✅Class 10 Political Science – Chapter 1: Power Sharing

? 1. What is Power Sharing?

• Definition: Power sharing is the distribution of political power among different organs, levels, and
groups in society to ensure inclusive participation and avoid concentration of power.
• Core Democratic Principle: In a democracy, no one person or group should dominate the decision-making
process.
• It ensures stability, prevents conflict, and protects minority rights.
• Power is shared among:
• Organs of government
• Different levels of government
• Social and ethnic groups
• Political parties and interest groups

? 2. Real-Life Case Studies on Power Sharing

?￰ﾟﾇﾪCase Study 1: Belgium – An Example of Successful Accommodation

A. Location & Background

• Small European country bordering France, Netherlands, Germany, and Luxembourg.
• Population: Around 1 crore (10 million).
• Capital: Brussels – headquarters of the European Union (EU).

B. Ethnic Composition
• Highly complex:
• 59% Dutch-speaking – live in the Flemish region (North).
• 40% French-speaking – live in the Wallonia region (South).
• 1% German-speaking – Eastern Belgium.
• Brussels (Capital city):
• 80% French-speaking
• 20% Dutch-speaking
C. Problem
• In Brussels, despite being Dutch-speaking majority nationwide, the French-speaking community was more
prosperous and politically influential.
• The Dutch-speaking people felt marginalized and demanded equality in decision-making.
• Growing tensions could have led to civil war or division, like in Sri Lanka.

D. Belgium’s Power Sharing Model (1970–1993)

Belgium amended its Constitution four times to establish a unique system of accommodation:
1. Equal Representation in Central Government:
• No community can dominate.
• Number of Dutch and French-speaking ministers kept equal, even though Dutch are the majority.
• Major decisions require the approval of both groups (consensus-based governance).
2. State Governments Given More Power:
• Powers of the central government were decentralized.
• Regional governments (Flemish, Wallonia, etc.) are not subordinate to the center.
3. Separate Government for Brussels:
• Brussels has a bilingual government with equal representation for both Dutch and French
speakers.
4. Community Government:
• A unique third layer based on language and cultural identity.
• Elected separately by Dutch, French, and German-speaking communities.
• Controls:
• Culture
• Education
• Language-related affairs
• Works across regional boundaries.
✅Result:
• Belgium has peacefully resolved ethnic conflict.
• No civil war.
• Considered a model for power-sharing in multi-ethnic societies.
• European Union uses Belgium as a model.
?￰ﾟﾇﾰCase Study 2: Sri Lanka – A Case of Failed Power Sharing

A. Location & Background

• An island country in South Asia.
• Separated from India by the Palk Strait.
• Population: Over 2 crore (20 million).

B. Ethnic and Religious Composition

• 74% Sinhala-speaking (mostly Buddhists).
• 18% Tamil-speaking:
• Sri Lankan Tamils: Native, live in North and East.
• Indian Tamils: Brought as plantation workers by British; live in central highlands.
• 7% Muslim Tamils (speak Tamil, follow Islam).

C. Post-Independence Policies and Tensions

After independence in 1948, Sinhala leaders adopted majoritarian policies:
1. 1956: Sinhala Only Act:
• Sinhala declared the only official language.
• Tamil language excluded from official work.
2. Religion:
• Buddhism promoted as the state religion.
• Other religions like Hinduism, Islam, Christianity marginalized.
3. Job and Education Discrimination:
• Sinhalese given preferential treatment in:
• Government jobs
• University admissions
• Political positions
4. No Autonomy to Tamils:
• Tamils’ demand for regional autonomy in North and East rejected.

D. Consequences of Majoritarianism
• Widespread alienation among Tamils.
• Peaceful protests were ignored or violently suppressed.
• Emergence of militant Tamil groups like LTTE (Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam).
• Demand for a separate Tamil state: Tamil Eelam.
 • Civil war lasting nearly 30 years (1983–2009):
• Thousands killed.
• Economic destruction.
• Deep ethnic divide.
• UN investigations on human rights violations.
✅Result:
• A warning example of how ignoring power sharing leads to disintegration, violence, and instability.

