📘 CLASS 10 CIVICS

30 MOST IMPORTANT QUESTIONS WITH FULL EXPLANATION

(Chapter-wise | Board-Style Answers)

📘 CHAPTER 1: POWER SHARING

Q1. Why is power sharing desirable in a democracy? (5 Marks)

Answer:

Power sharing is desirable in a democracy due to the following reasons:

1. Reduces social conflict:

When power is shared among different social groups, no group feels excluded, which reduces tension
and conflict.

2. Ensures political stability:

Inclusive governments are more stable because people feel their interests are protected.

3. Spirit of democracy:

Democracy is based on participation and sharing of power, not concentration of power in one hand.

4. Promotes national unity:

Power sharing respects diversity and strengthens unity among different communities.

5. Better decision-making:

Decisions taken after discussion and consultation are more balanced and effective.

Q2. Explain the different forms of power sharing. (5 Marks)

Answer:

Power sharing can take place in the following forms:

1. Horizontal distribution of power:

Power is shared among the Legislature, Executive and Judiciary so that each organ checks the others.

2. Vertical distribution of power:

Power is shared among Central, State and Local governments to govern effectively at different levels.
3. Power sharing among social groups:

Minority communities are given representation to protect their interests.

4. Power sharing among political parties:

Different political parties share power through coalitions and alliances.

Q3. How did Belgium resolve its ethnic conflict? (3 Marks)

Answer:

1. Equal power sharing:

Power was shared equally between Dutch and French-speaking communities.

2. Community government:

A separate community government was formed to look after cultural and educational matters.

3. Equal representation:

Equal representation was ensured in the central government to avoid domination.

Q4. Why is Sri Lanka considered an example of majoritarianism? (3 Marks)

Answer:

1. Language policy:

Sinhala was declared the official language, ignoring Tamil speakers.

2. Religion policy:

Buddhism was given special status by the government.

3. Neglect of minorities:

Tamil minorities were denied equal political rights.

📘 CHAPTER 2: FEDERALISM
Q5. Define federalism. Explain its main features. (5 Marks)

Answer:

Federalism is a system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and state
governments.

1. Two or more levels of government:

Central and state governments govern independently in their own areas.

2. Division of powers:

Powers are clearly divided through the Constitution.

3. Written Constitution:

The Constitution safeguards the division of power.

4. Independent judiciary:

Judiciary resolves disputes between different levels of government.

5. Financial autonomy:

States have their own sources of revenue.

Q6. Explain the division of powers in India. (3 Marks)

Answer:

1. Union List:

Includes subjects of national importance like defence and foreign affairs.

2. State List:

Includes subjects of state importance like police and agriculture.

3. Concurrent List:

Includes subjects like education where both centre and states can make laws.

Q7. What is decentralisation? Why is it needed? (3 Marks)

Answer:
Decentralisation means transferring power to local governments.

1. Solves local problems:

Local authorities understand local issues better.

2. Increases participation:

People directly participate in decision-making.

3. Improves efficiency:

Administration becomes faster and more effective.

Q8. How has language policy strengthened federalism in India? (3 Marks)

Answer:

1. No imposition of Hindi:

States were not forced to adopt Hindi.

2. Freedom to use regional languages:

States can use their own languages for official work.

3. Unity in diversity:

This policy promotes unity while respecting diversity.

Q9. Explain the role of local self-government. (5 Marks)

Answer:

1. Grassroots democracy:

Democracy reaches the village and town level.

2. Public participation:

People take part in local governance.

3. Local development:

Development work is planned according to local needs.

Local leaders are answerable to people.

5. Leadership development:

New leaders emerge at the local level.

📘 CHAPTER 3: GENDER, RELIGION AND CASTE

Q13. Explain gender inequality in India. (5 Marks)

Answer:

1. Low literacy rate:

Fewer women receive education compared to men.

2. Political under-representation:

Women hold fewer political positions.

3. Wage inequality:

Women are paid less for the same work.

4. Domestic violence:

Many women face violence at home.

5. Limited job opportunities:

Women have fewer employment opportunities.

Q14. What steps have been taken to improve women’s representation? (3 Marks)

Answer:

1. Reservation:

One-third seats are reserved in local bodies.

2. Protective laws:

Laws ensure women’s safety and rights.

Awareness and education empower women.

Q15. What is communalism? (3 Marks)

Answer:

Communalism is an ideology that uses religion as the basis of politics, which harms democratic values.

Q16. How does caste influence politics? (3 Marks)

Answer

1. Vote bank politics:

Political parties seek votes based on caste.

2. Caste-based parties:

Parties are formed representing specific castes.

3. Political mobilisation:

Caste is used to mobilise voters.

Q17. Why should caste not be used in politics? (3 Marks)

Answer:

1. Creates division:

Society gets divided on caste lines.

2. Weakens democracy:

National interest is ignored.

3. Promotes inequality:

It increases social inequality.

📘 CHAPTER 5: POLITICAL PARTIES

Answer:

A political party is a group of people that contests elections to form the government.

1. Contest elections:

Parties nominate candidates.

2. Form government:

Winning party forms government.

3. Make policies:

Parties frame laws and policies.

4. Represent people:

They represent public interests.

5. Shape public opinion:

They educate people politically.

Q23. Explain the challenges faced by political parties. (5 Marks)

Answer:

1. Lack of internal democracy:

Leaders control decision-making.

2. Dynastic succession:

Leadership passes within families.

3. Money and muscle power:

Rich and powerful dominate politics.

4. Corruption:

Parties misuse public funds.

5. Lack of transparency
No clear information about finances.

Q24. Suggest measures to reform political parties. (3 Marks)

Answer:

1. Anti-defection law:

Prevents frequent party switching.

2. Mandatory disclosure:

Candidates must declare assets.

3. Public participation:

Citizens should demand reforms.

Q25. Differentiate between national and regional parties. (3 Marks)

Answer:

1. Area:

National parties work across India, regional parties in states.

2. Recognition:

National parties are recognised nationwide.

3. Focus:

National issues vs regional issues.

📘 CHAPTER 6: OUTCOMES OF DEMOCRACY

Q26. How does democracy produce an accountable government? (5 Marks)

Answer:

1. Regular elections:

Leaders are answerable to people.

2. Rule of law:

Everyone is equal before law.

Decisions are open to public scrutiny.

4. Public participation:

Citizens can question leaders.

5. Independent judiciary:

Prevents misuse of power.

Q27. Explain the economic outcomes of democracy. (3 Marks)

Answer:

1. Reduced inequality:

Welfare policies help poor.

2. Economic development:

Long-term growth is promoted.

3. Public welfare:

Policies focus on people’s needs.

Q28. Explain the social outcomes of democracy. (3 Marks)

Answer:

1. Equality:

Equal status for all citizens.

2. Dignity:

Respect for every individual.

3. Freedom:

Freedom of speech and belief.