Short Answer Questions: Power-sharing

Q1: Give three reasons for the civil war in Sri Lanka.

Ans: The following were the reasons for the civil war in Sri Lanka:

• Language discrimination: Sinhala was declared the only official language, which ignored the Tamil language.
• Employment bias: Preference was given to Sinhala speakers for government jobs and military positions.
• Religious favouritism: Buddhism was established as the official religion, marginalising other faiths.

Q2: Why is power-sharing desirable in a democracy or any other system of government? 
Ans: Power-sharing is desirable in a democracy and other systems of government for several reasons:

• Reduces conflict: Distributing power among various social groups lowers the risk of conflict.
• Ensures stability: It contributes to a stable political order, promoting national unity.
• Encourages participation: Involving citizens in governance makes them feel invested in the system, enhancing the government's legitimacy.

Q3: Describe the power-sharing in Lebanon. 
Ans: Power-sharing in Lebanon is characterised by a complex system designed to maintain balance among various religious communities:

• The President must be a Maronite Christian.
• The Prime Minister is always a Sunni Muslim.
• The Deputy Prime Minister is allocated to the Orthodox Christian sect.
• The Speaker of Parliament is reserved for Shia Muslims.

Furthermore:

• Christians agreed to forfeit French protection.
• Muslims agreed to refrain from pursuing unification with Syria.

Q4: Why is power sharing essential for a democracy?
Ans: Power sharing is vital for democracy because it:

• Ensures representation of diverse groups in society.
• Promotes stability by preventing the concentration of power.
• Encourages cooperation and dialogue among different factions.
• Enhances citizen participation in governance.

By distributing power, democracy becomes more inclusive and responsive to the needs of all citizens.

Q5: In the Flemish region which language did the majority of the people speak?
Ans: The majority of people in the Flemish region speak the Dutch language.

Q6: What is the power of the community government in Belgium?
Ans: The community government in Belgium has significant powers in several key areas:

• Cultural matters: Manages cultural institutions and promotes activities.
• Education: Oversees the education system, including schools and curricula.
• Language: Regulates language use and policies within its jurisdiction.

This decentralisation enables communities to effectively address local needs.

Q7: In a democracy power sharing is ensured in the presence of political parties and pressure groups. Explain. 
Ans: In a democracy, political parties are essential for distributing power. Here's how they contribute:

• Competition: Political parties compete for power, allowing each a fair chance to govern.
• Coalitions: When no party achieves a clear majority, parties may form coalition governments to share power.
• Interest Groups: Various groups, including workers and business owners, influence government decisions, enhancing power sharing.

This system ensures that diverse voices and interests are represented in governance.

Q8: Can dividing power lead to the weakening of a country? 
Ans: No, dividing power cannot lead to the weakening of a country.

In fact, the division of power:

• Protects the rights of minorities.
• Prevents the tyranny of the majority.
• Promotes national integration.
• Increases citizens' sense of safety and security.

Overall, a system of divided power supports a more democratic society.

Q9: Describe any three forms of power sharing in modern democracies. 
Ans: Three forms of power sharing in modern democracies:

• Separation of Powers: Power is divided among the different branches of government, including the legislature, executive, and judiciary.
• Federalism: Authority is shared between a central government and regional or provincial governments, promoting local governance.
• Social Group Representation: Different social groups, such as religious and linguistic communities, share power. For instance, Belgium has a community government to represent these groups.

Q10: Write one prudential and one moral reason for power sharing.
Ans: Prudential reason for power sharing: Power sharing helps to:

• Reduce social conflicts between groups with different interests.
• Avoid violence and political instability.
• Maintain a stable political order.

Moral reason for power sharing: Power sharing reflects the essence of:

• Democracy by involving those affected by decisions.
• Allowing people to have a say in governance.