CLASS 10 POWER SHARING LEVEL 3
Power Sharing
BELGIUM AND SRI LANKA
Very Short Answers:-
1. Which language is mainly spoken in the Flemish region
of Belgium?
Ans. Dutch language
2. Belgium is surrounded by which group of countries?
Ans. Belgium is surrounded by France, the Netherland,
Germany and Luxembourg.
3. What is the language spoken by the people
residing in the Wallonia region of Belgium?
Ans. French language is spoken by the people
residing in the Wallonia region of Belgium.
4. Which community in Belgium was relatively rich and
powerful?
Ans. The minority French-speaking community was
relatively rich and powerful.
5. Which two ethnic groups are in majority in Belgium?
Ans. Dutch and French-speaking ethnic groups are
in majority in Belgium.
6. Which language is spoken by majority of Sri Lankans?
Ans. The Sinhala language
7. Mention the two major social groups in Sri Lanka.
Ans. The major social groups are: the
Sinhala-speakers (74 per cent) and the Tamil-speakers 18 per cent.
Short Answers:-
1. What were the two main causes of resentment in Belgium
in 1960? How was the conflict solved?
Or
“Existence of Dutch and the French speaking people in
Belgium created an ethnic tension.” Elaborate the statement.
Ans. (a) The two main causes of resentment in
Belgium in 1960 were as follows :
(i)The minority French-speaking community was relatively
rich and powerful. This was resented by majority Dutch-speaking community, who
got economic and educational benefit much later.
(ii) In the capital city Brussels, the Dutch-speaking people
constituted minority and was dominated by French-speaking community.
(b) The conflict was solved by recognizing the existence of
regional differences and cultural diversities. Thus, the Belgian leaders took
the path of equal opportunity and representation for every community in
government. There was vertical division of power and community government
formed regarding educational, linguistic and cultural issues.
2. Describe the ethnic composition of Belgium.
Or
Assess ethnic problem in
Belgium.
Or
How is the ethnic composition of Belgium very complex?
Explain.
Or
Assess the reasons for ethnic problem in
Belgium.
Or
Explain the ethnic composition of
Belgium.
Ans. (i) The ethnic composition of this
small country is very complex. The population of this country is of over 10
million people which live in areas of 30,000 sq. km.
(ii) This country is linguistically divided into two
main languages: Dutch and French.
(iii) Its 59 per cent of population live in Flemish
region and speak Dutch language and another 40 per cent Belgians speak French.
Remaining one per cent of the Belgians speak German. In the capital city 80%
people speak French while 20 per cent are Dutch speaking.
MAJORITARIANISM IN SRI LANKA
Very Short Answers:-
1. After independence, Sri Lanka witnessed the supremacy
of which community?
Ans. Sinhala community
2. Name the major religion of Sri Lanka.
Ans. The major religion of Sri Lanka is
Buddhism.
3. Which country has adopted Buddhism as its official
religion?
Ans. Sri Lanka has adopted Buddhism as its
official religion.
4. What is majoritarianism?
Or
What is meant by majoritarianism?
Ans. Majoritarianism is 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.
5. Identify the South-Asian country where majoritarianism
is in practice.
Ans. Sri Lanka
6. How was majoritarianism practiced in Sri Lanka?
Ans. In 1956, an Act was passed to
recognize Sinhala as the only official language and government followed
preferential policies that favoured Sinhala applicants for university positions
and government jobs.
7. How and when was Sinhala recognized as the official
language of Sri Lanka?
Ans. By passing an act in 1956, Sinhala was
recognized as the official language of Sri Lanka.
8. Which cook munity in Sri Lanka enjoys
majority?
Ans. The Shalala community
9. What is meant by ‘Tamil Elam’?
Ans. By 1980s several Tamil political
organizations were formed in Sri Lanka demanding an independent Tamil Elam
(state) in northern and eastern parts of Sri Lanka.
10. How many years after India’s independence did Sri
Lanka emerge as an independent country ?
Ans. Sri Lanka emerged as an independent country
in 1948, one year after the India’s Independence.
Short Answers:-
1. Describe any three majoritarian measures adopted by
the democratically elected Sri Lankan government to establish Sinhala
supremacy. Explain how these measures were against the values of democracy.
