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# OBJECTIVE Type Questions ## Multiple Choice Questions [1 mark] 1. When many countries of Europe came together to form the European Union, ____ was chosen as its headquarters. - (a) Brussels - (b) Paris - (c) London - (d) Zurich **Ans. (a) Brussels** **Explanation:** Brussels w...

# OBJECTIVE Type Questions ## Multiple Choice Questions [1 mark] 1. When many countries of Europe came together to form the European Union, ____ was chosen as its headquarters. - (a) Brussels - (b) Paris - (c) London - (d) Zurich **Ans. (a) Brussels** **Explanation:** Brussels was chosen to establish the headquarters of the European Union because it displayed a perfect example of power sharing among different linguistic and ethnic communities. **Related Theory:** Brussels is the capital of Belgium. Belgium is a small country in Europe, smaller in area than the state of Haryana. It has borders with France, the Netherlands, Germany and Luxembourg. 2. Asvini comes from school and watches television everyday. Today, he saw a programme where a bunch of his uncles and neighbours from his society were shouting with a huge banner in their hands. This banner read, "We want equality. We want an Eelam for us." Asvini asks his father about the meaning of Eelam. What do you think would be Asvini's father's reply? - (a) Eelam is the name of a place in Sri Lanka. - (b) Eelam means a separate state for Tamils in Tamil-dominated regions in Sri Lanka. - (c) Eelam means voting rights for Tamils. - (d) Eelam is the name of a tax paid by Sinhalas for Tamils. 3. Choose the correctly matched pairs about different forms of sharing of power from the following options: - (I) Vertical Power sharing- UK - (II) Horizontal Power sharing- India - (III) Federal Division of Power- Sri Lanka **Codes:** - (a) (1) only - (b) (II) only - (c) (1) and (III) only - (d) (1), (II) and (III) **Ans. (b) (II) only** **Explanation:** India follows a system where power to legislate, execute the laws and adjudicate the execution is divided among three different organs of the government- all at the same level. This is called the Horizontal division of Power. ## Related Theory The vertical division of power involves different levels - the nation, the state and the provinces. This type of power sharing can be found in the unitary form of government, for example, the US and India. Sri Lanka has a unitary form of government. 4. Consider the following statements on Power Sharing and choose the correct option: - (a) Majoritarianism is the real spirit of democracy. - (b) It creates balance and harmony between different groups. - (c) It reduces the possibility of conflict. - (d) Power sharing is the essence of democracy. **Options:** - (a) (I), (II) and (II) - (b) (II), (III) and (IV) - (c) (I), (III) and (IV) - (d) (I), (II) and (IV) **Ans. (b) (II), (III) and (IV)** **Explanation:** Power sharing is the real spirit of democracy. It reduces the possibility of conflicts and ensures. Majoritarianism is a perverted version of democratic power sharing. **Related Theory:** A democratic rule involves sharing power with those affected by its exercise, and who have to live with its effects. People have the right to be consulted on how they are to be governed. 5. Fill in the blank by choosing the most appropriate option: ______ elects the community government in Belgium. - (a) People belonging to the respective linguistic communities - (b) All the citizens of Belgium above 18 years of age - (c) Belgium's French citizens - (d) Ministers of the central government of Belgium 6. Fill in the blank by choosing the most appropriate option: | Column A | Column B | | ---------- | ---------- | | Belgium | Dutch speaking community | | Sri Lanka | | | | | | Column A | Column B | | ---------- | ---------- | | Belgium | Dutch speaking community | | Sri Lanka | Sri Lankan Tamils | | Sinhalas | | (a) Sinhalas (c) Indian Tamils (b) Sri Lankan Tamils (d) Muslims **Ans. (a) Sinhalas** **Caution:** It is important for the students to understand the relationship between the items in two columns. The Dutch speaking community is a majority community in Belgium. Thus, to fill the blank, the community which forms the majority community in Sri Lanka should be chosen as the answer. 7. Which of the following elements is NOT included in the Belgium model? - (a) Dutch and French speaking ministers shall be equal in the government. - (b) Many powers of the central government have been given to state governments. - (c) Brussels has a separate government in which both the communities have equal representation. - (d) There is a community government, which has special powers of administration. **Ans. (d) There is a community government which has special powers of administration.** **Explanation:** The community government has powers related to the cultural, educational, and language related issues. It does not have separate powers for administration. 