Power Sharing Lecture Notes

Flashcards about power sharing and ethnic conflict

Ethnic composition of Belgium

59% Dutch, 40% French, 1% German

Ethnic composition of Brussels

80% French, 20% Dutch

Ethnic composition of Sri Lanka

74% Sinhala, 18% Tamil (Sri Lankan and Indian)

What is Majoritarianism?

Belief that the majority should rule regardless of the minority's needs

1956 Act (Sri Lanka)

Recognized Sinhala as the only official language

Demands of Sri Lankan Tamils

Recognition of Tamil, regional autonomy, equal opportunities

Buddhism in Sri Lanka

Protected and fostered by the state (practiced by Sinhalese)

Alienation (Sri Lanka)

Feeling of exclusion among Sri Lankan Tamils due to government measures

Consequences of civil war in Sri Lanka

Thousands killed, refugees, loss of livelihoods, economic setback

Year the Sri Lankan Civil War Ended

2009

Accommodation in Belgium

Amending the constitution to enable everyone to live together

Belgian Government Structure

Central, State, and Community Governments

Ministerial Representation (Belgium)

Equal number of Dutch and French-speaking ministers

Powers of the State Government (Belgium)

Many powers devolved from the central government

Brussels' Government

Separate government with equal community representation

Community Government (Belgium)

Power over cultural, educational, and language-related issues

Outcome of Belgian Model

Avoided civic strife and division

Why Power Sharing is Desirable

Reduces conflict, maintains political stability

Social Conflict

Causes political instability and violence

Tyranny of the Majority

Can weaken a country's unity

Power Sharing and Democracy

Is the spirit of democracy, involves those affected

Legitimate Government

Government where citizens have a stake through participation

Prudential Reasons for Power Sharing

Beliefs that it brings better outcomes

Moral Reasons for Power Sharing

Considering power sharing as valuable

Traditional Belief About Government Power

That all powers must reside in one person or group

Power Distribution in Democracy

Ensured among as many citizens as possible

Horizontal Distribution of Power

Among different organs of government

Organs of Government

Judiciary, Executive, Legislature

Checks and Balances

Each organ of government checks the other

Federal Division of Power

Powers of different government levels are clearly set down

Vertical Division of Power

Power shared among governments at different levels

Example of Vertical Division of Power

Central and state governments

Power Sharing Among Social Groups

Including minority groups in government decisions

Community Government Example

Belgium

Power Sharing and Political Parties

Parties control or influence those in power

Coalition Government

Formed when two or more parties form an alliance

Population of Belgium

A little over one crore

Population of Sri Lanka

About 2 crore

Tamil Groups in Sri Lanka

Sri Lankan Tamils and Indian Tamils

Sinhala Speakers in Sri Lanka

Majority ethnic group

Tamil Speakers in Sri Lanka

Minority ethnic group

Civil War in Sri Lanka

Conflict between Sinhala and Tamil communities

Innovative

Featuring new methods; advanced and original.

Autonomy

The ability to make your own decisions

Stipulated

Demand or specify (a requirement), typically as part of an agreement.

Foster

Encourage the development of (something, especially something desirable).

Subordinate

Lower in rank or position.

Unilaterally

Performed by or affecting only one person, group, or country involved in a particular situation, without the agreement of another or the others.

Civic Strife

Conflict among citizens

Refugees

A person who has been forced to leave their country in order to escape war, persecution, or natural disaster.