Or
Do you think that the steps taken by Sri Lankan Government
to establish the supremacy of Sinhala’s will be long lasting? Give your view point.
Or
Criticize the majoritarian measures adopted by the Lankan
Government to establish Sinhala supremacy.
Or
Describe any three majoritarian measures taken by the Sri
Lankan Government to establish Sinhala
supremacy.
Ans. (a) The following majoritarian measures
were adopted by the Sri Lankan Government to establish Sinhala supremacy:
(i) In 1956, an Act was passed to recognize Sinhala as the
only official language.
(ii) The government followed preferential policies that favoured
Sinhala applicants for university positions and government jobs.
(iii) A new constitution stipulated that the state shall
protect and foster Buddhism.
(b) The above measures were against the values of
democracy in the following ways:
(i) The government measures, coming one after the other,
gradually increased the feeling of alienation among the Sri Lankan Tamils.
(ii) They felt that the constitution and government policies
denied them equal political rights discriminated against them in getting jobs
and other opportunities and ignored their interests.
(iii) As a result, the relations between the Sinhala and
Tamil communities strained over time.
(iv) The distrust between the two communities turned into
widespread conflict. It soon turned into a civil war.
2. Write three provisions of the Act passed in Sri Lanka
in 1956. What were the consequences of Civil War in Sri Lanka?
Or
Explain the consequences of the ‘Majoritarian’ policies
adopted by the Sri Lanka Government.
Or
Evaluate the steps taken by Sri Lankan Government,
which turned out to be the milestones of majoritarianism in Sri
Lanka.
Ans.
(i) As a result, thousands of people of both the communities
have been killed. Many families were forced to leave the country as refugees
and many more lost their livelihoods.
(ii) By 1980s several Tamil political organizations were
formed demanding an independent Tamil Elam (State) in northern and eastern
parts of Sri Lanka.
(iii) The distrust between the two communities turned into
widespread conflict.
(iv) The Civil War has caused a terrible setback to the
social, cultural and economic life of the country.
3. What were the reasons for the alienation of Sri Lankan
Tamils? What was the effect of this on the country?
Or
Highlight the reasons for the increase in the
feeling of alienation among the Sri Lankan Tamils after
independence.
Or
Why do the Sri Lankan Tamils feel alienated in spite of
their long stay in Sri Lanka?
Ans. Following were the reasons that made Sri
Lankan Tamils to feel alienated:
(i) Immediately after its independence Sri Lankan
government adopted majoritarian policies which established the dominance of
Sinhala’s over all other ethnic groups in the country.
(ii) By the 1956 Act, Sinhala was made the only official
language disregarding Tamil.
(iii) For university positions and government jobs, Sinhala
applicants were preferred.
(iv) The Constitution stipulated that the State shall
protect and foster Buddhism.
(v) These measures gradually increased the feeling of
alienation among the Sri Lankan Tamils. This feeling led to strained relations
between Sinhala and Tamil that later led to a prolonged Civil War in the
country.
4. Explain three measures taken by Sri Lanka, according
to an Act passed in 1956.
Or
Write three provisions of the Act passed in Sri Lanka in 1956.
Or
Describe any three provisions of the Act which were
passed in Sri Lanka in 1956 to establish Sinhala
supremacy.
Or
Explain the three measures taken by Sri Lanka, as per the
Act passed in 1956.
Or
Elaborate three features in an Act passed by Sri
Lankan Government in 1956.
Ans.
(i) The Act was passed to recognize Sinhala as the only
official language, thus, disregarding the Tamils.
(ii) The government followed preferential policies that
favored Sinhala applicants for university position and government jobs.
(iii) The new Constitution stipulated that the State shall
protect and foster Buddhism.
5. Mention any three demands of Sri Lankan Tamils?
Or
How can the ethnic problems be resolved in Sri Lanka?
Suggest any three measures.
Or
Which three demands of the Sri Lankan Tamils accepted and
met with, can settle the ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka for good? Explain.
Ans. Demands of Sri Lankan Tamils were as
follows:
(i)The Constitution and government policies should not deny
them equal political rights.
