—————_ Ol Power Sharing Power sharing among the three organs of state viz., Legislature, Executive and Judiciary is very important for the proper functioning of the democracy. To understand how democracies handle demands for power sharing; the forms of power sharing in Belgium and Sri Lanka are discussed in this chapter. Belgium Belgium is a country in Europe. It is smaller in area than the state of Haryana. It has borders with the Netherlands, France, Germany and Luxembourg. Belgium’s ethnic! composition is very complicated. Out of the total population of the country, 59% live in the Flemish! region and speak Dutch language. Other 40% people lve in the Wallonia region and speak French. The remaining 1 % speak German. The capital of Belgium is Brussels, where 80% people speik French, while 20% speak Dutch language. The minority French speaking coramunity was relatively rich and powerful Th la made the Dutchspeaking community angry who got the benefit of eee development and education much later. Tensions between fhe French and Dutch Communities The social disparity” led to tensions between Dutch and French, communities during the 1950s and 1960s. The tension erinen on q became more serious in Brussels as the Duchapeaking people coneunge eeees in the country, but a minority in the capital. & majority awi 1 Ethnic A sacl divsion based on share cults, People belonging to the sme Sins of phys ye of ear Bath: Ty need at vty nea UP Beleve ine 2 Mens rina onder spew tena Le Duo ga aor Na 3 Disparity Lack of similarity or equality equality People, ‘POLITICAL SCIENG} > Chapter Syllabus | © Belgium and Sri Lanke © Majoritarianism in Sa Lane © Accommodation in Beg © Why Power Sharing Desirable? © Forms-of Power Shang ‘common descent becouseae Cy ~ i Lanke Belgium is ring ower Sharing accommodation in Belgium re Belgian leaders recognised the existence of regional THe ences and cultural diversities of the country 193, the Constitution of Belgium amended four times, a % 0s an feqwwen 19708 andl sg ae the covangements which the Bel lgjurm leaders wor enable : ryone to live together within the same country i) The Cnsution prescribes that the numberof Durch and French-speaking ministers shall be equi inthe Cental Gowsninent Some pec ins require the support of majority members from each linguistic group. Thus, no single community can mmake decisions unilaterally* or biasedly. {@ The State Governments are not subordinate to the Central Goverment. Many powers of the Central Government have been given to the ‘State Governments of two regions of the country. {a) Brasels has a separate government, in which both the ‘Dutch and French-speaking people have equal representation i) Apart from the Central and the State Government, there is a third kind of government ic, Community Government. It is clected by all the people irrespective of the language spoken by them ic, Dutch, French and Germans everyone can participate in the community, Ginernment. The government has the power regarding cultural, educational and language related issues. gan model has worked well. It helped to avoid the ‘fice between two major communities and a possible ‘sion of the country on linguistic basis, Brussels was ‘en as the headquarters of the European Union ‘om the very beginning. sri Lanka Lanka is an istand nation in the Indian Ocean. It is just 1 kdometres off the Southern coast of Tamil Nadu ‘lania has a diverse population of about 2 crore people population of about 2 crore peop 4h 74% Sinhala speakers and 18% Tamil speakers. have two subgroups {$0 Lankan Tamils Tamil natives of Sri Lanka are tiled Sti Lankan Tamils. They constitute 13% of the tion and are concentrated in the North and: Ext of Sri Lanka, Most of Sinhalaspeaking people Gifs, while most of the “Tamils ase Hi Sper: Be Sle Decons taken without the agrect®™ "War wolent conc beocen opposing STP or caher people 237 (@) Indian Tamils The Tatnilians whose forefathers came from India as plantation workers during colonial rule and settled in Sri Lanka ove called Indian Tamils, They (of the population. There are about 7% Christians, who are both Tamils and Sinhala, Majoritarianism in Sri Lanka Majoritatianism is a concept which signifies a belief that the majority community should be able to rule a country in whichever way it wants, by disregarding che wishes and needs of the minority. ‘When Sri Lanka became independent in 1948, the leaders of the Sinhala community established dominance over government by virtue of their majority. As 2 result, the government adopted a series of Majoritartan measures to establish Sinhala supremacy. These were + In 1956, an Act was passed to recognise Sinhala as the only offical language, disregarding Tamil language. + The government followed preferential policies that favoured Sinhala applicants for university postions and government jobs. + Anew Constitution stipulared thar the stare shall protect and promote Buddhism. All these government measures gradually increased the feeling of alienation among Sri Lankan Tamils. They fele that no major political parties led by the Buddhist Sinhala leaders were sensitive to their language and culture. The relation between the Sinhala and Tamil communities became tensed over time. The Struggles of Sri Lankan Tamils “The Sri Lankan Tamils launched parties and seruggles for the recognition