Civics: Power Sharing

• Introduction

  • Meaning of Power Sharing
  • Why power sharing is desirable
  • Core principle: Democratic rule involves sharing power with those affected by its exercise

• Case Studies: Belgium and Sri Lanka

  • Belgium (Europe)
    • Complex ethnic composition (59% Flemish, 40% Wallonia, 1% German-speaking)
    • Capital Brussels: 80% French-speaking, 20% Dutch-speaking
    • Accommodation in Belgium: Constitution amended four times for equal power sharing between Dutch and French groups
    • Community Government: Elected by people belonging to one language community (Dutch, French, German)
  • Sri Lanka (South Asia)
    • Diverse population: 74% Sinhala speakers, 18% Tamil speakers (13% Sri Lankan Tamils, 5% Indian Tamils)
    • Majoritarianism: 1956 Act recognized Sinhala as the only official language
    • Alienation of Tamils led to civil war and demand for an independent Tamil Eelam

• Why Power Sharing is Desirable?

  • Prudential Reasons
    • Reduces the possibility of conflict between social groups
    • Ensures political stability and order
    • Prevents tyranny of majority over minority
  • Moral Reasons
    • Spirit of democracy
    • People have a right to be consulted on how they are governed
    • Legitimate government is one where citizens acquire a stake in the system

• Forms of Power Sharing

  • Horizontal Distribution
    • Power shared among different organs of government
    • Legislature, Executive, and Judiciary
    • Based on the system of Checks and Balances
  • Vertical Distribution
    • Power shared among levels of government
    • Union/Central Government and State/Provincial Government
    • Lower levels like Local Government (Panchayats and Municipalities)
  • Power Sharing among Social Groups
    • Shared among religious and linguistic groups
    • Example: Community Government in Belgium, Reserved Constituencies in India
  • Power Sharing among Political Parties, Pressure Groups, and Movements
    • Coalitions and alliances in elections
    • Influence of interest groups and movements on decision-making