(ii) Tamils should not be discriminated against them in
getting jobs and other opportunities and ignored their interests.
(iii) Tamils should also be an official language.
(iv) They should have regional autonomy and equality of
opportunity in securing education and jobs.
(v) The trust between the two communities should be restored.
6. What is majoritarianism? How has it been adopted in
Sri Lanka?
Or
What is majoritarianism? How has it increased the feeling
of alienation among the Sri Lankan Tamils?
Explain.
Ans.
(a) Majoritarianism is 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.
(b)It has been adopted in Sri Lanka in the following ways :
(i) By passing an Act in 1956, which recognizes Sinhala as
the only official language and further Buddhism as a State religion to be
protected and fostered and, thus disregarding language and culture of minority
Tamils.
(ii) The government adopted preferential policies that
favored majority Sinhala’s over minority Tamils in government jobs and
university positions, thus discrimination of Tamils.
ACCOMMODATION IN BELGIUM
Very Short Answers:-
1. The community government in Belgium is a good example
of which form of power sharing?
Ans. Power sharing among different social
groups.
2. Which type of policy was constitutionally adopted by
the government of Belgium to honor the diversities?
Ans. The policy of community government was
constitutionally adopted by the government of Belgium to honour the
diversities.
3. What is a ‘Community Government’?
Ans. Community Government is elected by
people belonging to one language community—Dutch, French and German-speaking,
there is no matter where they live.
4. Why was the Constitution of Belgium amended four times
between 1970 and 1993?
Ans. The Constitution of Belgium was amended
four times between 1970 and 1993 to work out an arrangement that would enable
everyone to live together within the same country
5. Which is the third unique type of government practiced
in Belgium?
Ans. Community Government
6. In which city is the Headquarters of the European
Union located?
Ans. Brussels
7. Which type of powers does the community government of
Belgium enjoy?
Ans. ‘Community government’, is elected by
people belonging to one language community — Dutch, French and German-speaking,
and has the power regarding cultural, educational and language-related issues.
Short Answers:-
1. Why power sharing is desirable? Explain
giving any three prudential reasons.
Ans. The power sharing is desirable because of
the following prudential reasons which emphasize on its better outcomes:
(i) Power sharing helps to reduce the possibility of
conflict between social groups. Since social conflict often leads to violence
and political instability, it is a good way to ensure the stability of
political order.
(ii) Its absence results into imposition of will by
majority community. In the short run, it appears attractive. But in the long run,
it undermines the unity of a nation.
(iii) The domination of majority is not only
oppressive for minority but also ruins majority.
2. ”Both Belgium and Sri Lanka are democracies but they
follow different systems of power-sharing”. Support the statement by giving
three points of difference.
Or
In which three ways is the political system in Belgium
different and innovative from other countries?
Explain.
Or
Compare the different ways in which the Belgians and the
Sri Lankans have dealt with the problem of cultural diversity.
Ans. Difference in power sharing of
Belgium and Sri Lanka:
(i) In Belgium, the government does not follow preferential
policies in matters of jobs and education while in Sri Lanka the government
follows preferential policies in matters of government jobs and education.
(ii) In Belgium, there is a special government called
‘community government’ to look after the cultural, educational and language
related issues whereas in Sri Lanka the major political parties are not
sensitive to the language and culture of the Tamils.
(iii) In Belgium, there is no discrimination between
different religions but in Sri Lanka Buddhism is the official religion.
Long Answers:-
1. Describe the tension that existed between the Dutch
and the French speaking people
in Belgium.
Or
Explain the causes of tension that existed between Dutch
and French speaking people
in Belgium.
Ans. (i) Of the country’s total population, 59
per cent live in the Flemish region and speak Dutch language. Another 40 per
cent people live in the Wallonia region and speak French.
(ii) Constitution prescribes that the number of Dutch
and French-speaking ministers shall be equal in the central government. Some
special laws require the support of majority of members from each linguistic
group. No single community can make decisions unilaterally.
(iii) The minority French-speaking community was relatively
rich and powerful. This was resented by the Dutch-speaking community who got
the benefit of economic development and education much later.
(iv) This led to tensions between the Dutch-speaking
and French-speaking communities during the 1950s and 1960s.
