DEMOCRATIC POLITICS – POWER SHARING

Practice Questions

Q 1. What measure was adopted by the democratically elected government of Sri Lanka to establish Sinhala
Supremacy? (2014)
Answer:

In 1956, an Act was passed to make Sinhala the official language.

The government followed preferential policies favoring Sinhala applicants for University positions and
government jobs.

Q 2.What is the language spoken by the people residing in the Wallonia region of Belgium? (2014)
Answer:
People residing in Wallonia region of Belgium speak French.

Q 3.What is meant by the system of ‘checks and balances’? (2015)

Answer:
The horizontal distribution of power ensures that power is shared among different organs of government—
the legislature, executive and judiciary. It allows different organs of government placed at the same level to
exercise different powers. The horizontal distribution of power is also called a system of checks and
balances. This system ensures that none of these organs can exercise unlimited power. Each organ checks
the other.

Q 4.After independence, Sri Lanka witnessed the supremacy of which community? (2015)
Answer:
Sri Lanka emerged as an independent country in 1948 and the democratically elected government adopted a
series of measures to establish Sinhala supremacy.

Q5.Define the term ‘Ethnic’.

Answer:
Ethnic means a social division based on shared culture and common descent. People belonging to an ethnic
group need not have the same religion or nationality.

Q6.What is vertical division of power?

Answer:
When power is shared among governments at different levels, i.e., the Union or the Central Government, the
State Government and the Municipality and Panchayat at the lower level. This division of power involving
higher and lower levels of government is called the vertical division of power.

Q7.Compare the different ways in which the Belgians and the Sri Lankans have dealt with the problem of
cultural diversity. (2012)
Answer:
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 Both Belgium and Sri Lanka are democracies, yet they have dealt with the problem of cultural diversity very
differently.
Belgium:

1. Leaders realised that for the unity of the country it is important to respect the feelings and interests of
different communities. The Constitution prescribes that the number of Dutch and French speaking people
shall be equal in the Central Government.
2. Both Dutch and French communities share power on an equal basis at the Centre. Along with the State
Government, both communities have a third kind of Government called ‘Community Government’ which
decides on cultural, education and language related issues.
3. Between, 1970 and 1993, the Constitution was amended four times to enable all linguistic groups to
live together within the same country.

Sri Lanka:

1. In Sri Lanka, there are two major communities, the Sinhalese speaking (74%) and Tamil speaking
(18%). The majority community, the Sinhalese have forced their domination over Tamils, refusing to share
power.
2. Both communities have lived in tension as the Sinhalese have denied political, educational, religious,
employment and economic rights to the Tamils leading to Civil War.
3. In 1956, the Government passed an Act to recognise Sinhala as the only official language, thus
disregarding Tamil.

Q8.How far do you agree with the statement that power sharing is keeping with the spirit of democracy?
(2012)
Answer:
Power sharing is desirable in democracy because it helps to reduce the possibility of conflict between social
groups. Conflict between social groups leads to violence and political instability. Power sharing is a good
way to ensure the stability of political order.

Imposing the will of majority community over others, in the long run may undermine the unity of the nation.
Tyranny of the majority is not just oppressive for the minority, it often brings ruin to the majority as well.

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. Prudential reasons stress that power
sharing brings out better outcomes whereas moral reasons emphasize the act of power sharing as valuable.

Q 9. Explain any three consequences of the majoritarian policies adopted by the Sri Lankan government.
(2013)
Answer:
Sri Lanka emerged as an independent country in 1948. The democratically elected government adopted a
series of majoritarian measures to establish Sinhala Supremacy. Consequences of these majoritarian policies:

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1. The Sri Lankan Tamils felt that none of the major political parties led by the Buddhist Sinhala leaders
were sensitive to their language and culture and the government policies denied them equal political rights
which led to increased feeling of alienation among them.
2. The Sri Lankan Tamils felt that the constitution denied them equal rights in politics, in getting jobs
and ignored their interests. The relation between the Tamil and Sinhala communities became extremely
strained as a result.
3. The Sri Lankan Tamils launched parties and struggles for the recognition of Tamil, for regional
autonomy and equality of opportunity in every field.
4. Therefore, the measures adopted by the government to establish Sinhala supremacy led to distrust
between the two communities which turned the widespread conflict into a Civil War. As a result, thousands
of people of both communities were killed and many families were forced to leave the country as refugees
and lost their livelihoods.