8. Which of the following statements accurately describes a "community government"? - (1) 'Community government' is elected by people belonging to one language community - Dutch, French and German-speaking – no matter where they live. - (II) This government has the power regarding cultural, educational and language-related issues. - (III) This government has the power regarding economical, educational and language-related issues. - (IV) 'Community government' is elected by people belonging to one language community - Dutch, Spanish and German-speaking - no matter where they live. **Options:** - (a) Only (1) - (b) Only (III) - (c) Only (IV) - (d) Both (1) and (II) **Ans. (d) Both (1) and (II)** **Explanation:** Community government is elected by all the people belonging to the individual language communities-Dutch, French and German speaking, irrespective of their places of residence. This government has the power regarding cultural, educational and language-related issues. 9. Modern democracies maintain a check and balance system. Identify the correct option based on the horizontal power sharing arrangement. - (a) Central government, state government and local bodies. - (b) Legislature, executive and judiciary. - (c) Among different social groups. - (d) Among different pressure groups. 10. Arrange in chronological order (from least powerful to most powerful). - (1) Government of India - (II) Agra Municipality - (III) Madhya Pradesh Government - (IV) Sadabad Nagar Panchayat **Codes:** - (a) (1), (II), (IV) and (III) - (b) (II), (III), (I) and (IV) - (c) (IV), (II), (III) and (I) - (d) (III), (I), (IV) and (II) 11. Choose the correctly matched pair. - (a) Tamils- Maldives - (b) Dutch- Belgium - (c) Buddhists - Lebanon - (d) Maronite Christians - India **Ans. (b) Dutch- Belgium** **Explanation:** The given pair (Dutch- Belgium) includes a language community which resides in the country mentioned next to it. The Tamil-speaking and Buddhist community lives in Sri Lanka. Maronite Christians live in Lebanon. **Related Theory:** Belgium has two popular linguistically diverse communities - the Dutch and the French speaking communities. 12. Learning from Belgium's experience, which of the following steps could have most likely avoided a civil war in Sri Lanka that ended in 2009? - (a) Making reservations in jobs for the Tamil speaking minority community. - (b) Dividing the entire country on the basis of linguistic lines to appease the citizens. - (c) Devising laws to accommodate the ethnic differences of citizens to ensure peace. - (d) Conducting a thorough census to strictly segregate the Indian Tamils from the Sri Lankan Tamils. **Ans. (c) Devising laws to accommodate the ethnic differences of citizens to ensure peace.** **Explanation:** If the Sri Lankan government devised laws to accommodate the ethnic differences of citizens to ensure peace, it would definitely reduce the possibility of social conflicts- especially a civil war which was caused in the country because of the controversy created by the Sinhala government's majoritarian measures. 13. You are a citizen of a country that has a democratic form of government. You want to ensure that the system of power-sharing in your country is effective and that no one branch of government has absolute power. - (a) All power is concentrated in the hands of the central government, which has the final say in all matters. - (b) Power is divided between the central government and the states or provinces, with each level having its own sphere of influence. - (c) Power is separated among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches, with each branch having its own responsibilities and powers. - (d) Power is shared among different levels of government, such as the national, regional, and local governments, with each level having some degree of autonomy. **Ans. (c) Power is separated among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches, with each branch having its own responsibilities and powers** **Explanation:** The question talks about power sharing among different branches of the government and not levels. Power sharing between different organs/branches of the government - legislature, executive and judicial is essential. Each branch must have its own set of responsibilities. They must not interfere in each other's works, but the system of checks and balances must be in place. **Caution:** Students must not be confused between levels of government and branches of government. Branches of government indicate different organs of government all at the same level. Levels of government indicate different tiers/units of government at the central, state and local level. 14. Under which of the following is power shared in the ‘community government’ of Belgium? - (a) Different social groups - (b) Different organs of government **Ans. (a) Different social groups** **Explanation:** The community government is elected by people belonging to the Dutch, French, and German-speaking language community. This government has the power regarding cultural, educational and language-related issues, in Belgium. 