(v) The tension between the two communities was more acute
in Brussels. Brussels presented a special problem: the Dutch-speaking people
constituted a majority in the country, but a minority in the capital. In the
capital city Brussels, 80 per cent people speak French while 20 per cent are
Dutch speaking.
2. Why was Brussels chosen as the headquarters during the
formation of European Union?
Ans. (i) The Ethnic composition of this small
country is very complex. Of the country’s total population, 59 per cent live in
the Flemish region and speak Dutch language. Another 40 per cent people live in
the Wallonia region and speak French. Remaining one per cent of the Belgians
speak German.
(ii) In the capital city Brussels, 80 per cent people speak
French while 20 per cent are, Dutch speaking.
(iii) The minority French-speaking community was relatively
rich and powerful. This was resented by the Dutch-speaking community who got
the benefit of economic development and education much later.
(iv) Brussels has a separate government in which both the
communities have equal representation. The French speaking people accepted
equal representation in Brussels because the Dutch-speaking community has
accepted equal representation in the Central Government.
(v) This helped to avoid civic strife between the two major communities
and a possible division of the country on linguistic lines. That was why, when
many countries of Europe came together to form the European Union, Brussels was
chosen as its headquarters.
3. Why did Belgians amend their Constitution four times?
Explain.
Ans. (i) Between 1970 and 1993, they amended
their constitution four times so as to or out an arrangement that would enable
everyone to live together within the same country. The arrangement they worked
out is different from any other country and is very innovative.
(ii) The minority French-speaking community was
relatively rich and powerful. This was resented by the Dutch-speaking community
who got the benefit of economic development and education much later
diversities.
(iii) The leaders of Belgium recognized the existence
of regional differences and cult
(iv) Constitution prescribes that the number of Dutch and
French-speaking ministers shall be equal in the Central Government.
(v) Some powers of the Central Government have been given to
State governments of the two regions of the country. The State governments are
not subordinate to the Central Government. Brussels has a separate government
in which both the communities have equal representation.
4. How did Belgium Examine. Accommodated the regional
differences and cultural Diversities?
Or
Which three basic elements of Belgium model of
power sharing make it innovative?
Or
What positive things do you see in the
accommodation made in Belgium? Explain.
Or
How do elements of Belgium model of power sharing make it
unique and innovative? Explain.
Or
Illustrate three elements of Belgian model of
accommodation.
Or
Explain the three ways by which Belgium has accommodated
the existing regional differences and cultural
diversities.
Ans. Following are the three
elements of the Belgian model of power sharing:
(i) The central government consisted of equal number
of representatives from Dutch and French-speaking people.
(ii) Many powers of the central government have been
given to state governments of the two regions of the country. The state
governments are not subordinate to the central government.
(iii) Apart from the Central and State Governments, there is
a third kind of government. This ‘community government’ is elected by the people
belonging to one language community —Dutch, French and German-speaking—no matter
where they live. This government has the power regarding cultural, educational
and language related issues.
5. Highlight any three measures adopted by the Belgian
Government to accommodate regional and cultural diversities.
Or
How has Belgium succeeded to overcome its ethnic
problems? Explain with examples.
Or
Which type of policy was constitutionally adopted by the
Government of Belgium to honor the
diversities?
Ans. The Belgian leaders amended their
Constitution four times and worked out an innovative arrangement as follows:
(i) The number of Dutch and French speaking ministers
shall be equal in the central government. No single community can take decisions
unilaterally.
(ii) The state governments are not subordinate to the
Central Government as many powers of the Central Government have been given to
State governments.
(iii) Brussels has a separate government in which both the
communities have equal representation.
(iv) Apart from the Central and State Government,
there is a third kind of government called the ‘community government’ elected
by people belonging to one language community
(v) This government has the power regarding cultural,
educational and language, related issues.
FORMS OF POWER SHARING
Very Short Answers:-
1. What does the system of checks and balances’ ensure in
power sharing?
Ans. The system of checks and balances ensures
that none of the organs can exercise unlimited power.
2. Give one example to explain horizontal distribution of
power in the Indian context.
Ans. In India, Judges are appointed by the
executive. They can check the functioning of executive and laws made by the
legislature.
