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CBSE Class 10 Social Science Chapter 13 Power Sharing Worksheet with Answers

Power Sharing is the foundational chapter in CBSE Class 10 Social Science (Democratic Politics-II) that introduces students to why and how power is distributed in modern democracies. This printable worksheet provides comprehensive practice on the Belgium and Sri Lanka case studies, forms of power sharing, and the philosophical underpinnings of democratic power distribution. Use this as a self-assessment tool before unit tests or board exams.

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Key takeaways

✓Worksheet covers all key concepts: Belgium's accommodation model, Sri Lanka's majoritarian policies, and horizontal-vertical-social power sharing forms.
✓Includes 6 MCQs, 5 fill-in-the-blanks, 10 true/false statements, 5 short-answer questions (3 marks each), and 3 long-answer questions (5 marks each).
✓Case-study question mirrors CBSE 2024-25 pattern with source-based analysis on Belgium's federal structure.
✓Complete answer key with brief explanations helps students self-assess and understand correct responses.
✓Difficulty level: Moderate to Challenging; suitable for board exam preparation and unit test practice.
✓Time allocation: Section A-C (30 mins), Section D (25 mins), Section E (35 mins) for optimal practice.
✓Aligns perfectly with NCERT Class 10 Social Science curriculum and CBSE marking scheme for Political Science.

Quick Chapter Recap: Power Sharing Essentials

Chapter 13 explores power sharing through two contrasting examples. Belgium, a small European country, successfully adopted an accommodative approach to manage ethnic diversity among Dutch-speaking (59%), French-speaking (40%), and German-speaking (1%) communities. The Belgian model features equal Dutch and French representation in the central government, special laws requiring majority support from both linguistic groups, independent state governments, and a separate Brussels government with equal representation. In sharp contrast, Sri Lanka adopted majoritarianism after 1956 independence. The Sinhala-speaking majority (74%) passed measures making Sinhala the only official language, favouring Buddhism, and implementing preferential university and job policies, leading to civil war from 1983 to 2009. These case studies illustrate why power sharing is desirable (reduces conflict, upholds the spirit of democracy) and prudent (ensures political stability). The chapter outlines four forms: horizontal (legislature-executive-judiciary separation), vertical (union-state-local tiers), social (reservation for disadvantaged groups), and power sharing among political parties (coalition governments, opposition roles).

Belgium population: 59% Dutch, 40% French, 1% German — minority French speakers concentrated in capital Brussels
Sri Lanka demographics: 74% Sinhala, 18% Tamil (13% 'Sri Lankan Tamils', 5% 'Indian Tamils'), 7% Christians and Muslims
Belgium's accommodation model vs Sri Lanka's majoritarian approach contrast highlights why power sharing prevents conflict
Four forms of power sharing: horizontal (organs of government), vertical (different levels), social (social groups), political parties (competition and alliance)

Worksheet Instructions and Difficulty Level

This worksheet is structured to provide progressive difficulty, starting with objective questions and building towards analytical and evaluative tasks. Difficulty Level: Moderate to Challenging. The MCQs and fill-in-the-blanks test factual recall and concept clarity, while short-answer questions require you to explain concepts in your own words. Long-answer questions and the case study demand application, analysis, and evaluation skills aligned with CBSE higher-order thinking requirements. Suggested Time Allocation: Total 90 minutes for attempting all questions (Section A-C: 30 minutes, Section D: 25 minutes, Section E including case study: 35 minutes). Allow an additional 30 minutes for self-assessment using the answer key. Use this worksheet after completing NCERT Class 10 Social Science Chapter 13 reading and class notes revision. Attempt all questions in one sitting for exam simulation, or complete section-wise over multiple practice sessions. Write answers in a separate notebook maintaining proper question numbers.