of Tamil as an official language. They demanded regional autonomy and equality of opportunity in securing education and jobs, bur their demand was repeatedly denied. By the 1980s, several political organisations like LTTE (Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam) were formed demanding an independent ‘Tamil Eelam (state) in Northern and Eastern parts of Sti Lanka, The conflict between the two communities soon turned into a Civil War’, , This Civil War resulted in the killing of thousands of people of both the communities. Ie also caused grea impact to the social, cultural and economic life of the couuntey. Many families were forced to leave the country ‘as refugees and lots of people lost their livelihood. This Civil War enced in 2009. : ‘within a county that becomes so intense that it appears Hike a war,238 Conclusion Derived from the Two Cases of Belgium and Sri Lanka Both Belgium and Srilanka are democracies, but they deal with he {question of power shiring differerly, In Belgium, the leaders have Fealied thatthe unity of the counney Is posible only by respecting the Teeligs and interests of diferent eomimunities and regions ‘On he other hand, Sr Lanka shows us thar if a majority commenity wants force its dorunance over others and refuses co share Power, Ieean undeemae the unity ofthe country Why Power Sharing is Desirable? Two different sets of reasons reflect the need of power sharing. Prudential’ : The First Set of Reason Ivemphasises that power sharing will bring out better outcomes. Power sharing is good because it helps to ace the possibilty of conflict benveen social groups. Since, social conflict often leads to violence and political instability. : Power sharing is a good way to ensure the stability of, the political order. Imposing the will of majority community over others, may look like a better option. Bur in the longun, it gradually weakens the unity of the nation. ‘Tyranny’ of the majority is not only oppressive for the minority community, but sometimes it also creates problem to the majority class itself. Moral : The Second Set of Reason Ieemphasises that Act of power sharing is valuable. Power sharing is the spirit of democracy. People have a right to be-consulted on how they are to be governed. A legitimate government is one swhere citizens through participation become a part in the system.» * pace opty crept 4s relativey ich. ang. powerful In 2 Name two sub-groyps of Tails residing in SH Lanka, 9. In which region does the Dutch constute as majority and minority? ‘ 4 What type of government prevails n Belgium? 5 snane Was chosen as the headquarters of European Union 6 Prudential Based on prudence, purely on moral considerations ‘oF on crf ealeulation of gins an oss Pi econ are eu conse with dso ™ 17 Tyranny, Oppressve or cruel rule, use of power oF excessive contol eee eres yen nw od Orb oe ponent aoa eteeehes Gat none ofthe oan can eee Unltd pony Allfughe Social Science ¢j,, Forms of Power Sharing people are the source ofall poliggy In a democrtey fle themselves through institution, power. People rule the Paowernment. Ina good democratic governmen everyone has a role in the shaping of public pol, ee jemocracy, political power should be distrib, aumong as many citizens as possible. rmocracies, power sharing arrangement In modem der many forms such as Horizontal Distribution of Power Power is shared among different organs of govertnn such as the Legislature, Executive and Judiciary. Thy arrangement © called horizontal distribution o because it allows different organs OF governmer at the same level to exercise different powers. Such a separation of power ensures that none of organs can exercise unlimited power. Each organ \the others. This results in a balance of power am various institutions, This arrangement is called 2 93x: ‘of checks and balances”. er For example, the judges are appointed by the Execute but they can check the functioning of Executive ol» made by the Legislatures. Federal Government and Vertical Division of Power Power can be shared among governments at dif" levels i a general goverment for the entire court governments at the provincial of regional level Sot! general government for the entire country is usualy Federal Government. In India, itis referred co 38 ental F Union nt. e governments at the provincial or regional kel” be by different names in. different ae are many countri ere ate no Pw State Governments. re are ie " G{.government and the constitution clearly tays 4" rent levels of government. Thi led vertical division of powe®:!"