3. What is vertical distribution of power?
Ans. When power is shared among
governments at different levels by division of power involving higher and lower
levels of government, it is called as vertical division/distribution of power.
4. Explain one difference between horizontal and vertical
power sharing.
Ans. In horizontal power sharing, power is
shared among different organs of government whereas in vertical power sharing,
power is shared among governments at different levels.
5. What is horizontal power sharing?
Ans. When power is shared among different organs
of government, such as legislature, executive and judiciary, placed at the same
level and they exercise different powers, it is called as horizontal power
sharing.
6. At which level of government in India, 1/3rd of seats
are reserved for women?
Ans. In India, government at the local level,
such as the municipality and panchayat, 1/3rd of seats are reserved for women.
7. What is meant by the system of ‘checks and
balances’?
Ans. The system of checks and balances is
the arrangement of power sharing among different organs of government, such as
the legislature, executive and judiciary, in such a way that none of the organs
can exercise unlimited power and each organ checks the others.
8. Why is power sharing desirable?
Ans. Power sharing is desirable to give due
respect to diverse groups and views that exist in a society.
9. Mention any one characteristic of power sharing.
Ans. Power sharing helps to reduce the
possibility of conflict between social groups which leads to violence and
political instability; power sharing is a good way to ensure the stability of
political order.
10. What is the prudential reason behind power sharing?
Or
Give one prudential reason behind power sharing.
Ans. It helps to reduce the possibility of
conflict between social groups and is a good way to ensure the stability of
political order.
Long Answers:-
1. Describe with example the way in which power can be
shared among different social and linguistic groups.
Ans. (a) Power may also be shared among
different social groups, such as the religious and linguistic groups. It helps
to reduce the possibility of conflict between social groups. Since social
conflict often leads to violence and political instability, power sharing is a
good way to ensure the stability of political order.
(b)(i) In India, there are constitutional and legal
arrangements whereby socially weaker sections and women are represented in the
legislatures and administration — the system of ‘reserved constituencies’ in
assemblies and the parliament of our country.
(ii) This type of arrangement is meant to give space in the
government and administration to diverse social groups who otherwise would feel
alienated from the government.
(iii) This method is used to give minority communities a
fair share in power.
(iv) ‘Community government’ in Belgium is a good
example of this arrangement. ‘Community government’ is elected by people
belonging to one language community — Dutch, French and German-speaking — no
matter where they live and has the power regarding cultural, educational and
language-related issues.
2. Do you agree with the statement that power sharing is
keeping with the spirit of democracy? Give reasons.
Or
How far do you agree with the statement that power
sharing is keeping with the ‘spirit of democracy’?
Ans. (i) The idea of power sharing has
emerged in opposition to the notions of undivided political power. It was felt
that if the power to decide is dispersed, it would not be possible to *take quick
decisions and to enforce them.
(ii) Power sharing is the very spirit of democracy. One
basic principle of democracy is that people are the source of all political
power. In a democracy, people rule themselves through institutions of
self-governance and due respect is given to diverse groups and views that exist
in a society.
(iii) A democratic rule involves sharing power with
those affected by its exercise, and who have to live with its effects.
(iv) People have a right to be consulted on how they
are to be governed.
(v) A legitimate government is one where citizens, through
participation, acquires a stake in the system.
(vi) Everyone has a voice in the shaping of public policies.
Therefore, it follows that in a democracy political power should be distributed
among as many citizens as possible.
3. What are the different forms of power sharing in
modern democracies?
Or
Explain any three forms of power sharing among different
organs of government in India.
Or
How is power shared in modern democracies? Explain.
Or
Explain three form of power sharing in India. State
any two benefits of power sharing.
Or
In what way the political power is shared among different
organs of the Government? Explain.
Or
Describe any three forms of power sharing in modern
democracies with examples.
Ans. Following are the major forms of power
sharing in the modern democracies:
(i) Among different organs of government: The
different organs of government like legislature, executive and judiciary have
power and they mutually exercise control over each other.
(ii) Among governments at different levels: Power
is divided between Union and State governments and further between the local
bodies.