15. Apart from the Central and the State Government, Belgium has a third kind of government as well. Identify this third kind of government from the following options: - (a) Democratic Government - (b) Socialist Government - (c) Community Government - (d) Liberal Government **Ans. (c) Community Government** **Explanation:** The community government is elected by the people of one language community, either of the Dutch, the French and the German-speaking groups without any restrictions on where they reside in Belgium. **Related Theory:** This government has the power regarding cultural, educational and language-related issues. 16. Which of the following is the most likely consequence of displacing two linguistic communities living in a nation into the regions and favouring one over the other? - (a) Harmonious environment will be established. - (b) They will fight with each other in elections. - (c) One community will be jealous of the other community and their society will disintegrate to the point of a conflict. - (d) They will break into two nations by themselves. **Ans. (c) One community will be jealous of the other community and their society will disintegrate to the point of a conflict.** 17. Identify the significant reason of power sharing from the following options: - (a) Reduces socio-economic conflicts - (b) Provides ethnic-cultural development - (c) Allows people to enjoy specific rights - (d) Restricts supremacy of one party 18. John is drawing the map of the world for his school assignment. Where should he draw Luxembourg? - (a) Next to Italy - (b) Next to Kazakhstan - (c) Next to Belgium - (d) Next to Poland **Ans. (c) Next to Belgium** **Explanation:** Luxembourg shares its border with Belgium. So, it should be drawn next to Belgium. The country is surrounded by France, Belgium, Germany and Switzerland and is situated in the continent of Europe. **Caution:** Students must be careful while applying the concepts taught in the chapter. They must also refer to the maps provided in the chapter. 19. What major steps did the Belgian government take to enable everyone to live together within the same country? Choose the correct option from the following: - (a) They forced the French citizens to learn Dutch. - (b) They formed a communist government. - (c) They amended their constitution four times. - (d) They isolated the Dutch by only looking after the welfare of the French citizens. **Ans. (c) They amended their constitution four times.** **Explanation:** Between 1970 and 1993, the Belgian government amended their constitution four times. Belgian leaders accepted and recognised their ethnic diversity and worked hard to establish a peaceful and harmonious relationship between the communities by giving them equal opportunities and avenues for development. 20. Choose the odd one out. - (a) Muslims in India are given special powers to regulate their own religious matters. - (b) Belgium has a community government to solve all language related matters. - (c) North Korea doesn’t recognise any other religion than the state religion. - (d) The USA allows immigrants and citizens from all religions to work in their companies. ** Ans. (c) North Korea doesn't recognise any other religion than the state religion.** **Explanation:** This is a majoritarian measure which ignores the demands and interests of other religious groups in North Korea making them feel isolated and alienated. Other alternatives consider the interests of minority communities living in these nations at par with the interests of the majority communities. 21. Which of the following government in Belgium has the power regarding cultural, educational and language related issues? - (a) The Communist Government - (b) The Community Government - (c) The Linguist Government - (d) The Provincial Government 22. A country in which principle of majoritarianism led to civil war: - (a) Belgium - (b) Sri Lanka - (c) Netherlands - (d) Germany **Ans. (b) Sri Lanka** **Explanation:** To secure dominance over the government by virtue of their majority, the Sinhala government passed various acts favouring Sinhala speakers. The distrust between the two communities - Sri Lankan Tamils and Sinhala speaking majority turned into widespread conflict which soon turned into a civil war. As a result, thousands of people of both the communities were killed. 23. Study the given picture and answer the question that follows. **Which of the following statements appropriately describes the picture?** - (a) Concentration of power under one centre undermines the concept of democracy. - (b) Concentration of power in one hand helps to make quick decisions. - (c) Democracy can help in division of powers. - (d) Despotic rulers do not leave much scope for power sharing. **Ans. (a) Concentration of power under one centre undermines the concept of democracy.** **Explanation:** In a democracy, it's important to share power to keep things fair. Sharing power also prevents anyone from having too much control and makes sure everyone's voice is heard and keeps things fair for everyone. 