THANK YOU

10 CIVICS
TH

POWER SHARING
 Majorities in Sri Lanka
Accommodation in Belgium
Sri Lanka has a diverse population with 74% Sinhala
For accommodating the interests of the minority AND the
speakers and 18% Tamil speakers. Among Tamils, 13%
majority, Belgium adopted a unique system of power sharing.
a r e called 'Sri Lankan Tamils' and the rest 'Indian
Brussels has a separate government in which both the
Tamils'. In 1956, Sinhala was recognised as the only
communities (French and Dutch) have equal representation. A
official language o f Sri Lanka, thus disregarding Tamil.
'community government' exists. It is elected by people belonging
By 1980s, several political organizations w e r e formed
to oneequal
language community. This
representation. governmentgovernment'
A 'community engages with the
exists.
demanding an independent Tamil Eelam (state) in
cultural, educational and language related issues.
northern and easter parts o f Sri Lanka.

Why power Sharing is desirable

Power sharing helps to reduce the
possibility o f conflict between social
groups and brings about stability in
polit ical or der . An int elligent shar ing
Pow er Forms o f Power Sharing
o f power among legislature, executive
and judiciary is very important to the
design o f a democracy.
Shar ing Power is shared among d i f f e r e n t organs o f
government, such as the legislature, executive
and judiciary. Ministers and government
officials exercise power. Power may also be
shared among d i f f e r e n t social groups such as
the religious and linguistic groups. In a
Belgium and Sri Lanka democracy, the citizens must have freedom to
Power sharing is the v e r y spirit o f choose among various contenders f o r power.
democracy. Belgium is a small
country in Europe. In the capital city
Brussels, 80% people speak French,
while the rest speak Dutch.
 ETHNIC GROUP

A social division based on shared culture.

5

People belonging to the same ethnic group,

believe in their common descent because of
similarities of physical type or of culture or
both. They need not always have the same
religion or nationality
 7

BELGIUM
 Small country in Western Europe. Has borders with France,

 Shares border with France, Netherlands, Germany &

Luxembourg.
8

 Area
Equal to that of an Indian State of Haryana.

 Population Little over 1 crore

 ETHNIC
COMPOSITION
1. 59 per cent lives in the
Flemish region and speaks
Dutch language.
9

2. Another 40 per cent people live

in the Wallonia region and speak
French.

3. Remaining one per cent of the

Belgians speak German.
 In the capital city Brussels, 80 % people
speak French while 20 % are Dutch
speaking

Problem in Belgium This led to tensions between

the Dutch-speaking and
1. THE MINORITY FRENCH- French-speaking
SPEAKING COMMUNITY WAS 10
communities during the 1950s
RELATIVELY RICH AND and 1960s.
POWERFUL.
The tension between the two
2. THIS WAS RESENTED BY THE communities was more acute
DUTCH-SPEAKING in Brussels.
COMMUNITY WHO GOT THE
BENEFIT OF ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT AND
EDUCATION MUCH LATER.
SRILANKA
11
● An island nation on the southern
coast of Tamil Nadu.

● Population : About 2 crore

12

● Like other nations in the South

Asia region, Sri Lanka has a
diverse population.

● Sri Lanka has a diverse

population.
ETHNIC COMPOSITION
Tamil Sinhala
Speakers Speaker
(18%) s (74%)
 MAJORITARIANISM IN SRI
LANKA
❖ Emerged as an independent country
in 1948.

❖ But since Sinhala speaking people were

in majority in Sri Lanka, they also the MAJORITARIANISM
government as leaders. A belief that the
majority community
❖ In Fact, the democratically elected should be able to rule
government adopted a series of
MAJORITARIAN measures to establish
a country in whichever
Sinhala supremacy. way it wants, by
disregarding the
wishes and needs of
the minority.
 1956 : An Act
passed to recognise
Sinhala as official
language, and not
Tamil.

All these
How The governments
government
SriLanka followed policies that
measures increased favoured Sinhala
the feeling of n govt.
Favoured applicants for
alienation among university and
the Sri Lankan government jobs.
Sinhalas
Tamils. ?

A new
constitution
stipulated that
the state shall
protect and
foster Buddhism
They felt that none of the major
political parties led by the
Sinhala leaders was sensitive to
their language and culture.
They felt that the
constitution government
policies denied them equal
political rights, and
discriminated against
them in getting jobs.
 The distrust between the two
communities turned into widespread conflict.

● It soon turned into a CIVIL WAR.

● As a result thousands of people of both

the communities have been killed.

● Many families were forced to leave the

country as refugees and many more lost
their livelihoods.

● But the civil war has caused a terrible

setback to the social, cultural and
economic life of the country.
● It ended in 2009.
Question . Describe the geographical and ethnic composition of Sri Lanka.
Answer:
The geographical and ethnic composition of Sri Lanka is given below :
1) Geographical composition :
Sri Lanka is an island nation just a few kilometers off the southern coast of Tamil Nadu.
Its population is about 2 crore.
2)Ethnic composition :
The major social groups are the Sinhala-speakers (74 per cent) and Tamil-speakers (18 per cent). ‘
Tamil-speakers are further divided into two groups – Sri Lankan Tamils and Indian Tamils.
Sri Lankan Tamils are the natives of Sri Lanka. The Indian Tamils’ forefathers migrated from India as plantation
workers during colonial period.
Sri Lankan Tamils live in the north and east of the country.
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.
Which one of the following religions was protected and
fostered by Sri Lankans in their constitution?

(a) Christianity
(b) Hinduism
(c) Buddhism
(d) Islam
 Ques: Describe the geographical and ethnic composition of Belgium.
Answer: The geographical and ethnic composition of Belgium is given below :
(1) Geographical composition :
• Belgium is a small country in Europe. It is smaller in area than the State of Haryana in India.
• It has borders with Netherlands, France and Germany.
• Its population is little over one crore. It is half of the population of Haryana state.

(2) Ethnic composition :

• 59 per cent of the population lives in the Flemish region. They speak Dutch language.
• 40 per cent people live in the Wallonia region. They speak French.
• Remaining one per cent speak German.
• Brussels is the capital of Belgium. Here, 80 per cent people speak French and 20 per cent speak Dutch.
Thus, Belgium is a country of diversities based on languages. Dutch-speaking people are in majority in
the country, but a minority in the capital city of Brussels.
A belief that the majority community should be able to rule
a country in whichever way it wants, by disregarding the
wishes and needs of the minority.