(iii) Among different local bodies: Different
religions, linguistic, tribal and minority groups share powers in different
degrees. This may be democratic as in Belgium or constitutional as in India.
(iv) By political parties, pressure groups and
social movements: In the coalition government, small political parties
are more important and powerful. Secondly, in the form of pressure group, the
traders, farmers, industrialists and workers’ association exercise power on
government.
4. Tower sharing is the very spirit of democracy.” Justify
this statement with five suitable points.
Or
‘Sharing of powers makes a country more powerful
and united’. Justify the statement.
Ans. (i) Power sharing helps to reduce the
possibility of conflict between social groups.
(ii) Since social conflict often leads to violence and political
instability, power sharing is a good way to ensure the stability of political
order.
(iii) Power sharing is the very spirit of democracy. A
democratic rule involves sharing power with those affected by its exercise, and
who have to live with its effects. People have a right to be consulted on how
they are to be governed.
(iv) A legitimate government is one where citizens,
through participation, acquire a stake in the system. While prudential reasons
stress that power sharing will bring out better outcomes, moral reasons
emphasize the very act of power sharing as valuable.
(v) in a good democratic government, due respect is
given to diverse groups and views that exist in a society. Everyone has a voice
in the shaping of public policies.
5. Why is power sharing desirable? Explain moral reasons
in this regard.
Ans. (i) Power sharing is good because it helps to
reduce the possibility of conflict between social groups. Since social conflict
often leads to violence and political instability, power sharing is a good way
to ensure the stability of political order.
(ii)Power sharing is the very spirit of democracy. A
democratic rule involves sharing power with those affected by its exercise, and
who have to live with its effects. People have a right to be consulted on how
they are to be governed.
(iii) In a good democratic government, due respect is given
to diverse groups and views that exist in a society. Everyone has a voice in
the shaping of public policies.
Moral reasons :
(i) It is the very spirit of democracy.
(ii) It generates confidence among different sections of the
society.
(iii) It is based on the principle of equality.
(iv) It strengthens the bonds between the people and helps
in keeping the nation integrated.
(v) It respects people’s right to equal opportunity.
Short Answers:-
1. What is meant by horizontal distribution of power?
Explain any two merits of this form of power sharing.
Or
Explain the horizontal distribution of power and any
three merits of this form of power
sharing.
Or
What is horizontal distribution of power? Explain
any two advantages of this form of power sharing.
Ans. (a) When power is shared among
different organs of government, such as legislature, executive and judiciary,
placed at the same level and exercise different powers, it is called as
horizontal distribution of power.
(b)(i) This type of distribution of power ensures that none
of the organs exercises unlimited power.
(ii) Each organ checks the other hence; this is called a
system of checks and balances.
(iii) This system develops a balance of power among various
institutions.
2. Explain the vertical division of power by giving
examples from India.
Ans. (a) When power is shared among
governments at different levels by division of Power involving higher and lower
levels of government, it is called as vertical division of power.
(b)(i) In India, this is done by a general government for
the entire country, which is called as Union or Central Government and
governments at provincial or regional level, which are called as State
Governments.
(ii) The Indian Constitution has clearly laid down the
provisions for distribution of power. This division of power is further
extended to levels of government lower than state governments, such as
municipality and panchayats.
3. How is power shared among different organs of the
Government? Explain.
Ans. (i) Power is shared among different organs
of government such as legislature, executive and judiciary.
(ii) It is horizontal distribution of power because it
allows different organs of government placed at same level to exercise
different powers. This separation of power ensures that none’ of the organs can
exercise unlimited power.
(iii) It is also called as system of checks and balances
because each organ checks others. This results into a balance of power among
various institutions. For example, ministers and government officials are
responsible to Parliament. Similarly, judges who are appointed by executives,
can check the functioning of executives through legislature.
4. Horizontal distribution of power is often referred to
as a system of ‘checks and balances’. Justify.
Ans. Under horizontal distribution of power,
power is shared among different organs of the government such as legislature,
executive and judiciary. This system is also called system of ‘checks and
balances’
Reasons:
(i) All three organs of the government are placed at the
same level.
(ii) The power distribution ensures that no organ enjoys
unlimited powers.
(iii) Each organ exercises a check on the others. Thus, this
results in a balance of power.
