Power Sharing - Long Answer Questions
A belief that the majority community should be able to rule a country in whichever way it wants, by disregarding the wishes and needs of the minority. (e.g., Sinhala rule in Sri Lanka).
59% live in Flemish region and speak Dutch. 40% live in Wallonia and speak French. 1% speak German. In Brussels (capital), 80% are French speaking and 20% Dutch.
Sharing of power between different organs of government, levels of government, and social groups. It is the very spirit of democracy.
In 1956, an Act was passed to recognize Sinhala as the only official language. Sinhala applicants were favoured for jobs. This alienated the Tamils and led to a Civil War.
A third kind of government elected by people belonging to one language community (Dutch, French, German) – no matter where they live. It has power regarding culture, education, and language issues.
It helps to reduce the possibility of conflict between social groups and ensures political stability.
Power sharing is the very spirit of democracy. A democratic rule involves sharing power with those affected by its exercise.
1. Horizontal (Legislature, Executive, Judiciary). 2. Vertical (Union, State, Local). 3. Social Groups (Reservations). 4. Political Parties (Coalitions).
In horizontal distribution, each organ checks the others. This results in a balance of power. (e.g., Judges appointed by Executive but can check Executive/Laws).
To avoid tyranny of the majority, which is widely dangerous for the minority and eventually ruins the majority as well.
It avoided civic strife and division of the country. Brussels became the headquarters of the European Union.
An independent Tamil state demanded by LTTE (Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam) in north and east Sri Lanka.
Descendants of plantation workers who came from India during the colonial period.
Civil war between Christians and Muslims. Resolved by power sharing (President Maronite, PM Sunni, Speaker Shia).
Sharing power between Central and State governments (Vertical).
When two or more parties form an alliance to contest and win elections, they share power.
Yes, it is the fundamental principle.
They amended their constitution 4 times (1970-1993) to work out an arrangement that would enable everyone to live together.
Power is shared among different organs of government placed at the same level.
Power is shared among governments at different levels (Federalism).
Power Sharing - Important Facts
Belgium is a small country in Europe.
Share borders with France, Netherlands, Germany, Luxembourg.
Population of Belgium is 1 crore (Haryana has 2 crore).
Sri Lanka is an island nation.
Sri Lanka pop is 2 crore.
Sinhala speakers: 74%. Tamil speakers: 18%.
Most Sinhalas are Buddhist.
Tamils are Hindu or Muslim.
Civil War in Sri Lanka killed thousands.
Civil War ended in 2009.
Brussels has a separate government.
Power sharing reduces violence.
Tyranny of majority is oppressive.
Khalil's Dilemma (Lebanon story).
Democracy = People's Rule.
India has horizontal and vertical power sharing.
Reserved Constituencies is a form of power sharing.
Interest groups (Traders/Unions) also share power.
Power Sharing - Important Dates/Terms
Sri Lanka Independence
Sinhala Act passed
End of Civil War in Sri Lanka