These case-based questions from Power Sharing are designed to test your understanding and application skills. Regular practice will make you confident, improve your speed and accuracy, and help you score full marks in the board exams.
Case Based Questions
Q.1 Read the given extract and answer the following questions.
In 1956, an Act was passed to recognise Sinhala as the only official language, thus disregarding Tamil. The governments followed preferential policies that favoured Sinhala applicants for university positions and government jobs. A new constitution stipulated that the state shall protect and foster Buddhism.
All these government measures, coming one after the other, gradually increased the feeling of alienation among the Sri Lankan Tamils. They felt that none of the major political parties led by the Buddhist Sinhala leaders was sensitive to their language and culture. They felt that the constitution and government policies denied them equal political rights, discriminated against them in getting jobs and other opportunities and ignored their interests.
i) Which language was recognised as the only official language of Sri Lanka in 1956? (1)
Answer:- Sinhala
ii) Name one group that felt alienated due to Sri Lanka’s government measures after 1956. (1)
Answer:- Sri Lankan Tamils
iii) Give two reasons why Sri Lankan Tamils felt alienated after 1956. (2)
Answer:- a. They were denied equal political rights and discriminated against in jobs and education.
b. Their language and culture were ignored by government policies and the constitution.
Q.2 Read the given extract and answer the following questions.
i) What is one reason why power sharing is considered good for political stability? (1)
Answer:- It reduces the possibility of conflict between social groups, preventing violence and instability.
ii) What is meant by “tyranny of the majority”? (1)
Answer:- When the majority community imposes its will on others, oppressing minorities and even harming itself in the long run.
iii) How does power sharing reflect the spirit of democracy? (2)
Answer:- a. It allows people affected by decisions to have a say in how they are governed.
b. It ensures citizens participate in governance, making the government legitimate and accountable.
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