Power Sharing – Study module with Revision Notes

1. Introduction to Power Sharing

In a democracy, political power is not supposed to be in the hands of one person or one group permanently. It must be shared among various organs and levels of government, and among different social groups. This idea is called power sharing.

Class 10 Civics begins with this chapter to remind us that democracy is not just about elections and majority rule. It is also about how power is distributed and controlled so that no one abuses power and everyone feels included.

To understand why power sharing is necessary, the chapter first presents two case studies: Belgium and Sri Lanka. Both are small countries compared to India, but their experiences clearly show what happens when power is shared wisely, and what happens when it is not.

2. Case Study – Belgium

2.1 Belgium’s Complex Ethnic Composition

Belgium is a small country in Europe with a very complex ethnic composition:

• In the Flemish region (north), a majority (about 59%) of people speak Dutch (called Flemish).
• In the Wallonia region (south), a minority (about 40%) speak French.
• In the capital city Brussels, about 80% speak French and 20% speak Dutch.

The French-speaking community was economically and socially more powerful. However, they were in a numerical minority in the country as a whole (40%). Dutch speakers were in majority, but felt unfairly treated in terms of jobs, education and economic development.

This created a serious tension between the two communities. The fear was that the country could split into two or more parts if this conflict was not handled properly.

2.2 Tensions and the Need for Accommodation

The tension in Belgium was not just about language. It was about power and resources:

• Who will control the central government?
• Which language will be used in administration and education?
• Whose interest will the government protect more?

Belgium had two options:

1. Follow a majoritarian model where the larger group (Dutch speakers) dominates the rest.
2. Adopt a power sharing model where communities share power and protect each other’s interests.

Belgium chose the second option – accommodation – and redesigned its constitution several times between 1970 and 1993 to work out a system of power sharing.

2.3 Accommodation in Belgium – Constitutional Arrangements

Belgium’s constitution provides very detailed and complex arrangements to share power among different communities and regions. Some important features are:

a) Equal Representation at the Central Government

• The central government has equal number of ministers from the Dutch-speaking and French-speaking communities.
• No single community can take unilateral decisions. They must consult each other and work together.
• This avoids the feeling of domination by one linguistic community over the other.

b) State Governments with Community Governments

• The country is divided into three regions – Flemish region, Wallonia region and Brussels region – each with its own government (regional government).
• In addition, there are community governments for Dutch-speaking, French-speaking and German-speaking people.
• These community governments are responsible for cultural, educational and language-related issues, irrespective of region.

c) Power Sharing in Brussels

• Brussels is a separate region with a special power sharing arrangement.
• Both French and Dutch-speaking people have equal representation in the regional government.
• Certain laws in Brussels require the support of majority members from each language group, which ensures mutual veto and protection of minority interests.

3. Case Study – Sri Lanka

3.1 Ethnic Composition of Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is an island nation near the southern coast of India. It has the following major ethnic groups:

• About 74% are Sri Lankan Tamils (Sinhala-speaking Buddhists) – commonly called the Sinhala-speaking majority.
• About 18% are Tamils:
  • Sri Lankan Tamils – native Tamils living in Sri Lanka for centuries.
  • Indian Tamils – descendants of plantation workers brought by the British from India.
• There are also small groups of Muslims and others.

The Sinhala-speaking majority was politically powerful. After independence (1948), they tried to use their majority to dominate other communities instead of sharing power.

3.2 Majoritarianism in Sri Lanka

Majoritarianism is a belief that a majority community should be able to rule a country in any way it wants, disregarding the wishes and needs of the minority.

In Sri Lanka, the leaders of the Sinhala community followed majoritarian policies:

• In 1956, Sinhala was declared the only official language, ignoring Tamil.
• Preferential policies favoured Sinhala applicants in government jobs and university admissions.
• Tamil students and youth felt discriminated and deprived of fair opportunities.
• The policies of the government consistently ignored the cultural and political demands of Tamils (e.g. recognition of Tamil language, equal rights, autonomy in Tamil areas).