A. Power Sharing
B. Central government
C. Community government
D. Majoritarianism
When was Sinhala recognized as the official language of Sri
Lanka?

A. In 1954
B. In 1955
C. In 1956
D. In 1958
Ques: Explain any three consequences of the majoritarian
policies adopted by the Sri Lankan government.
ACCOMODATION IN BELGIUM
ELEMENTS OF BELGIAN MODEL

• Equal number of Dutch and French- speaking ministers in central

government.
• Wide powers to state governments; State governments are not
subordinate to the central government.
• Separate government in Brussels in which both the communities
have equal representation.
• “Community government’ elected by the particular language
speaking community.
• This government has the power regarding cultural, educational
and language related issue
 From Belgium

● In Belgium, the leaders have realised that the

unity of the country is possible only by
respecting the feelings and interests of
different Such
communities and regions.
a realisation resulted in acceptable
arrangements for power.

From Sri Lanka

● Sri LankaShows us a contrasting

example. It shows us that if a majority
community wants to force its dominance over
others and refuses to share power, it can
undermine the unity of the country.
Why is power
sharing
30

desirable?
Forms of Power
Sharing in
32

Democracy
In modern democracies, power sharing arrangements can take
many forms.

FORMS
POWER IS SHARED AMONG DIFFERENT ORGANS OF
GOVERNMENT

Ques. Why called Horizontal?

1. It allows different organs of government

placed at the same level to exercise
Judiciar
Legislatur Executiv different powers.
e e y
2. None of the organs can exercise
unlimited power. Each organ checks the
others.

3. This results in a balance of power among

various institutions.

4. This arrangement is called a system of

checks and balances.
 Vertical Power
Sharing POWER IS SHARED AMONG DIFFERENT LEVELS OF
GOVERNMENT

Usually called federal government. Provincial Local

Centre
Govt. govt. govt.
Not all democracies have federal structure.

India has 3 tier federal structure instead of just

two level.

The constitution clearly lays down the powers of

different levels of government. This is what they
did in Belgium, but was refused in Sri Lanka.
 Among Different Social Groups

• This type of arrangement is made to give space in the

Government and administration to diverse social groups
who otherwise feel alienated from the Government.
• This method is used to give minority communities a fair
share in power.
• In India, we have the system of reserved constituencies
in the assemblies and the Parliament of one country.
• Community Government in Belgium is a good example.
Among political parties, pressure groups and
movements
• In a democracy, the citizen must have freedom to choose among various
contenders for power.
• When there is competition, it ensures that power does not remain in one
hand.
• In the long run, power is shared among different political parties that
represent different ideologies and social groups. This type of Government
is called ‘Coalition Government’.
• Many interest groups like traders, businessmen, farmers, industrial
workers, also have a share in governmental power either way, through
participation and influencing decision making process
 AMONG PRESSURE GROUPS

In democracy various pressure groups organise

popular struggles or protest against any decision
of the government which they feel is wrong, and
put a pressure on the government to influence the
decision.
Pressure Groups

Group of people who are organised actively for

promoting and defending their common
interest.
10 Civics
TH

Federalism
 Linguistic States WHAT IS FEDERALISM ?
In 1947, the boundaries of several old States of India were
changed in order to create new States. This was done to ensure Federalism is a system of government in which the
that people who spoke the same language Lived in the same power is divided between a central authority and
State. Some States were created on the bases of culture, various constituent units of the country.
ethnicity or geography. Different tiers of government govern the same
citizens, but each tier has its own JURISDICTION. The
fundamental provisions of the Constitution cannot
be unilaterally changed by one level of government.
Sources of revenue for each level of government are
HOW IS clearly specified
FEDERALISM IS
PRACTICESD? WHAT MAKES INDIA A FEDERAL COUNTRTY ?

Language policy Hindi was The Constitution dearly provided a threefold distribution
of legislative powers between the Union Government
identified as the official and the State Governments. Union List includes subjects
language. There are 21 other of national importance such as defence of the country,
languages recognised as foreign affairs, banking, communications and currency.
Scheduled Languages by the
Constitution. The Central FEDERALISM The State Governments can make laws relating to the
subjects mentioned in the State List.
Concurrent List includes subjects of common interest to
Government responded by both the Union Governments as well as the State
agreeing to continue the use Governments, such as education, forest, trade unions,
marriage, etc.
of English along with Hindi for
official purposes.
DECENTRALISATION IN INDIA?
Centre-State Relation
In 1992, the Constitution was amended to make
After 1990, there was the beginning of the third-tier of democracy more powerful and
the era of COALITION GOVERNMENTS at effective. Seats are reserved for the Scheduled
the Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward
Centre. This led to a new culture of power Classes. The State governments are required to
sharing and respect for the autonomy of share some powers and revenue with local
State Goverments Federal power sharing is government bodies. There are now about 36 Lakh
more effective today than it was in the early elected representatives in the panchayats,
years after the Constitution came into force. municipalities,etc.
 What is Federalism ?

Federalism is a system of government in which the

power is divided between a central authority and various
constituent units of the country
 Key Features of Federalism Government:

• There are two or more levels of Governments.

• Different tiers of government govern the same citizens.
• The jurisdictions of the respective levels or tiers of government are specified
in the constitution.
• The fundamental provisions of the constitution can possibly be changed only
by the consent of the both level of the government.
• Courts have the power to interpret the constitution and the powers of
different levels of the government.
• For financial autonomy source of revenue for each level of government are
clearly specified.
• Main objective is to safeguard and promote unity of country while
accommodating regional diversity.
Types of Federalion:
 What Makes India a Federal Country

• India is a federal country. The constitution declared India as the Union

of States.

• The Constitution originally provided for a two-tier system of

government, the Union Government or what we call the Central
Government, representing the Union of India and the State government.

• Later the third tier of federalism was added in the form of Panchayats
and municipalities.
 The distribution of powers between the Center and the states in
the Indian Constitution:-

The constitution clearly provided a three fold distribution of legislative

powers between the Union government and state government. These are
:-
• Union List
• State List
• Concurrent list
 Residuary Subject

The subjects which are not mentioned in Union, state or

concurrent list come under the power of federal or Union govt.
and are called residuary subjects. For example technology.
 Power Sharing Union and State Government

• Our Constitution determines the extent of the sharing of power between Union and
State Government and it is the basic structures of the Constitution.

