities and feelings of inequality.

Which among the following statements is not correct about the ethnic composition of Sri Lanka?

• 74% of the total population of the country are Sinhala speakers.

• Most of the Sinhala speakers are followers of Buddhism.

• Minority Tamil speakers are scattered by the way of religion and their place of origin.

• 26% of the total population of Sri Lanka are Tamil speakers.

Answer explanation

The statement '26% of the total population of Sri Lanka are Tamil speakers' is incorrect. Tamil speakers actually make up about 15% of the population, not 26%.

Which of the following was not a demand of Tamils in Sri Lanka against the majoritarian policy of the Sinhala-led government?

• Recognition for Tamil as an official language.

• Equal opportunity in getting government jobs.

• Reservation of seats for Tamil speakers in higher educational institutions.

• Regional autonomy.

• Formation of a separate state for Tamils.

Answer explanation

The demand for reservation of seats for Tamil speakers in higher educational institutions was not a primary demand against the Sinhala-led government's policies. The other options were more central to the Tamil struggle for rights.