* | bur not in Sti Lanka, ti abo {he others te OF conta It PSs in a balance oF power among v=® Clo, = Polig, tions hmen, Polig, Stributey. MU can tl overtime a ary. This of Power Rent placa 1¢ oF the rean cheds r among ed a system Executive, tive or Law Division power Sharing ‘hesame principle can be extended to lower levels of geerament lke the Municipality and Paneharee community Government siner may also be shared among different socal groupe fob asthe religous and linguistic prope Conse Government in Belgium 46 a good example of thie rangement nt legal arrangements by which socially weaker sections and femen are represented in the legislatures and sininistration, This method is used to give ammunities a fair share in power, Coalition Government Power sharing arrangements can also be seen in the way political parties, pressure Groups and movements control or influence those in power, minority Jn ademocracy, the citizens must have freedom to choose among various contenders (competitors who sand in elections) of different political parties fer power. eres at Wesoges The bay of dostrine, mth. ble 239 nocracy, power is shared among different al partes that represene different ideologies? andl social groups. Sometimes, this kind of sharing can be direct, when two oF more parties form an alliance to contest elections, If their alliance is elected, chey form « Coalition Government and thus, share power, Different Interest Groups In a democracy, there are different interest groups like traders, businessmen, industria nl Workers. They also have a share in governmental power through participation in governmental committees oF ifluencing the decision-making pases. Gem 1 Ina democratic set up, forms. 2 Inwhich country we find vertical division of power? 2 Name a country where the community goverment i found 4 Name some interest groups in a democracy. 5 Different interest groups can influence on the. of goverment. amangements can take various guides an dv, socal movement oF ge group,On page 5 1 Sharing of power makes people more powerful Give reasons Power sharing make people more powerful becante of the following reason: (i) Power sharing helps to reduce the possibility of conflict beeween different social groups. (Gi) Power sharing helps to ensure the stability of political order. (ii) The absence of power sharing results into imposition of will by majority community over other. In the short run, ie appears axeractve, but in the long-run, ic undermines the unity ofthe nation, (G0) Power sharing isthe spire of democracy People havea right be consulted on how they are to be governed. On page 10 2 Here are some examples of power sharing, Which of the four types of power sharing do these represent? Who is sharing power with whom? (i) The Bombay High Court ordered the Maharashtra State Government toimmediately take ‘action and improve living conditions for the 2.000-odd children at seven children's homes in Mumba. (i). The Government of Ontario state in Canada has ‘greed to a land claim seitiement with the aboriginal ‘community ‘The Minister responsible for Native Affairs ‘announced thatthe government wil work with ‘aboriginal peopee in a spint of mutual respect and ‘cooperation, i), Russia's two influential political parties, the Union ‘of Right Forces and the Liberal Yabloko Movement, ‘agreed to Unite their organisations into a strong {ight-wing Goalton. They propose fo have a common list of candidates in the next Pariamentary elections. (i) The Finance Ministers of varius states in Nigeria Got together and demanded that the Federal Government declare its sources of income, They also wanted to know the formula by which the revenue is distributed to various State Goverrments, (i This ish example of power sharing among different organs of the government. Here, the power is shared between the Judiciary and the Executive, a NCERT FOLDER jer hari (i Pow is sha repre Son i Thisin an example of power sharing any wher ia tren social groups. Here, the pow cont Shared berween the aboriginals and oy, form pow oes Sine Le of hy Indit jit) This is an example of power sharing o Gin Tha cal crs Ins roups and different organising ath pressure groups eal (ia) Thisis an example of power sharing acy, ae smmient at different levels. Here, they. Sc f being shared berween Federal and Sue ee ‘Governments and also among the differen (iu) aoe Stare Governments. ie Exercises on page 10 such 3 Whatare the different forms of power aa sharing in modern democracies? Give in ‘example of each of these. 4 Stato Ans. In modern democracies, the following are som § the ind the important forms of power sharing é 5 1G) Bower Slasing smang the Different Opa (Go eet (oe Horzoncl devised power) In this form of power sharing pac! 4a assigned by the Constitution among dif: "8. The pry organs of government such asthe Leys: Executive and Judiciary. This ove of tion ensures separation o Powers among the organs atthe sameled's |S Wa that none of the organs can exercise unins'| ___ Pessibil power. Each organ puts a check on che oh Power s in order to maintain balance of power us’ eomside thesystem of checks and balances. ‘moral 5 This arrangement is as given below in Inds through ‘Government Bovernr e 3 Leo = a tee Gang | ance i) Power Sharing among Governments | , Dilferent Level Ge Versal dnote! | S0FEO Power sharing) In his form of power ssit_,| SOU power i share athe dliferene levels of ge Po: he overall governing body forthe ou") I town a ‘Union Government of lovernment’ and the government | tituent unis is known as Sate | fergamen The hed or owe ee, | wemnment, eg. Municipalities Panchayats in India,er ower Sharing sare some of rent Organs! cribution of ring, powers ang diferent < of (ii) Power Sharing among P, ‘litical Pa Groups and Moy, i Pei Pressure isshared among diffrenc poli ens Reet litical parties chat represent different ideologies and shor ometimes, this kind of sharing ean ba feo Sometimes this kind of shang can be deck shes omy mor pats form an alle form a Coaition Governmenrand hens te power. An example isthe NDA government in India, which is a Coalition governmene Ina democracy, vaious pressure groups and ‘movements have an indirect share in government power, either through patticipation i Eovernment committees or bringing influence on the decision-making process. Se (id) Power Sharing Among Different Social Groups Ina democracy, especially, in multiethnic society, power is also shared among social groups such as religious and linguistic groups, “Community government’ in Belgiuin isa good example of this arrangement. 