Q 10.Why is the ethnic composition of Belgium complex?

Answer:
Belgium is a small country in Europe, having a population of a little over one crore.

1. 59 per cent of the country’s total population lives in the Flemish region and speak Dutch language.
2. Another 40 per cent people live in Wallonia region and speak French. Remaining one per cent of the
Belgians speak German.
3. Whereas in the Belgian capital, Brussels, 80 per cent of the population is French-speaking and 20 per
cent is Dutch-speaking.

Q 11.How is Belgium’s power-sharing path different from any other country?

Or, Explain the four elements in the Belgian power-sharing model.
Or, Why do we find the Belgian model very complicated? How has it helped to prevent conflict and division
of the country on linguistic lines?

Answer:
The power-sharing arrangements made by the Belgian leaders were different and more innovative than any
other country. To recognise the existence of regional differences and cultural diversities, they amended their
Constitution four times between 1970 and 1993.
The major elements of the Belgian Model are:

1. Constitution prescribes that the number of Dutch and French-speaking ministers shall be equal in the
Central Government. No single community can take decisions unilaterally.
2. The State Governments are not subordinate to the Central Government.
3. Brussels, the capital, has a separate government where both the communities have equal
representation.
4. A third kind of government, ‘Community Government’, is elected by people belonging to one
language community — Dutch, French and German speaking —no matter where they live. This government
can decide on cultural, educational and language related issues.

Q 12.What is majoritarianism? Is it wrong if a majority community in a country rules? Give reasons to justify
your answer.
Answer:
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 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 is majoritarianism.
Yes, it is wrong if a majority community in a country rules.

1. The very idea of power-sharing has emerged in opposition to the notions of undivided political power.
2. A positive attitude towards diversity and willingness to accommodate it, is good for democracy.
3. Power in the hands of one community will make the other community feel marginalised, deprived and
discriminated.
4. The struggle against such inequalities sometimes takes the path of conflict and defiance of State power
as in Sri Lanka.

Q 13.Analyse how majoritarianism has increased the feeling of alienation among the Sri Lankan Tamils?
(2014, 2015)
Or
Mention the measures adopted by the government to establish Sinhala supremacy.
Sri Lanka emerged as an independent country in 1948. The democratically elected government adopted a
series of measures to establish Sinhala supremacy:

1. In 1956, an Act was passed to make Sinhala the official language.

2. The government followed preferential policies favouring Sinhala applicants for University positions
and government jobs.
3. The Constitution provided for State protection and fostering of Buddhism.

The Sri Lankan Tamils felt that none of the major political parties led by the Buddhist Sinhala leaders were
sensitive to their language and culture and the government policies denied them equal political rights which
led to increased feeling of alienation among them.

The Sri Lankan Tamils launched parties and struggles for the recognition of Tamil, for regional autonomy and
equality of opportunity in every field.

Therefore, the measures adopted by the government to establish Sinhala supremacy led to distrust between the
two communities which turned the widespread conflict into a Civil War.

Q14. “Power Sharing is the very spirit of democracy”. Justify the statement. (2015)
Answer:

1. A democratic rule involves sharing power with those affected by its exercise. Power sharing ensures
that people have the right to be consulted and have equal participation in the government.
2. In a democracy, each individual has a say in governance through their elected representatives. This is
the essence of power sharing that grants equal rights to each citizen.

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3. Sharing of power ensures that respect for diversity and desire for living together becomes a shared
ideal amongst different communities in a country. It actually makes the country united and the
administration easier.
4. Prudential reasons stress that power sharing would bring out better outcomes by helping to reduce the
possibility of any conflict between the social groups.
5. Power sharing is a good way to ensure the stability of political order through unity of the nation.

Q15. Why is it bad if the community as a whole rules? Where else will Sinhalas dominate if they don't
already control Sri Lanka?
Ans:
1. The problem with the majority community ruling exclusively is that it can lead to the marginalisation
and suppression of minority groups. In a democracy, effective governance should reflect the interests
and rights of all communities, not just the majority.
2. In the context of Sri Lanka, if the Sinhalas, being the majority community, did not rule, it does not
mean that they would be without influence or leadership roles in other areas.
3. Effective power-sharing mechanisms are designed to ensure that all communities, including
minorities, have a voice and participation in governance.
4. The goal is to create an inclusive society where all groups can coexist peacefully and contribute to
decision-making processes, regardless of their numerical strength.
5.

