1. What are the different forms of power sharing in modern democracies? Give an example of each.
- Horizontal power sharing: Distribution of power among different organs of government (Legislature, Executive, Judiciary).
Example: In India, Parliament (legislature), Government (executive), and Supreme Court (judiciary) share power. - Vertical power sharing: Distribution of power among different levels of government.
Example: Union, State, and local governments in India share powers through federal arrangements. - Power sharing among social groups: Sharing power among different religious, linguistic, or ethnic communities.
Example: Community governments in Belgium allow linguistic communities to manage their own affairs. - Power sharing among political parties and pressure groups:
Example: Coalition governments in India where different parties share ministerial positions.
2. State one prudential reason and one moral reason for power sharing with an example from the Indian context.
- Prudential Reason: Power sharing reduces the chances of conflict and instability in society.
Example: Reservation for Scheduled Castes and Tribes in Indian legislatures helps to avoid social unrest. - Moral Reason: Power sharing promotes the spirit of democracy by respecting the rights of every group.
Example: Recognizing minority languages as official languages in Indian states respects diversity and equality.
3. After reading this chapter, three students drew different conclusions. Which of these do you agree with and why?
I agree with Ouseph: Every society needs some form of power sharing even if it is small or does not have social divisions.
Reason: Power sharing ensures inclusive participation, reduces chances of arbitrary rule, and helps sustain democracy by promoting equality and fairness for all groups.
4. The Mayor of Merchtem, a town near Brussels in Belgium, has defended a ban on speaking French in the town’s schools. Is this measure in keeping with the spirit of Belgium’s power sharing arrangements?
No, this measure does not reflect the spirit of Belgium’s power sharing.
Reason: Belgium’s model accommodates linguistic diversity, promoting respect and equality for all language groups. Banning French undermines these values and may lead to alienation and conflict.
5. Statements about power sharing arrangements in Belgium and Sri Lanka. Which are correct?
- (d) B, C and D
B. In Sri Lanka, the government sought Sinhala dominance.
C. Tamils demanded federal power sharing.
D. Belgium’s move to federalism prevented division.
(A is incorrect as Belgium did not impose Dutch domination.)
6. Passage: Pick one prudential reason for power sharing.
Prudential Reason:
- “Giving power to Panchayats is also a way to reduce corruption and increase administrative efficiency.”
- Power sharing is practical as it improves efficiency and reduces corruption.
7. Arguments in favour of power sharing. Select the codes.
- (a) A B D F
- A. Reduces conflict among communities
- B. Decreases arbitrariness
- D. Accommodates diversities
- F. Promotes people’s participation
8. Consider the two statements:
A. Power sharing is good for democracy.
B. It helps to reduce the possibility of conflict between social groups.
- (b) Both A and B are true