Chapter 1: Power Sharing
Introduction to Power Sharing
• Power sharing is the distribution of power among different organs and
levels of government to ensure democracy works efficiently.
• In a democracy, all power should not rest in one organ; it must be
intelligently shared.
• This prevents abuse of power, reduces conflicts, and respects the
diversity within a nation.
Case Studies: Belgium vs Sri Lanka
🇧🇪 1. Belgium
• Small European country bordered by France, Netherlands, Germany, and
Luxembourg.
• Population: ~1 crore (half of Haryana).
• Ethnic Composition:
o 59% Dutch-speaking (Flemish Region)
o 40% French-speaking (Wallonia Region)
o 1% German-speaking
o In Brussels (Capital): 80% French-speaking, 20% Dutch-speaking
• Problem: French-speakers were richer & more powerful. Dutch-speakers
demanded equality. Tensions rose, especially in Brussels where Dutch
majority became minority.
• Solution: Belgium’s leaders amended the constitution 4 times (1970–
1993) to accommodate everyone:
1. Equal number of Dutch and French-speaking ministers at the center.
2. Some laws need approval from both communities.
3. State governments got significant powers and are not subordinate to the
central government.
4. Separate government for Brussels with equal representation.
5. Community Government for cultural, educational & language issues –
elected by linguistic communities (Dutch, French, German), regardless of
region.
Result: Avoided civil war; protected unity; Brussels became EU
headquarters.
🇱🇰 2. Sri Lanka
• Island nation, ~2 crore people (like Haryana).
• Ethnic Composition:
o 74% Sinhalese
o 18% Tamils (13% Sri Lankan Tamils + 5% Indian Tamils)
o 7% Christians (both Sinhala & Tamil)
• Problem: Sinhalese majority imposed dominance after independence in
1948:
1. 1956 – Sinhala made the only official language, ignoring Tamil.
2. Preference to Sinhalese in jobs and education.
3. Buddhism given special status.
• Result: Tamil community felt alienated, demanded:
o Equal rights
o Official status for Tamil
o Autonomy for Tamil areas
• Civil war began in 1980s, demanding independent state Tamil Eelam.
o Thousands died; livelihoods lost; refugees fled.
o War ended in 2009.
Contrast with Belgium: While Belgium respected diversity, Sri Lanka
imposed majoritarianism, leading to civil war.
Why Power Sharing is Desirable?
1. Prudential Reasons (Practical)
• Reduces conflicts among social groups.
• Avoids violence & instability.
• Ensures political stability.
• Example: Reservation system in India.
2. Moral Reasons (Ethical)
• Power sharing is the essence of democracy.
• People have a right to be consulted.
• Encourages participation and stakeholding.
• Makes government more legitimate.
Forms of Power Sharing in Democracies
1. Horizontal Power Sharing
• Power shared among organs of government: Legislature, Executive,
Judiciary.
• Each checks the other – checks and balances.
• Example: Indian Constitution.
2. Vertical Power Sharing
• Power shared among different levels of government: Union, State, Local.
• Called federal division of power.
• Example: India – Centre, States, Panchayats.
3. Social Group Power Sharing
• Power shared among religious & linguistic groups.
• Example: Belgium's Community Government.
• India: Reservation for SCs/STs/OBCs and women in legislatures.
4. Political Party & Group Power Sharing
• Power shared among political parties, coalitions, pressure groups.
• Example: Coalition Governments.
• Interest groups (e.g., traders, farmers) influence decisions.
Cartoons and Real-Life Examples
• Germany’s Grand Coalition – CDU and SPD (historical rivals) had to share
power.
• Russia's centralization vs USA's democracy – Cartoon shows excessive
power weakens democracy.
• Lebanon:
o President – Maronite Christian
o PM – Sunni Muslim
o Deputy PM – Orthodox Christian
o Speaker – Shia Muslim
o ➤ Ensures peace, but restricts individuals like Khalil (no religion =
no power)
Conclusion
• Power sharing strengthens unity, prevents conflict, and deepens
democracy.
• Every society, big or small, with or without diversity, needs power
sharing.
• It is both a necessary and moral requirement of any democratic system.