Print this worksheet or copy questions into your notebook before attempting
Do not refer to textbook or notes while attempting — test your retention first
For MCQs, write the question number and correct option (a/b/c/d) clearly
Short answers should be 60-80 words each; long answers 150-200 words
The case study includes a source text — read it twice before answering sub-questions
After completing, check answers against the answer key and note areas needing revision

Section A: Multiple Choice Questions (1 mark each)

This section tests your factual knowledge and conceptual understanding of Power Sharing. Each question has four options with only one correct answer. Read each question carefully, especially terms like 'majoritarianism', 'federal', 'community government'. Pay attention to the specific context — Belgium or Sri Lanka — mentioned in the question. These MCQs mirror the objective questions in CBSE board exams and help you recall key facts, dates, percentages, and definitions from the chapter. Write only the question number and the correct option letter in your answer sheet.

Section B: Fill in the Blanks (1 mark each)

Complete each statement with the appropriate word or phrase from the chapter. These questions test your recall of specific terms, names, years, and concepts central to Power Sharing. Think carefully about the context of each sentence. Some blanks require country names (Belgium or Sri Lanka), others need specific terms like 'majoritarianism', 'coalition', 'federal', or 'community government'. Write the complete sentence with the blank filled in your answer sheet, or simply write the question number and the missing word/phrase as instructed by your teacher.

Section C: True or False (1 mark each)

Read each statement carefully and determine whether it is true or false based on your understanding of NCERT Class 10 Social Science Chapter 13. If a statement is false, you should also write the correct version in your practice (though marks are awarded only for identifying true/false correctly). Pay special attention to absolute terms like 'only', 'all', 'never', 'always' — these often indicate false statements. Facts about Belgium and Sri Lanka are frequently mixed in board exams, so read country names carefully. This section sharpens your ability to distinguish between accurate NCERT content and common misconceptions.

Section D: Short Answer Questions (3 marks each)

Answer each question in approximately 60-80 words. Short-answer questions in CBSE Class 10 Social Science board exams carry 3 marks and require you to explain concepts, compare situations, or provide reasoned answers with examples. Structure your response in 3-4 sentences: begin with a direct answer or definition, then elaborate with 2-3 supporting points or examples from the chapter. Use proper terminology from NCERT — words like 'accommodation', 'majoritarianism', 'prudential reasons', 'moral reasons'. Avoid writing single-line answers or unnecessarily long paragraphs. Focus on clarity and accuracy. These questions test understanding rather than mere recall.

Q23. What is majoritarianism? How was it practiced in Sri Lanka?
Q24. Explain any three features of the Belgian model of power sharing.
Q25. Why is power sharing desirable? Give two reasons.
Q26. What is horizontal distribution of power? Give one example.
Q27. Describe the system of Community Government in Belgium.

Section E: Long Answer Questions (5 marks each)

These questions require detailed answers of 150-200 words and carry 5 marks each. Long-answer questions test your ability to explain, compare, analyse, and evaluate concepts comprehensively. Structure your answer in clear paragraphs: an introductory sentence, 3-4 body points with examples or case references, and a concluding sentence if appropriate. Use subheadings or bullet points where it improves clarity. For comparison questions, discuss both sides systematically. For 'explain' questions, cover definitions, features, examples, and significance. CBSE marking schemes award marks for concept clarity, use of examples, logical flow, and correct terminology. These HOTS (Higher Order Thinking Skills) questions prepare you for board exam success and develop analytical abilities crucial for Social Science.

Q28. Compare the approaches of Belgium and Sri Lanka towards power sharing and explain the consequences of each approach.
Q29. Explain the different forms of power sharing in modern democracies with examples.
Q30. 'Power sharing is the very spirit of democracy.' Justify this statement with suitable arguments.

Section F: Case Study Question (4 marks)

Case-based questions are a key feature of the CBSE 2024-25 examination pattern for Class 10 Social Science. Read the source text provided below carefully — twice if needed. Then answer the sub-questions that follow. These questions test your ability to extract information, make inferences, and apply concepts to new situations. The case study below focuses on Belgium's federal arrangement. Your answers should be brief and direct, drawing evidence from both the passage and your chapter knowledge. Marks are distributed as 1+1+2 for the three sub-questions. This format mirrors the board exam pattern exactly and trains you to handle source-based assessment confidently.

