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The document discusses the concept of power-sharing in democracies, highlighting its importance in preventing conflict and ensuring representation among diverse communities. It contrasts the situations in Belgium and Sri Lanka, illustrating how Belgium's power-sharing model has maintained unity while Sri Lanka's majoritarian policies led to ethnic tensions and civil war. The document outlines various forms of power-sharing, including horizontal and vertical distribution of power, as well as representation among social groups and political parties.
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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
8 views6 pagesPower Sharing Notes
The document discusses the concept of power-sharing in democracies, highlighting its importance in preventing conflict and ensuring representation among diverse communities. It contrasts the situations in Belgium and Sri Lanka, illustrating how Belgium's power-sharing model has maintained unity while Sri Lanka's majoritarian policies led to ethnic tensions and civil war. The document outlines various forms of power-sharing, including horizontal and vertical distribution of power, as well as representation among social groups and political parties.
Uploaded by
sureshrainw80Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
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Power-Sharing
Brainza AI
Introduction (Overview)
● Democracy works on the principle of sharing power.
● Power should not remain with one organ or group only.
● Legislature, Executive and Judiciary share powers.
Belgium
● Belgium is a small country in Europe.
● It shares borders with France, Netherlands, Germany and Luxembourg.
● Its capital city is Brussels.
● The country has a diverse population.
Ethnic Composition
● 59% people live in Flemish region and speak Dutch.
● 40% people live in Wallonia region and speak French.
● 1% people speak German.
● In Brussels, 80% people speak French.
● In Brussels, 20% people speak Dutch.
● French-speaking people were richer and more powerful.
Problem
● Dutch-speaking people felt discriminated against.
● Tensions increased between Dutch and French communities.
● Brussels became the centre of conflict.
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● Majority and minority communities feared domination.
● The country faced the danger of division and conflict.
Sri Lanka
● Sri Lanka is an island nation near Tamil Nadu.
● It has a population of about two crore people.
● Sri Lanka also has a diverse society.
Ethnic Composition
● 74% people are Sinhala-speakers.
● 18% people are Tamil-speakers.
● Sri Lankan Tamils form 13% of the population.
● Indian Tamils were brought during the colonial period.
● Most Sinhala people are Buddhists.
● Most Tamils are Hindus or Muslims.
● About 7% people are Christians.
Problem
● Sinhala community had a large majority.
● Majority could impose its decisions on minorities.
● Tamils feared discrimination and unequal treatment.
● Ethnic conflict increased in the country.
● Lack of proper power-sharing created tensions.
🔹 Majoritarianism in Sri Lanka
● Sri Lanka became independent in 1948.
● Sinhala leaders wanted dominance because they were in majority.
● Government adopted majoritarian policies to establish Sinhala supremacy.
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Measures taken by the Government
● Sinhala was declared the only official language in 1956.
● Preference was given to Sinhala people in jobs and education.
● Buddhism was given special protection by the Constitution.
Impact on Tamils
➔ Sri Lankan Tamils felt alienated and discriminated against.
They demanded:
➔ Tamil as official language
➔ Regional autonomy
➔ Equal opportunities
Result
➔ Relations between Sinhalas and Tamils became tense.
➔ Demand for independent Tamil Eelam increased.
➔ Conflict turned into a civil war which ended in 2009.
🔹 Accommodation in Belgium
● Belgium’s leaders accepted regional and cultural diversity.
● Between 1970–1993, the Constitution was amended four times.
Belgian Model
● Equal number of Dutch and French ministers in central government.
● State governments were given many powers.
● Brussels had a separate government with equal representation.
● Community government handled language, culture and education issues.
Result
➔ Belgium avoided conflict and maintained unity.
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➔ Power sharing helped different communities live peacefully.
🔹 Why Power Sharing is Desirable?
1. Prudential Reason
● Power sharing reduces social conflict.
● It ensures political stability.
● It prevents violence and instability.
2. Moral Reason
● Power sharing is the spirit of democracy.
● People have the right to participate in governance.
● A democratic government must involve all groups.
Forms of Power Sharing
Introduction
● Power-sharing opposes the idea of concentrated power.
● Democracy believes people are the source of all political power.
● Power should be distributed among many citizens and institutions.
● Power-sharing respects different groups and opinions in society.
● It prevents misuse of power and strengthens democracy.
1. Horizontal Distribution of Power
Meaning
● Power is shared among different organs of government.
● Legislature, Executive and Judiciary share powers.
● All organs work at the same level.
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Features
● Each organ checks the others.
● No organ can use unlimited power.
● This system is called checks and balances.
Example
● Judiciary checks laws made by legislature and executive.
2. Vertical Distribution of Power
Meaning
● Power is shared among different levels of government.
● Central, State and Local governments share powers.
Features
● Constitution clearly divides powers.
● This system is called federal division of power.
● Local governments include municipality and panchayat.
Example
● India has Union Government, State Governments and Local Bodies.
3. Power Sharing Among Social Groups
Meaning
● Power is shared among religious, linguistic and social groups.
Features
● Minority communities get fair representation.
● Reservation gives representation to weaker sections and women.
● It reduces social conflicts and alienation.
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Example
● Community government in Belgium.
● Reservation system in India.
4. Power Sharing Among Political Parties and Pressure
Groups
Meaning
● Power is shared among political parties, pressure groups and movements.
Features
● Different political parties compete for power.
● Coalition governments share power among parties.
● Pressure groups influence government decisions.
Example
● Coalition government in India.
● Trade unions and farmers’ groups influence policies.