Tag: democracy- an evolving idea

Questions Related to democracy- an evolving idea

Power is shared among different organs of government, such as the legislature, executive and judiciary. This system of power sharing can also be termed as ___________________.

power sharing in democracy power sharing democracy- an evolving idea political science social science

  1. Unitary form of government

  2. Horizontal distribution of power

  3. Vertical division of power

  4. Community government

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Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Power is shared among different organs of government, such as the legislature, executive and judiciary. This is called horizontal distribution of power  because it allows different organs of government placed at the same level to exercise different powers. 

In Srilanka, after independence, the leaders of Sinhala community in order to establish Sinhala supremacy adopted series of____________.

power sharing in democracy power sharing democracy- an evolving idea political science social science

  1. Majoritarian measures

  2. Minoritarian measures

  3. Neutral measures

  4. Racial measures

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Correct Option: A
Explanation:

 The leaders of the Sinhala community sought to secure dominance over government by virtue of their majority. As a result, the democratically elected government adopted a series of MAJORITARIAN measures to establish Sinhala supremacy.

Federalism is a system of government in which the power is _____________________.

power sharing in democracy power sharing democracy- an evolving idea political science social science

  1. Concentrated in a few hands

  2. Concentrated in the central government

  3. Divided between a central authority and various constituents

  4. Divided amongst various communities

Show answer
Correct Option: C
Explanation:
Federalism is a system of government in which the power is divided between a central authority and various constituent units of the country.
 Usually, a federation has two levels of government.
 One is the government for the entire country that is usually responsible for a  few subjects of common national interest. The others are governments at the level of provinces or states that look after much of the day-to-day administering of their state. Both these levels of governments enjoy their power independent of the other.

Social division takes place when some social differences_________ with other differences.

power sharing in democracy power sharing democracy- an evolving idea political science social science

  1. Get mixed

  2. Undergo

  3. Overlaps

  4. Criss-cross

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Correct Option: C
Explanation:
  • Social division takes place when some social differences overlaps with other differences.
  • The difference between the Blacks and Whites became a social division in the United States because the Blacks end to be poor, homeless and discriminated against.

Which one of the following cannot be called a majoritarian measure adopted by the Sri Lankan government ?

power sharing in democracy power sharing democracy- an evolving idea political science social science

  1. In 1956, Sinhala was recognised as the only official language.

  2. Preference was given to Sinhala applicants in government and university positions.

  3. Constitution stipulated that state shall protect and foster Buddhism.

  4. It was decided to send Indian Tamils to India.

Show answer
Correct Option: D
Explanation:

  • Majoritarian measures adopted by the Sri Lankan government since independence are

In 1956, Sinhala was recognised as the only official language.

Preference was given to Sinhala applicants in government and university positions.

Constitution stipulated that the state shall protect and foster Buddhism.

The religion which is practiced by 7 percent of Sri lankan population is ___________________ .

power sharing in democracy power sharing democracy- an evolving idea political science social science

  1. Hinduism .

  2. Buddhism .

  3. Christianity .

  4. Islam .

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Correct Option: C
Explanation:

The Christian population in Sri Lanka has declined from 10% in 1891 to 7.6%  at the latest census. Christianity is a minority religion in Sri Lanka. Thus, the religion which is practiced by approximately 7% of the Sri Lankan population is Christianity. The composition of other religions are:

Hindu- 12.6%
Buddhism- 70.1%
Muslim- 9.7%
Other/ None- 1.4% 

Which form of government is prevalent in Sri Lanka?

power sharing in democracy power sharing democracy- an evolving idea political science social science

  1. Majoritarianism

  2. Federal

  3. Unitary government

  4. Community government

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Correct Option: C
Explanation:

The Sri Lanka has Unitary Form of Government in which states are in subjugation to the center. It has semi presidential government system where two executives are present i.e. President along side with the Prime Minister and the Cabinet.

Federal power-sharing is more effective today than in the past mainly because ________________________.

power sharing in democracy power sharing democracy- an evolving idea political science social science

  1. It is the age of coalition governments at the centre

  2. States today are more conscious of their rights

  3. Centre today depends more on states

  4. There are more powerful leaders at the state level

Show answer
Correct Option: A
Explanation:

After 1990, India saw the rise of regional political parties. This was also the beginning of the era of coalition government at the Centre. Since no single party got a clear majority in the Lok Sabha, the major national parties had to enter into an alliance with many parties including several regional parties to form a government at the Centre. This led to a new culture of power sharing and respect for the autonomy of State Governments. Thus, federal power-sharing is more effective today than it was in the early years after the Constitution came into force.

Which one of the following communities is not related to Sri Lanka?

power sharing in democracy power sharing democracy- an evolving idea political science social science

  1. Sri Lankan Tamils

  2. Dutch

  3. Sinhalsese

  4. Indian Tamils

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Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Sri Lankan communities are mainly composed of Sinhalese, Sri Lankan Tamils, Moors, Indian Tamils. Sinhalese make up 74.9% of population, Sri Lankan Tamils 11.1%, Moors which are descendants of Arabs 9.3% and Indian Tamils 4.1%. Conflicts have dominated the public life of Sri Lanka since 19th century, because of ethnic groups division of society. Option B is unrelated, hence the correct answer.  

Which one of the following is a moral reason behind power-sharing? 

power sharing in democracy power sharing democracy- an evolving idea political science social science

  1. Power-sharing reduces the possibility of conflict.

  2. Power-sharing can reduce violence and instability.

  3. Power-sharing is in the very spirit of democracy.

  4. Power-sharing ensures the stability of political order.

Show answer
Correct Option: C
Explanation:

 Power sharing is the very spirit of democracy. A democratic rule involves sharing power with those affected by its exercise, and who have to live with its effects. People have a right to be consulted on how they are to be governed. A legitimate government is one where citizens, through participation, acquire a stake in the system.