Power Sharing

Flashcards covering key concepts and case studies related to power sharing in Belgium and Sri Lanka.

Belgium

A small European country with a complex ethnic composition including Flemish, French, and German speakers.

Sri Lanka

Ethnic groups include Sinhala speakers (74%) and Tamil speakers (18%).

Equal Representation in Central Government (Belgium)

Ensures an equal number of Dutch and French-speaking ministers.

Strong State Governments (Belgium)

Powers of the Central Government are given to State Governments of the Dutch and French regions.

Power-Sharing in Brussels

Each community (Dutch and French) has equal representation.

Community Government (Belgium)

Elected by people of one language community (Dutch, French, or German) and handles cultural, educational, and language-related matters.

Majoritarian Approach in Sri Lanka

Favored the Sinhala-speaking majority and ignored the Tamil-speaking minority.

1956 Official Language Act (Sri Lanka)

Sinhala declared as the only official language, marginalizing the Tamil community.

Preferential Policies (Sri Lanka)

More opportunities were given to Sinhala people in government jobs and university admissions.

Religious Discrimination (Sri Lanka)

Promoted Buddhism as the state religion and ignored Hindu, Muslim, and Christian beliefs of Tamils.

Prudential Reasons for Power Sharing

Helps avoid fights between different social groups, prevents violence and political instability, and maintains the country's unity.

Moral Reasons for Power Sharing

It is the essence of democracy, allowing people to be part of decisions that affect their lives and ensuring a fair government.

Horizontal Power Sharing

Power is shared among legislature, executive, and judiciary.

Checks and Balances

The organs are at the same level, with different functions ensuring no organ becomes too powerful.

Vertical Power Sharing

Power is divided among different levels like State/Provincial Government, Central Government, and Local Bodies.

Federal Division of Power

Each level has separate powers defined by the Constitution, promoting decentralization.

Social Group-Based Power Sharing

Power is shared among religious, linguistic, and minority communities.

Protecting Minority Rights

Reservations or quotas are given to women or weaker sections.

Power Sharing through Political Parties

Political parties compete for power, forming coalition governments when no single party wins.

Role of Pressure Groups

Pressure groups influence policies and participate in decision-making.