? 3. Why is Power Sharing Desirable?

A. Prudential Reasons (Practical Benefits)

1. Reduces chances of social conflict.
2. Ensures political stability and unity.
3. Promotes peaceful coexistence in diverse societies.
4. Avoids civil wars, insurgency, and terrorism.
5. Strengthens trust in the government.

B. Moral Reasons (Ethical Necessity)

1. Based on the spirit of democracy.
2. Every citizen and group deserves a voice in governance.
3. Ensures dignity and respect to minorities.
4. Promotes inclusiveness and justice.
5. A government run by consultation, not domination.

? 4. Different Forms of Power Sharing

? A. Among Different Organs of Government (Horizontal Distribution)

• Shared between:
• Legislature (makes laws)
• Executive (implements laws)
• Judiciary (interprets laws)
• Each organ acts as a check and balance to the others.
• Example: India – Supreme Court can strike down unconstitutional laws.
• Prevents abuse of power.
? B. Among Governments at Different Levels (Vertical Distribution)
• Federal system of governance.
• Power shared between:
• Central Government
• State Governments
• Local Governments (Municipalities, Panchayats)
• Example: India’s three-tier system.
• Constitutionally protected (e.g., 73rd & 74th Amendments).

? C. Among Different Social Groups

• In multi-ethnic, multi-religious societies.
• Minority groups given autonomy or representation.
• Example:
• Community Government in Belgium.
• Reservations in India for SCs, STs, and OBCs.
• Prevents domination by one group.

? D. Among Political Parties, Pressure Groups, and Movements

• Democracy allows multiple parties to compete for power.
• Often leads to coalition governments.
• Power is also influenced by:
• Trade unions
• Farmers’ associations
• Women’s movements
• These groups act as watchdogs and influencers in a democracy.

? 5. Belgium vs Sri Lanka – Summary Comparison

Feature Belgium Sri Lanka
Ethnic Composition Dutch, French, German Sinhala, Tamil
Language Policy Bilingual; Equal treatment Sinhala only
Power Structure Federal; Shared power Unitary; Centralized power
Minority Treatment Inclusive, respected Discriminated
Outcome Peace, stability Civil war, violence
✅Conclusion of Both Case Studies
Country Conclusion
Belgium showed that respecting diversity, sharing power equally, and giving constitutional
recognition to all communities leads to peace, unity, and stability. It is considered a successful
Belgium
example of how a country can handle ethnic conflict without violence, through inclusive and
innovative power-sharing arrangements.
Sri Lanka is an example of how majoritarianism and neglecting minority demands can lead to
alienation, violence, and civil war. By refusing to share power and enforcing discriminatory policies,
Sri Lanka
the country faced decades of conflict. It stands as a warning that ignoring democratic values of
inclusion leads to disintegration and instability.

? 6. Keywords You Must Know

• Power Sharing: Division of powers among various institutions/groups.
• Majoritarianism: A policy or belief that the majority community should dominate.
• Ethnic Group: A community of people sharing the same cultural traits.
• Community Government: Belgium’s unique form of power-sharing body based on linguistic lines.
• Horizontal/Vertical Power Sharing: Types of institutional arrangements in democracy.
• Civil War: Armed conflict within a country between ethnic or political groups.
• LTTE: Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam – a militant Tamil group in Sri Lanka.

Here is a separate table of all important dates and events from Chapter 1: Power Sharing, focusing on both
Belgium and Sri Lanka, with clear explanations for each. This table is especially useful for quick revision and
exam MCQs.

? Important Dates and Events

Year Country Event
1948 Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka gained independence from British rule.
1956 Sri Lanka
Passed the "Sinhala Only Act" making Sinhala the sole official language.
1970 Belgium First constitutional amendment made to begin accommodating ethnic tensions.
1983 Sri Lanka
Outbreak of civil war between Sri Lankan government and Tamil rebels (LTTE).
Final and most comprehensive 4th constitutional amendment completed; led to formal
1993 Belgium
federal arrangement.
2009 Sri Lanka End of the civil war with the defeat of the LTTE by government forces.