Key Concepts
- 1Why is power sharing desirable? Give prudential and moral reasons.
Important Formulas & Facts
Prudential reasons: (1) Reduces conflict between social groups. (2) Ensures political stability. (3) Majority rule without power sharing leads to tyranny — e.g., Sri Lanka's Sinhala-only policy caused civil war. Moral reasons: (1) Power sharing is the spirit of democracy. (2) People have right to be consulted. (3) Legitimate government means one where citizens acquire a stake through participation. (4) All affected groups should have a say. Belgium's power sharing (1970s-93) is a success example — prevented ethnic conflict.
Must-Know Questions
Q1Why is power sharing desirable in a democracy?
Power sharing is desirable for two reasons: Prudential reasons: (1) Reduces conflict between social groups — different communities feel included. (2) Ensures political stability — no single group dominates. (3) Prevents tyranny of the majority. (4) Reduces chances of civil strife (e.g., Sri Lanka's ethnic conflict). Moral reasons: (1) It is the very spirit of democracy — people have the right to be consulted in governance. (2) Legitimate government is one where citizens acquire a stake through participation. (3) It ensures representation of all groups — linguistic, religious, ethnic minorities.
Q2What was the ethnic composition of Belgium?
Belgium has a complex ethnic composition: Dutch-speaking (Flemish) — 59%, French-speaking (Walloons) — 40%, German-speaking — 1%. The capital Brussels has 80% French-speaking population despite being in the Flemish region. This created tensions between the communities.
Q3How is Belgium's power-sharing different from Sri Lanka's approach?
Belgium adopted accommodation: (1) Equal representation in central government for Dutch and French. (2) State governments not subordinate to central. (3) Brussels has separate government with equal representation. (4) Community government for cultural/education matters. Sri Lanka adopted majoritarianism: (1) Sinhala as only official language. (2) Favouritism to Sinhalese in government jobs and university. (3) Buddhism given special status. (4) This led to civil war (1983-2009) with Tamil Tigers. Result: Belgium = peace and unity. Sri Lanka = civil war and division.
Q4What are the different forms of power sharing in modern democracies?
Four forms: (1) Horizontal distribution — among legislature, executive, judiciary (checks and balances). (2) Vertical distribution — between central, state, and local governments (federalism). (3) Among social groups — community government, reserved constituencies for minorities. (4) Among political parties, pressure groups, and movements — competition ensures no single party monopolises power.
Q5What led to the civil war in Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka's majoritarian policies alienated the Tamil minority: Sinhala Only Act (1956) made Sinhala the official language, preferential policies for Sinhalese in education and jobs, state protection for Buddhism. Tamils felt discriminated and demanded equal rights, leading to Tamil militant groups and a civil war (1983-2009).
Practice Power Sharing
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