Power sharing - class-IX

Power shared among different organs of government- Separation of power
Power shared among governments at different levels- Federal government
Power shared by different social groups- Community government
Power shared by two or more political parties- Coalition government.

In Belgium, there was a proper power-sharing arrangement between the French and Dutch. The transformation of Belgium from the unitary government to a federal one prevented a possible division of the country on linguistic lines.  
In Sri Lanka, the policies of the government sought to ensure the dominance of the Sinhala-speaking majority. The Tamils in Sri Lanka demanded a federal arrangement of power
sharing to protect their culture, language, and equality of opportunity
in education and jobs.

When two or more than two parties come together to form the government, it is known as a coalition government. A coalition government is a cabinet of a parliamentary government in which several political parties cooperate, reducing the dominance of any one party within that coalition. 

A community government is one in which different social groups are given the power to handle the affairs related to their communities. They are expected to work jointly for the benefit of the common masses without undermining any one community. Community government is an elected body by people belonging to one language, one culture or any common property no matter where they live. This government has the power regarding cultural, educational and language related issues.

Power sharing helps to reduce the possibility of conflict between social groups. Power sharing is a good way to ensure the stability of political order as social conflict often leads to violence and political instability. Imposing the will of the majority community over others may look like an attractive option in the short run, but in the long run it undermines the unity of the nation. Tyranny of the majority is not only oppressive for the minority but it also brings ruin to the majority.

Sri Lanka emerged as an independent country in 1948. The leaders of the Sinhala community sought to secure dominance over government by virtue of their majority. As a result, the democratically elected government adopted a series of MAJORITARIAN measures to establish Sinhala supremacy. 

• The Belgium citizens  elect the community government in Belgium.
• Belgium people belonging to different communities elect the respective government (Dutch, French, German) in the legislature.
  
• Election is done on community basis(language).
  

The major social groups are the Sinhala-speakers (74 per cent).

Of the country’s total population, 59 per cent lives in the Flemish region and speaks Dutch language. Another 40 per cent people live in the Wallonia region and speak French. Remaining 1 per cent of the Belgians speak German. 

Of the country’s total population, 59 per cent lives in the Flemish region and speaks Dutch language. Another 40 per cent people live in the Wallonia region and speak French. Remaining 1 per cent of the Belgians speak German. 

• Linguistic diversity can be found in Belgium.
• Dutch and French are major communities in Belgium.
• 59% of Belgium population speaks Dutch.
• 1% of Belgium population speaks German.
• Rest of them speaks French.

Power sharing in any system is essential to prevent the misuse of the authority or power by concentrating in any one organ, department or person. Distribution of powers keep check on the functional authorities and keep every organ within checks and balances and ensure that given power is exercised in the best interests of people and nation. 

The term superpower means superiority in terms of political, economic and military status compared to other countries. The emergence of America and USSR as global superpowers was set in motion after the Second World War. There was a clash of opposing ideologies such as communism by USSR and capitalism by USA. The period up to 1991 saw cold war between these two countries, which ended by the collapse of USSR on December 25, 1991.   

Coalition is the association of political parties having same ideologies or same interest for the purpose of political strength and maximum representation. In coalition government power sharing is among and between different political parties that are part of the coalition and decision is taken by each and every political party part of the representation

Under Vertical power sharing, power sharing takes place among different levels of the government in the hierarchy. The lower organ works under the direction and supervision of the higher organ.

 Of the country’s total population, 59 percent lives in the Flemish region and speaks Dutch language. Another 40 percent people live in the Wallonia region and speak French. Remaining 1 per cent of the Belgians speak German. 

• Both linguistic and religious differences exist in Sri Lanka.
• Linguistic - Lankan Tamils and Sinhalese
• Religious- Buddhism, Muslim and Hinduism
  

Under Horizontal power sharing power is shared among different organs of the government namely Legislature, Executive and Judiciary. These organs works differently but at same footing. This kid of distribution of powers creates the system of checks and balances over the function of one organ by the other organ while entitling them to work in their  own spheres.

• Dutch and French are major communities in Belgium.
• 59% of Belgium population speaks Dutch.
• 1% of Belgium population speaks German.
• About 40% of Belgium population speaks French.

The origins of the Sri Lankan Civil War lie in the continuous political rancor between the majority Sinhalese and the minority Tamils, and the preference given to Sinhalese by the government in the policies enacted, especially the SInhala Only Act. Hence, Option A is correct. The rest of the factors do not figure as the political reason, hence, incorrect. 

Decentralisation of power means when power is distributed from the authoritative level (higher level) to local level. IT allows delegation of power and smoothening of functions at different levels. It improves efficiency and accountability. For example, Legislature works at central level, State level and local levels in India.

The Belgian leaders took a different path. They recognised the existence of regional differences and cultural diversities. Between 1970 and 1993, they amended their constitution four times so as to work out an arrangement that would enable everyone to live together within the same country.

The division of power involving higher and lower level of governments is called vertical division of power.

Power is shared among different organs of government, such as the legislature, executive and judiciary. This is called horizontal distribution of power  because it allows different organs of government placed at the same level to exercise different powers. 

 The leaders of the Sinhala community sought to secure dominance over government by virtue of their majority. As a result, the democratically elected government adopted a series of MAJORITARIAN measures to establish Sinhala supremacy.

