Power Sharing
Choose the
correct option:
1.
Tamil natives of Sri Lanka are
called the
(a) Indian Tamils (b) Muslim Tamils (c) Sri Lankan Tamils (d) Christian Tamils
2.
The term Eelam stands for
(a) government (b) state (c) country (d) political party
3.
Division of powers between
higher and lower levels of government is called
(a) horizontal division (b)
parallel division
(c) vertical division (d)
none of the above
4.
Which two languages are
generally spoken in Belgium?
(a) French and English (b)
Dutch and Sinhala
(c) French and Sinhala (d)
Dutch and French.
5.
Brussels is the capital of
(a) Belgium (b) the
Netherland (c) Sri Lanka (d) West Indies
6.
A system of ‘checks and
balances’ is another name for which one of the following power-sharing arrangements:
(a) Power sharing among different social groups.
(b) Vertical division of power or power shared among different levels of
government.
(c) Horizontal division of power or power shared among different organs of
the government.
(d) Power sharing in the form of political parties, pressure groups and
governments.
7.
In dealing with power
sharing, which one of the following statements is NOT correct about democracy?
(a) People are the source of all political power. !
(b) In a democracy, people rule themselves j through institutions of
self-governance.
(c) In a democracy, due respect is given to diverse groups and views that exist
in a society.
(d) In a democracy, if the power to decide is dispersed, it is not possible
to take quick decisions and enforce them.
8.
System of ‘checks and
balances’ means:
(a) Horizontal distribution of powers.
(b) Separation of powers.
(c) Put a check on the exercise of unlimited powers of the organs of
government by maintaining a balance of power among various institutions.
(d) Federal division of powers
9.
Power sharing is:
(a) the very spirit of democracy. (b)
separation of powers at different levels.
(c) system of checks and balances. (d) a
type of balancing powers.
10.
Who elects the community
government in Belgium?
(a) People belonging to one language community only.
(b) By the leader of Belgium.
(c) The citizens of the whole country.
(d) The community leaders of Belgium.
11.
In which year Sri Lanka
emerged as an independent country?
(a) 1947 (b) 1948 (c)
1949 (d) 1950
12.
Which is the state religion
of Sri Lanka?
(a) Buddhism (b) Hinduism (c) Islam (d) Christianity
13.
Which major social group
constituted the largest share in population of Sri Lanka?
(a) Sinhalas (b) Sri Lankan
Tamils (c) Indian Tamils (d)
Muslims
14.
Which language is spoken by
the majority of Belgians?
(a) German (b) French (c) Dutch (d) English
15.
Which religion is followed by
Sinhala speaking people?
(a) Hindus (b) Muslims (c) Buddhists (d) None of these
16.
Which language was declared
as the only official language of Sri Lanka by an Act passed in 1956?
(a) Tamil (b) Sinhala (c) Hindi (d) English
17.
Which of the following is not
one of the three organs of government powers are shared?
(a) Legislature (b) Bureaucracy (c) Executive (d)
Judiciary
18.
Which of the following is not
one of the aspects of federal division of powers?
(a) Sharing of powers among central provincial and local governments
(b) Division of powers involving higher and lower levels of government
(c) The Constitution clearly lays down powers of different levels of government
(d) There is no vertical division of powers
19.
What led to non-sharing of
power?
(a) Peace among all the communities
(b) The tyranny of the majority and oppression of minority
(c) Negation of the very spirit of democracy
(d) Both (b) and (c)
20.
How many times was the
Constitution of Belgium amended between 1970 and 1993?
(a) Two times (b) Three times (c) Five times (d) Four times
Picture-based Questions:
Look at the
given cartoon taken from the NCERT Textbook Page 8 and answer the question that
follow:
Question:
In 2005, some new laws were made in Russia giving more powers to its President.
During the same time the US President visited Russia. What, according to this
cartoon, is the relationship between democracy and concentration of power? Can
you think of some other examples to illustrate the point being made here?
Answer:
A good democracy opposes the idea of
concentration of powers. It welcomes the idea of sharing of power for the
smooth running of the government. One basic principle of democracy is that
people are the ultimate source of all political power. Giving more power to the
Russian President means power is concentrated in one person which is against
the principle of democracy.
