Science Political Science Chapter 1 Power Sharing

Case Studies of Belgium and Sri Lanka: The Demographics of Conflict

Understanding the ethnic composition of Belgium and Sri Lanka is critical for CBSE Board Exams.

In Belgium, a tiny European country, the demographic makeup was highly complex. Out of the total population, 59% lived in the Flemish region and spoke Dutch, while 40% lived in the Wallonia region and spoke French. The remaining 1% spoke German. However, in the capital city, Brussels, the scenario was reversed: 80% spoke French and 20% spoke Dutch. The French minority was relatively rich and powerful, creating tension with the Dutch-speaking majority during the 1950s and 1960s.

In contrast, Sri Lanka, an island nation south of India, has a diverse population. The major social groups are the Sinhala-speakers (74%) and the Tamil-speakers (18%). Among Tamils, there are two subgroups: Sri Lankan Tamils (13%) who are native to the land, and Indian Tamils (5%) whose forefathers came as plantation workers. Most Sinhala speakers are Buddhists, while most Tamils are Hindus or Muslims. About 7% are Christians, spanning both language groups. The clash between these identities, and how the leadership handled them, shaped the political landscape of both nations.

Belgium's Accommodation vs. Sri Lanka's Majoritarianism

Why is Power Sharing Desirable? (Must Remember)

• Prudential Reasons are based on careful calculation of gains and losses, aiming to reduce social conflict and ensure political stability.
• Moral Reasons emphasize that power sharing is the very spirit of democracy; citizens have a fundamental right to be consulted.
• Horizontal Distribution of Power: Shared among different organs of government—Legislature, Executive, and Judiciary placed at the same level.
• System of Checks and Balances: A major highlight of horizontal sharing where each organ checks the other, preventing absolute power.
• Vertical Division of Power: Shared among different levels of government—Central/Federal, Provincial/State, and Local self-governments.
• Community Government: Power shared among socially diverse groups (e.g., religious and linguistic groups in Belgium).
• Power Sharing in Political Coalitions: Multi-party alliances ensure that power does not remain in one set of hands, reflecting interest groups.
• Alienation: The feeling of being excluded from the mainstream, which Sri Lankan Tamils experienced after the 1956 Majoritarian Act.

Key Terminology & Glossary

Majoritarianism

A belief that the majority community should be able to rule a country in whichever way it wants, by disregarding the wishes and needs of the minority.

Prudential Reasons

Reasons based on prudence, or on a careful calculation of gains and losses, focusing on reducing social conflict.

Moral Reasons

Reasons for power sharing that emphasize its intrinsic value, highlighting that it forms the democratic spirit.

Horizontal Power Sharing

Distribution of power among organs of government at the same level—Legislature, Executive, and Judiciary.

Vertical Power Sharing

The sharing of power between different level-based governments, such as Central, State, and Local governments.

Coalition Government

A government formed by an alliance of two or more political parties, typically when no single party wins a clear majority.

Civil War

A violent conflict between opposing groups within a country that becomes so intense that it resembles a war.

Real-World Examples of Power Sharing Models

• {"title":"Horizontal Sharing (The Indian System)","description":"In India, the Parliament (Legislature) makes laws, the Bureaucracy and Cabinet (Executive) implement them, and the Supreme Court (Judiciary) reviews them. Judges are appointed by the executive but can check the functioning of the legislature or executive. This is the classic system of checks and balances."}
• {"title":"Vertical Sharing (The Indian Federal structure)","description":"India divides power between the Union Government in New Delhi, State Governments in respective capitals, and Local Self-Governments (Panchayats and Municipalities) to address grassroot level issues directly."}
• {"title":"Community Government (Belgium Model)","description":"The Belgian 'Community Government' is elected by people belonging to one language community—Dutch, French, or German-speaking—no matter where they live. This government has powers regarding cultural, educational, and language-related issues."}

Board Exam Trap Alerts & Answer Writing Strategies

• The 'Prudential vs. Moral' Question: This is a high-yield 3-mark or 5-mark question. Always structure your answer into two clear sections. Under 'Prudential', mention conflict reduction and stability. Under 'Moral', mention spirit of democracy and legitimate government.
• Demographics Trap: Do not swap the percentages for Belgium and Brussels. Remember: Dutch is the majority in the country (59%) but the minority in the capital Brussels (20%). French is the minority in the country (40%) but the majority in Brussels (80%).
• Terminology Precision: When defining horizontal power sharing, write 'organs of the government at the same level.' When defining vertical, write 'different levels of government.' Do not mix up the terms 'organs' and 'levels'.

Quick Revision Check

• What was the main reason behind the tension between Dutch-speaking and French-speaking communities in Belgium? The French-speaking minority was relatively rich and powerful compared to the Dutch-speaking majority, who received the benefits of economic development and education much later.
• Name the act that established Sinhala supremacy in Sri Lanka and state its year. The Act of 1956. It recognized Sinhala as the sole official language, disregarding Tamil.
• What is the 'system of checks and balances'? It is a horizontal form of power sharing where different organs of the government check each other's actions, ensuring no single organ exercises unlimited power.
• Define 'Community Government' in the context of Belgium. It is a third level of government elected by people belonging to one language community (Dutch, French, or German), holding power over cultural, educational, and language issues.

Frequently Asked Questions