• Any change to it has to be first passed by both the Houses of Parliament with at least
two thirds majority. Then it has to be ratified by the legislatures of at least half of the
total states.

• The judiciary plays an important role in overseeing the implementation of constitutional

provision and procedures.

• In case of any dispute about the division of powers, the High Courts and the Supreme
Court make a decision.
 Role of the Judiciary in a federal System:

• The Judiciary plays an important role in overseeing the implementation

of constitutional provisions and procedures.

• In case of any dispute about the division of powers, the High Courts and the
Supreme Court make a decision.

• The Union and State governments have the power to raise resources by
levying taxes in order to carry on the government and the responsibilities
assigned to each of them.
 How is Federal Practiced ?

Our Constitution did not give the status of national language to any
language, though Hindi and English were identified as the official
language.

How Does India Practice Federalism ?

Constitutional provisions are necessary for the success of federalism

but these are not sufficient.

The real success of federalism in India can be attributed to the

nature of democracy
 How Does India Practice Federalism ?

The centre state relations have been restructured to strengthen

federalism in the T&Cs Apply following ways.
• LINGUISTIC STATES
• LANGUAGE POLICY
• CENTRE-STATE RELATION
 Linguistic States

• The creation of linguistic states was the first and a major test for democratic
politics in our country.

• Many old States have vanished and many new States were created. In 1947, the
boundaries of several old states of India were changed in order to create new
States.

• This was done to ensure that people who spoke the same language lived in the
same States.

• When the demand for the formation of States on the basis of language was raised,
some national leaders feared that it would lead to the
disintegration of the country.
 Language Policy:

• A second test for Indian federation is the language policy.

• Our constitution did not give the status of national language to any one language.
• Hindi was identified as the official language. But Hindi is the mother tongue of only
about 40 % of Indian therefore there were many safeguard to protect other languages.
• Besides Hindi, there are 21 other languages recognized as Scheduled Language by the
constitution:
• A candidate in an examination conducted for the central government positions may
option to take the examination in any of these languages.
 Language Policy:

• According to the Constitution the use of English for official purposes was to stop
in 1965 but many non-Hindi speaking states demanded that the use of
English continue.

• Promotion of Hindi continues to be the official policy the Government of India.

Promotion does not mean that the central Government can impose Hindi on States
where people speak a different language.

• The flexibility shown by the Indian political leaders helped our country avoid the
kind of situation that Sri Lanka finds itself in.
 Centre –State Region:

Restructuring the centre-state relations is one more way in which federalism has been
strengthened in practice.

• In 1990 there was the rise of regional political parties in many states of the country.
This was also the beginning of the era of COALITION GOVERNMENT at the Centre.
Since no single party got a clear majority in the Lok Sabha, the major national parties
had led to enter into an alliance with many parties.

• This led to a new culture of power-sharing and respect for the autonomy of State
Government. Thus, federal power sharing is more effective today than it was in the early
years after the Constitution came into force.
 Decentralisation in India :-

• Federal power sharing needed another tier of government and hence the government
power was decentralised.

• Decentralisation was done so that a large number of problems could be settled at the
local level.

• A major step towards decentralisation was taken in 1992. The Constitution was
amended to make the third-tier of democracy more powerful and effective.
 Major Provision for Decentralisation of 1992

It is constitutionally mandatory to hold regular elections for local government bodies.

• Seats are reserved in the elected bodies and the executive heads of these institutions for
the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes.

• At least one-third of all positions is reserved for women.

• An independent institution called the State Election Commission has been created in
each State to conduct panchayat and municipal elections.

• The State Governments are required to share some powers and revenue with local
government bodies.
 Reasons For Decentralisation:

• In a big country like India, it is essential to have an elected government at the local level
also.

• Local people have better knowledge of local problems and have better ideas of where to spend
money and how to manage things more effectively.

• Common citizens can be involved in decision-making process, concerning their needs and
how to plan development.

• People can approach a local government for solving their problems easily and quickly. The
cost is also reduced to the minimum.

• Local governments at grassroot level ensures stability, strength and health of democracy.
 Panchayati Raj

Rural local government is popularly known by the name of Panchayati Raj.

It has been divided into three tiers or three levels. At the village level, there is a
Gram Panchayat; at the block level, there is a Block Committee and at the
district level, there is a Zila Parishad.
 Gram Panchayat:

• Each village or a group of village in some states has a gram Panchayat.

• This is a council consisting of several ward members often called panch and a
president or Sarpanch.
• They are directly elected by all the adult population living in that ward or village.
• It is the decision making body for the entire village. The Panchayat works under
the overall supervision of gram Sabha.
• It has to meet at least twice or thrice in a year to approve the annual budget of the
gram Panchayat and to review the performance of the gram Panchayat.
 Functions of Gram Panchayat :

It elects the members of the gram panchayat.

It reviews the performance of gram panchayat.
It supervises the work of the gram panchayat.

Panchayati Samiti:
The local government structure goes right up to the district level.
A few gram panchayats are grouped together to form what is usually
called a Panchayat samiti or block or mandal.
The members of this representative body are elected by all the Panchayat.
members in that area.
 Zila Parishad:

• All the Panchayat samities or mandals in a district together constitute the zila
parishad.

• Most members of the zila parishad are elected. Members of Lok Sabha and
MLA of that district and some other officials of the other district level bodies
are also its members.

• Zila parishad chairperson is the political head of the zila parishad.

 Municipal Corporations:

• Similarly local government bodies exist for urban areas as well. Municipalities
are set up in towns.

• Big cities are constituted into municipal corporations. Both Municipalities and
municipal corporations are controlled by elected bodies consisting of people's
representatives.