2016
Very Short Answer
Type Question [1 Mark]
Question 1.
After independence, Sri Lanka witnessed the supremacy of which community?
Answer:
After independence in 1948, Sri Lanka witnessed the supremacy of Sinhala
community.
Short Answer Type
Questions [3 Marks]
Question 2.
Do you think that the steps taken by Shri Lankan Government to establish the
supremacy of Sinhalas were justified be long lasting? Give your view point.
Answer:
The steps taken by the Sri Lankan government to establish Sinhalas’
supremacy cannot be justified as long lasting because of the following reasons.
These steps ignored the interests of a minority
community. Even the basic rights were not given to them.
Discrimination based on religion and language
further deprived other communities in Sri Lanka.
Repeated denial of the demands further
developed distrust and ignited the situation that resulted in a civil war
causing terrible setback to Sri Lankan social, cultural and economic life.
Question 3.
Sharing of powers makes a country more powerful and united’. Justify the statement.
Answer:
Sharing of power makes a country more powerful and united because of the
following reasons.
Power sharing ensures that all people have stake in
government.
Power sharing ensures maximum participation. It upholds the concept of people’s
rule. It always brings better outcomes in democracy. It ensures the political
stability in democracy.
Power sharing accommodates diverse groups. It helps to reduce the possibility
of conflict between social groups.
2015
Short Answer Type
Question [3 Marks]
Question 4.
Describe any three ‘majoritarian measures’ taken by the Sri Lankan Government
to establish Sinhala supremacy.
Answer:
The following are the majoritarian measures adopted by the Sri Lankan
government to establish Sinhala supremacy.
In the year 1956, an act was passed, which
established Sinhala as the official language to be used in Sri Lanka
disregarding the minority group of Tamils. The passing of this act created a
feeling of alienation among the minority group, i.e. Sri Lankan Tamils and they
started to feel left-out from the society.
The government then started adopting and
formulating government policies that favoured the Sinhala people in government
jobs and for university positions, which made the Sri Lankan Tamils feel
ousted.
The Sri Lankan Government further proclaimed
that they shall foster and protect only Buddhism as their Sate religion and
refused to cater to any other religion disregarding the religion of Sri Lankan
Tamils.
Long Answer Type
Question [5 Marks]
Question 5.
Bring out any two sharp contrasts between Belgium and Sri Lankan democracies.
Answer:
Sri Lanka and Belgium are both democratic countries yet have a very diverse
social set-up. Both the countries have adopted very different approaches when
it comes to power sharing.
Belgium produced an ideal example of democratic
system. It adopted the policy of accommodation of social and ethnics divisions.
On the other hand, Sri Lanka also adopted democratic system but followed
majoritarian policies.
Under the Belgium model of democracy, power
was shared among two ethnic groups. Sri Lanka favoured the interests of the
majority Sinhala community.
In Belgium, both the groups had equal share in
working of government but in Sri Lanka the minority community was isolated.
To maintain political stability and unity,
equal representation was provided to both the groups. Apart from that,
community government of both the ethnic groups also existed at the local level.
Sri Lanka, however, had no such arrangement.
Belgium constitution was amended four times
before arriving at a final draft to prevent civil strife. In Sri Lanka,
majoritarianism led to civil war for twenty long years.
2014
Very Short Answer
Type Questions [1 Mark]
Question 6
What is the official religion of Sri Lanka?
Answer:
Buddhism is the official religion of Sri Lanka.
Question 7.
After independence, Sri Lanka witnessed the supremacy of which community?
Answer:
Sri Lanka witnessed the supremacy of Sinhala community after independence.
Short Answer Type
Question [3 Marks]
Question.8
Explain the three ways by which Belgium has accommodated the existing regional
differences and cultural diversities.
Answer:
When the Belgian leaders recognized the existence of regional differences and
cultural diversities, they amended their constitution four times in order to
accommodate these differences.
The following are the ways in which Belgium has accommodated the existing
regional differences and cultural diversities.
Equal number of ministers: The
Government of Belgium has equal number of Dutch- and French-speaking ministers.