4 State one prudential reason and one moral reason for power sharing with an ‘example from the Indian context. CBSE 2012 or Explain the two main reasons why power sharing is important in a democracy. CBSE 2011, 10 4us The prudential reason for power sharing helps to reduce the possiblity of conflir berwcen social groups. An example is the reservation of constituencies for SC, ST, minorities in India. In this way, the power sharing tries to reduce the possibility of conflicts, Power sharing for moral reason is based on moral considerations. An example of power sharing for a moral reason is decentralisation of powers in India through formation of local, state and cencral governments operating at different levels. Here Power is morally shared between different f0vernments, 5 After reading this chapter, three students drew ifferent conclusions. Which of these do you agree with and why? Give your reasons in 50 words. (0. Thommam Power sharing is necessary only in Societies which have religious, linguistic or ethnic divisions. (i) Mathayi Power sharing is sulted only for bia Countries that have regional divisions: 1 Ousopn Every society noeds some form of Power sharing, even if itis small or does "™ have social divisions. Ans. We agree with Quseph because every society needs power sharing, even if i is small or does nav have social divisions. A democratic sytem of ‘government ensures chat the citizens acquire a stake in the system by active participatian, fe prevents conflict berween different groups in society while promoring belongingness I helps ro mainain a balance of power among various institutions and helps check how this power x exercised. People will be miore satisfied when they have a say in the furtetioning and decision-making process in the system. Power sharing i an essential element of a democratic form of Government. 6 The Mayor of Merchtem, a town near Brussols 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. ‘Ans. No, the measute taken by the Mayor of Merchtem is noc in keeping with the spirit of Belgium's power sharing arrangements, ‘As'599% of the population in the Flemish region speak Durch language, the ban on, French in the town’s schools would prevent French and Dutch speakers to mix with each other Iewould also creace feelings of distrust and suspicion, The ban ignores regional differences and cultural diversities. leis aguinse the spirit of accommodating linguistic group and creating the ight ‘environment for everyone to live. In fac, iemakes the ground for a civic strife and a possible division of the community on linguistic lines, 7 Read the following passage and pick out any one ofthe prudential reasons for power sharing offered in this. . “We need to give more power to the Panchayats to realise the dream of Mahaima Gandhi and the hopes of the makprs of our Constitution. Panchayati Raj establishes true democracy, It restores power to the only place where power belongs in a democracy-in the hhands of the people. Giving power to Panchayats is also a way to reduce corruption and increase administraive efficiency, ‘When people participate in the planning and implementation of developmental schemes, they would naturally exercise greater control ‘over these schemesNCERT Ans This would eliminate the corrupt middlemen. Thus, "Panchayati Raj wil strengthen the foundations of our democracy. ‘The prudential reason which is cited in the passage is that giving power to Panchayats i also a way (0 reduce corruption and increase administrative efficiency. Different arguments are usually put fourth 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 reduces confict among different communities B, decreases the possitlty of arbitrariness delays decision-making process. accommodates diversities increases instability and divisiveness ‘promotes people's paricipation in government undermines the unity of a country Onmoom> i (@)A.B,D,F (ABDC (O)A.C.E.F ()8,C,D,6 »- (2) A,B, DF Consider the following statements about power sharing arrangements in Belgium and Sr Lanka. ‘A. In Belgium, the Dutch-speaking majority people tried to impose their domination on the minority French-speaking community. B. In S1i 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 equally of opportunity in education and jobs. D. The transformation of Belgium from unitary government to a federal one prevented a possible division of the country on linguistic lines, correct (a) A.B. Cand D (c) Cand D Ans. (d) B, C and D | 1 Match List | (Forms of power sharing List Il (Forms of government) and sei correct answer using the codes given i. the fists. D. Power shared bytwoor 4. Fedes more poltical parties Govern ABCD asco @4123 @ 2361 M2413 @ 3412 Ans. (2) | Tl Consider the following two statements | Power sharing and select the answers the codes given below. (@) Ais true, but Bis (©) Bot And are tne (c) Both A and B are false (2) Ais