What are the different forms of power-sharing in modern democracies? Give an example of each of these.

State how caste inequalities are still continuing in India.

Read the following passage, and pick out any one of the prudential reasons for power sharing offered in this.

“We need to give more power to the panchayats to realise the dream of Mahatma Gandhi, and the hopes of the makers of our Constitution. The Panchayati Raj establishes true democracy. It restores power to the only place where power belongs in a democracy – in the hands of the people. Giving power to Panchayats is also a way to reduce corruption, and increase administrative efficiency. When people participate in the planning and implementation of developmental schemes, they would naturally exercise greater control over these schemes. This would eliminate the corrupt middlemen. Thus the Panchayati Raj will strengthen the foundations of our democracy."

Give arguments to support or oppose the following assertions:
      *  Industrialised countries can afford democracy but the poor need dictatorship to become rich.
      *  Democracy can’t reduce inequality of incomes between different citizens.
      *  Government in poor countries should spend less on poverty reduction, health, education and spend more on industries and infrastructure.
      *  In democracy all citizens have one vote, which means that there is absence of any domination and conflict.

Point out one feature in the practice of federalism in India that is similar to and one feature that is different from that of Belgium.

When does a social difference become a social division?

Identify the challenges to democracy in the following descriptions. Also suggest policy/institutional mechanism to deepen democracy in the given situations:
    *  Following a High Court directive a temple in Orissa that had separate entry doors for dalits and non-dalits allowed entry for all from the same door.
    *  A large number of farmers are committing suicide in different states of India.
    *  Following allegation of killing of three civilians in Gandwara in a fake encounter by Jammu and Kashmir police, an enquiry has been ordered.

The distinguishing feature of a federal government is:
(a) National government gives some powers to the provincial governments.
(b) Power is distributed among the legislature, executive and judiciary.
(c) Elected officials exercise supreme power in the government.
(d) Governmental power is divided between different levels of government.

How do social divisions affect politics? Give two examples.

The Mayor of Merchtem, a town near Brussels in Belgium, has defended a ban on speaking French in the town’s schools. He said that the ban would help all non¬Dutch speakers integrate in this Flemish town. Do you think that this measure is in keeping with the spirit of Belgium’s power sharing arrangements ? Give your reasons in about 50 words.

Different arguments are usually put forth in favour of and against power sharing. Identify those which are in favour of power sharing and select the answer using the codes given below? Power sharing:

A. reduces conflict among different communities
B. decreases the possibility of arbitrariness
C. delays decision making process
D. accommodates diversities
E. increases instability and divisiveness
F. promotes people’s participation in government
G. undermines the unity of a country

Discuss three factors that determine the outcomes of politics of social divisions.

State any two differences between the local government before and after the Constitutional amendment in 1992.

A group of people who come together to contest elections and hold power in the government is called a _____________________.

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

                       List I                                                                                                      List II

(i) Power shared among different organs of government                                  A. Community government
(ii) Power shared among governments at different levels                                 B. Separation of Powers
(iii) Power shared by different social groups                                                     C. Coalition government
(iv) Power shared by two or more political parties                                            D. Federal government

State different forms of communal politics with one example each.

Different arguments are usually put forth in favour of and against power sharing. Identify those which are in favour of power sharing and select the answer using the codes given below? Power sharing:

A. reduces conflict among different communities
B. decreases the possibility of arbitrariness
C. delays decision making process
D. accommodates diversities
E. increases instability and divisiveness
F. promotes people’s participation in government
G. undermines the unity of a country

In the context of democracies, which of the following ideas is correct – democracies have successfully eliminated:
   A. conflicts among people
   B. economic inequalities among people
   C. differences of opinion about how marginalised sections are to be treated
   D. the idea of political inequality

Here are three reactions to the language policy followed in India. Give an argument and an example to support any of these positions.
Sangeeta: The policy of accommodation has strengthened national unity.
Arman: Language-based States have divided us by making everyone conscious of their language.
Harish: This policy has only helped to consolidate the dominance of English over all other languages.

Social divisions based on _________ are peculiar to India.

Consider the following three statements.
A. Social divisions take place when social differences overlap.
B. It is possible that a person can have multiple identities.
C. Social divisions exist in only big countries like India.

Which of the statements is/are correct?
(a) A, B and C (b) A and B (c) B and C (d) Only C