Q16. What makes power sharing a good idea? Provide two arguments in favour of the assertion.
Ans:
1. Prevents Conflict: Power-sharing ensures that all groups, including minorities, have a role in
governance. This inclusion helps to prevent conflicts and grievances that arise when one group
dominates and others feel excluded or marginalised. By distributing power, societies can maintain
stability and peace.
2. Promotes Inclusivity and Democracy: It reflects the principles of democracy and fairness, where every
group's interests and rights are considered. This inclusivity fosters a sense of belonging and
participation among all citizens, leading to more balanced and representative decision-making.

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Q17. What kinds of power-sharing exist in contemporary democracies? Illustrate each of them.
Ans:
1. Horizontal Division of Power: This involves the separation of powers among different branches of
government—executive, legislative, and judiciary. For example, in the United States, the President
(executive), Congress (legislative), and the Supreme Court (judiciary) operate independently to
prevent any single branch from becoming too powerful.
2. Federal Division of Power: In a federal system, power is divided between central and regional
governments. For instance, in India, power is shared between the central government and state
governments, allowing regional governments to make decisions on local matters.
3. Community or Group-Based Power Sharing: This form involves allocating power to various
communities or groups to ensure their representation in governance. In Belgium, power is shared
among different linguistic communities-Flemish, French, and German-speaking—allowing each
community to have a say in national decisions.
4. Proportional Representation: This system ensures that political representation in legislatures reflects
the proportion of votes each party receives. For example, in the Netherlands, seats in the parliament
are allocated based on the percentage of votes each party receives, ensuring a more accurate
representation of diverse political views.
 Decentralisation:Power is distributed to lower levels of government to make decision-making more
localised. For example, in Switzerland, cantons have significant autonomy and decision-making power,
allowing them to address local needs effectively while remaining part of the federal system.

Q18. Give one ethical and one prudential justification for power sharing, using an Indian example.
Ans:
Prudential Reason for Power-Sharing
Reason: Power-sharing helps in reducing conflicts and maintaining stability in a diverse society.
Example: In India, power-sharing through federalism allows various states and regions to govern themselves
on local matters while remaining part of the Indian Union. This approach helps accommodate regional
differences and prevent conflicts, such as those experienced in the states of Punjab and Jammu & Kashmir,
where local governance structures address specific regional needs and aspirations.

Moral Reason for Power-Sharing

Reason: Power-sharing ensures that all groups, especially minorities, have a voice in decision-making, which
is essential for democratic equality and justice.
Example: In India, the reservation system in legislative bodies ensures that Scheduled Castes (SCs) and
Scheduled Tribes (STs) have reserved seats in Parliament and state legislatures. This power-sharing
mechanism upholds the principle of inclusive democracy by giving these historically marginalised
communities a guaranteed representation, thus promoting social justice and equality.

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Q19. The essence of democracy is power sharing. Do you concur?
Ans: Yes, I agree that power-sharing is the essence of democracy. In a democratic system, power-sharing
ensures that no single group or individual has absolute control, which upholds the principles of equality and
fairness. By distributing power among various institutions and groups, democracies foster greater
inclusivity, represent diverse interests, and prevent the concentration of power, thereby supporting the
fundamental democratic values of participation and accountability.

Q20. Democracy benefits from power sharing. True or False

Ans: True. Power-sharing is beneficial for democracy as it ensures that diverse groups and communities have
a voice in decision-making, promotes stability, and helps prevent the dominance of a single group. It
supports fairness and inclusivity, which are fundamental to a democratic society.

Q21. Power sharing lessens the likelihood of conflict among social groups. True or False
Ans: True. Power-sharing helps to reduce the possibility of conflict between social groups by ensuring that
different groups have a say in governance and decision-making. This inclusive approach promotes
cooperation and helps address grievances, which can prevent conflicts and foster social harmony.

