Social Science — CBSE Class 10 board question

Power sharing is necessary in a democracy for the following reasons:

1. Reduces conflict among social groups: Power sharing helps reduce the possibility of conflict between different religious, linguistic, and ethnic groups. Social conflict often leads to violence and political instability.

2. Ensures political stability: Imposing the will of the majority over others may seem attractive in the short run, but in the long run it undermines national unity. Tyranny of the majority is harmful even to the majority itself.

3. Spirit of democracy: Power sharing is the very spirit of democracy. Democratic rule means sharing power with those affected by its exercise. People have a right to be consulted on how they are governed.

4. Legitimate government: When citizens participate in governance, they acquire a stake in the system, making the government more legitimate and accountable.

5. Prudential and moral reasons: Prudentially, power sharing produces better outcomes; morally, sharing power is valuable in itself as it respects every citizen's voice.

Source: Chapter 1 — Power Sharing, "Why power sharing is desirable?" and "Forms of power sharing"

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• This is a standard 5-mark question. Examiners look for both prudential and moral reasons explicitly stated.
• Mention the key terms: prudential reasons, moral reasons, political stability, tyranny of majority, spirit of democracy.
• You can also briefly reference the Sri Lanka example (majority imposition led to civil conflict) as evidence, but keep it concise.
• Avoid writing a long story about Belgium/Sri Lanka — that wastes marks here. Stick to reasons with brief justifications.