• Social division takes place when some social differences overlaps with other differences.
• The difference between the Blacks and Whites became a social division in the United States because the Blacks end to be poor, homeless and discriminated against.

• Majoritarian measures adopted by the Sri Lankan government since independence are

In 1956, Sinhala was recognised as the only official language.

Preference was given to Sinhala applicants in government and university positions.

Constitution stipulated that the state shall protect and foster Buddhism.

The Christian population in Sri Lanka has declined from 10% in 1891 to 7.6%  at the latest census. Christianity is a minority religion in Sri Lanka. Thus, the religion which is practiced by approximately 7% of the Sri Lankan population is Christianity. The composition of other religions are:

The Sri Lanka has Unitary Form of Government in which states are in subjugation to the center. It has semi presidential government system where two executives are present i.e. President along side with the Prime Minister and the Cabinet.

After 1990, India saw the rise of regional political parties. This was also the beginning of the era of coalition government at the Centre. Since no single party got a clear majority in the Lok Sabha, the major national parties had to enter into an alliance with many parties including several regional parties to form a government at the Centre. This led to a new culture of power sharing and respect for the autonomy of State Governments. Thus, federal power-sharing is more effective today than it was in the early years after the Constitution came into force.

Sri Lankan communities are mainly composed of Sinhalese, Sri Lankan Tamils, Moors, Indian Tamils. Sinhalese make up 74.9% of population, Sri Lankan Tamils 11.1%, Moors which are descendants of Arabs 9.3% and Indian Tamils 4.1%. Conflicts have dominated the public life of Sri Lanka since 19th century, because of ethnic groups division of society. Option B is unrelated, hence the correct answer.  

 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. A legitimate government is one where citizens, through participation, acquire a stake in the system. 

European Union (EU) is comprised of 28 nations with its headquarter located in Brussels, Belgium. EU was created by Maastricht Treaty which came into force on 1st November 1993. The treaty was aimed at improving political, economic integration of European countries by creating a single currency Euro, common foreign and security policy. EU was awarded Nobel Prize for peace in 2012 for its efforts to promote peace and democracy in Europe.

The major social groups of the Sri Lanka are the "Sinhala speakers and Tamil Speakers

• Belgium constitution was amended four times between 1970 to 1993 to accommodate everyone to live together in the country.
•  The arrangement they worked out is different from any other country and is very innovative.
  
• For eg.  Constitution prescribes that the number of Dutch and French-speaking ministers shall be equal in the central government. 
•  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. 
  

Sri Lanka achieved its independence from British Empire on 4th February 1948 and became Dominion of Ceylon. It was then known as British Ceylon. Dominion status under British Commonwealth was for 24 years, later it turned into Republic of Sri Lanka on 22nd May 1972. D. S. Senanayake of United National Party (UNP) was the first Prime Minister of Ceylon. Option A 1948 is the correct answer.

In Belgium apart from the Central and
the State Government, there is a
third kind of government. This
‘community government’ is elected by
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. In Belgium, the leaders have realized
that the unity of the country is possible
only by respecting the feelings and
interests of different communities and regions. Such a realization resulted in
mutually acceptable arrangements for
sharing power. 

Belgium constitution was amended four times between 1970 to 1993.

At the Congress of Vienna in 1815, Belgium (southern Netherlands) and Holland (northern Netherlands) were united to form one state to be ruled by King William I. There were protests and a series of incidents led to a revolution in Brussels around 1830. Belgium separated from the northern Netherlands and a provisional government declared independence on 4th October 1830.

• The major social groups of Sri Lanka are Sinhalese (major ruling community) and Sri Lankan Tamils (majority group in Northern territories of Sri Lanka).
• After Independence, Sinhalese followed several majoritarian measures to establish Sinhalese supremacy.
• Sinhala was recognized as the official language of Sri Lanka in 1956.
• Now both Sinhala and Tamil are the official language of Sri Lanka.
  

i) Power shared among different levels of government- Separation of powers

The three levels of government are local, state and federal. Local governments govern counties, cities, and towns. State governments rule over states, and the federal government rules the country as a whole. A local city government may be led by an elected mayor or a board of supervisors. It provides police, fire protection services and sanitation.

Features of power-sharing are as follows:

• Dutch and French form the major communities and minor community group is German community.
• 59% of Belgium population speaks Dutch.
• 1% of Belgium population speaks German.
• Rest of them speaks French.
• Capital city of Brussels consists of
  

• The proportion of Tamilian in Sri Lanka's total population is about 18%.
• The major social groups of Sri Lanka are Sinhalese (major ruling community) and Srilankan Tamils (majority group in Northern territories of Sri Lanka).
• After Independence, Sinhalese followed several majoritarian measures to establish Sinhalese supremacy.
• Sinhala was recognized as the official language of Sri Lanka in 1956.

Arguments in favor of power sharing:

• Power sharing is the very essence of democracy.
• Power sharing helps to reduce the conflict between different groups.
• Reasons for power sharing are coalition government, decentralization of powers and for protection of minorities in the country.

• Linguistic diversity can be found in Belgium.
• Dutch and French form the major communities and minor community group is German community.
• 59% of Belgium population speaks Dutch.
• 1% of Belgium population speaks German.
• Rest of them speaks French.
• Capital city of Brussels consists of
  

• French- 80%
  

• Dutch- 20%
• Belgium government is a good example of Community government.
• Belgium Legislature is represented by all communities.
• Dutch and French form the major communities and minor community group is German community.