Q22. Only in civilizations where there are linguistic, religious, or ethnic divides is power-sharing
required. Do you concur with this? Why?
Ans: No, I do not agree. While power-sharing is important in societies with religious, linguistic, or ethnic
divisions to ensure fair representation and prevent conflicts, it is also important in more homogenous
societies. Power-sharing can enhance democratic governance by promoting inclusivity, accountability, and
balanced decision-making, thereby strengthening the overall political system and ensuring that diverse
perspectives are considered.

Q23. For what reason has power-sharing been popular? Why would a democracy require it?
Ans:
1. Inclusivity: Power-sharing ensures that various social, ethnic, or religious groups have a voice in
governance, promoting fairness and representation.
2. Conflict Prevention: Distributing power among different groups, helps prevent domination by a single
group, thereby reducing the likelihood of conflict and fostering stability.
3. Strengthening Democracy: It supports democratic values by making governance more participatory
and accountable, ensuring that decisions reflect the interests of a broader section of society.
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 4. Balanced Decision-Making: Diverse viewpoints can lead to more balanced and thoughtful policy-
making, as different perspectives are considered in the decision-making process.

Q24. For what reason has power-sharing been popular? Why would a democracy require it?
Ans: In Sri Lanka, the majority and minority groups are as follows:

1. Majority Group: The Sinhalese, who are primarily Buddhist, constitute the majority of the population.
2. Minority Groups: The Tamils, who are mostly Hindu and also include a significant Muslim
population, are the main minority groups. The Tamil population is further divided into Tamils of Sri
Lankan origin and Tamils of Indian origin.

Q25. In Sri Lanka, what does majoritarianism mean? Talk about it.
Ans:
1. Political Dominance: The Sinhalese majority, being around 74% of the population, has historically
dominated Sri Lankan politics. Policies and decisions often favour Sinhalese interests, marginalising
Tamil and Muslim communities. For instance, the official language policy initially declared Sinhala as
the sole official language, sidelining Tamil, which was a language spoken by a substantial minority.
2. Constitutional and Legal Framework: Majoritarianism is reflected in constitutional provisions and
laws that favour Sinhalese Buddhist practices. For example, the Constitution recognises Buddhism as
the foremost religion, which has been interpreted to promote Buddhist interests in various public
spheres.
3. Impact on Minorities: This system has led to alienation and conflict among minority groups. The
Tamils, who felt politically and culturally excluded, have faced discrimination, contributing to
prolonged civil unrest and violence, including the Sri Lankan Civil War that lasted nearly three
decades.
4. Efforts at Reconciliation: While there have been efforts to address these imbalances through power-
sharing arrangements and peace talks, challenges remain. The introduction of federal systems or
power-sharing mechanisms aimed to provide more equitable representation and rights to minority
communities but has faced resistance and implementation issues.

Q26. Describe what is meant by the term "federal division of power."

Ans:
1. In a federal system, the central government and regional governments (like states or provinces) each
have their areas of authority. For example, the central government might handle national defence,

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 foreign policy, and currency, while regional governments manage local issues such as education,
healthcare, and transportation.
2. The division of powers is typically outlined in a constitution or similar legal document. This
constitution specifies which powers are exclusive to each level of government and which powers are
shared or concurrent. It helps in maintaining a clear structure and preventing conflicts between
different levels of government.
3. Federal systems allow for regional autonomy, meaning that states or provinces can make decisions on
certain matters independently of the central government. However, there must also be coordination
and cooperation between the central and regional governments to manage shared responsibilities and
ensure a cohesive national policy.
4. Examples: Countries like the United States, India, and Germany are examples of federal systems. In
these countries, powers and responsibilities are divided between the national government and
individual states or provinces, each with its own legislative, executive, and judicial branches.

Q27. What was the composition of the Brussels Government? Describe.

Ans: The Brussels Government, established within Belgium’s federal framework, reflects the country's
commitment to accommodating its linguistic and regional diversity. It is led by a Minister-President and
includes ministers representing various portfolios, ensuring bilingual functionality in Dutch and French,
given the region's official status. The government operates alongside the Brussels Regional Parliament,
which legislates for the Brussels Capital Region. This structure exemplifies Belgium’s power-sharing
principles, ensuring balanced representation and addressing the needs of both Dutch-speaking and French-
speaking communities in a region characterised by its unique linguistic and political landscape.

