Class 10 Political Science Chapter 1: Power-sharing

Class 10 Political Science Chapter 1: Concepts

Class 10 Political Science Chapter 1: Power-sharing

Introduction to Power-sharing

Power-sharing is one of the fundamental principles of democracy. It refers to the way power is distributed among different groups and institutions in society to prevent conflicts and ensure stability. This principle is based on the idea that all communities and groups should have a role in governance, and no one group should dominate others.

The chapter begins with two case studies of Belgium and Sri Lanka, highlighting how different countries deal with power-sharing.

Case Study 1: Belgium – A Successful Power-sharing Model

Belgium’s Ethnic Composition

Belgium is a small country in Europe, sharing borders with France, Germany, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands. It has a complex ethnic composition:

  • 59% of the population lives in the Flemish region and speaks Dutch.
  • 40% lives in the Wallonia region and speaks French.
  • 1% speaks German.
  • In Brussels (the capital), 80% speak French, and only 20% speak Dutch, even though Dutch speakers are the majority in the country.

Ethnic Tensions in Belgium

  • The French-speaking community was wealthier and more influential than the Dutch-speaking population.
  • The Dutch-speaking people, though numerically more, felt underrepresented and discriminated against.
  • Tensions between these linguistic groups were particularly severe in Brussels.

How Belgium Solved the Problem: A Unique Power-sharing Model

To address the conflict, Belgium adopted a power-sharing system that ensured no community was left out. The key features of this model include:

  1. Equal representation in the Central Government

    • The number of Dutch and French-speaking ministers is equal in the central government.
    • Special laws require the support of a majority from each language group, preventing dominance by one community.

  2. State Governments with Equal Power

    • Many powers of the central government were transferred to the state governments of the Flemish and Walloon regions.
    • These regional governments are not subordinate to the central government.

  3. Brussels’ Special Government

    • In Brussels, both French and Dutch-speaking people have equal representation in governance.
    • This helped balance the interests of both linguistic groups.

  4. Community Government

    • A unique community government was established, where each language group (Dutch, French, and German) controls its own cultural, educational, and language-related affairs.
    • This ensures protection of minority rights.

Outcome of Belgium’s Power-sharing

Belgium avoided a civil war by accommodating diverse linguistic groups and ensuring that every community had a fair share in power. This model demonstrates how power-sharing can lead to peace and stability in a multi-ethnic society.

Case Study 2: Sri Lanka – A Failure of Power-sharing

Sri Lanka’s Ethnic Composition

Sri Lanka is an island nation near India, with a population of about two crore people. It has two major ethnic groups:

  • Sinhala-speaking majority (74%) – Mostly Buddhists.
  • Tamil-speaking minority (18%) – Includes Sri Lankan Tamils (13%) and Indian Tamils (5%), who are mostly Hindus and Muslims.

Majoritarian Policies in Sri Lanka

After gaining independence in 1948, the Sinhala-majority government imposed several laws that favored Sinhalese and discriminated against Tamils.

  1. Sinhala Only Act (1956)

    • Sinhala was declared the only official language, ignoring Tamil.
    • This made it difficult for Tamils to get government jobs and education.

  2. Preference for Sinhalese in Jobs and Education

    • The government introduced policies that favored Sinhala candidates in government employment and universities, neglecting Tamil representation.

  3. Promotion of Buddhism

    • The Constitution gave special protection to Buddhism, sidelining other religions.

Consequences: Rise of Ethnic Conflict

  • The Tamils felt alienated and started demanding equal rights.
  • Several protests and political movements emerged, demanding recognition of Tamil as an official language and equal job opportunities.
  • The Sri Lankan government refused to accept these demands, leading to violent clashes between the two communities.
  • By the 1980s, Tamil militant groups like the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) started demanding a separate Tamil state (Tamil Eelam).
  • A civil war broke out, lasting nearly 25 years, causing massive loss of life and property.
  • The conflict ended in 2009, but the scars remain.

Lesson from Sri Lanka’s Case

Sri Lanka’s failure to accommodate diverse groups led to violence and instability. This shows that majoritarianism can be dangerous and divisive in a multi-ethnic society.

Why Power-sharing is Important

Power-sharing is important for two key reasons:

  1. Prudential Reason (Practical Benefits)

    • Prevents conflicts between different communities.
    • Ensures political stability in the country.
    • Reduces the chances of one group imposing its will on others.

  2. Moral Reason (Democratic Principles)

    • Respects different communities and individuals.
    • Promotes true democracy by giving everyone a voice in governance.

Forms of Power-sharing

  1. Horizontal Power-sharing (Among Different Organs of Government)

    • Power is shared among the Legislature, Executive, and Judiciary.
    • Ensures checks and balances to prevent misuse of power.
    • Example: India’s separation of powers between Parliament (Legislature), Prime Minister (Executive), and Supreme Court (Judiciary).

  2. Vertical Power-sharing (Among Different Levels of Government)

    • Power is divided between Central, State, and Local governments.
    • Example: Indian federal system, where states and municipalities have their own powers.

  3. Power-sharing Among Social Groups

    • Power is shared among different communities to protect minority rights.
    • Example: Community Government in Belgium and reservation system in India.

  4. Power-sharing Among Political Parties and Pressure Groups

    • Different political parties and social groups share power.
    • Ensures that no single party dominates politics.
    • Example: Coalition governments in India, where multiple parties form the government together.

Conclusion

  • Belgium successfully solved its ethnic problem through power-sharing, ensuring fair representation of all groups.
  • Sri Lanka ignored power-sharing, leading to ethnic conflict and civil war.
  • Power-sharing reduces conflicts, promotes stability, and strengthens democracy.

Diagrams

  1. Forms of Power-sharing Diagram
  2. Ethnic Composition of Belgium
  3. Sri Lanka’s Major Ethnic Groups
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