Questions
2–4 questions per board paper
Difficulty
Easy
Importance
High yield — essential for high scores
Overview
Power Sharing is a foundational concept in democratic governance that deals with the distribution of authority among different organs of government and social groups. Understanding this topic is essential for exams as it explains the stability of diverse democracies and serves as a primary base for Civics questions. Aspirants must master the comparative case studies of Belgium and Sri Lanka to distinguish between accommodation and majoritarianism.
Case Study: Belgium
Belgium features a complex ethnic composition with Dutch and French-speaking communities, leading to an innovative model of governance. The focus here is on the four constitutional amendments made between 1970 and 1993 to ensure equal participation and prevent civil strife.
- Equal number of Dutch and French-speaking ministers in the central government
- Many powers of the central government given to state governments
- Brussels has a separate government with equal representation
- Creation of Community Government for cultural and linguistic issues
Case Study: Sri Lanka
In contrast to Belgium, Sri Lanka adopted a majoritarian approach after gaining independence in 1948. This approach alienated the Tamil minority, ultimately leading to a prolonged civil war.
- 1956 Act recognized Sinhala as the only official language
- Preferential policies for Sinhala applicants in university and government jobs
- State protection and promotion of Buddhism
- The feeling of alienation led to the demand for an independent Tamil Eelam
Forms of Power Sharing
Power sharing is categorized based on horizontal and vertical distribution to prevent the concentration of authority. These mechanisms provide checks and balances necessary for a functional democracy.
- Horizontal distribution: Power shared among legislature, executive, and judiciary
- Vertical distribution: Power shared among different levels like central, state, and local
- Social groups: Power sharing among different religious and linguistic groups
- Political parties: Sharing power through coalitions and interest groups
Exam Tip
When comparing Belgium and Sri Lanka, always frame your answer around 'accommodation vs. alienation' to demonstrate conceptual maturity.
Common Mistakes
- Confusing horizontal power sharing with vertical power sharing systems
- Failing to mention the 'Check and Balance' system when discussing horizontal distribution
- Overlooking the role of the Community Government in the Belgian model
More Revision Notes
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