false, but B is true Ans. (6) Both A and B are true1 Which one of the following count areits boundary with Belgium? (°° ®t fa France (b) Netherlands | eeeeien (@) Luxembourg | (9 Sweden Which language is dominantly spoken in Belo Nuch (6) Spaniah SE | fg French (2) Italian “a Datch | ihich of the following is the capital city of Belgium? a) Bruges (©) Brussels ‘e) Ghent (@) Antwerp ‘ B)Brusels ‘4 Awarlike conflict between two opposite groups ‘ethin a country is called (| Cold war (&) Civil war (@ Ethnic war (d) None of these © 0) Chil war _$ Stlanka is an island nation, just a few kilometres ‘tom the Southern coast of ‘(A\Goa (b) Kerala (Tami Nadu (4) Lakshadweep *0Tamil Nadu | {hich one of the following elements is not i inthe Belgium model? ay termi Dutch and French speaking ministers shall be “*qual in the government. | "any powers ofthe Central goveraient have given to State ments. lBnseis hasa seperate goverment in which both ‘he communities have equal representation. Objective Type questions 8 Identity ‘Horizontal power sharing’ arrangements ‘among the following in modern democracies. CBSE 2021 Term! (a) Different organs of government. () Governments at different levels, (6) Different social groups. (@) Different partios, pressure groups and movements Ans, (a) Differene organs of government. 9 Which one of the following countries adopted majoritarianism in their Constitution? la) Nepal (b) India [o) Sri Lanka (@) Bangladesh ‘Ams. (0) Sri Lanka 10 Two statements are given belowas Assertion (A) and Reason (R). Read the statement and choose the most appropriate option. CBSE 2021 Term Assertion (A) Power sharing is good. Reason (R) It helps to reduce the possibility of conflicts between social groups, Codes (a) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (8) are true and Reason (R) the correct explanation of Assertion ). {b) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, but Reason (R) is not the correct oxplanation of Assertion (A). {o) Assertion (A) is true, but Reasom (R) is false. (@) Assertion (A) is false, but Reason (R) is true. ‘Ants, (@) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R)are true and Reason AR) is the correct explanation of Assertion (A) 11 Which one of the following is a major caste group of Sri Lanka? ‘CBSE 2020 (a) Christian and Temil _(b) Buddhistand Hindu (9 Sinhali and Tamil (a) Sinhali and Christian ‘Ans. (©) Sinhali and Tamil 12 Consider the following statements and choose the _ appropriate option as with Belgium. {@) Belgium is a small country in North America. 1) Belgium has borers with ance, the Netherlands cd Gennany and Laxenbourg. « tof total population of Belgium, 80% lives in the ta ea obs nl peaks Fearcciocruce LE (4) The total populiion of Belgium is 10 crore. ‘Ans, (b) Belgium has borders with France, the Netherlands, Germany box ne ‘and Luxembourg, Gi44 EXAM PRACTICE 18 Find the incorrect option. (a) Sei Lanka emerged as an independent country 1958. {() Belgium has population of a litle over ‘one crore, about half of the population of Haryana (0 Power sharing is « good way to ensure the stability of political order. {a) In 1956, an Act was passed to recognise Sinhala 4s the only official language, thus disregarding Tamil Ans. (@) Sri Lanka emerged as an independent country in 1958. Find the incortect option. {@) In Sri Lanka Tamil has two sub-groups, i. Srilankan Tamils and Indian Tamils. {b) Most of the Sinhala Speaking people are Hindus in Sri Lanka. (0) There are 7% Christians in Sri tanks. (a) Sinhala was recognised as only official language in Sri Lanka. (6) Most of the Sinhala Speaking people are Hindus im Sri Lanka. Match the Following 1% List ‘A. Sri Lanka got independence B Actdeclared Sinhala as the official language C_Civil war ended in Sri Lanka Codes A (2 a2 Ans. (b) Fill in the Blanks 16 In Brussels ......per cent people speak French while .......,.per cent people speak Ans. List 11 1 1956 2 2009 31948 BOC Lal Sach 17 In Sri Lanka, there are ......per cent Christians, who are both Tamil and Sinhala, Ans.7 18 The Sri Lankan Tamils demanded an independent state with the name of Ans, Tamil Eelain 19 Asystem of checks and balances comes under ..«: form of power sharing. ‘Ans. horizontal 26 An example of social group sharing in Belgium, hs | government Ans. Community Ani rewrite tof Sri Lanka formulated 4 ich it recognised Tamil. javoured Tamil apy, Correct and R sovernmen ay tnorities £08 WE jal language and fe ‘ment jobs ‘of Sti Lanka formulated a pole, m for which it recognised Sinhy and favoured Si ‘ offic in gover! Government smajoritarianis! offical language government jODS- 29 in the horizontal division of power, the oy, Iv gemoeracy deepens as power is shares, {ower to higher level i.e. center-state-loc Ans, tn dhe vertical division of power, the concepe of a eperacy deepens as power i shared fom high, fewer level ie, centre-state-local Assertion/Reason 23 Assertion (A) In Belgium there is mutualy acceptable arrangement for sharing power Reason (R) The leaders realised that thew of the country is possible only by respecting the feelings and interests of different communities and regions. Codes fa) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A (b) Both A and R are true but R is not the comet explanation of A | (0) Ais true, but Ris false (a) Ais false, but Ris true. ; ‘Ans. (a) Both A and R are true and R is the comet explanation of A Very Short Answer Questions Ans: ‘Ans. Belgium has borders with France and Luxe 25 Which minority community is relative ™ i powerful in Belgium? 