This has been done to give equal power to the majority and the minority
language speaking groups.
Setting up of Community Government: A third
kind of government, named the community government, is introduced in addition
to the Central and the State Government. This government has the power
regarding cultural, educational and lingual issues. This government comprises
members from all the three communities—Dutch-speaking, French-speaking and
German-speaking.
Fair share of power: Many
powers of the Central government have been given to the state governments of
the two regions of the country. The state governments are not subordinate to
the Central government but are independent.
Equal representation: In the
State Government of Brussels—the capital city—both the French- and
Dutch-speaking communities have equal representation.
2012
Short Answer Type
Questions [3 Marks]
Question 9.
Sharing of powers makes a country more powerful and united. Do you agree with
the statement? Why?
Answer:
Yes, I agree with the statement. Power sharing makes a country more united.
Power sharing helps to reduce the possibility of
conflict between social groups.
It is a good way to ensure the stability of
political order as social conflict often leads to violence and political
instability.
Power sharing is the very spirit of
democracy. The concept of democracy is a system of government of the people, by
the people and for the people, which emphasizes on distribution of power among
people.
It involves sharing powers with those
affected by its exercise and who have to live with its effects, so that the
people would be consulted on how they are to be governed.
Question 10.
Highlight the measures adopted by the Belgium Constitution for the prevention
of conflicts in Belgium.
Or, Explain with examples the accommodative
experience of Belgium for peace and harmony.
Answer:
When the Belgian leaders recognized the existence of regional differences and
cultural diversities, they amended their constitution four times in order to
accommodate these differences.
The following are the ways in which Belgium has accommodated the existing
regional differences and cultural diversities.
Equal number of ministers: The
Government of Belgium has equal number of Dutch- and French-speaking ministers.
This has been done to give equal power to the majority and the minority
language speaking groups.
Setting up of Community Government: A third
kind of government, named the community government, is introduced in addition
to the Central and the State Government. This government has the power
regarding cultural, educational and lingual issues. This government comprises
members from all the three communities—Dutch-speaking, French-speaking and
German-speaking.
Fair share of power: Many
powers of the Central government have been given to the state governments of
the two regions of the country. The state governments are not subordinate to
the Central government but are independent.
Equal representation: In the
State Government of Brussels—the capital city—both the French- and
Dutch-speaking communities have equal representation.
Question 11.
Describe any three provisions of the act which was passed in Sri Lanka in 1956
to establish Sinhala supremacy.
Answer:
The following are the majoritarian measures adopted by the Sri Lankan
government to establish Sinhala supremacy.
In the year 1956, an act was passed, which
established Sinhala as the official language to be used in Sri Lanka
disregarding the minority group of Tamils. The passing of this act created a
feeling of alienation among the minority group, i.e. Sri Lankan Tamils and they
started to feel left-out from the society.
The government then started adopting and
formulating government policies that favoured the Sinhala people in government
jobs and for university positions, which made the Sri Lankan Tamils feel
ousted.
The Sri Lankan Government further proclaimed
that they shall foster and protect only Buddhism as their Sate religion and
refused to cater to any other religion disregarding the religion of Sri Lankan
Tamils.
2011
Short Answer Type
Question [3 Marks]
Question 12.
How have Belgium and Sri Lanka dealt with the question of power sharing
differently?
Answer:
Sri Lanka and Belgium are both democratic countries yet have a very diverse
social set-up. Both the countries have adopted very different approaches when
it comes to power sharing.
Belgium produced an ideal example of democratic
system. It adopted the policy of accommodation of social and ethnics divisions.
On the other hand, Sri Lanka also adopted democratic system but followed
majoritarian policies.
Under the Belgium model of democracy, power was
shared among two ethnic groups. Sri Lanka favoured the interests of the
majority Sinhala community.
In Belgium, both the groups had equal share in
working of government but in Sri Lanka the minority community was isolated.
To maintain political stability and unity,
equal representation was provided to both the groups. Apart from that,
community government of both the ethnic groups also existed at the local level.
Sri Lanka, however, had no such arrangement.