24. Read the source given below and answer the question that follow: Power can be shared among governments at different levels - a general government for the entire country and governments at the provincial or regional level. Such a general government for the entire country is usually called the federal government. In India, we refer to it as the Central or Union Government. It is beneficial for the country in various ways. **How is power sharing at different levels of government (as mentioned in the source) good for the entire country?** - (a) It prevents accumulation of powers in one group. - (b) It strengthens democracy by involving citizens in the government directly. - (c) It offers greater opportunities for development. - (d) It helps by decreasing the possibility of social conflicts. **Ans. (b) It strengthens democracy by involving citizens in the government directly.** **Explanation:** Power sharing between different levels of governments is important and beneficial for the country because it involves decentralisation and delegation of powers. It also leads to direct and closer involvement of people living in these states and regions in their respective governments. **Caution:** The rest of the alternatives are also benefits offered by democratic governments but they are not consequences of vertical power sharing. Students must consider this point. 25. Read the case given below and answer the question that follows. One basic principle of democracy is that people are the source of all political power. In a democracy, people rule themselves through institutions of self-government. In a good democratic government, due respect is given to diverse groups and views that exist in a society. Everyone has a voice in the shaping of public policies. **In modern democracies, which of the following options is not a form of power sharing arrangement in India?** - (a) Among different organs of government. - (b) Among governments at different levels. - (c) Among different social groups. - (d) Among different genders. 26. Which one of the following religions was protected and fostered by Sri Lankans in their constitution? - (a) Christianity - (b) Hinduism - (c) Buddhism - (d) Islam **Ans. (c) Buddhism** **Explanation:** Buddhism has been declared as a state religion by the democratically-elected central government of Sri Lanka. 27. Consider the following statements regarding power sharing arrangements in Belgium and identify the incorrect one from the following: - (a) Equal number of members from Dutch and French community in the central government. - (b) Separate government for Brussels with equal representation of communities. - (c) The state government to be subordinate to the central government. - (d) Community government elected by people belonging to one language community. 28. Observe the picture and answer the following question. **In the given map of Sri Lanka, where do you expect to find a Tamil-medium educational institution?** - (a) Northern Part - (b) Southern Part - (c) Central Part - (d) Western Part **Ans. (a) Northern Part** **Explanation:** Sri Lankan Tamils are concentrated in the northern and eastern parts of Sri Lanka. They usually speak Tamil. We will be able to find a Tamil-medium educational institution in those areas because other areas are dominated by Sinhalas. **Related Theory:** About 18% Sri Lankans speak Tamil whereas 74% people in Sri Lanka speak Sinhalese. 29. Which demand of the Srilankan Tamils was repeatedly denied? - (a) Their demand of separate electorate - (b) Their demand for freedom of expression - (c) Their demand for the right to vote. - (d) Their demand for more autonomy to provinces populated by the Tamils. **Ans. (d) Their demand for more autonomy to provinces populated by the Tamils.** **Explanation:** In Sri Lanka, the northern and eastern parts consisted of the Tamil majority. The Tamils of Sri Lanka demanded regional autonomy for their provinces. Such demands were repeatedly denied by the Sri Lankan government. The denial of regional autonomy resulted in the demand for an independent state for the Sri Lankan Tamils. 30. Identify the community: - (1) They form a majority in Belgium. - (2) They are concentrated in the Flemish Region. **Ans. The Dutch speaking community.** **Explanation:** Belgium's 59 per cent population lives in the Flemish region and speaks Dutch language. 31. Look at the map and identify the languages that are dominantly present in Belgium. **Correct and Rewrite/ True-False** State whether the statements are True or False. If False, correct the statement. 32. Belgium is a small country in Europe and shares borders with France, Italy, Germany and Luxembourg. ** Ans. False. ** **Belgium is a small country in Europe and shares borders with France, the Netherlands, Germany and Luxembourg.** 33. In Brussels, 80 per cent people speak Dutch while 20 per cent are French-speaking. **Ans. False** **In Brussels, 80 per cent people speak French while 20 per cent are Dutch-speaking people.** 34. Of Belgium's total population, 59 per cent lives in the Wallonia region and speaks Dutch language. 35. In Sri Lanka, an Act was passed in 1956 to recognise Tamil as the only official language, disregarding Sinhala. **Ans. False** **In Sri Lanka, an Act was passed in 1956 to recognise Sinhala as the only official language, disregarding Tamil.