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Read the given source… (Social Science 2026 32/3/1 Q27)

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Social ScienceCBSE Class 10 · Board exam 2026, set 32/3/1 · 4 marks · Case-based

CBSE Class 10 Social Science 2026: question 27

Set in the CBSE Class 10 board exam of 2026, paper 32/3/1, section C, question 27, for 4 marks. Try it first; the hints and our step-by-step solution are below.

Q27 · 4 marks · Case-basedCompetency-basedPower-sharing

Read the given source carefully and answer the questions that follow:

Forms of power sharing

The idea of power sharing has emerged in opposition to the notions of undivided political power. For a long time, it was believed that all power of a government must reside in one person or group of persons located at one place. It was felt that if the power to decide is dispersed, it would not be possible to take quick decisions and to enforce them. But these notions have changed with the emergence of democracy. 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. Therefore, it follows that in a democracy, political power should be distributed among as many citizens as possible.

  1. (27.1)

    Why should all the powers of the government not be in the hands of one person?

    1 mark
  2. (27.2)

    Why is power sharing necessary?

    1 mark
  3. (27.3)

    How does governing through institutions of self-government strengthen democracy? Explain.

    2 marks

Source: official question paper from cbse.gov.in (PDF). See it in the full 2026 board paper, set 32/3/1.

Hints

Open one hint at a time and try again before the next.

Hint 1

Use the source: people are the source of all political power.

Hint 2

For (ii), think of conflict, diversity and tyranny.

Hint 3

For (iii), think of who knows local problems best and how citizens take part in decisions.

Step-by-step solution

Each step shows the marks it earns, as an examiner would award them. Checked by an independent re-solve from the question paper.

  1. (i) Concentrating all power in one person or group can lead to dictatorship and misuse of power. It also ignores the voice of others, which goes against the democratic principle that people are the source of power.

    1 mark

  2. (ii) Power sharing is necessary to accommodate social diversity and avoid conflict among groups. It also reduces the chance of tyranny and is the spirit of democracy.

    1 mark

  3. (iii) Through institutions of self-government, people rule themselves and take part directly in decision-making. This makes the government more accountable and strengthens people's rights.

    1 mark

  4. (iii) Local people know their own problems better, so decisions fit local needs. Diverse groups and their views also get due respect.

    1 mark

Answer: (i) It can lead to dictatorship and ignores people as the source of power. (ii) It accommodates diversity, avoids conflict and prevents tyranny. (iii) It lets people take part in decisions, makes government accountable and addresses local problems.

Where the marks are

  • Reason why power should not be concentrated (1 mark)
  • Reason why power sharing is necessary (1 mark)
  • Self-government gives people participation and strengthens their rights (1 mark)
  • Government becomes more accountable and local problems are better understood (1 mark)

Revise the chapter

Practise this chapterBoard-style questions from Power-sharing, one at a time, marked against the answer key and marking points.Back to the full paper2026 board paper, set 32/3/1: every question, by section.

The question is transcribed from the official paper; figures are described in words. The solution, hints and chapter tag are ours. Spotted an error? Write tosupport@questionbuddy.in.