Class 10 Political Science/ Civics Chapter 1- Power Sharing Notes

 Class 10 Political Science/ Civics

Chapter 1- Power Sharing

Notes

 

1. Introduction

In a democratic system, no individual branch of government possesses absolute authority.

 A democratic framework necessitates a balanced distribution of power among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches.

This chapter elaborates on the concept of power distribution.

Initially, two narratives from Sri Lanka and Belgium are introduced. These narratives illustrate how democracies address requests for power distribution.

 Through these narratives, broader conclusions are drawn regarding the imperative nature of democratic power distribution.

2. Story of Belgium

Belgium is a small country in Europe with over 10 million people. It's surrounded by France, Germany, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands. What's cool about Belgium is its mix of cultures and traditions.

In Belgium, most people speak Dutch, about 59%. After that, French is the next common language. In the capital city, Brussels, 80% of folks speak French, while 20% speak Dutch.

But even though Belgium seems peaceful, there are tensions between the Dutch and French speakers. These differences sometimes cause problems. Still, Belgium has a smart and educated population, showing strength despite its challenges.

3. Story of Sri Lanka

·         Sri Lanka, an island country with a population exceeding 20 million, is marked by its linguistic and religious diversity.

·         The majority of its inhabitants communicate in Sinhala, while the rest favor Tamil. Within the Tamil-speaking community, two distinct groups exist: Sri Lankan Tamils and Indian Tamils.

·         The religious landscape further underscores this diversity, with most Sinhala speakers identifying as Buddhists, while Tamil speakers adhere to Hinduism or Islam. Christianity represents a minority faith, embraced by less than 7% of Sri Lanka's populace.

·         In Sri Lanka, the concept of majoritarianism unfolded in a series of events.

·         In 1956, an Act declared Sinhala as the exclusive language of the nation, sidelining Tamil speakers. Subsequent government policies favored Sinhala residents in various sectors, including government employment and university admissions. This sudden preference for the Sinhala community left Tamil speakers feeling marginalized.

·         By the 1980s, political groups advocating for an independent Tamil State emerged in response to this marginalization. The growing divide between the Sinhala and Tamil communities escalated into a significant conflict, ultimately erupting into a devastating civil war.

4. How Belgium did Accommodation?

In an effort to reconcile the divisions between communities, the Belgian government implemented several legislative measures.

Between 1970 and 1993, they amended the constitution four times, instituting a novel governmental framework.

Key components of this new model included ensuring parity between Dutch and French-speaking leaders in government, granting state governments autonomy to make decisions independent of the central government, establishing a separate government for Brussels with equal representation from both communities, and creating community governments to honor the distinct identities of each community.

5. What makes Power Sharing Desirable?

·         Power sharing is not just a mechanism for reducing conflicts and wars among different communities; it also fosters inclusivity and ensures that diverse voices are heard in the decision-making process. By distributing power among various groups, whether based on ethnicity, language, religion, or other factors, power sharing acknowledges the pluralistic nature of societies and promotes a sense of belonging among all citizens.

·         In a power-sharing system, democratic principles are upheld, allowing for transparency, accountability, and representation of the people's interests. This encourages political stability and fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility among citizens, as they have a stake in shaping the policies and direction of their government.

·         Moreover, power sharing facilitates the protection of minority rights, as it prevents the dominance of any single group over others. By ensuring equal representation and participation, power sharing safeguards against the marginalization or oppression of minority communities, thereby promoting social cohesion and harmony.

·         Overall, power sharing is not merely a pragmatic solution to prevent conflicts; it is a fundamental aspect of inclusive governance that upholds democratic values and ensures the equitable distribution of resources and opportunities among all members of society. Hence, it is widely regarded as the most desirable form of government for fostering stability, inclusivity, and social progress.

6. Forms of Power Sharing

a)    Horizontal Distribution: Horizontal distribution of power occurs when authority is divided among various branches of government, each with its own distinct roles and responsibilities. This separation of powers ensures a system of checks and balances, preventing any single branch from exerting excessive control. For instance, in many democratic nations like the United States, power is divided horizontally among the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. This setup enables each branch to act as a check on the others, promoting accountability and safeguarding against abuse of power.

b)    Vertical Distribution: Vertical distribution of power, also known as federalism, involves the sharing of authority between different levels of government within a single political entity. In federal systems, such as that of the United States, power is divided between the national government and subnational entities, such as states or provinces. Each level of government possesses certain exclusive powers while also sharing some powers with the other levels. This division of authority helps accommodate regional differences and allows for tailored governance at different levels to address local needs and preferences.

c)    Social and Linguistic Groups: Beyond formal government structures, power sharing can also take place among various social and linguistic groups within a society. For instance, in countries like Belgium, where multiple linguistic communities coexist, power sharing is facilitated through mechanisms such as community governments. These bodies ensure that different linguistic groups have a say in local governance and decision-making processes, thereby promoting inclusivity and accommodating diverse identities within the broader political framework.

Political Parties, Pressure Groups, and Movements: Additionally, power sharing is evident within political parties, pressure groups, and social movements where individuals come together to influence decision-making processes and shape public policies. Within political parties, power is shared among party leaders, members, and supporters who contribute to the formulation of party platforms and strategies. Similarly, pressure groups and movements represent specific interests or causes and seek to exert influence on policymakers through advocacy, lobbying, and mobilization of public opinion. This form of power sharing allows for broader participation in the democratic process and ensures that diverse voices are heard in shaping public policies and governance.