Belgium constitution was amended four times
before arriving at a final draft to prevent civil strife. In Sri Lanka,
majoritarianism led to civil war for twenty long years.
Long Answer Type
Question [5 Marks]
Question 13.
Explain two reasons as to why power sharing is desirable.
Answer:
There are many reason as to why power sharing is important in a democracy.
The following are the two main sets in which the reasons can be broadly
divided.
Prudential reason:
Power sharing helps to reduce the possibility of
conflict between social
groups.
It is a good way to ensure the stability of
political order as social conflict often leads to violence and political
stability.
Moral Reason:
Power sharing is the very spirit of
democracy. The concept of democracy is a system of government of the people, by
the people and for the people, which emphasizes on distribution of power among
people.
It involves sharing powers with those
affected by its exercise and who have to live its effects, so that the people
would be consulted on how they are to be governed.
2010
Short Answer Type
Question [3 Marks]
Question 14.
Explain how Belgium was able to solve her ethnic problems.
Answer:
When the Belgian leaders recognized the existence of regional differences and
cultural diversities, they amended their constitution four times in order to
accommodate these differences.
The following are the ways in which Belgium has accommodated the existing
regional differences and cultural diversities.
Equal number of ministers: The Government
of Belgium has equal number of Dutch- and French-speaking ministers. This has
been done to give equal power to the majority and the minority language
speaking groups.
Setting up of Community Government: A third
kind of government, named the community government, is introduced in addition
to the Central and the State Government. This government has the power
regarding cultural, educational and lingual issues. This government comprises
members from all the three communities—Dutch-speaking, French-speaking and
German-speaking.
Fair share of power: Many
powers of the Central government have been given to the state governments of
the two regions of the country. The state governments are not subordinate to
the Central government but are independent.
Equal representation: In the
State Government of Brussels—the capital city—both the French- and
Dutch-speaking communities have equal representation.
2009
Short Answer Type
Question [3 Marks]
Question 15.
Explain how power is shared among between different organs of government.
Answer:
In democracy, power is shared among different organs of government, i.e.
legislature, executive and judiciary through the horizontal distribution of
power. It is so because it allows different organs of government to be placed
at the same level to exercise different powers. In horizontal division,
different organs exercise their power based on the concept of separation of
powers such as legislature makes laws, executive enforces these laws and
judiciary interprets these laws. This results in balance of power among
different organs of government. No organ can exercise unlimited power as each
organ checks the other. Hence, in horizontal division the concept of checks and
balance is followed.
The power is shared between different organs of the government in horizontal
form of power sharing.
Long Answer Type
Question [5 Marks]
Question 16.
What is majoritarianism? How has it increased the feelings of alienation among
Sri Lankan Tamils? Explain with examples.
Answer:
Majoritarianism is a concept which signifies a belief that the majority
community should be able to rule a country in whichever way it wants. In this
type of rule, the majority community disregards the wishes and needs of the
minority community.
The majoritarian concept has increased the strong feelings of alienation among
Sri Lankan Tamils after a series of majoritarian measures adopted by the
democratically-elected government in Sri Lanka after its independence in 1948
to establish Sinhala Supremacy.
In 1956, an act was passed to recognise
Sinhala as the only official language, thus disregarding Tamil.
The Government followed preferential policies
that favoured Sinhala applicants for university positions and government jobs.
A new constitution advocated that the state
shall protect and foster Buddhism.
Question 17.
Describe the demands of Sri Lankan Tamils. How did they struggle for their
demands?
Answer:
The following were the demands of Sri Lankan Tamils.
Recognition of Tamil language and that Tamil should
be given equal status with that of the Sinhala language and should be added as
an official language.
There should be no discrimination between the Sri
Lankan Tamils and Sinhala residents of Sri Lanka in government jobs and
university posts.
Their religion should be equally respected
with that of Buddhism and they should be given equal political rights.
They struggled for their demands in the following
ways.
By 1980, several political organizations were
formed demanding an independent Tamil state.
Sri Lankan Tamils launched struggles for the
fulfillment of their rights.
As a result, a civil war was proclaimed and
thousands of people were killed when their legitimate demands were denied by
the Sri Lankan government.
***************
