Class 10 Political Science – Chapter 1

POWER SHARING

Introduction

In every country, different groups of people live together. These groups may differ in religion, language, culture, caste, region, or political beliefs. If all powers are concentrated in the hands of one group, conflicts and tensions may arise. Therefore, power should be shared among different groups and institutions.

Power sharing means distributing political power among various groups and institutions so that no single person or group dominates others.

It is considered the foundation of democracy.

Why is Power Sharing Necessary?

Power sharing is important because:

1. It Reduces Social Conflicts

• Sharing power among different communities and groups helps maintain peace and unity.

2. It Strengthens Democracy

• Democracy is based on participation.
• Power sharing gives people and institutions a role in decision-making.

3. It Prevents Concentration of Power

• If all powers are held by one person or institution, dictatorship may develop.
• Power sharing prevents misuse of authority.

4. It Ensures Political Stability

• When different groups feel represented, they are more likely to cooperate and support the government.

Two Main Reasons for Power Sharing

A. Prudential Reason (Based on Practical Benefits)

• Power sharing helps avoid conflicts and violence.
• It promotes political stability and unity.
• It reduces the possibility of civil wars and unrest.

Example: Countries with diverse populations often share power to maintain peace among different communities.

B. Moral Reason (Based on Values)

• Power sharing is the spirit of democracy.
• Every citizen has the right to participate in governance.
• People should have a voice in decisions that affect them.

Thus, power sharing is desirable not only because it brings stability but also because it is morally right.

Case Study: Belgium and Sri Lanka

Belgium: An Example of Successful Power Sharing

About Belgium

• Located in Europe.
• 59% Dutch-speaking people.
• 40% French-speaking people.
• 1% German-speaking people.

In Brussels:

• 80% speak French.
• 20% speak Dutch.

Problem in Belgium

The French-speaking minority was economically powerful and dominated the country. This caused tensions between Dutch-speaking and French-speaking communities.

Solution Adopted by Belgium

Belgium amended its Constitution several times between 1970 and 1993 and introduced power-sharing arrangements.

Features of Belgian Model

1. Equal Representation in Central Government

• Equal number of Dutch-speaking and French-speaking ministers.
• No single group can take decisions independently.

2. State Governments Were Given Powers

• Regional governments were formed.
• They are not subordinate to the central government.
• Each government has powers over matters related to its region.

3. Separate Government for Brussels

• Brussels has its own government.
• Equal representation of both communities.

4. Community Government

Three community governments were established:

• Dutch Community Government
• French Community Government
• German Community Government

These governments deal with matters related to language, culture and education.

Result

Belgium successfully reduced tensions and maintained unity by sharing power among communities.

Sri Lanka: An Example of Majoritarianism

About Sri Lanka

• 74% Sinhala-speaking people.
• 18% Tamil-speaking people.
• Other minorities.

Majoritarianism in Sri Lanka

After independence in 1948, the Sinhala leaders adopted policies that favored the Sinhala majority.

Measures Taken by the Government

1. Sinhala Only Act (1956)

• Sinhala was declared the only official language.
• Tamil language was ignored.

2. Preference in Government Jobs

• Sinhala people received preference in government employment.

3. Preference in Education

• Sinhala students got advantages in universities and educational institutions.

4. Protection of Buddhism

• The Constitution gave special importance to Buddhism.

Consequences

• Tamil people felt neglected and discriminated against.
• They demanded equal rights and regional autonomy.
• Relations between Sinhalese and Tamils deteriorated.
• Civil war and violence continued for many years.

Belgium vs Sri Lanka

Forms of Power Sharing

1. Horizontal Distribution of Power

Meaning: Power is shared among different organs of government.

• Legislature – Makes laws.
• Executive – Implements laws.
• Judiciary – Interprets laws and ensures justice.

This arrangement is called the System of Checks and Balances.

Example

• Parliament makes laws.
• Government implements laws.
• Courts can declare laws unconstitutional if necessary.

2. Vertical Distribution of Power

Meaning: Power is shared among different levels of government.

• Central Government
• State Governments
• Local Governments

This system is known as Federalism.

3. Power Sharing Among Different Social Groups

Meaning: Power is shared among communities based on religion, language, caste or culture.

Methods

• Reservation of seats.
• Community governments.

Purpose

• Protect minority interests.
• Ensure equal representation.
• Maintain harmony among groups.

4. Power Sharing Among Political Parties, Pressure Groups and Movements

Coalition Government

When no single party gets a majority, several parties come together to form a government.

India has witnessed many coalition governments since 1989.

Pressure Groups and Movements

Organizations and social movements influence government decisions.

Examples:

• Farmers' organizations.
• Trade unions.
• Environmental movements.

Summary of Forms of Power Sharing

Key Terms

• Power Sharing: Distribution of political power among different groups and institutions.
• Majoritarianism: A system in which the majority community dominates and ignores minority interests.
• Community Government: A government formed to look after cultural, educational and language-related matters of a particular community.
• Prudential Reason: Practical reason that power sharing helps avoid conflicts and ensures stability.
• Moral Reason: Democratic principle that everyone should have a share in power.
• Checks and Balances: A system in which different organs of government limit each other's powers.
• Coalition Government: A government formed by two or more political parties.

Flowchart Revision

Power Sharing
│
├── Importance
│     ├─ Reduces conflict
│     ├─ Promotes unity
│     ├─ Strengthens democracy
│     └─ Prevents dictatorship
│
├── Reasons
│     ├─ Prudential
│     └─ Moral
│
├── Belgium → Successful Model
│
├── Sri Lanka → Majoritarianism
│
└── Forms of Power Sharing
      ├─ Horizontal
      ├─ Vertical
      ├─ Social Groups
      └─ Political Parties & Pressure Groups

One-Line Revision

• Power sharing is the essence of democracy.
• Belgium solved conflicts through accommodation and power sharing.
• Sri Lanka's majoritarian policies led to ethnic conflict.
• Horizontal power sharing creates checks and balances.
• Vertical power sharing forms the basis of federalism.
• Power sharing among social groups protects minority interests.
• Coalition governments represent power sharing among political parties.