Social Science (087) — AI-generated practice question

When we say that majority imposition looks attractive in the short run but undermines national unity in the long run, it means that giving one dominant group all power may seem like an easy solution, but it alienates minorities and creates lasting resentment and conflict.

Evidence from Sri Lanka: The Sinhala-only Act (1956) made Sinhala the official language, sidelining Tamils. Policies favouring Sinhalese in government jobs and education marginalised the Tamil community. In the short run, the Sinhala majority was satisfied. In the long run, Tamils felt excluded, leading to civil war and severe damage to national unity.

Source: Chapter 1 — Why is power sharing desirable?

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• The examiner expects two parts: (1) a clear explanation of the statement and (2) Sri Lanka as evidence.
• Name specific Sinhala-majority policies (Sinhala-only Act, discrimination in jobs/education) — these fetch marks.
• Use the textbook phrase "prudential reason" if space permits; it signals you know the concept.
• Do not confuse "short run" (majority satisfied) with "long run" (national unity broken).