Democratic Politics II Chapter 1 “Power Sharing” explains one of the most important aspects of democracy. This chapter tells us why sharing power among different groups is very important in a country.
If power remains in the hands of only one person or one of a community, conflicts and violence may increase. But when power is shared among communities, political parties, and institutions, democracy becomes stronger and more stable.
This chapter is very important for exams. because it has case studies. definitions, and key concepts of democracy.
1. What is power sharing?
The Power sharing means distributing government power among different groups, institutions, and levels of government. So no single entity runs everything.
Main aims of power sharing:
- Its prevent domination by one group
- To give equal importance to all communities
- To reduce a conflicts and violence
- To strengthen a democracy
Easy Definition
When all people get a share in decision-making, it is called “power sharing.”
2. Belgium and Sri Lanka Case
This chapter compares two countries:
Belgium
Sri Lanka
Both countries handled ethnic diversity differently.
3.Belgium: A Successful Example of Power Sharing
Belgium is a small country in Europe with different language communities.
There are three language groups:
- The Dutch-speaking people = 59%
- The French-speaking people = 40%
- The German-speaking people = 1%
In the capital city of Brussels:
- 80% people can spoke French
- 20% people can spoke Dutch
These differences language
created tensions among communities.
How Belgium Solved the Problem
The Belgian government adopted a power-sharing system in a country .
Important Steps Taken by a Belgium
1. Equal Representation
The number of Dutch-speaking and French-speaking ministers in the central government was made equal.
2. State Governments
The more powers was given to state governments to improve a state.
3. Community Government
- Its separate governments were created for each language community.
- These governments managed matters related to:
- Education
- Culture
- Language
Result of the Belgium :
The Belgians solved their conflicts peacefully.
As a result:
- Belgium becomes a democracy and stronger.
- In the country, civil war was avoided
- Different communities felt satisfied
- Now, Belgium is considered a successful model of power sharing.
4. Sri Lanka: Example of Majoritarianism (important)
In Sri Lanka, the majority population was Sinhala-speaking.
Population Structure
- The Sinhala-speaking people—74%
- The Tamil-speaking people – 18%
After independence, the Sinhala leaders used majority power for their own benefit.
The Meaning of Majoritarianism
Majoritarianism means a system where the majority community runs the government according to its own interests and ignores minority communities.
The Policies of Sri Lankan Government
1. Sinhala Only Act (1956)
- Sinhala was declared the official language.
- In the country, the Tamil language was ignored.
2. Preference to Sinhala People
The Sinhala people got benefits :
Sinhala benefit of Government jobs
Sinhalese receive the benefit of education.
3. Promotion of Buddhism
The Constitution gave special importance to Buddhism.
The Impact on the Tamils
The Tamil people felt discriminated against.
As a result:
Its tensions were increased
Conflicts were started
The civil war-like conditions developed
The conflict continued for many years.
Table
5. Difference Between Belgium and Sri Lanka
Belgium Sri Lanka
Adopted power sharing Followed majority rule
Equal rights to communities Minorities ignored
Peace maintained; conflict increased
Democracy became stronger. Violence increased
6. Why is Power Sharing Important?
Power sharing is important for the success of democracy.
1. Reduces Conflict
When all groups get power, disputes and fights decrease.
2. Ensures Stability
Power sharing increases political stability.
3. Strengthens Democracy
Democracy becomes successful only when everyone gets a chance to participate.
4. Protects Minority Rights
Minority communities get security and equality.
7. Forms of Power Sharing
According to NCERT, there are four main forms of power sharing.
1. Horizontal Distribution of Power
The power is given to different organs of the government.
Three Organs of a Government
Legislature
Executive
Judiciary
This system is also called the separation of powers.
Legislature
Makes laws.
Example:
Parliament
Executive
Implements laws.
Examples:
Prime Minister
President
Ministers
Judiciary
Protects laws and ensures justice.
Example:
Supreme Court
Benefit
No organ can misuse unlimited power.
This keeps democracy balanced.
2. Vertical Distribution of Power
The power is transferred between central and state governments.
This system is called federalism.
Examples:
India
United States
In India:
- Central Government
- State Governments
- Both have separate powers.
3. Power Sharing Among Social Groups
The Religious and linguistic communities are given representation.
Examples:
- Community government in Belgium
- Reservation system in India
- This protects minority groups.
4. Power Sharing Among Political Parties
Different political parties also share power.
Coalition Government
When several political parties join together to form a government, it is called a coalition government.
Example:
- Coalition politics in India
- This gives representation to different groups.
Pressure Groups and Movements
Sometimes organizations and social movements also play an indirect role in power sharing.
Examples:
- Trade unions
- Farmers’ organizations
- Student groups
- These groups influence government policies.
Prudential and Moral Reasons of Power Sharing
NCERT explains two important reasons for power sharing.
1. Prudential Reason
- This is a practical reason.
- Power sharing:
- Reduces conflicts
- Increases political stability
- Prevents violence
- Belgium is a good example.
2. Moral Reason
- This is an ethical reason.
- In a democracy every citizen should get equal participation in government.
- Because of a power sharing is necessary.
Key Terms
Ethnic
The groups of people sharing the same language, culture, or religion.
Majority Community
A community with a larger population.
Minority Community
The community with a smaller population.
Coalition Government
A government formed by multiple political parties together.
Community Government
A government that handles matters related to a particular language or community.
8. Important NCERT Questions and Answers
Q1. What is power sharing?
Answer: The distribution of government power among different groups and institutions is called power sharing.
Q2. Why is power sharing important?
Answer: The importance of power sharing is that it decreases conflicts, brings equality, improves democracy, and prevents the misuse of power. It gives a voice to all groups in the society in decision making and helps to ensure unity and stability.
Q3. How did Belgium solve its problem?
Answer: Belgium adopted equal representation, state governments, and community governments.
Q4. What is majoritarianism?
Answer: It has a system where the majority community runs the government according to its own interests and ignores the minorities.
Important Exam Points
Belgium = Success of power sharing
Sri Lanka = Failure of majoritarianism
Horizontal power sharing = Among organs of government
Vertical power sharing = Between levels of government
“Coalition government” is an important definition
Prudential and Moral reasons are frequently asked in exams
9. Conclusion
Chapter 1 “Power Sharing” explains the foundation of democracy.
This chapter teaches that:
All communities should get equal respect
Majority domination is harmful
Power sharing brings peace and unity
Belgium chose cooperation and peace, while Sri Lanka faced conflict because of majoritarianism.
Therefore, power sharing is essential for every democratic country.