5. Compare the horizontal and vertical power sharing in
modem democracies.
Or
Differentiate horizontal and vertical power sharing in
modern democracies.
Ans. In modern democracies, power sharing
arrangements can take many forms. The most important are:
(i) Horizontal power sharing: When power is
shared among different organs of government, such as legislature, executive and
judiciary, placed at same level and exercise different powers, is called as
horizontal power sharing. It is also called as system of checks and balances
because each organ checks others, to balance power.
(ii) Vertical power sharing: When power is
shared among governments at different levels, it is called as vertical power
sharing because of division of power from higher to lower level. In India, it
is Central or Union Government at the country level and State Governments at
provincial levels.
(iii) Power sharing: may also be among different
social groups through constitutional and legal arrangements for representation
of socially weaker sections and women in legislatures and administration.
6. ‘Attempts at forced integration often sow the seeds of
disintegration’. Explain
Ans. (i) The one factor crucial in
deciding the outcome of politics of social divisions depends on how the
government reacts to demands of different groups.
(ii) Sometimes social differences can take the form of
unacceptable level of social inequality “‘injustice. The struggle against such
inequalities sometimes takes the path of violence and defiance of state power
(iii) If the rulers are willing to share power and
accommodate the reasonable demands of minority community, social divisions
become less threatening for the country.
(iv) But if they try to suppress such a demand in the name
of national unity, the end result is often quite the opposite. Such attempts at
forced integration often sow the seeds of disintegration.
(v) The demand for ‘only Sinhala’ was at the cost of
the interest and identity of the Tamil community in Sri Lanka. In Yugoslavia,
the leaders of different ethnic communities presented their demands in such a
way that these could not be accommodated within a single country.
NCERT
Question 1. What are the different forms of power sharing
in modern democracies? Give an example of each of these.
Answer: The different forms of power sharing in
modern democracies are:
Horizontal Division of Power: It is the sharing
of power among the different organs of government, for example, power sharing
by the Executive, the Legislature and the Judiciary. In this type of power
sharing arrangement, different organs of government, placed at the same level,
exercised different powers. Such a separation ensures that none of the organs
can exercise unlimited power, thereby putting a check on each other.
Vertical Division of Power: It is a system of
power sharing among governments at different levels. For example, a general government
for the entire country and governments at provincial or regional levels. In
India, we refer to it as the Central Government, State Governments,
Municipality, Gram Panchayat etc. The Constitution lays down the powers of
different levels of government.
Division of Power among different Social Groups: Power
can also be shared among different groups which differ socially like different
religious and linguistic groups. ‘Community Government’ in Belgium is a good
example of this type of power sharing. The system of reserved constituencies in
India is another example. Such an arrangement is used to give minority
communities a fair share in power, who otherwise would feel alienated from the
government.
Division of Power among Political Parties, Pressure Groups
and Movements: In contemporary democracies such a division takes the
form of competition among different parties, which in turn ensures that power
does not remain in one hand and is shared among different political parties
representing different ideologies and social groups.
Question 2. State one prudential reason and one moral
reason for power sharing with an example from the Indian context.
Answer :
Prudential Reason: Power sharing helps in
reducing the conflict between various social groups. Hence, power sharing is
necessary for maintaining social harmony and peace. In India, seats are reserved
for the weaker sections of society. Example : reservation of seats for
scheduled castes and scheduled tribes. This allows the weaker sections also to
participate in the running of the Government.
Moral Reason: It upholds the spirit of
democracy. In a truly democratic setup, the citizens too have a stake in
governance. In India, the citizens can come together to debate and criticise
the policies and decisions of the government. This in turn puts pressure on the
government to rethink its policies and reconsider its decisions.
Question 3. After reading this chapter, three students
drew different conclusions. Which of these do you agree with and why? Give your
reasons in about 50 words.
Thomman – Power sharing is necessary only in
societies which have religious, linguistic or ethnic divisions.
Mathayi – Power sharing is suitable
only for big countries that have regional divisions.
Ouseph – Every society needs some form
of power sharing even if it is small or does not have social divisions.