** ## Fill in the Blanks Fill in the blanks with suitable information: 36. Power shared between different levels of government is usually called as _____. **Ans. federal government** **Explanation:** Power can be shared among governments at different levels - one for the whole country and others for smaller areas like provinces or regions. The government for the entire country is usually called the federal government. In India, this type of government is called as the Central or Union Government. 37. The Sri Lankan Tamils launched parties and struggles for the recognition of Tamil as an official language, or regional autonomy and _____. 38. The Belgian government shifted to a federal form of government from a ____ form of government. **Ans. unitary.** **Explanation:** Change of system from Unitary to Federal enabled Belgium to accommodate regional diversities and cultural differences. Federal setup involved providing equal opportunities of sustenance, livelihood and policy-making to French and Dutch speakers, as well as division of powers of the central government, etc. 39. ______ is the headquarters of European Union. ** Ans. Brussels** **Explanation:** Brussels, the capital city of Belgium was chosen as the headquarters for a group of European Nations called European Union. ## Match the Columns Choose the correct pair: 40. Match the following percentage of population from column A with the social groups in column B: | Column A | Column B | | ---------- | ---------- | | 59 Per cent | French-speakers in Belgium | | 74 Per cent | | | 40 Per cent | Tamil-speakers in Sri Lanka | | 18 Per cent | | | Column A | Column B | | ---------- | ---------- | | 59 Per cent | French-speakers in Belgium | | 74 Per cent | Dutch-speakers in Belgium | | 40 Per cent | Tamil-speakers in Sri Lanka | | 18 Per cent | Sinhala-speakers in Sri Lanka | **Codes:** - (a) (A)-(II), (B)-(IV), (C)-(I), (D)-(III) - (b) (A)-(I), (B)-(II), (C)-(III), (D)-(IV) - (c) (A)-(IV), (B)-(III), (C)-(II), (D)-(I) - (d) (A)-(III), (B)-(I), (C)-(IV), (D)-(II) **Ans. (a) (A)-(II), (B)-(IV), (C)-(I), (D)-(III)** 41. Match the following keywords from column A with their meaning explanation in column B: | Column A | Column B | | ---------- | ---------- | | Ethnic | A policy/philosophy that let majority community to rule a country | | Civil war | Conflict between opposing groups | | Prudential | Calculation of gains and losses | | Majoritarianism | Classification of people into groups based on shared culture | ** Codes:** - (a) (A)-(II), (B)-(IV), (C)-(I), (D)-(III) - (b) (A)-(I), (B)-(III), (C)-(II), (D)-(IV) - (c) (A)-(IV), (B)-(III), (C)-(II), (D)-(1) - (d) (A)-(III), (B)-(I), (C)-(IV), (D)-(II) ## Assertion-Reason (A-R) In the following questions, two statements in the form of an Assertion (A) and a Reason (R) have been put forward. Read both statements carefully and choose the most appropriate option: - (a) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A). - (b) Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A). - (c) (A) is true but (R) is false. - (d) (A) is false but (R) is true. 42. Assertion (A): Power sharing is desirable. Reason (R): Power sharing is good because it helps to reduce the possibility of conflicts between social groups. **Ans. (a) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).** **Explanation:** Power sharing helps to reduce the possibility of social conflicts between different ethnic communities. Power sharing is extremely beneficial for the society. It is important to stablise the sources of power in the country. **Related Theory:** Power sharing is used to describe a system of governance in which power is proportionately divided between different organs of government, like judiciary, legislature and executive, and or between different levels of government. In a democracy, power is shared between different organs of government. 43. Assertion (A): The people are the source of all political powers. Reason (R): Democracy is the rule of the people, for the people, by the people. **Ans. (a) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).** 44. Assertion (A): Power sharing can help to prevent conflict in society. Reason (R): Power sharing ensures that different social groups are included in decision-making processes, reducing marginalisation and fostering inclusivity. **Ans. (c) (A) is true but (R) is false.** **Explanation:** Power sharing helps in reduction of social conflicts between various castes and communities because it encourages an inclusive representation of all classes of society (without discrimination) in important decision making bodies and institutions. This makes them feel heard. It diminishes the likelihood of a majority community opressing a Minority community and prevents a minority community from threatening a power overturn. **Related Theory:** In the form of free and fair elections, power sharing and federalism also create opportunities for peacefully conducting a social competition among various communities and groups in the country.