Democratic Politics -II (Civics) Class - 10 Chapter - 1 Power Sharing

Civics

Chapter - 1 

Power Sharing

Power sharing is an important concept in democratic governance, ensuring that power is distributed among different groups to prevent any single entity from dominating.

1. Belgium: A Successful Power-Sharing Model

Diversity in Belgium:

• Ethnic Groups: Dutch-speaking (59%), French-speaking (40%), and German-speaking (1%).
• The capital Brussels had a French-speaking majority but was located in the Dutch-speaking region.

Conflict:

• The French-speaking community was economically and politically more powerful.
• The Dutch-speaking population, despite being a majority, felt discriminated against.

Steps Taken for Power Sharing in Belgium ( Accommodation in Belgium) :

• Equal representation: The number of Dutch and French-speaking ministers is equal in the central government.
• Federalism: Power was divided among Central, State, and Community Governments.
• Special Rights for Brussels: Both language groups have equal representation in Brussels.
• Community Government: Separate community governments were set up for linguistic groups to manage cultural, educational, and language-related issues.

🔹 Outcome: Belgium successfully avoided civil conflict through power sharing.

2. Sri Lanka: A Failed Power-Sharing Model

Diversity in Sri Lanka:

• Ethnic Groups: Sinhalese (74%) and Tamils (18%) (Indian Tamils + Sri Lankan Tamils).
• Tamils were mainly Hindus, while the Sinhalese were Buddhists.

Conflict:

• After independence (1948), Sinhalese-dominated government passed discriminatory policies:
• Sinhala was made the official language (1956).
• Government jobs and university seats were reserved for Sinhalese.
• Buddhism was given special status.

No Power Sharing Led to Civil War:

• Tamils demanded equality, but their voices were ignored.
• Tamil groups (like LTTE) started a violent civil war for a separate Tamil state.
• Thousands died, and Sri Lanka faced instability for decades.

🔹 Outcome: Sri Lanka suffered from ethnic tensions and civil war due to a lack of power-sharing.

Why is Power Sharing Important?

• Avoids Conflict in Society: In multi-ethnic and multi-religious societies, power sharing prevents social conflicts.
• Ensures Political Stability: Sharing power reduces the chances of political unrest and ensures long-term stability.
• Upholds the Spirit of Democracy: Democracy is based on the idea that power should not be concentrated in one hand.
• Prevents Majority Domination: It ensures that minority groups also have a say in decision-making.

Forms of Power Sharing

Horizontal Power Sharing:

• Power is shared among different organs of government – Legislature, Executive, and Judiciary.
• Ensures a system of checks and balances.
• Example: India – The Parliament (Legislature) makes laws, the Government (Executive) implements them, and the Supreme Court (Judiciary) interprets them.

Vertical Power Sharing:

• Power is divided among different levels of government – Central, State, and Local.
• Example: India’s federal system where the central government shares power with state and local governments.

Power Sharing Among Social Groups:

• Different communities, ethnic groups, and minorities are given a say in governance.
• Example: Reserved seats for SCs, STs, and OBCs in India.
• Power Sharing Among Political Parties, Pressure Groups, and Movements:
• Different political parties compete in elections and form governments.
• Example: Coalition governments in India, where multiple parties share power.

Key Words :-

1. Ethnic:

• Ethnic refers to a social group that shares a common culture, language, history, or ancestry.
• Ethnic groups may belong to different religions or races but have a strong cultural identity.
• Example: In Belgium, the Dutch-speaking and French-speaking communities are ethnic groups. In Sri Lanka, the Sinhalese and Tamils are different ethnic groups.

2. Civil War:

• A civil war is an internal conflict between groups within the same country.
• It usually occurs due to political, ethnic, religious, or economic tensions.
• Example: In Sri Lanka, a civil war broke out between the Sri Lankan government (Sinhalese majority) and Tamil militant groups (LTTE) because of discrimination against Tamils.

3. Prudential:

• Prudential means based on careful reasoning, wisdom, and practical benefits rather than emotions or moral arguments.
• In politics, prudential decisions help prevent conflicts and ensure long-term stability.
• Example: Power sharing in Belgium was a prudential decision because it prevented ethnic conflict by giving equal representation to both Dutch and French speakers.

Download Civics Chapter - 1 Complete Notes : -Chapter - 1 Power Sharing