• Municipal chair person is the political head of the municipality. In a municipal

corporation such an officer is called the mayor.
Previous
year’s
Questions
Q1. What are the objectives of federalism? What are the two aspects that are
crucial in the practice of federalism?
Ans:-

i. To safeguard and promote unity of the country, while at the same time
accommodate regional diversity, are the objectives of federalism.
ii. The two aspects that are crucial in the practice of federalism are:
(A) Governments at different levels should agree to some rules of power
sharing.
(B) They should also trust that each would abide by its part of the
agreement. An ideal federal system has both aspects : mutual trust and
agreement to live together.
Q2. What are the two kinds of routes through which federations have been formed?
Or What are the two types of federations?
Ans:-
Coming together Federation Holding together federation
• Under this, independent states come • Under this, a large country decides to
together on their own to form a bigger divide its powers between the
unit. constituent units and the
• All constituents states usually have national government.
equal powers and the states enjoy • Under this, central government tends
certain amount of autonomy. to be more powerful.
• The main aim of the federation is to • In this type of federation, there is an
pool their sovereignty and maintain absence of pooling sovereignty and
their separate identity to increase maintaining identity.
their security. • Some examples are India, Belgium
• Some examples are USA, Australia, and Spain.
and Switzerland.
Q3. Distinguish between federal and unitary governments.
Ans:-

Federal Government Unitary Government

• Tow or more levels of government. • State government are answerable to
• Central government cannot order the central government.
state government to do something. • Central government can order the
• State government has powers of its state government to do something.
own for which it is not answerable to • Only one level of government or the
the central government. sub-units are subordinate to the
• Examples : India, Germany, Canada central government.
• Example: France, China, Japan.
Q4. What are the key features of federalism?
Ans:-
i. There are two or more levels (or tiers) of government.
ii. Different tiers of government govern the same citizens, but each tier has its own
jurisdiction in specific matters of legislation, taxation and administration.
iii. The jurisdictions of the respective levels or tiers of government are specified in the
constitution. So the existence and authority of each tier of government is constitutionally
guaranteed.
iv. The fundamental provisions of the constitution cannot be unilaterally changed by one level
of government. Such changes require the consent of both the levels of government.

v. Courts have the power to interpret the constitution and the powers of different
levels of government. The highest court acts as an umpire if disputes arise between
different levels of government in the exercise of their respective powers.
vi. Sources of revenue for each level of government are clearly specified to ensure
its financial autonomy.
Q5. How is federalism practiced in India?
Or Explain any three practices that have strengthen federalism in India.
Ans:-
i. By organizing Linguistic States: The creation of Linguistic States was the first and a major test for
democratic politics in our country. This was done to ensure that people who spoke the same language lived in
the same State. Some States were created not on the basis of language but to recognize differences based on
culture, ethnicity or geography. It has actually made the country, more united. It has also made
administration easy.
ii. By developing a language policy: A second test for Indian federation is the language policy. Our
Constitution did not give the status of national language to any one language. Hindi was identified as the
official language. But Hindi is the mother tongue of only about 40 per cent of Indians. Therefore, there were
many safeguards to protect other languages. Besides Hindi, there are 21 other languages recognized as
Scheduled Languages by the Constitution. States too have their own official languages.
iii. By re-structuring the Centre-State relations: Restructuring the Centre-State relations is one more way in
which federalism has been strengthened in practice. The constitutional arrangements for sharing power
work in reality depends to a large extent on how the ruling parties and leaders follow these arrangements.
Rise of a number of regional parties and establishment of coalition governments led to a new culture of
power sharing and respect for the autonomy of the state governments.
Q6. How is Panchayati Raj constituted?
Ans:-
i. It is a three tier system of administration. At the lower level, it is the Village Panchayat.
Each village, or a group of villages in some States, has a Gram Panchayat. This is a
council consisting of several ward members, often called panch, and a president or
sarpanch. They are directly elected by all the adult
population living in that ward or village.

ii. Block Samiti or Panchayat Samiti: A few gram panchayats are grouped together to
form what is usually called a Panchayat Samiti or block or mandal. The members of this
representative body are elected by all the panchyat members in that area.

iii. Zilla Parishad: All the Panchayat Samitis or Mandals in a district together
constitute the Zilla (district) Parishad. Most members of the Zilla Parishad are
elected. Members of the Lok Sabha and MLAs of that district and some other
officials of other district level bodies are also its members. Zilla parishad
chairperson is the political head of the Zilla Parishad.
iv. Similarly, local government bodies exist for urban areas as well. Municipalities are set
up in towns. Big cities are constituted into municipal corporations. Both municipalities
and municipal corporations are controlled by elected bodies consisting of people’s
representatives. Municipal chairperson is the political head of the municipality. In a
Municipal Corporation such an officer is called the mayor.
Q7. Describe any four measures taken to decentralize power in India.

Ans:-i. The Constitution originally provided for a two-tier system of government, the Union
Government (or the Central Government) and the State governments. Later, a third tier of
federalism was added in the form of Panchayats and Municipalities.

ii. Seats are reserved in the elected bodies and the executive heads of these institutions for the
Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes.

iii. At least one-third of all positions in the local government bodies are reserved for
women.

iv. An independent institution called the State Election Commission has been created in
each State to conduct panchayat and municipal elections.

v. The State governments are required to share some powers and revenue with local
government bodies. The nature of sharing varies from State to State
GENDER AND
POLITICS
 Gender division is a form of hierarchical social division which can be seen
everywhere.

 Sexual division of labour means the work is divided amongst people according to
their sex.

 Social division of the Indian society is clearly indicated by casteism, gender

inequality and communal divisions.

 Earlier, only men were allowed to participate in public affairs, vote and contest for
public offices. Gradually, the gender issue was raised in politics.

 Women in different parts of the world organised themselves into groups and
demanded for equal rights.
 These agitations demanded to enhance the political
and legal status of women and improving their
educational and career opportunities.

 Women face disadvantage, discrimination and

oppression in various ways They are less literate,
though they work equally yet they are sometimes paid
lesser than men; mostly son is preferred by

 A man or a woman who believes in equal rights and

opportunities for women is called a feminist.
 Most of the women’s movements aim at equality in personal and family life, of
women. These movements are called feminist movements.

 India is still a male-dominated patriarchal society.

 Women face disadvantage, discrimination and oppression in various ways

They are less literate, though they work equally yet they are sometimes paid
lesser than men; mostly son is preferred by
 In India, the proportion of women in the legislature has been very low.

 To solve this problem a fair proportion of women in the elected bodies

has been legally made in the Panchayati Raj in India.