1s, The French minori ieyis relate and powerfulin Belgium. 26 When did Belgium gain independenc® ‘ns, Belgium gained independence in 1830- 27 Which major social group constitute? the 1 SH — share in population of cass “Ans, Sinhalese constie i populaapatnsttured the largest share it | ¢ me Which country do ‘Indian Tamils’ vena ¥ Ans Indian Tamil belong vo Sei ala applica gms) Ans 1S. | Ane 38 awhich yeat did St Lanka achiove ity oe nee? Sake SE 2011, 10 ka chee is independence in 104g country has adopted wien pted Buddhisin as its Pil religion? CBSE2015, 14 tana has adopred Buddhism as its offcint ign |, gaieany one step taken in Belgium to rute o # SMoblem af regional differences aed | | Burl diversities. CBSE 2000 ineroduced a third kind of government ie ‘gamunity government to rule out the problem ai a difference and cultural diverse, remunicy government is elected by all the people Hagectne of their spoken languages. svt elects the Community Government in ay CBSE 201,10 i feplebelonging co one particular language cenmunity lite Dutch, French or German elect the ‘amity Government in Belgium. 34 which ity was chowen a ts headquarters ] when the Buropean Union was formed? ‘Cast 2010 Ans| When the Buropean ton we formed, Brel was chosen as its headquarters. 34 Explain the meaning of majoritarianism as practised in Sri Lanka, CBSE 2019 ‘Majoritarianism as practised in Sri Lanka means 2 | belie thar the majarity community should be able to rule a country in whichever way it wan, by discegarding the wishes and needs of the minority y Why is power sharing desirable? CBSE 2019 Ans] Power sharing isthe vey spirit of democracy and it | helps to reduce che posshilcy of conflict between | socal groups. Therefore, itis strongly desired in a | democracy Name the two major ethnic communities of | Sri Lanka, CBSE 2019 Ans) ‘The major ethnic communities of Sti Lanks are | Sinhalese and Sei Lankan Tamil Short Answer (SA) Type Questions | Describe the ethnic composition of Belgium. = What is the complex ethnic composition of Sagium in terms of the percentage each linguage spoken there? CBSE 2015 ‘Tete composition ‘of Belgium is very complex. mm ‘itstated in the following points 14 fi ithas two main ie. Du ee Bae OF the country’s total population, 59% lives in te Flemish region and speaks Dutch language 1840% people of Belgium live in the Wallonia and speak French, Remaining 1% speak b "9 lathe capital ciey Brussels, 80% people speak The, while 20% are Duce pret ' The minority French-speaking people are mors | aq powesful chan the Duthspetking —— gaan the French-speaking POT Ach 915 Ny benefit of economic development and aicitog ge. ea (ii) The social disparity between Dutch-speaking and French-speaking communities dating che 1950s and 1960s led to tensions beeween them. (ii) The tension between the two communities was more acute in Brussels, the capital of Belgium, as the Dutch-speaking people constituted majority in the country, but a minority in Brussels. 33} Describe the etunie composition of Sa Lanka, Ans| The ethnic composition of Sri Lanka canbe decribed in the following ways (The major social groups in Sri Lanka are the Sinhala speakers (749) and the Tamil speakers (189) ‘ if) Among Tamils there are two sub-groups. 1 eo aan Tams ox th Tari aes of Si Lanka (139%), Indian Tamils (39) whose forelather came from India as planeation workers during colonial period. ji) Most ofthe Sinhala speakers ate HH etn, Mt othe Tris at er Hindus ox Muslims, io) Christians are about 7%, who de both Tamil and Sinhala,oe a \ 4 Highlight any three measures adopted by the Belgian Government to accommodate regional and cultural diversities, CBSE 2014 or Explain any three elements of Belgiatt model of accommodation, CBSE 2013 Wns. To.accommodate diverse regional and cultural diversities, Belgian Government adopted the following (9 Conssicusion prescribes char the number of Dutch and French-speaking ministers shall be equal in the Central Government. (8 Many power of the Central Government have been given to State Governments of the two regions of the country. (Gi) Brussels, the capital of Belgium, has a separate government in which both the communities have equal representations. 5 Describe the way in which power can be shared among governments at different levels, ‘CBSE 2012, 11 Aus. Power can be shared among governments at different levels in the following ways (@) Power isshared among different organs of government, such as the Legislature, Executive ‘and Judiciary. None of thew organs can exercise unlimiced power as cach organ checks the others. (i In a federal form of government, power can be divided berween the Central Government and the State Government as well as ar the Local Government level, (iii) Power may be shared among different social ‘groups, such as religious and linguistic groups. Power sharing arrangemens can the way political parties, pressure groups and social movements control or influence those in 6 Give a comparative analysis between Belgium and India in the sphere of area, 8. Belgium in areawise isa small country in Euro hoes tote fos ake ordch ietherlands, Germany and, Lapa