Tag: democracy- an evolving idea

Questions Related to democracy- an evolving idea

Consider the following two statements on power sharing and select the answer using the codes given below:
A. Power sharing is good for democracy.
B. It helps to reduce the possibility of conflict between social groups.
Which of these statements are true and false?

power sharing in democracy power sharing democracy- an evolving idea political science social science

  1. A is true but B is false

  2. Both A and B are true

  3. Both A and B are false

  4. A is false but B is true

Show answer
Correct Option: B
Explanation:
Power-sharing in democracy describes a system of governance in which different segments of society are provided a share of power. Power-sharing is good for democracy. Power-sharing helps to reduce the possibility of conflicts between social groups. Power-sharing makes people dependent and responsible.
 

Match List I (forms of power sharing) with List II (forms of government) and select the correct answer using the codes given below in the lists:

List I List II
1 Power shared among different organs of government A Community government
2 Power shared among governments at different levels B Separation of powers
3 Power shared by different social groups C Coalition government
4 Power shared by two or more political parties D Federal government


power sharing in democracy power sharing democracy- an evolving idea political science social science

  1. 1-D, 2-A, 3-B, 4-C

  2. 1-B, 2-C, 3-D, 4-A

  3. 1-B, 2-D, 3-A, 4-C

  4. 1-C, 2-D, 3-A, 4-B

Show answer
Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Power shared among different organs of government- Separation of power
Power shared among governments at different levels- Federal government
Power shared by different social groups- Community government
Power shared by two or more political parties- Coalition government.

Consider the following statements about power-sharing arrangements in Belgium and Sri Lanka.
A. In Belgium, the Dutch-speaking majority people tried to impose their domination on the minority French-speaking community.
B. In Sri Lanka, the policies of the government sought to ensure the dominance of the Sinhala-speaking majority.
C. The Tamils in Sri Lanka demanded a federal arrangement of power sharing to protect their culture, language, and equality of opportunity in education and jobs.
D. The transformation of Belgium from the unitary government to a federal one prevented a possible division of the country on linguistic lines.
Which of the statements given above are correct?

power sharing in democracy power sharing democracy- an evolving idea political science social science

  1. A, B, C and D

  2. A, B and D

  3. C and D

  4. B, C and D

Show answer
Correct Option: D
Explanation:

In Belgium, there was a proper power-sharing arrangement between the French and Dutch. The transformation of Belgium from the unitary government to a federal one prevented a possible division of the country on linguistic lines.  
In Sri Lanka, the policies of the government sought to ensure the dominance of the Sinhala-speaking majority. The Tamils in Sri Lanka demanded a federal arrangement of power sharing to protect their culture, language, and equality of opportunity in education and jobs.

A type of government in which many political parties join together to prove their majority in the house ______________.

power sharing in democracy power sharing democracy- an evolving idea political science social science

  1. Community government

  2. Democratic government

  3. State government

  4. Coalition government

Show answer
Correct Option: D
Explanation:

When two or more than two parties come together to form the government, it is known as a coalition government. A coalition government is a cabinet of a parliamentary government in which several political parties cooperate, reducing the dominance of any one party within that coalition. 

A government in which different social groups are given the power to handle the affairs related to their communities is called  ________________.

power sharing in democracy power sharing democracy- an evolving idea political science social science

  1. Community government

  2. Coalition government

  3. Democratic

  4. Monarchy

Show answer
Correct Option: A
Explanation:

A community government is one in which different social groups are given the power to handle the affairs related to their communities. They are expected to work jointly for the benefit of the common masses without undermining any one community. Community government is an elected body by people belonging to one language, one culture or any common property no matter where they live. This government has the power regarding cultural, educational and language related issues.

Power sharing is desirable because ___________.

power sharing in democracy power sharing democracy- an evolving idea political science social science

  1. It creates many centres of power

  2. It increases conflict among different groups

  3. It avoids social conflict and violence

  4. It creates instability

Show answer
Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Power sharing helps to reduce the possibility of conflict between social groups. Power sharing is a good way to ensure the stability of political order as social conflict often leads to violence and political instability. Imposing the will of the majority community over others may look like an attractive option in the short run, but in the long run it undermines the unity of the nation. Tyranny of the majority is not only oppressive for the minority but it also brings ruin to the majority.

Prudential reasons of power sharing are_______________.

power sharing in democracy power sharing democracy- an evolving idea political science social science

  1. The stability of political order.

  2. To reduce the possibility of conflict between social groups.

  3. A fair share to minority.

  4. All of the above

Show answer
Correct Option: D
Explanation:
Since social conflict often leads to violence and political instability, power sharing is a good way to ensure the stability of political order. Imposing the will of majority community over others may look like an attractive option in the short run, but in the long run it undermines the unity of the nation.

Which one of the following communities is not related to Sri Lanka? 

power sharing in democracy power sharing democracy- an evolving idea political science social science

  1. Sri Lankan Tamils

  2. Dutch

  3. Sinhalese

  4. Indian Tamils

Show answer
Correct Option: B
Explanation:
Dutch is spoken in parts of Belgium.
Sinhala is the major social group in Sri Lanka.
Tamil natives of the country are called 'Sri Lankan Tamils.'
The rest, whose forefathers came from India as plantation workers during colonial period, are called ‘Indian Tamils’. 

Sri Lanka emerged as an independent nation in ______ .

power sharing in democracy power sharing democracy- an evolving idea political science social science

  1. 1948

  2. 1943

  3. 1953

  4. 1958

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Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Sri Lanka emerged as an independent country in 1948. The leaders of the Sinhala community sought to secure dominance over government by virtue of their majority. As a result, the democratically elected government adopted a series of MAJORITARIAN measures to establish Sinhala supremacy. 

Buddhism is the official religion of__________.

power sharing in democracy power sharing democracy- an evolving idea political science social science

  1. Sri Lanka

  2. Pakistan

  3. Indonesia

  4. England

Show answer
Correct Option: A
Explanation:
Sri Lanka has a diverse population. The major social groups are the Sinhala-speakers (74 per cent) and the Tamil-speakers (18 per cent). Most of the Sinhala-speaking people are Buddhist, while most of the Tamils are Hindus or Muslims. There are about 7 per cent Christians, who are both Tamil and Sinhala.