Power Sharing (Easy and detailed Notes for class 10th)

Introduction:

Last year, we came to know about institutional designs. These designs tell us that power does not rest with any one organ of the government in a democratic government. We divide power and strengthen the system. So this year, we will go deeper and understand desirability of power sharing. Also, the various forms of power sharing. let’s commence through two examples; Belgium and Sri Lanka.

Story of Belgium:

• Belgium is a small country in Europe.
• Area wise, it is smaller than Haryana (State).
• It has borders with France, the Netherlands, Germany and Luxembourg.
• Its Ethnic composition is very complex.
  • Three languages; Dutch, French and German.
  • Three regions; Flemish (59% Dutch speaking), Wallonia (40% French speaking) and Brussels.
  • However, in Brussels (Capital Region): 20% Dutch speaking and 80% French speaking.
  • There are 1% German speaking also.

But What was the problem in it?

• Minority was rich and powerful in the country whereas majority benefited much later.
• Although, this problem was more acute in the capital city Brussels.
• Thus, this complexity posed the problem between French and Dutch speaking communities.

Story of Sri Lanka:

• Sri Lanka is an Island Nation (India’s neighbor).
• Its population is about two crore (same as in Haryana).
• Sri Lanka has a diverse population.
  • Major Social groups: Sinhala-speakers (74%) and Tamil-speakers (18%).
    • Moreover, There are two sub groups of Tamils: Sri Lankan Tamils(13%) and Indian Tamils (5%).
  • other social groups: Christians (7%) and Rest (1%) .
  • Religion: Buddhists (majority), Hindus, Muslims and Christians.
• Tensions took place due to discriminatory policies of Sri Lankan Government.

Majoritarianism in Sri Lanka

• In 1948, after attaining Independence, Sinhala community took advantage of its majority.
• Since, It adopted a series of Majoritarian measures.
• Changes favored Sinhala community only.
  • Recognition of Sinhala as the only official language in 1956.
  • Preferential policies for Sinhala applicants (Govt. jobs & University position).
  • Moreover, duty of State to protect and foster Buddhism.
• Against these, Sri Lankan Tamils launched parties.
  • Demanded for recognition of Tamil as an official language,
  • for regional autonomy and equality of opportunity in education and jobs.
• However, Sinhala government refused to do so.
• As a consequence, Demand for Tamil Eelam (State) arose. (1980s)
• Thus, the above mentioned changes paved way to a Civil War.

Accommodation in Belgium

• In Belgium, Leaders took care of every linguistic group. Thus, adopted Belgian Model.
• To make workable arrangements, they had to amend their constitution four times (Between 1970 and 1993).
• Although, Belgian measure is different and very innovative.
• So, The Elements of Belgian Model are:-
  • Central Government: Equal representation of the ministers of both linguistic groups. And provision of Bilateral agreement.
  • State Government: State governments are not subordinate to Central government.
  • Separate Government (Brussels): Both the communities have equal representation.
  • Community Government: This third kind of government is elected by people belonging to one language community irrespective of their place (Dutch, French and German). This government has power regarding cultural, educational and language-related issues.
• Hence, Belgium model proved to be successful.

Why power sharing is desirable?

There are mainly two reasons. First, Prudential and second moral.

1. Prudential Reason: Power sharing is good (good for better outcomes) because it helps to reduce the possibility of conflict between social groups.
2. Moral Reason: Power sharing is very spirit of democracy. It allows citizens to participate in government as they are the one who get affected by its exercise.

Forms of Power-Sharing

Finally, Above reasons made us realize the value of power sharing. In modern democracies, power sharing arrangements can take many forms. Let us discuss these forms.

1. Horizontal Distribution of power sharing: There are three organs of government; legislature, executive, judiciary. At same level, they perform different functions. Also check and balance the functioning of each other. Thus, share the power horizontally.
2. Vertical Distribution of power sharing: When power is shared among governments at different levels; Central/union, State/regional, local. We call it vertical distribution of power sharing.
3. Power sharing among different social groups: In some countries constitutional and legal arrangements are made in order to give minority communities a fair share in power. For instance, reserved constituencies in India and community govt. in Belgium.
4. Power sharing among political parties, pressure groups and movements: As we know that power sharing means division of power. This division can be of political parties in the form of coalition government. It can be of pressure groups who influence public opinions and govt. policies. For Example: interest groups of traders, businessmen, industrialists, farmers, students, industrial workers.

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