Complete Answer Key with Explanations

This section provides correct answers and brief explanations for every question in the worksheet. Use this for self-assessment after attempting all questions on your own. For MCQs and objective questions, the correct option or word is given. For short and long answer questions, model answers or detailed points are provided. Compare your answers with these: award yourself marks honestly based on concept accuracy, use of examples, and completeness. If you scored less than 60%, revisit NCERT Class 10 Social Science Chapter 13 and your class notes before attempting another worksheet. Identify recurring mistakes — factual errors, incomplete answers, or conceptual confusion — and focus revision on those areas. This answer key serves as your personal tutor, guiding improvement and building board exam confidence systematically.

How CBSETUTOR.ai Helps You Master Power Sharing and Score Higher

Many Class 10 students find Social Science challenging because concepts like power sharing, federalism, and majoritarianism require clear understanding of case studies and the ability to compare and analyse. CBSETUTOR.ai offers a 24×7 AI tutor that provides instant doubt-solving across all CBSE subjects. Stuck on why Belgium's model succeeded while Sri Lanka's failed? Simply upload a photo of your question or the confusing paragraph from NCERT Class 10 Social Science, and receive step-by-step explanations in seconds. The platform covers the entire CBSE curriculum for Classes 6-12 at a flat ₹999 per month — one affordable price for unlimited learning across all subjects, including Social Science, Maths, and Science. Unlike expensive coaching that costs thousands monthly, CBSETUTOR.ai delivers personalised help anytime, anywhere. The AI tutor adapts to your learning pace, explains concepts in simple language, and provides practice questions with solutions. Parents in cities without quality coaching centres or students juggling school and competitive exam prep find this especially valuable. Start with a 3-day free trial and experience how AI-powered tutoring transforms your board exam preparation, building confidence and conceptual clarity in Power Sharing and every other chapter.

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Tips for Using This Worksheet Effectively

To maximise learning from this Power Sharing worksheet, follow these strategies. First, attempt the worksheet only after thoroughly reading NCERT Class 10 Social Science Chapter 13 and revising your class notes — attempting without preparation wastes the learning opportunity. Second, simulate exam conditions: sit in a quiet place, set a 90-minute timer, and attempt all sections without referring to textbook or notes. This builds exam temperament and time management skills. Third, after completing, check answers using the answer key honestly — do not skip wrong answers; instead, analyse why you erred. Did you misread the question? Did you confuse Belgium and Sri Lanka facts? Was your concept unclear? Fourth, for questions you answered incorrectly, revisit the relevant NCERT section and rewrite the answer. This active revision cements learning. Fifth, maintain an error log: note down questions you got wrong and review them weekly. Sixth, discuss long-answer questions with classmates or teachers to see different approaches and improve answer presentation. Finally, attempt this worksheet twice — once during chapter completion and again a week before exams for retention check. Worksheets are not just assessment tools but powerful learning instruments when used strategically.

Complete NCERT reading and note-making before attempting the worksheet
Attempt in exam conditions (timed, without textbook) for realistic practice
Use the answer key for honest self-assessment, not just to copy answers
Revisit NCERT and rewrite answers for questions you got wrong
Maintain an error log and review it weekly to avoid repeated mistakes
Discuss long answers with peers or teachers to learn varied perspectives
Re-attempt the worksheet a week before board exams to check retention and identify last-minute gaps

Frequently asked questions

What is the difficulty level and suggested time for this Power Sharing worksheet?+

The difficulty level is Moderate to Challenging, suitable for thorough board exam preparation. Suggested time allocation is 90 minutes for attempting all questions: 30 minutes for Sections A-C (MCQs, fill-in-the-blanks, true/false), 25 minutes for Section D (short answers), and 35 minutes for Section E and the case study (long answers and HOTS questions). Allow an additional 30 minutes for self-assessment using the answer key.

Does this worksheet cover the complete NCERT Class 10 Social Science Chapter 13 syllabus?+

Yes, this worksheet comprehensively covers all key topics from Chapter 13 Power Sharing: the Belgium and Sri Lanka case studies, forms of power sharing (horizontal, vertical, social, and among political parties), and the prudential and moral reasons for power sharing. It includes 30+ questions across multiple formats aligned with CBSE examination patterns for 2024-25.