Q28. Explain the demands that the Tamil people in Sri Lanka are making.
Ans:
1. Autonomous Political Status: Tamilians sought the establishment of an autonomous Tamil Eelam, a
separate state in the northern and eastern parts of Sri Lanka where they constitute a majority, to ensure
self-governance and political representation.
2. Recognition of Tamil as an Official Language: They demanded that Tamil be recognised as an official
language alongside Sinhala, reflecting the linguistic diversity of the country and ensuring equitable
treatment in government and public services.
3. Equal Rights and Fair Representation: Tamilians advocated for equal rights in employment, education,
and political representation, aiming to address historical inequalities and discrimination faced by their
community.
4. Protection of Cultural and Religious Rights: They sought guarantees for the preservation of Tamil
cultural and religious practices, including the protection of Tamil heritage sites and the right to
practice their religion freely.

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 5. Reparations for Conflict-Related Damages: In the wake of the civil conflict, Tamilians called for
compensation and assistance for those affected by violence and displacement, as well as mechanisms
for justice and reconciliation.

Q29. Describe the fundamental tenets of democracy.

Ans:
1. Decisions in a democracy are made based on the will of the majority, ensuring that the preferences of
the majority of the population shape the policies and laws of the state.
2. Citizens have the right to elect representatives who will make decisions on their behalf, reflecting their
interests and concerns in the governance process.
3. Democracy guarantees fundamental rights and freedoms, such as freedom of speech, assembly, and
press, allowing individuals to express their opinions and participate in public discourse.
4. Every citizen has equal voting rights and is entitled to equal treatment under the law, ensuring that no
individual or group is unjustly privileged or discriminated against.
5. Elected officials are accountable to the public and must operate transparently, allowing citizens to
scrutinise their actions and hold them responsible for their decisions.

Q30. What are Germany's two main political parties?

Ans:
1. Christian Democratic Union (CDU): A centre-right party that advocates for conservative and
Christian-democratic values, focusing on economic stability, a strong social market economy, and traditional
values. The CDU often partners with its Bavarian sister party, the Christian Social Union (CSU), in federal
government formations.
2. Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD): A centre-left party that promotes social democracy,
advocating for progressive taxation, social welfare programs, and workers' rights. The SPD focuses on
reducing social inequalities and expanding social services.

Q31. Which nations have a federal system of division of powers? Give any two names.
Ans:
1. United States: The U.S. has a federal system where power is shared between the national government
and individual states. Each state has its own government and legislative authority, while certain
powers are reserved for the federal government.
2. India: India operates under a federal system where power is divided between the central government
and various states. Each state has its government and legislative powers, and there are specific areas of
governance that are under central or state jurisdiction.

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Q32. Which nations have a federal system of division of powers? Give any two names.
Ans:
1. Social Groups: Power sharing helps in representing various social groups, reducing the likelihood of
conflict and enhancing social harmony. It ensures that minority groups have a voice in political
processes, which can lead to greater inclusivity and social justice.
2. Linguistic Groups: For linguistic groups, power sharing can help in preserving and promoting their
languages and cultures. It allows for the creation of language policies that accommodate different
linguistic communities, which fosters a sense of belonging and prevents cultural erosion.
3. Religious Groups: In a multi-religious society, power sharing ensures that no single religion dominates
the state apparatus. It promotes religious tolerance and helps in the fair allocation of resources and
representation, which reduces sectarian tensions and promotes coexistence.

Q33. Which is the third form of governance that is used in Belgium, excluding the Central and State
governments?
Ans: In Belgium, apart from the Central and State governments, the third type of government is the Regional
Government. Belgium is divided into three regions: Flanders, Wallonia, and Brussels-Capital. Each region
has its government responsible for various local matters, including education, transportation, and economic
policies. This regional government structure ensures that the diverse linguistic and cultural communities
within Belgium have a degree of self-governance and representation.

Q34. Which group gained dominance in Sri Lanka after independence?

Ans: After independence, Sri Lanka witnessed the supremacy of the Sinhalese community. The Sinhalese,
being the majority ethnic group in the country, exerted significant political and cultural influence, which led
to policies favoring their interests and contributing to tensions with the Tamil minority.

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