What are the four forms of power sharing?

(1) Horizontal: between organs of government — legislature, executive, judiciary (checks and balances). (2) Vertical: between levels of government — central, state, local (federalism). (3) Among social groups: different communities, religions, linguistic groups — ensures minorities are represented. (4) Among political parties: opposition, coalition governments, pressure groups — ensures competition and alternation of power.

Why is Belgium considered a successful example of power sharing?

Belgium successfully avoided ethnic conflict between its Dutch and French-speaking communities through: equal ministerial representation in central government; devolution of power to regional (Flemish and Walloon) and community (cultural) governments; equal representation in Brussels despite French speakers being a minority there. This 'Belgium model' is studied worldwide as a model for managing ethnic diversity in a democracy.

What went wrong in Sri Lanka regarding power sharing?

Sri Lanka's majoritarian policies marginalised Tamil minorities: Sinhala made the only official language (1956), Tamils discriminated against in government jobs and university admissions. Tamils demanded autonomy, then a separate Tamil Eelam state. The failure to share power led to a devastating civil war (1983–2009) that killed tens of thousands. Sri Lanka is a cautionary example of how ignoring minority demands leads to conflict.

Power Sharing

Political Science • Class 10 Social Science • NCERT • CBSE

Power sharing is the principle that political power should be distributed among different organs, levels, and groups of society. Belgium adopted a successful power-sharing arrangement among its communities, while Sri Lanka's failure to share power led to civil conflict.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the four forms of power sharing?: (1) Horizontal: between organs of government — legislature, executive, judiciary (checks and balances). (2) Vertical: between levels of government — central, state, local (federalism). (3) Among social groups: different communities, religions, linguistic groups — ensures minorities are represented. (4) Among political parties: opposition, coalition governments, pressure groups — ensures competition and alternation of power.
Why is Belgium considered a successful example of power sharing?: Belgium successfully avoided ethnic conflict between its Dutch and French-speaking communities through: equal ministerial representation in central government; devolution of power to regional (Flemish and Walloon) and community (cultural) governments; equal representation in Brussels despite French speakers being a minority there. This 'Belgium model' is studied worldwide as a model for managing ethnic diversity in a democracy.
What went wrong in Sri Lanka regarding power sharing?: Sri Lanka's majoritarian policies marginalised Tamil minorities: Sinhala made the only official language (1956), Tamils discriminated against in government jobs and university admissions. Tamils demanded autonomy, then a separate Tamil Eelam state. The failure to share power led to a devastating civil war (1983–2009) that killed tens of thousands. Sri Lanka is a cautionary example of how ignoring minority demands leads to conflict.

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