Chapter 1 Power Sharing Class 10th Notes Civics
Chapter 1 Power Sharing Class 10th Notes Civics Social Science
Meaning of Power Sharing
Power-sharing refers to the sharing of power among governments at different levels, social groups, and institutions for the sake of harmony and democracy. It guarantees that no single institution or group becomes completely empowered, thereby eliminating possibilities of dictatorship or war.
■ It prevents social conflicts.
■ It offers democracy and inclusiveness.
■ It protects the rights and interests of minorities.
■ It ensures political stability.
Case Studies: Belgium and Sri Lanka
A. Belgium's Power Sharing Model
Belgium is a small European country with a complex ethnic composition:
■ Dutch-speaking (Flemish): 59%
■ French-speaking (Walloon): 40%
■ German-speaking: 1%
In the capital city, Brussels:
■ 80% French-speaking
■ 20% Dutch-speaking
The economically and educationally influential French-speaking minority created resentment among the Dutch-speaking majority.
The situation generated tensions and conflicts, and more in the 1950s and 1960s.
Belgium used an innovative power-sharing arrangement through four constitutional reforms (1970-1993).
1. Balanced Representation in the Federal Government – French-speaking and Dutch-speaking ministers are of equal number. Both language groups must approve special legislation.
2. Autonomous State Governments – Autonomous state governments are there to sort out issues, reducing conflicts.
3. Brussels as an Independent Government – Brussels has an independent government to ensure both French and Dutch communities are well represented.
4. Community Government – There is an independent government of both language communities that oversees education, culture, and language policy.
Result was that this failed power-sharing arrangement did not provide any peace and stability for Belgium.
B. Sri Lanka's Majoritarian Approach
Sri Lanka is an island country of 2 crores. It is ethnically divided with:
■ Sinhala-speaking (majority): 74%
■ Tamil-speaking (minority): 18% (Sri Lankan Tamils & Indian Tamils)
■ Christians: 7% (both Sinhala and Tamil communities)
Since independence in 1948, the Sinhalese majority administration employed majoritarian policies discriminating against the Tamils.
1. 1956 Official Language Act – Made Sinhala the only official language, without regard to the Tamil.
2. Tamils discriminated against in Education & Employment – Sinhala candidates preferred by governmental policies for university study and government employment, disadvantageous for Tamils.
3. Tamil Culture & Identity disregarded – Tamil aspirations for equal rights and self-rule disregarded.
Tamils excluded and discriminated against.
Tamil parties began to demand equal rights and a separate Tamil state (Tamil Eelam) in the north-east.
Ethnic conflict escalated into civil war with lives lost, destruction caused, and years of uncertainty.
In contrast to the Belgian outcome, failure on the part of Sri Lanka to share power resulted in violence.
Modes of Power Sharing
1. Horizontal Division of Power
There exists a distribution of power among different branches of government:
■ Legislature (passes laws)
■ Executive (carries out laws)
■ Judiciary (interprets laws)
One branches in order to serve as a check on the other to ensure a system of checks and balances.
Example: India's division of powers between Parliament, Prime Minister, and Supreme Court.
2. Vertical Division of Power
Power is divided at various levels of government:
■ Central Government (national)
■ State Government (regional)
■ Local Government (municipal)
This is also referred to as federalism.
Example: USA, India.
3. Power Sharing Between Social Groups
Various social groups (e.g., religious or language groups) possess power.
Example: Belgium's Community Government, ensuring equal rights for Dutch, French, and German-speaking citizens.
4. Power Sharing Between Political Parties & Groups
Political parties, interest groups, and pressure groups influence the government.
Example: Coalition governments, in which several political parties share power together.
Why Power Sharing is the True Spirit of Democracy
■ Ensures people's participation in the government.
■ Blocks tyranny of the majority and safeguards the rights of minorities.
■ Ensures peace and stability by preventing chaos.
■ Strengthening democratic institutions by the fair distribution of power.