Answer : Ouseph’s statement is the
most logical, and thus, should be agreed on. Every society needs some form of
power sharing even if it is small or does not have social divisions. A
democratic society is one where its members or citizens through participation
acquire a
stake in the system. Power sharing not only prevents
conflict between various groups in the society but it also generates a sense of
belongingness among them to the society. Power sharing helps to maintain a
balance of power among various institutions and also keep a check on how it is
exercised. Irrespective of the size of a country or the type of a society,
people will be more satisfied where they have a say in the functioning and
decision making processes of the system.
Question 4. The Mayor of Merchtem, a town near
Brussels in Belgium, has defended a ban on speaking French in the town’s
schools. He said that the ban would help all non- Dutch speakers integrate in this
Flemish town. Do you think that this measure is in keeping with the spirit of Belgium’s
power sharing arrangements? Give your reasons in about 50 words.
Answer : No, this measure is not in
keeping with Belgium’s power sharing arrangements. The arrangements seek to
maintain peace between the French and Dutch-speaking communities. By banning
French, the mayor will cause civil unrest. Both the languages should be made
acceptable in the town’s schools. This bilingual education system will be a
better way to integrate the people of the town.
Question 5. Read the following passage and pick
out any one of the prudential reasons for power sharing offered in this.
“We need to give more power to the panchayats to
realise the dream of Mahatma Gandhi and the hopes of the makers of our
Constitution. Panchayati Raj establishes true democracy. It restores power to
the only place where power belongs in a democracy – in the hands of the people.
Giving power to Panchayats is also a way to reduce corruption and increase administrative
efficiency. When people participate in the planning and implementation of
developmental schemes, they would naturally exercise greater control over these
schemes. This would eliminate the corrupt middlemen. Thus, Panchayati Raj will
strengthen the foundations of our democracy.”
Answer : The prudential reason
for power sharing offered in this passage is giving power to panchayats is also
a way to reduce corruption and increase administrative efficiency.
Question 6. Different arguments are usually put forth in
favour of and against power sharing. Identify those which are in favour of
power sharing and select the answer using the codes given below? Power sharing:
A. reduces conflict among different communities
B. decreases the possibility of arbitrariness
C. delays decision making process
D. accommodates diversities
E. increases instability and divisiveness
F. promotes people’s participation in government
G. undermines the unity of a country
|
(a) |
A |
B |
D |
F |
|
(b) |
A |
C |
E |
F |
|
(c) |
A |
B |
D |
G |
|
(d) |
B |
C |
D |
G |
Answer :
(a)
Question 7. Consider the following statements about power
sharing arrangements in Belgium and Sri Lanka.
A. In Belgium, the Dutch-speaking majority people
tried to impose their domination on the minority French-speaking
B. In Sri Lanka, the policies of the government sought
to ensure the dominance of the Sinhala-speaking
C. The Tamils in Sri Lanka demanded a federal
arrangement of power sharing to protect their culture, language and equality of
opportunity in education and
D. The transformation of Belgium from unitary
government to a federal one prevented a possible division of the country on
linguistic
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) A, B, C and D
(b) A, B and D
(c) C and D
(d) B, C and D
Answer : (d) B, C and D
Question 8. Match List I (forms of power
sharing) with List II (forms of government) and select the correct answer using
the codes given below in the lists:
|
List I |
List II |
||
|
1 |
Power shared among different organs of government |
Α. |
Community government |
|
2 |
Power shared among governments at different levels |
Β. |
Separation of powers |
|
3 |
Power shared by different social groups |
C. |
Coalition government |
|
4 |
Power shared by two or more political parties |
D. |
Federal government |
|
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
|
|
(a) |
D |
A |
B |
C |
|
(b) |
B |
C |
D |
A |
|
(c) |
B |
D |
A |
C |
|
(d) |
C |
D |
A |
B |
Answer :
|
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
|
|
(c) |
B |
D |
A |
C |
Question
9. Consider the following two statements on power sharing and select the answer
using the codes given below:
A. Power sharing is good for
B. It helps to reduce the possibility of conflict between
social Which of these statements are true and false?
(a)A is true but B is false
(b)Both A and B are true
(c)Both A and B are false
(d)A is false but B is true
Answer : (b) Both A and B are true.
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