1. POWER SHARING
Topics in the
Chapter
1. Meaning of
Power Sharing
2. Why is Power
Sharing Desirable?
3. Case Studies
(VERY IMPORTANT)
(A) Belgium – Accommodation Model
(SUCCESS)
(B) Sri Lanka – Majoritarianism
(FAILURE)
4. Forms of Power
Sharing
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1. Meaning of
Power Sharing
Power sharing
means sharing of power among different organs, levels, and groups of
society so that no single group dominates.
👉 It is the core
principle of democracy.
2. Why is Power
Sharing Desirable?
(1) Prudential
Reasons (Practical)
- Reduces conflict between social groups
- Prevents violence and political instability
- Example: Conflict in Sri Lanka led
to Sri Lankan Civil War
👉 Conclusion: Power
sharing ensures peace and stability
(2) Moral Reasons
(Ethical)
- Democracy means people should have a
share in power
- Citizens are not subjects but
participants
- It respects diversity and equality
👉 Conclusion: Power
sharing is the very spirit of democracy
3. Case Studies
(VERY IMPORTANT)
(A) Belgium –
Accommodation Model (SUCCESS)
Belgium
Social Composition
- 59% Dutch-speaking (Flemish)
- 40% French-speaking
- 1% German-speaking
- In capital Brussels:
- 80% French
- 20% Dutch
Problem
- Tension between Dutch and French communities
- Minority French dominated capital → conflict
Power Sharing
Solution
1.
Equal number of ministers from both
communities
2.
Special laws need support of both
groups
3.
State governments given powers (not
centralised)
4.
Separate government in Brussels with equal
representation
5.
Community government:
o
Controls culture, education, language
Result
- Avoided conflict
- Maintained unity and stability
(B) Sri Lanka –
Majoritarianism (FAILURE)
Social Composition
- 74% Sinhalese (majority)
- 18% Tamil (minority)
Problem
- Sinhalese leaders followed Majoritarianism
Majoritarian
Measures
1.
Sinhala declared only official language (1956)
2.
Preference to Sinhalese in jobs and education
3.
Constitution gave special status to Buddhism
Result
- Tamil dissatisfaction
- Demand for autonomy
- Civil war → Sri Lankan Civil War
Sri Lankan Civil War
The Sri Lankan Civil War
(1983–2009) was a prolonged armed conflict between the government of Sri Lanka
and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). It stemmed from deep ethnic
and political divisions between the Sinhalese majority and Tamil minority and
remains one of South Asia’s deadliest postcolonial wars.
Key facts
- Period: 23 July 1983 – 18 May 2009
- Belligerents: Government of Sri Lanka vs. LTTE (Tamil
Tigers)
- Estimated deaths: 80,000–100,000
- Outcome: Government military victory; end of LTTE
- Main cause: Tamil demand for an independent state (“Tamil Eelam”)
4. Forms of Power
Sharing
(1) Horizontal
Distribution (Among Organs)
- Legislature (law making)
- Executive (law implementation)
- Judiciary (law interpretation)
👉 Called Separation
of Powers
👉 Ensures checks
and balances
(2) Vertical
Distribution (Among Levels)
- Central Government
- State Government
- Local Government
👉 Called Federalism
(3) Power Sharing
Among Social Groups
- Religious and linguistic groups share power
- Example:
- Reservation in India
- Community government in Belgium
(4) Power Sharing
Among Political Parties
- Different parties compete and share power
- Example:
- Coalition government
- Alliance politics
5. Key Concepts
Majoritarianism
- Rule by majority ignoring minority interests
👉 Example: Sri Lanka
Checks and
Balances
- Each organ controls the other
👉 Prevents misuse of power
Ethnic Groups
- Social groups sharing language, culture,
identity
Coalition
Government
- Government formed by multiple political parties
6. Important
Differences
Belgium vs Sri
Lanka
|
Belgium |
Sri Lanka |
|
Followed power sharing |
Followed majoritarianism |
|
Equal
representation |
Majority dominance |
|
Peaceful |
Civil war |
|
Accommodation |
Conflict |
7. Key Outcomes of
Power Sharing
- Reduces social conflict
- Promotes unity in diversity
- Ensures political stability
- Strengthens democracy
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Question 1: Forms of Power Sharing in Modern Democracies
There are four main forms of
power sharing in modern democracies:
- Horizontal Distribution of Power
Power is shared among different organs of government such as the legislature, executive, and judiciary. Each organ has separate functions and checks the others to prevent misuse of power.
Example: Courts can declare laws unconstitutional. - Vertical Distribution of Power
Power is shared among different levels of government—central, state, and local governments. This is called federalism.
Example: In India, powers are divided between Union and State governments. - Power Sharing Among Social Groups
Power is shared among different social groups such as religious, linguistic, and ethnic groups to ensure representation and equality.
Example: Reservation for SCs, STs, and women in India. - Power Sharing Among Political Parties and
Pressure Groups
Different political parties compete for power, and sometimes they form coalitions to govern. Pressure groups also influence decisions.
Example: Coalition governments in India.
Question 2: Prudential and Moral Reasons
Prudential Reason:
Power sharing reduces the chances of conflict between different social groups.
When all groups are included in governance, they feel respected and tensions
decrease.
Example: Reservation policies in India reduce social inequality and
conflict.
Moral Reason:
Power sharing is the very spirit of democracy. It ensures that people have a
right to participate in decision-making.
Example: Panchayati Raj institutions allow people at the grassroots
level to take part in governance.
Question 3: Opinion-Based Answer
I agree with Ouseph’s view
that every society needs some form of power sharing, even if it is small or
does not have social divisions. Power sharing is essential in a democracy
because it prevents the concentration of power in one hand and ensures
participation of people. It also promotes stability, accountability, and
fairness in governance. Without power sharing, democracy cannot function
effectively.
Question 4
The Mayor’s decision to ban
French in schools is not in line with the spirit of Belgium’s power-sharing
arrangements. Belgium’s system is based on respecting linguistic diversity
and ensuring equal representation of different communities. By banning French,
the Mayor is ignoring the rights of French-speaking people. This goes against
the principles of equality, accommodation, and mutual respect that are central
to power sharing.
Page 11
Question 5
One prudential reason
mentioned in the passage is that power sharing reduces corruption and
increases efficiency. When power is given to local bodies like Panchayats,
people directly participate in governance. This ensures transparency and
accountability, as people can monitor how resources are used. As a result,
corruption is reduced and administration becomes more effective.
Question 6
Correct Answer: (a) A, B,
D, F
Explanation:
- A: Reduces conflict ✔
- B: Decreases arbitrariness ✔
- D: Accommodates diversities ✔
- F: Promotes participation ✔
Options C, E, and G are
negative effects, so they are not correct.
Question 7
Correct Answer: (d) B, C
and D
Explanation:
- A is incorrect because Belgium avoided
domination through power sharing.
- B is correct (Sri Lanka promoted Sinhala
dominance).
- C is correct (Tamils demanded autonomy and
rights).
- D is correct (Belgium became federal to avoid
division).
Page 12
Question 8 (Matching)
Correct Answer: (c)
|
List I |
List II |
|
1 → B |
Separation of powers |
|
2 → D |
Federal government |
|
3 → A |
Community government |
|
4 → C |
Coalition government |
Question 9
Correct Answer: (b) Both A
and B are true
Explanation:
Power sharing is good for democracy because it ensures participation and
reduces conflicts among different social groups. It helps maintain stability
and unity in the country.
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