 One-third of seats in local government bodies – in panchayats and

municipalities – are now reserved for women.

 Patriarchal Society: Society ruled by the hypothetical social system in

which the father or a male elder has absolute authority over the family
group.

 Legislature: An assembly with the authority to make laws for a political

entity such as a country or city
Q:“Our society is still a male dominated society." Explain the
statement with the help of examples.
OR
"Women in India still face discrimination in various ways."
Explain with examples. [CBSE 2019]

ANS: Indian society as male dominated society:

Literacy rate among women is low. Proportion of women among
the highly paid and valued jobs is still very low.
Skewed sex ratio.
Q: Define Feminist Movements. Write their main objective
[CBSE 2020]
ANS:
Definition: Agitations or movements demanding enhancement in
the political and legal status of women and improving education
and career opportunities are called Feminist Movements.

Main Objective: The main objective of the Feminist Movement is

to attain equality among men and women.
Q: "In India, women still lag behind men despite some improvement since Independence."
Support the statement with examples. [CBSE 2020]

ANS:
In our country, women still lag behind the men despite some improvements since Independence.
Women face disadvantage, discrimination and oppression in various ways:

(i) The literacy rate among women is only 54 per cent as compared with 76 per cent among men.

(ii) Similarly, a smaller proportion of girl students go for higher studies. Girls are performing as
good as boys in school. But they drop out because parents prefer to spend their resources for their
boys' education rather than spending equally on their sons and daughters.

(iii) The proportion of women among the highly paid and valued jobs is still very small. On an
average, an Indian women works one hour more than an average man every day.
(iv) The Equal Wages Act provides that equal wages should be paid for equal work.
However, in almost all areas of work, from sports and cinema to factories and
fields, women are paid less than men, even when both do exactly the same work

(v) In many parts of India, parents prefer to have sons and find ways to have the
girl child aborted before she is born. Such sex selective abortion has led to a
decline in child sex ratio.

(vi) Women face harassment, exploitation and violence even on the domestic front.
Q: Examine the standard of women's representation in India's legislative
bodies.
OR
What is the status of women's representation in India's legislative bodies?
OR
Explain the status of women's representation in India's legislative bodies
[CBSE 2019]
ANS: The status of women's representation in India's legislative bodies is
as follows:

1. Central Legislature: Less than 10 percent of its total members are

women.
2. State Legislature: Less than 5 percent of its total members are women.
3. Panchayati Raj: One-third of the seats are reserved for women.
 RELIGION, COMMUNALISM AND POLITICS

 Indian democracy faces the problem of casteism, communalism, illiteracy, unemployment and
poverty.

 Communities having a relatively small population in a society are called Minorities.

 When one religion and its followers are pitted against each other politically on the basis of the
belief that one's religion is better than other religions, such usage of religion in politics is known
as communal politics.

 A system of separate electorate and representation for people belonging to different communities is
known as Communal Representation
 The laws that deal with family-related matters, such as
marriage, divorce, etc., are known as Family Laws.

 Buddhism is the major religion of Sri Lanka and Hinduism is

the major religion of Nepal.

 The use of religion in politics is known as Communal Politics.

 Ideas, ideals and values are drawn from different religions

and perhaps should play a role in politics.

 People should be able to express in politics their needs,

interests and demands as a member of a religious community.

 Communal politics is based on the idea that religion is the

principal basis of social community.
 COMMUNALISM CAN
TAKE VARIOUS FORMS IN
POLITICS

 The most common expression of communalism is in everydaybeliefs.

 A communal mind often leads to a quest for political dominance of one’s own religious
community.

 Political mobilisation on religious lines is another frequent form of communalism.

 Sometimes communalism takes its most ugly form of communal violence, riots and
massacre.
 In a secular state like India, there is no official religion for
the Indian state.

 The Constitution provides to all individuals and communities

freedom to profess, practice and propagate any religion, or
not to follow any
Some of its features are :

The Constitution prohibits discrimination on grounds of

religion.

At the same time, the Constitution allows the State to intervene

in the matters of religion in order to ensure equality within religious
communities.
Q: Mention the provisions that constitute India into a secular country.
[CBSE 2020]

ANS:
(i) There is no official religion for the Indian state. Our Constitution
does not give a special status to any religion.

(ii) The Constitution provides to all individuals and communities

freedom to profess, practice and propagate any religion, or not to follow
any.

(iii) The Constitution prohibits discrimination on grounds of religion.

Q: Secularism is not an ideology of some political parties or persons,
but it is one of the foundation of our country." Examine the
statement. [CBSE 2018]

ANS:
Secularism is the foundation of our country:

(i) There is no official religion of India.

(ii) Our Constitution does not give special status to any religion.

(iii) The Constitution prohibits discrimination on the grounds of

religion
(iv) The Constitution provides all individuals and
communities the freedom to profess, practice and propagate
any religion or not to follow any religion.

(v) The Constitution allows the state to intervene in the

matters of religion in order to ensure equality.

(vi) Any other relevant point.

Q: What form does communalism takes in politics?
OR
Define communalism. Explain any three forms of communalism in the
Indian politics. [CBSE 2015]
ANS: Communalism: It means attempts to promote religious ideas between
groups of people who are identified as different communities.
Communalism can take various forms in politics:

(i) Communalism in daily beliefs: The most common expression of

communalism is in everyday beliefs. These routinely involve religious
prejudices, the stereotype of religious communities and belief in the
superiority of one's religion over otherreligions. This is so common that we
often fail to notice it, even when we believe in it.
(ii) Creation of political parties: A communal mind often leads to a
quest for political dominance of one's own religious community. For
those belonging to the majority community, this takes the form of
majoritarian dominance. For those belonging to the minority
community, it can take the form of a desire to form a separate
political unit.

(iii) Political mobilisation: Political mobilisation on religious lines is

another frequent form of communalism. This involves the use of
sacred symbols, religious leaders, emotional appeal and plain fear in
order to bring the followers of one religion together in the political
arena.

(iv) Sometimes, communalism takes its most ugly form of communal

violence, riots and massacre.
 A behaviour which inspires the high caste people to hate the lower caste people is
known as Casteism.

 Caste system was based on the exclusion of and discrimination against the ‘outcaste’
groups. They were subjected to the inhuman practice of untouchability.