Over time, the Tamil community demanded:

• Recognition of Tamil as an official language.
• Regional autonomy in areas where Tamils were in majority.
• Equal opportunities in education and jobs.

3.3 Consequences – Civil War in Sri Lanka

The Sri Lankan government did not agree to share power. As a result:

• Relations between the Sinhala and Tamil communities became extremely strained.
• A group of militant Tamils formed the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) and demanded a separate Tamil state called Tamil Eelam.
• This led to a long civil war, causing heavy loss of life, property and opportunities for development.

4. Comparison – Belgium vs Sri Lanka

The two case studies show two opposite approaches to handling social diversity:

• Belgium: Complex ethnic structure but followed a policy of accommodation and power sharing.
• Sri Lanka: Followed majoritarianism and refused to share power with the minority Tamil community.

5. Why is Power Sharing Desirable?

The chapter explains two main reasons why power sharing is desirable: Prudential reasons and Moral reasons.

5.1 Prudential Reasons (Practical Reasons)

Prudential means based on careful calculation of gains and losses – in simple words, practical reasons. Power sharing is good for practical reasons because:

• It reduces the possibility of conflict between social groups. When people feel included in power, they are less likely to rebel.
• It ensures political stability. Countries with power sharing are less likely to face violence and breakdown of government.
• It leads to better decisions because different groups can share their views and experiences.

5.2 Moral Reasons (Principle-Based Reasons)

Moral reasons are based on values and principles. Power sharing is morally desirable because:

• Democracy is based on the principle of equal respect for all citizens. Power sharing is a way of respecting different social groups and opinions.
• Citizens have a right to be consulted on how they are to be governed. Participation in power is a basic democratic value.
• Power sharing strengthens the idea of popular sovereignty – that power belongs to the people.

6. Forms of Power Sharing

Power can be shared in many ways. The chapter identifies four main forms of power sharing in modern democracies:

1. Power sharing among different organs of government.
2. Power sharing among governments at different levels.
3. Power sharing among different social groups.
4. Power sharing among political parties, pressure groups and movements.

6.1 Power Sharing Among Different Organs of Government

This is called horizontal distribution of power, where power is shared among different organs at the same level, such as:

• Legislature – makes laws (e.g. Parliament, State Legislatures).
• Executive – implements laws (e.g. Prime Minister and Council of Ministers).
• Judiciary – interprets laws (e.g. Supreme Court, High Courts).

Each organ checks the others. This system is also called system of checks and balances. It prevents concentration of power in one organ and protects the rights of citizens.

6.2 Power Sharing Among Governments at Different Levels

This is called vertical distribution of power. Power is divided among:

• Central (Union) Government
• State Government
• Sometimes Local Governments (like Panchayats and Municipalities)

In India, this is known as federalism. The constitution clearly lays down the powers of each level in the form of Union List, State List and Concurrent List.

6.3 Power Sharing Among Different Social Groups

Power sharing can also take place among different social groups such as religious, linguistic or caste groups. Examples:

• Reserved seats for SCs, STs and OBCs in legislatures and government jobs.
• Communities being given community governments or special rights (as in Belgium).

This form of power sharing is a way of giving minorities a fair share in government and protecting them from domination.

6.4 Power Sharing Among Political Parties, Pressure Groups and Movements

In a democracy, several political parties compete for power. Power sharing occurs when:

• Different political parties form a coalition government and share cabinet positions.
• Pressure groups and movements influence government decisions through protests, campaigns, negotiations and media.

This ensures that government policies reflect the views of different sections of society, not just one party.

7. Key Terms – Quick Revision

• Power Sharing: The distribution of power among different organs and levels of government, social groups and political actors in a democracy.
• Majoritarianism: Belief that the majority community can rule a country in any way it wants, disregarding the wishes and needs of the minority.
• Ethnic Group: People who share a common language, culture or history and form a distinct community.
• Community Government (Belgium): A government elected by people belonging to one language community, having powers over cultural, educational and language-related issues.
• Horizontal Power Sharing: Power shared among different organs of government – legislature, executive, judiciary.
• Vertical Power Sharing: Power shared among different levels of government – central, state, local.