ss1 power sharing

MODEL PRIVATE SCHOOL, ABU DHABI ACADEMIC YEAR (2026-2027)

SOCIAL SCIENCE E-NOTES

Grade: 10 CBSE

Date: 11/04/2026

LESSON: POWER SHARING

Factors Leading to the Civil War in Sri Lanka

Measures taken in majoritarianism gradually increased the feeling of alienation among Sri Lankan Tamils.
Sri Lankan Tamils felt that:
  - The constitution and government policies denied them equal political rights.
  - They faced discrimination in getting jobs and other opportunities.
  - Their interests were largely ignored by the government.
As a result, the relations between Sinhalas and Tamil communities became strained over time.
Sri Lankan Tamils launched:
  - Political parties.
  - Struggles for the recognition of Tamil as an official language.
  - Demands for regional autonomy and equality of opportunities in education and jobs.
By the 1980s, various political organizations were formed demanding an independent Tamil Elam (state) in northern and eastern parts of Sri Lanka.
Distrust between the two communities escalated into widespread conflict, which soon transformed into a civil war.
Consequences:
- Thousands of individuals from both communities lost their lives.

Belgium's Solution to Ethnic Problems

Belgian leaders recognized the existence of regional differences and cultural diversities.
The government accommodated its diverse ethnic population as follows:
  - The Constitution mandates that the number of Dutch and French-speaking ministers in the Central government must be equal to prevent any single community from making unilateral decisions.
  - Significant powers of the Central Government have been devolved to state governments in the country's two regions.
  - State governments are not subordinate to the Central government.
  - Brussels has its own government that provides equal representation for both communities.
  - There exists a third type of government, termed the ‘community government.’
    - This government is elected by individuals belonging to one language community—Dutch, French, and German speakers, independent of their residence.
    - It holds authority over cultural, educational, and language-related issues.

Ethnic Composition of Sri Lanka

Major social groups:
- Sinhala speakers (74% of the population).
- Tamil speakers (18% of the population).
Among Tamils, there are two sub-groups:
- Sri Lankan Tamils (Tamil natives of the country).
- Indian Tamils (descendants of Indian plantation workers who arrived during the colonial period).
Distribution:
  - Sri Lankan Tamils are primarily concentrated in the northern and eastern regions of the country.
  - Most Sinhala-speaking individuals identify as Buddhists, while the majority of Tamils identify as Hindus or Muslims.
  - Approximately 7% of the population are Christians, a mix of both Tamils and Sinhalas.

Power Sharing Problems in Belgium and Sri Lanka

Belgium

The Dutch community, despite its numeric majority, could have potentially imposed its will on the Flemish and German-speaking populations.
This situation threatened to incite conflicts among these communities, risking a messy partition of the country, particularly as both sides would claim control over Brussels.

Sri Lanka

The Sinhala community, holding an even greater majority, had the power to impose its will across the nation without considering minority rights, exacerbating tensions.

Complexity of Belgium's Ethnic Composition

Belgium's ethnic composition is notably intricate.
  - Population distribution:
    - 59% in Flemish region (Dutch speakers).
    - 40% in Wallonia region (French speakers).
    - 1% speaks German.
Population dynamics within Brussels:
- 80% of Brussels residents are French speakers.
- 20% are Dutch speakers.

Sinhala Supremacy Measures in Sri Lanka

In 1956, legislation was enacted that recognized ‘Sinhala’ as the only official language.
- This decision effectively disregarded the Tamil language.
Subsequent governments employed preferential policies benefitting Sinhala applicants over Tamils in university placements and government job opportunities.
The new constitution declared that the state would protect and foster Buddhism.

Milestones Establishing Majoritarianism in Sri Lanka

After gaining independence in 1948, Sinhala leaders sought to secure governmental dominance due to their majority status.
The democratically elected government adopted several majoritarian measures leading to Sinhala supremacy, including:
  - The recognition of Sinhala as the only official language in 1956.
  - Policies that favored Sinhala candidates for university and government jobs, further entrenching their status.
  - Buddhism being declared a state religion in the new constitution.

Ethnic Tensions between the Dutch and French in Belgium

The relatively wealthy and powerful French speaking minority was resented by the Dutch speaking majority.
Historical context of unequal access to:
- Economic development.
- Educational opportunities.
This disparity contributed to ongoing tensions between the two communities.

Brussels as the Headquarters of the European Union

Belgian leaders acknowledged regional differences and cultural diversities while forming policies.
Amendments to the constitution occurred four times between 1970 and 1993 to facilitate coexistence among diverse communities.
Innovations included:
- Equal representation of Dutch and French-speaking ministers in the central government.
- Establishment of a community government responsible for cultural, educational, and language issues.

Importance of Power Sharing in Democracy

Justifications for Power Sharing as the Spirit of Democracy

Helps to reduce potential conflicts between diverse ethnic groups residing in a society.
Ensures political stability by allowing multiple communities to participate in governance without preference for any majority.
Reduces linguistic and communal violence.
Brings about political, economic, social, and cultural stability within the nation.

Differences in Power Sharing between Belgium and Sri Lanka

Both countries are democracies with diverse ethnic groups.
In Belgium:
- Leaders have recognized that national unity is sustainable only through the respect of different communities' feelings and interests.
- This realization has led to mutually acceptable arrangements for power sharing.
In contrast, Sri Lanka exemplifies how a dominant majority can undermine national unity by refusing to share power.

Two Main Reasons Why Power Sharing is Important

Prudential Reasons

Focus on improved outcomes through power sharing:
- Reduces the possibility of conflicts among social groups, ensuring political stability.
- The absence of power sharing leads to the majority imposing its will, threatening national unity.

Moral Reasons

Power sharing is viewed as a valuable democratic act because it includes those affected by governance, allowing for participation.
A legitimate government is one where the citizenship participates in the decision-making process, thereby fostering inclusivity.

Power Sharing Among Different Social Groups

Power may be shared among disparate social groups, including religious and linguistic groups.
Some countries implement legal frameworks ensuring representation for socially weaker sections and women in legislative and administrative roles, such as reserved constituencies in India.
This system aims to provide space in government for diverse social groups who may feel alienated, allowing minority communities equitable power shares in governance.

Community Government in Belgium

The ‘community government’ in Belgium is specifically elected by individuals belonging to one language community—Dutch, French, or German, irrespective of their residential locations.
This government oversees matters related to culture, education, and language, which is instrumental in preventing civic clashes and hostility between the significant linguistic communities.
The arrangement serves to mitigate the potential division of the country based on linguistic lines.