 Gandhiji was against untouchability

 Jyotiba Phule, Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, Mahatma Gandhi and Periyar Ramaswami Naicker worked to end
the caste system in India.

 With economic development, large scale urbanisation, the growth of literacy and education,
occupational mobility and the weakening of the position of landlords in the villages, the old notions of
caste hierarchy are breaking down.

 Constitution of India prohibited any caste-based discrimination and laid the foundation of policies to
reverse the injustices of the Caste System.
 CASTE CAN TAKE VARIOUS FORMS IN POLITICS:

 When parties choose candidates in elections, they keep in mind the caste composition of the electorate and
nominate candidates from different castes. So as to muster necessary support to win elections.

 Political parties and candidates in elections make appeals to caste sentiment to muster support.

 Universal Adult Franchise and the principle of one-person-one-vote compelled political leaders to gear up to the
task of mobilising and securing political support.
 No parliamentary constituency in the country has a clear majority of one single caste.

 Politics too can influence the caste system and caste identities by bringing them into
the political arena.

 It is not politics that gets caste ridden; it is the caste that gets politicised. This takes
several forms:
 Each caste group tries to become bigger by incorporating within its neighboring castes or sub-castes
which were earlier excluded from it.

 New kinds of caste groups have come up in the political arena like ‘Backward’ and ‘Forward’ caste
groups.

 Several political and non-political organizations have been demanding and agitating for an end to
discrimination against particular castes, for more dignity and more access to land, resources and
opportunities.

 Exclusive attention to caste can divert attention from other pressing issues like poverty, development
and corruption.

 In some cases, caste division leads to tensions, conflict and even violence
Q: Explain any five socio-economic changes responsible for breaking down the old notion of
Caste hierarchy in India.
OR
Explain the factors that have led to the weakening of the caste system in India.
OR
Explain any five reasons for the declining caste system in India.
OR
What factors have brought about a change in the Indian Caste System in modern times? Explain.
[CBSE 2016]
Decline of the Caste System in India:

(i) Efforts of social reformers like Phule, Gandhiji, Ambedkar, against caste system have helped to promote a
casteless society.

(ii) Economic development has reduced the emphasis on caste.

(iii) Large scale urbanization has diminished the awareness of caste, as people rub shoulders in buses, trains
and offices.

(iv) Growth of literacy and education has helped to decrease the belief in caste.
(v) Occupational mobility is possible now and children are not compelled to
continue the profession of the family or father.

(vi) Weakening of the position of landlords in the villages has led to decline
of the rigid caste barriers in villages.

(vii) Constitutional provisions such as Right to Equality of all before law

have helped to prevent discrimination legally.

(viii)Policy of Reservation of seats in Local Self- Government bodies and

Legislatures as well in Educational Institutes have helped to uplift the
political, social and economic position of lower castes.
Q: Caste has not still disappeared from contemporary India." Support the statement with
suitable examples. [CBSE 2021]

Ans. Yes, I agree with the statement

(i) Most people marry within their own caste or tribe.

(ii) Untouchability has not ended despite provisions in the Constitution.

(iii) Effects of centuries of advantages and disadvantages continue to be felt today.

(iv) A large mass of low caste people still do not have access to education.

(v) Caste is continued to be linked to economic

Q: Describe the positive and negative aspects of relationship
between caste and politics.
OR
Describe three advantages and two disadvantages of the
political expression of caste differences.
OR
Analyse advantages and disadvantages of the political
expression of caste differences [CBSE 2019]
ANS:

Advantages:
(i) It gives disadvantaged groups the opportunity to demand a
share in power and decision-making.
(ii) Many political parties take up the issue of ending caste
discrimination.

(iii) Measures for uplifting the status of the backward castes will
be undertaken.

Disadvantages:
(i) Caste-based politics diverts attention from main issues such
as poverty, corruption, etc.

(ii) Caste-based politics leads to tensions, conflicts and violence.

Q: Assess the influences of politics on caste system. [CBSE 20202]

Ans. Influence of politics on caste:

(i) Each caste group tries to become bigger by incorporating

within its sub-castes.

(ii) Various caste groups are required to enter into a coalition

with other castes or communities.

(iii) New kinds of caste groups have entered politics like

'backward' and 'forward' castes.
(iv) Politics in caste has allowed many disadvantaged caste
groups to demand their share of power.

(v) Caste politics has helped the dalits and OBCs to gain
better access to decision-making.
10 CIVICS
TH

POLITICAL PARTIES
 Political Parties:

A group of people who

come together to contest
elections and hold power in
the government.
Components of political party :-

A political party has following three

components :-
• The leaders
• The active members
• The followers
 Functions of Political Parties :-

• To contest elections
• Make policies and programmes
• Make laws
• Run Government
• Play role of opposition
• Launch movements for the resolution
• Introduce welfare schemes
• Shape public opinion
 How many parties should we have?

• In a democracy, any group of citizens is free to form the political

party. Therefore, there are a large number of political parties in
each country. More than 750 parties registered with the Election
Commission of India.
 Types of Political Parties :

The different countries around the world opt different party

systems. Broadly, political party system can be divided into
following three categories :
• One party system
• Two party system
• Multiparty system
 Alliance or Front:

• When several parties in a multi party system join hands for the
purpose of contesting elections and winning power it is called an
alliance or front.
● For example:

➔ The National Democratic Alliance,

➔ The United Progressive Alliance &

➔ The Left Front

 Types of Political Parties :-

Democracies that follow a federal system all over the world tend to have
two kinds of political parties :-

• State Parties
• National Parties

In India, there are both National and State parties. Every party in the
country has to register with the Election Commission.
 State Parties :

• A party that secures at least six per cent of the total votes in an
election to the Legislative Assembly of a State and wins at least two
seats is recognised as a State party.
 Difference between National parties and State Political Parties :-

National Political Parties State Political Parties

Present in several or all federal Parties which are present in few
units of the federation. federal units only.
A party that secures at least 6% of A party that secures at least 6% of
the total votes in Lok Sabha the total votes in an election to the
elections or Assembly elections in Legislative assembly of a state
4 states.
Win at least 4 seats in Lok Sabha. Wins at least 2 seats in the
legislative assembly of a state
 Some National Political Parties of India :

According to this classification, there were seven recognised national

parties in the country in 2019. These are :-

• All India Trinamool Congress

• Bahujan Samaj Party
• Bharatiya Janata Party
• Communist Party of India
• Communist Party of Indian-Marxist
• Indian National Congress
• Nationalist Congress Party
 All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) :

● Launched on 1 January 1998, under leadership of Mamta

Banerjee.

