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Chapter Analysis
Intermediate12 pages • EnglishQuick Summary
The chapter on power-sharing explores various forms of distributing authority within a democracy, primarily through real-world examples from Belgium and Sri Lanka. It explains the importance of power-sharing in preventing social conflicts and promoting political stability. The text discusses horizontal distribution of power among different government bodies and vertical distribution among various levels of government. Key cases like Belgium’s federal structure and Sri Lanka’s ethnic tensions illustrate the critical role of inclusive governance in maintaining national unity.
Key Topics
- •Importance of power-sharing in democracies
- •Horizontal and vertical distribution of power
- •Power-sharing in Belgium vs. Sri Lanka
- •Role of community and coalition governments
- •Forms of power-sharing arrangements
- •Checks and balances in governance
Learning Objectives
- ✓Understand the necessity of power-sharing in a democracy.
- ✓Identify different forms of power sharing in governance.
- ✓Analyze power-sharing examples from different countries.
- ✓Critique the effectiveness of power-sharing in resolving conflicts.
- ✓Evaluate moral and prudential reasons behind power-sharing.
- ✓Understand the socio-political impacts of power-sharing.
Questions in Chapter
What are the different forms of power sharing in modern democracies? Give an example of each of these.
Page 10
State one prudential reason and one moral reason for power sharing with an example from the Indian context.
Page 10
After reading this chapter, three students drew different conclusions. Which of these do you agree with and why? Give your reasons in about 50 words.
Page 10
Do you think the ban on speaking French in the town’s schools in Belgium keeps with the spirit of Belgium's power-sharing arrangements? Give your reasons in about 50 words.
Page 11
Consider the following statements about power sharing arrangements in Belgium and Sri Lanka. Which of the statements given above are correct?
Page 11
Additional Practice Questions
Why is power sharing important in a democracy?
mediumAnswer: Power sharing is critical in democracy as it prevents the dominance of any one group and promotes effective governance by accommodating the interests of all community segments, thus strengthening the democratic fabric.
Explain the concept of horizontal distribution of power.
easyAnswer: Horizontal power distribution refers to the sharing of power among different organs of the government, such as the legislature, executive, and judiciary. This distribution ensures that no single organ can exert unchecked power, maintaining a system of checks and balances.
How does the Belgium model of power sharing differ from that of Sri Lanka?
hardAnswer: Belgium uses a federal system that acknowledges and accommodates cultural and linguistic divisions, maintaining peace and stability. In contrast, Sri Lanka's approach led to the alienation of the Tamil minority by elevating the Sinhala majority, resulting in prolonged conflict.
What are the implications of not having a power-sharing arrangement in diverse societies?
mediumAnswer: Without power-sharing arrangements, diverse societies risk descending into conflict and instability, as dominant groups may impose their will on others, leading to discontent and potential civil strife.
Discuss the role of pressure groups in power-sharing arrangements.
mediumAnswer: Pressure groups influence government decisions and policies by representing the interests of specific segments of society. They facilitate power-sharing by ensuring diverse interests are considered, contributing to more representative and inclusive governance.
What would be a moral reason for advocating power sharing?
mediumAnswer: A moral reason for power sharing is the ethical imperative to ensure everyone has a say in how they are governed, which is crucial for just governance and the inclusivity of all societal groups.
Evaluate the impact of federal divisions in power-sharing using a country example from the chapter.
hardAnswer: Federal divisions in power-sharing, such as those in Belgium, have effectively addressed regional demands and tensions by allowing autonomy in governance, ensuring equitable development, and preventing conflicts.
How might power sharing reduce corruption?
easyAnswer: Power sharing can reduce corruption by decentralizing authority, which increases transparency and allows for more public scrutiny and accountability in governance.
What role does power sharing play in preventing civil wars?
hardAnswer: Power sharing helps prevent civil wars by ensuring all groups have a stake in governance, reducing grievances and the likelihood of conflict over power domination.
Can power sharing be counterproductive? Provide a reasoned argument.
hardAnswer: Power sharing can be counterproductive if it leads to decision-making deadlocks, where the need to reach consensus between diverse groups stalls governance processes, negatively impacting the government's efficiency.