Regarding popula ithas a population of over one crore, about half the population of Haryana. ; ‘On the other hand, India isa ity (cove 3104550 cy be) Mee ones meee languages. Hindi and English a used as languages. To draw arcawise diision according co language spoken is very difficult in India, 7 What were the in Sri Lanka to es ‘Ans. Majoritarian meas Sinhala Supremacy were (9 1956, an Act was passed which recogni ii) references were given t0 Sinhala applica, ‘he Dé cove 20" wd an area of 30,688 km ~ oes : Tank la All/none Social Science Class Majotitarian measures i, tablish Sinhala supremacy" CBSE, sures taken in Sri Lanka to oxy. Sinhala as che only offical language, thas disregarding Tamil language iniversity positions and ZOVerMIMNt jobs, ¢ Seate shall promoxe Buddhism according i, Constitution, Sri Lankan Tamil fet that ney the major political partis led by Buddhise Sa. leaders were sensitive (o their language and cls 8 Differentiate between horizontal and vertical division of powers. CBseay Ans. The differences between horizontal and vertical divisions of powers are Horizontal Division of Power Tn this division of power In this division of sharing arrangement, power isshared among arrangement, povs= Gifereneoxgans of i government such as Iegislature, excutive and different levels ike Vertical Division of Power power sharing shared among governments at ry. tunion, state and lo levels. In this division, different In this division. “organs of government : sec dierene powers. [cis a concy Of separation of powee, of checks 3 ‘concept of ce inorder to check the 6 balances bea lifferent or; ‘ constitution clea down the power different levels of and balances gins, of cleat ee ln ng and lower lev ta... ee the situation of Belgium and S* their location, size oa i ote act Off the Southern coax of Tal kan ettpower Sharing Culture In Belgium, the speaking community yas but the minority Dutch 4p gor the benefit of economic education, (On the other hand, in Sti Lanka 7496 are Sinhala speakers and 189% are T main language here, Ther and Christians, nil speakers. Buddhism is the fare also Hindus, Muslims 1. Evaluate the power sharing system in India. CBSE 2019 Ans: Power sharing system in India can be described in the following ways () In India power is shared among different organs of government, such as legislature, executive ed judiciary, This separation of power ensures that fone of the organs can exercise unlimited power. (i In India, power is shared among Union Government and State Government, Our constitution clearly lays down the powers of different levels of government, Under the State Government power is divided into municipality and panchayat. (ii) In India, thete are reserved constituencies for both women and socially weaker sections, both in parliament and in assemblies. (iv) In India, different political parties, pressure group and movements control and influence the government. Tl Read the sources given below and answer the questions that follow. Source A : Belgium : The ethnic complexity ‘The ethnic composition of Belgium is very complex, ‘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, oe ‘The ininority French-speaking community was Felatively rich and powerful This was resented by the Dutch-speaking community who got the benelit of economic development and education mu ‘and this led to tensions. between (i) Evaluate the development of tension the Dutch speaking and the French speaking People of Belgium. (i Source B: Ethnicity of Sri Lanka Sti Lanka has a diverse population, The ‘major social groups ara the Sinhala-speakers (74 per cont) and the Tamil-speakers (18 per cent), Amiong Tamils there are two subgroups. ‘Tamil natives of the country are called ‘Sei Lankan Tamils’ (13 per eent), The rest, whose forefathers came from India as plantation ‘workers during colonial period, are-called "Indian Tamils’ Justify the existence of major social group of Tamils in Sri Lanka. Source C : Dominance of Majority In Belgium, the Dutch community could take advantage ofits numeric majority and force its will on the French and German-speaking ‘population, This would push the conflict ‘among communities further. In Sri Lanka, the Sinhala community enjoyed an even bigger majority and could impose its will on the entire country, (Gii) To what extent major social groups dominate the country ? Explain with examples. ‘Ans. (9) In Belgium minority French speaking ‘community (40%) was rich and powerful. ‘This angered che Dutch speaking. ‘community who got the opportunities later. This led to the development of tension between the communities. (i Sti Lanka has a diverse population. The ‘major social groups ae Sinhala speakers and the Tamil speakers. Among the Tamil (18%) there are two subgroups, vir. Sti Lankan Tamils (13%) and Indian Tamils (596). Over the year, the relation beeween Sinhala and Tamil became strained. (ii) When the government takes the policy of “Majoritanism, then ic can dominate the ‘other social groups. For example, Sri Lanka shows us that the Sinhala speaking majorisy community wants to force its dominance ‘ver thers social groups and refuses to share power, This disturbs the nity of the country. 