● Recognised as national party- 2016.

● The party’s symbol is flowers & grass.

● Committed to secularism & federalism.

● In power in West Bengal since 2011.

● Presence- Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, and Tripura.

● In the general elections held in 2019, it got 4.07% votes, and

won 22 seats, making it the fourth largest party in Lok sabha.
 Challenges to Political Parties :

• Lack of internal democracy

• Dynastic succession
• Growing influence of money and muscle
power
• Lack of a meaningful choice
Challenges to political parties:
(a) Lack of internal democracy

(i) Concentration of power in the hands of party

leaders

(ii) No maintenance of membership registers: no

conduction of regular elections and meetings

(iii) Insufficient information available to ordinary

members
(b) Dynastic succession
(1) Policies of favouritism towards members close to
them
(ii) Manipulation of top positions by the members of
one family

(c) Role of money and muscle power

(i) Nominate members for elections with ample of
funds
(ii) Influence of rich people in policy making who
finance the elections
(iii) Support to criminals by the parties
(d) No meaningful choice for the voters

(i) Decline in ideological differences among parties

(ii) Members keep changing their party loyalties and

thus limited choice with the voters
 How can parties be reformed?

Recent efforts :-
• Anti defection law
• Filing an affidavit giving details of property and criminal
proceedings
• Mandatory organisational elections and IT returns
(ii) Suggestions to improve the working of the
political parties
(a) Parties to maintain registers, to hold regular
elections and to follow its own constitution.
(b) Mandatory to give one third tickets to women
candidates.
(c) State funding of the elections to enable parties to
support their election expenses
 NCERT
QUESTIONS
Describe the three major components of a political party.

1. The Leaders: Who formulate policies and programs of the party and
choose candidates for contesting elections.

2. The Active Members: Who are involved in different committees of the

party and participate directly in their activity.

3. The Followers: Who believe in the party’s ideology & support the party
by casting their votes in favor of the party at the time of the election.
State the various functions political parties perform in a
democracy.
Answer
1. Political parties contest elections.
2. Parties put forward different policies and programmes.
3. Play an important role in decision-making.
4. These parties, when successful in elections, form and run
the government.
5. These parties, if they lose, become the opposition
parties and play the role of criticizing the government.
6. Parties shape public opinion.
7. Parties provide people access to government machinery
and welfare schemes.
What is a political party?

Answer

A political party is a group of people who come together to

contest elections and hold power in the government. They
agree on some policies and programmes for the society, with
a view to promoting the collective good.
What are the characteristics of a political party?
Answer
Characteristics of political parties:

1. They have members that are interested in the same

policies and programmes.

2. They seek to implement policies that are beneficial to

citizens.

3. There are 3 components of political parties: the leader,

the active members, and the followers.
 What are the various challenges faced by political parties?

nternal democracy, which keeps many prospective leaders

ic successions in many political parties.

ndulge in the use of money and muscle power for winning
velopment and is against the spirit of democracy.
gful choice before the voters.
10 Civics
TH

OUTCOMES OF
DEMOCRACY
1. Democracy is better form of government:

(i) Promotes equality among citizens.

(ii) Improves quality of decision-making.

(iii) Increases dignity of individual.

(iv) Provides scope for correction of mistakes.

2. Methodology of practicing democracy by various
countries:
(i) Conduction of elections.

(ii) Formation of political parties.

(iii) Granting of rights to the citizens.

(iv) Setting up of formal constitutions.

3. Steps to achieve the best outcomes from
democracy:

(i) To understand that democracy is just a form of

government.

(ii) It can create conditions, which the citizens have

to make best use of.
4. Democratic government is efficient:

(i) Non-democratic government is more efficient. It

can take quick decisions as it does not have to deal
with discussions and deliberations.

(ii) Democratic government follows procedures. Thus

its decision may be delayed but will be acceptable to
the people and thus more effective.
5. Democratic government is transparent:

(i) Decision-making based on procedures.

(ii) Thus the citizens can find out the process of

decision-making.
6. Democratic government is accountable:

(i) Democratic government follows procedures, such

as holding regular free and fair elections, debates
etc.

(ii) If it deviates from the procedures, the citizens

have the right to question the government.
7 . Democratic government is not attentive to the
needs of the people:

(i) It ignores the demands of the majority.

(ii) It also resorts to corrupt activities.

(iii) The citizens have the right to vote out a

government, if it does not follow procedures.
8. Democratic government is a legitimate
government:

(i) It is people's own government.

(ii) Popular support for democratic government in

both democratic and nondemocratic countries.

(iii) Democracy is able to generate support for itself

9. Democracy and economic development:

(i) Democracy does not guarantee economic

development.

(ii) Dictatorship has contributed more to economic

development in comparison to democracy.

(iii) However economic development depends on the

population size, global situation and economic
priorities of the country.
10. Democracy and eradication of economic
inequalities and poverty:

(i) Democracy ensures political equality but not

economic equality.

(ii) There is concentration of wealth in the hands of

few rich people.

(iii) The democratically elected governments do not

take enough steps to eradicate poverty.
11. Democracy and social diversity:
(i) Democracy evolves mechanisms to negotiate
social differences.

(ii) It is able to handle social differences, divisions

and conflicts.

(iii) In a democratic set up majority and minorities

work together.

(iv) Democratic government is accommodative as

every citizen gets a chance to come into majority and
form government.
12. Democracy ensures dignity and freedom to the
citizens:
(a) Dignity of women

(i) Democratic societies recognise the principle of

equal treatment to women.

(ii) This makes it easier for women to continue

struggle for equal treatment.
(b) Caste inequalities

(i) Democracy also provides equal opportunities and

status to lower castes or socially deprived sections
of the society.

(ii) In democratic societies, social inequalities have

lost moral and legal foundations.
13. In nutshell:
In democracy, people's expectations keep on
growing. This is reflective of people's capacity to
assess the performance of the government and thus
people transform themselves into vigilant citizens,
which makes the outcomes of Democracy more
positive.
Previous
Year
Questions
Q1. How does democracy produce an accountable, responsive and legitimate government?

