Power Sharing

What is roughly the population of Belgium?

Half the population of Haryana

Ethnic composition of Belgium

• 59% Dutch

• 40% French

• 1% German

Where do the Dutch reside?

In Flemish region

Where do the French reside?

In Wallonia region

Ethnic composition of Brussels

• 80% French

• 20% Dutch

Sri Lanka’s Ethnic Composition

• 74% Sinhalese

• 18% Tamil

What are the two types of Tamil people within Sri Lanka?

• Sri Lankan Tamils (15%)

• Indian Tamils (3%)

Common religion of Sinhalese people

Buddhism

Common religions of Tamil people

Hindus and Muslims

When did Sri Lanka attain its independence?

1948

What did the act passed in 1956 do?

• Made Sinhala the national language

• Preferential policies favoring Sinhalese applicants for university and government jobs

What did the Tamil people demand for during 1980s?

For a Tamil Eelam (state)

When did the civil war in Sri Lanka end?

In 2009

What is the rule regarding the number of ministers from Dutch and French origins within the central government?

Amount of ministers from Dutch origins = Amount of ministers from French origins

Is the state government a subordinate of the central government?

No

Are the powers of the state government similar to that of the central government?

Yes

What is Brussel’s separate government?

Its a separate government within Brussels in which both French and Dutch people have equal representation

What is the community government?

A government elected by people belonging to one language community.

What are the four types of government within Belgium?

• Central government

• State government

• Separate government

• Community government

Prudential reasons for power sharing

• Reduces conflict between social groups

• Ensures political stability

Moral reasons for power sharing

• It is the very essence of democracy

• All decisions are made by those who it will affect

Different forms of power sharing

• Among different organs of the government

• Among governments at different levels

• Among different social groups

• Among political parties, pressure groups and movements