247Alljnone Social Science Clos 2 s 248 pow ions Tong Answer (LA) Type Quest | tne ways in which the Belgium ay, 1 Describe any three demands of the Sti 3 eran vanes have dealt with cultural Lankan Tamils. How did they struggle for on Che theirdemands? so aa with euleral diversity by fl Belgium dealt w i Ans. The tree demands of Sri Lankan Tamils were As. Belin’ (9 Recognition of Tamil as an official language hha of Dutch and French-speaking mini, {#) Provision of regional auronomy. M shall be equal in the Central Government, Gti) Equaliey of opportunity in sectaing education (ii) Many powers of the Central Government ie and jobs given to State Governments. Sri Lankan Tamils sirwggle for their demiinds in the Gy The capital, Brussels has 2 separate governing | folowing ways Me hich both the communities have equal (9 They formed several political organisitions to representation. demand an independent Tamil Eelam (state) E is elected fa Norden anl caer parw of Es eee roche (Sei Lankan Tamils launched their own Fe centonamionalicad osu political party LTTE (Liberation Tigers of ies ‘Tamil Eelam) to fight for their tights. d , Fees (Gi) When the demands of LTTE were denied Soi Lane cae wil Gara diversity filling repeatedly then took to viol arsed Coil War a (rere poly wa adopt Sno, 2. What was the reason of the Civil War in Sri ane : wee Lanka? What was its impact on the country? Ans. The reasons of the Civil War in Sri Lanka were (8) The democratically elected government in Sri Lanka adopted a series of majonitinian 4 Belgium. ‘measures to establish Sinhala supremacy on Sri but they follow different systems of power Lanka, ee sharing.” Support the statement by giving (id) The government followed preferential policies, three points of differences. CBSE 2 that favoured Sinhalese in espect of job, — ‘and many more. (ii) All the measures taken by the government gradually increased the feeling of alienation among the Sri Lankan Tamils, They fele themselves deprived. The impact of there measures on the country were (9 People got divided on the basis of ethnic and linguistic communities along with a widespread conflict of violent nature, : (i) Thousands of Sri Lankan Tamils were killed of The following three po : were foes co leeks thee couse, : me *hree points of differences suppor th (iii) The civil war gave a terrible setback to. the O The Saari it social, cultural and economic life of Sri Lanka, reba Consiution provides chat, that influenced even the Sinhala community. allel ee Oe a (iv) People of both the communities suffered heavy tthe band kaden ofr eae int losses edtangie ese! the and: ‘ronson01g very rium, the leads jpn Bee he leaders have War of the country i oss zing the feelings of oches sof the Central Govetan, Pore been given to the State Gover Bae rier band in Sd Lana Geced government adopted a seree st may — measures to establish Sinhala sapemacy thus ignoring the rights of min vain gam, there is no discrimination bewsen igions, On the other hand, Sti Lan| i putbof racial and religious Sema blersd , the passage and answer e apts Pie teat Deepens inten aa Sa ee ee cs on tected government adopted a series of MAIORITARIAN measures to establish Sinhala SS a act vs nica wo rsipae ea veatiage mae ceyeteg Se Ceanipne ts favoured Sinhala applicants for university positions and government jobs. Anew. constitution stipulated ‘that the state shall protect and foster Buddhism. ‘Althese government measures, coming one after calised hi th le only by be Belgium tical parties led by the ‘Sinhala leaders was sensitiveto their language and culture. They felt that the ‘constitution __ and government policies ‘denied them equal : : st them in " Political rights, discriminated again’ » okignorel \d other opportunities ‘between the ‘interests, As a result, the relation’ ‘and Tamil communities ‘strained over time | Thea Lankan Tamils launched parties one ether i farregonal autonomy and easly e opfiertunity insecurity education and jobs ‘But their demand for more autonomy to provinces populated by the Tannils was epeatedly denied, By(1980s several political rganisations were formed demanding an independent Tamils Eelam (state) sa Northern and Eastern parts of Sri Lani (i) Evaluate the Majoritarian measures taken by the Sinhala Government @ (ii) To what extent you agjtee the measures by the Sinhala Government increase the feeling of alienation among the Sri Lankan Tamils? lili) Is it justified that the denied of more autonomy for provinces Ied to the dissatisfaction among the Si Lankan Tamils? ‘Ans (j Sri Lanka became'an independent country in 1948, The democratically elected -nment adopted a series of measures to Sablish Sinhala supremacy. These are ‘Sinhala is the only offical preference is given to sinhala applicants for ‘University position and government jobs and ‘Buddhism is the state religion. (Gi) All the government measures t0 establish Sinhala supremacy gradually increased the feeling ofalienacion among the Sri Lankan. ‘Tamil. They started to believe chat the ‘Buddhist Sinhala leaders were not sensitive 10 their language and culture. Nor only this, the ‘Constitution and government policies denied {theirsocial and political rights! (ii) One of the demands of SriLankan Tamil ‘yas regional autonomy for provinces where the poplarion is more But hi demand ‘was denied repeatedly by the governmenc, ‘This really annoyed the SriLankan Tamils and they formed different political ‘organisation. So their dissatisfaction is justified,