Ans 1. i) In a democracy, people have the right to elect their rulers and participate in decision
making that affects them all. Government thus, is accountable to the citizens and responsive to their
needs and expectations.
(ii) Democracy is based on the idea of deliberation and negotiation, though it results in delays. It
ensures that decision making is based on norms and procedures and allows transparency. Develops
mechanisms for citizens to hold the government accountable.
(iii) Set up following practices and institutions: regular, free and fair elections; open public debate
on major policies and legislations; and citizens’ right to information about the government and its
functioning.
(iv) It may be reasonable to expect from democracy a government that is attentive to the needs and
demands of the people and is largely free of corruption. Though the record of democracies is not
impressive on these two counts.
(v) Democratic government is a legitimate government. It may be slow, less efficient, not always
very responsive or clean, but is people’s own government. People wish to be ruled by representatives
elected by them.
Q.2. “Complaints are treated as testimony to success of democracy”. Justify.

Ans 2. i) Every individual wants to receive respect from fellow beings.

(ii) As people get some benefits of democracy, they ask for more and want to make
democracy even better.
(iii) That is why, when we ask people about the way democracy functions, they will always
come up with more expectations, and many complaints.
(iv) The fact that people are complaining is itself a testimony to the success of democracy.
(v) It shows that people have developed awareness and the ability to expect and to look
critically at power holders and the high and the mighty.
Q.3. Differentiate between democratic and non democratic government.
Ans:3.
Q.4. Why is democracy considered much superior to any other form of government in promoting dignity
and freedom of the individual?

Ans 4. Democracy stands much superior in promoting dignity and freedom of the citizens”:
(i) Every individual wants to receive respect from fellow beings.
(ii) The passion for respect and freedom are basis of democracy.
(iii) Democracies throughout the world have recognized this. It has been achieved in various degrees in
various democracies.
(iv) Long struggles by women have got them respect and equal treatment and now accepted as necessary
ingredients of a democratic society
(v) In many democracies, women were deprived of their right to vote for a long time which they have
achieved now.
(vi) In India, 1/3rd of seats have been reserved for women in local bodies.
(vii) Democracy has strengthened the claims of the disadvantaged and discriminated castes for equal status
and equal opportunity.
(viii) Legal basis which works on the principle of individual freedom and dignity
Q.5. “Democracy is based on the idea of deliberation and negotiation”. Discuss.

Ans:5. i. Democracy gives importance to deliberation and public opinion.

ii. The democratic government will take more time to follow procedures before arriving at a
decision.
iii. Its decisions may be both more acceptable to the people and more effective.
iv. Democracy ensures that decision making will be based on norms and procedures.
v. Transparency as Persons have the right and the means to examine the process of decision
making.
vi. It follows procedures and is accountable to the people.
vii. The democratic government develops mechanisms for citizens to hold the government
accountable .
viii. Democratic govt. follows mechanisms for citizens to take part in decision making
whenever they think fit.
Q.6. Explain any five features of democracy.
Ans 6. i) Democracy promotes equality among citizens as it is people’s own government.
(ii) It enhances the dignity of the individual
(iii) It also improves the quality of decision-making
(iv) It provides methods to resolve conflicts, if any
(v) Only democracy allows room to correct mistakes
(vi) It is a legitimate government
(vii) Gives equal status and respect to women and weaker sections.
(viii) It promotes transparency.
(ix) Values of social justice, equality, fraternity.
(x) It gives importance to public opinion.
Q.7. “Democracy accommodates social diversity” Support the statement.
[CBSE 2016]
Ans 7. Democracy accommodates social diversities”. Democracy develops a mechanism
which successfully negotiates difference among ethnic population.
(i) Democracies develop a procedure to conduct their competition. This reduces the
possibility of these tensions becoming explosive or violent.
(ii) No society can fully and permanently resolve conflicts among different groups. But we
can certainly learn to respect these differences and can evolve mechanism to negotiate these
differences.
(iii) Ability to handle social differences, divisions and conflicts is thus a definite plus point of
democratic regimes.
(iv) For example: Belgium has successfully negotiated differences among ethnic population.
This reduces the possibility of tensions.
Q.8. “The economic growth rate in dictatorship is better than that in democratic rule”. Why
is it so?

Ans 8 i) The economic growth rate in all dictatorial regimes was 4.42 per cent as compared
to all democratic regimes’ 3.95 per cent during the period 1995–2000.

(ii) In dictatorial regimes, the rules and regulations are rigid and compulsory. The citizens
who disobey are severely punished.

(iii) In democratic regimes, as the leaders and bureaucrats think about their profits only, the
government is not much keen to remove poverty and develop the country economically.
Q.9. On the basis of which values will it be a fair expectation that democracy should produce
a harmonious social life? Explain. [CBSE 2017]

Ans 9. The values that are associated with democracy producing a harmonious social life
are:
(i) Equality among all human beings.
(ii) Respect for individual freedom.
(iii) Democracies accommodate various social divisions.
(iv) Democracies reduce the possibility of tensions becoming explosive or violent.
(v) Ability to handle social differences, divisions and conflicts.
Q.10. How does democracy promote the dignity and freedom of an individual?

Ans.10
i) Every individual wants respect from fellow beings.
(ii) Often conflicts arise among individuals because some feel that they are not treated with
due respect.
(iii) The passion for respect and freedom are the basis of democracy all over the world—in
countries with democratic regimes as well as countries without democratic regimes.
For societies which have been built for long on the basis of subordination and domination, it
is not a simple matter to recognise that all individuals are equal.
Q11. “What is the most distinctive about democracy is that its examination never gets over”.
Comment.

Ans 11.
 As democracy passes one test, it produces another test. As people get some benefits of democracy,
they ask for more and want to make democracy even better.

 That is why, when we ask people about the way democracy functions, they always come up with
more expectations and many complaints.

 The fact that people are complaining is itself a testimony to the success of democracy. It shows
that people have developed awareness and the ability to expect and to look at power holders
critically and the high and the mighty.

 A public expression of dissatisfaction with democracy shows the success of the democratic
project; it transforms people from the status of a subject into that of a citizen.
THANK YOU