How is the case study question structured and how should I answer it?+

The case study question follows the CBSE 2024-25 pattern: a source passage on Belgium's federal structure followed by three sub-questions carrying 1+1+2 marks. Read the passage carefully twice, then answer based on both the passage and your chapter knowledge. Write brief, direct answers. For 1-mark questions, one sentence suffices; for 2-mark questions, write 2-3 sentences with specific details or examples from the passage.

What is the marking scheme for short-answer and long-answer questions in this worksheet?+

Short-answer questions (Section D) carry 3 marks each and should be answered in 60-80 words. Long-answer questions (Section E) carry 5 marks each and require 150-200 words. CBSE awards marks for concept clarity, use of appropriate examples from Belgium and Sri Lanka, logical flow, and correct use of terms like majoritarianism, accommodation, horizontal/vertical power sharing. Presenting answers in points or paragraphs with subheadings can improve clarity.

How can I use the answer key effectively for self-improvement?+

After attempting all questions, check your answers against the answer key honestly. For objective questions, simply verify correct options. For descriptive answers, compare your response with model answers: check if you covered all key points, used examples correctly, and employed proper terminology. Award marks honestly. For wrong answers, identify the reason — factual error, concept confusion, or incomplete coverage — then revisit that NCERT section and rewrite the answer. Maintain an error log and review it before exams.

Why did Belgium succeed in avoiding ethnic conflict while Sri Lanka failed?+

Belgium adopted an accommodation model with power-sharing arrangements: equal Dutch-French ministerial representation, special laws requiring dual linguistic majority, independent state governments, and community governments for cultural autonomy. This ensured no community dominated others. Sri Lanka adopted majoritarianism: Sinhala Only Act, preferential policies for Sinhalas in jobs and education, state protection of Buddhism. This alienated the Tamil minority, leading to demands for separatism and a 26-year civil war (1983-2009). Accommodation brings peace; majoritarianism breeds conflict.

What are the four forms of power sharing explained in this chapter?+

The four forms are: (i) Horizontal distribution — power shared among legislature, executive, and judiciary at the same level with checks and balances; (ii) Vertical distribution — power shared among central, state, and local governments at different levels; (iii) Social power sharing — power distributed among different social, linguistic, or religious groups through reservations or community governments; (iv) Power sharing among political parties — through electoral competition, coalition governments, and constructive opposition roles. All four operate in mature democracies like India.

How is this worksheet aligned with CBSE Class 10 Social Science board exam pattern?+

This worksheet mirrors the CBSE 2024-25 board exam pattern perfectly: MCQs (Section A) match the objective section of board papers, short-answer questions (3 marks) and long-answer questions (5 marks) reflect the descriptive sections, and the case study question replicates the source-based assessment introduced in recent CBSE exams. Attempting this worksheet familiarises you with question formats, mark distributions, and word limits expected in board exams, building confidence and exam readiness.

Can I use this worksheet for quick revision before unit tests or board exams?+

Absolutely. This worksheet serves dual purposes: comprehensive practice during chapter completion and quick revision before exams. For quick revision, attempt only the MCQs, fill-in-the-blanks, and true/false sections (Sections A-C) in 30 minutes to test factual recall. Then skim through short and long answer questions to mentally outline answers. Check against the answer key to identify weak areas. Re-attempting the full worksheet under timed conditions a week before board exams is an excellent final rehearsal strategy.

Where can I find more practice questions and instant doubt-solving for Chapter 13 Power Sharing?+

CBSETUTOR.ai provides unlimited practice questions, topic-wise tests, and 24×7 AI-powered doubt-solving for CBSE Class 10 Social Science and all subjects. Upload a photo of any question from this worksheet or your NCERT textbook and get instant step-by-step explanations. The platform offers a 3-day free trial and costs just ₹999/month for all subjects across Classes 6-12, making quality education accessible and affordable. It is especially useful for self-learners and students without access to regular coaching.

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