, Class 10th - Civics
Power Sharing
, Belgium and Sri Lanka
Belgium Sri Lanka
Ethnic composition Accommodation Ethnic composition Majoritarianism
-59% Dutch-speakers, 40% - In center, Dutch and French -(74%)Sinhala-speaking -The 1956 Act: Sinhala
French-speakers, 1% speaking minister will be equal. (practising Buddhism): + recognised as official
German-speakers. - Power to states. 18% Tamil-speaking(Indian language; Tamils were
-French(80%) constituted - Brussels have separate & Sri Lankan) (practising disregarded; Created a
the majority in Brussels government (French and dutch Hinduism and Islam): + feeling of distrust between
and were wealthier than ministers should be equal) Christians (Tamil and the ethnic groups: Call for
the Dutch(20%) -Community government. Sinhala): 7% creation of an independent
Tamil Elam by Tamils, leading
to civil war.
Why power sharing is desirable?
Reduces the chances of conflict, stability in political order,
Prudential Reason
Prevents the domination of majority by the minority
Moral Reason Basic spirit of democracy, Ensures that all citizens are heard and consulted.
, Forms of Power - Sharing Need?
1. Among different organs of government.
Horizontal form of power sharing such as the executive, judiciary and legislature; ensures
that no one organ has unlimited power, create checks and balance.
2. Among government at different levels.
Vertical form of power sharing. Power shared between central, state and local
government bodies; ensures federal division of power.
3. Among different social groups.
Accommodates social diversities and gives representation to historically marginalised communities,
example reservation in India, Community government in Belgium.
4. Among political parties, pressure groups and movements.
Ensures multiplicity of views through multi party systems and pressure group, example:
Coalition government.
Power Sharing
, Belgium and Sri Lanka
Belgium Sri Lanka
Ethnic composition Accommodation Ethnic composition Majoritarianism
-59% Dutch-speakers, 40% - In center, Dutch and French -(74%)Sinhala-speaking -The 1956 Act: Sinhala
French-speakers, 1% speaking minister will be equal. (practising Buddhism): + recognised as official
German-speakers. - Power to states. 18% Tamil-speaking(Indian language; Tamils were
-French(80%) constituted - Brussels have separate & Sri Lankan) (practising disregarded; Created a
the majority in Brussels government (French and dutch Hinduism and Islam): + feeling of distrust between
and were wealthier than ministers should be equal) Christians (Tamil and the ethnic groups: Call for
the Dutch(20%) -Community government. Sinhala): 7% creation of an independent
Tamil Elam by Tamils, leading
to civil war.
Why power sharing is desirable?
Reduces the chances of conflict, stability in political order,
Prudential Reason
Prevents the domination of majority by the minority
Moral Reason Basic spirit of democracy, Ensures that all citizens are heard and consulted.
, Forms of Power - Sharing Need?
1. Among different organs of government.
Horizontal form of power sharing such as the executive, judiciary and legislature; ensures
that no one organ has unlimited power, create checks and balance.
2. Among government at different levels.
Vertical form of power sharing. Power shared between central, state and local
government bodies; ensures federal division of power.
3. Among different social groups.
Accommodates social diversities and gives representation to historically marginalised communities,
example reservation in India, Community government in Belgium.
4. Among political parties, pressure groups and movements.
Ensures multiplicity of views through multi party systems and pressure group, example:
Coalition government.
