CHAPTER 1: POWER SHARING (Class 10 Civics)
1. Belgium and Sri Lanka (Case Studies)
Belgium – Ethnic Composition
Belgium is a small country in Europe.
It is geographically small but politically very important.It has a diverse ethnic composition.
This means people belong to different language and cultural groups.
Ethnic Composition (Meaning)
It means division of people based on language, culture, or religion.
People who share similar language or culture usually form their own groups for identity and comfort.
Population Distribution (Easy Understanding)
59% Dutch-speaking (Flemish region)
These people speak Dutch and mostly live in the northern part.40% French-speaking (Wallonia region)
These people speak French and live in the southern part.1% German-speaking
A very small group living in the eastern side.
Brussels (Capital)
80% French-speaking
20% Dutch-speaking
Even though Dutch speakers are more in the country, the capital has more French speakers. This created tension.
Key Point (Important Concept)
French-speaking minority was rich and powerful.
Even though they were fewer, they controlled business and administration.Dutch-speaking majority demanded equal rights.
Since they were more in number, they wanted fair representation and respect.
Sri Lanka – Ethnic Composition
Sri Lanka has a diverse population.
People belong to different languages and religions.
Major Social Groups
74% Sinhala speakers
They form the majority of the population.18% Tamil speakers
They are the main minority group.8% Others
Includes smaller communities.
Regional Distribution
Centre and South: Sinhala speakers
North and East: Tamil speakers
This separation of regions increased differences between groups.
Two Tamil Groups
Sri Lankan Tamils
Original residents of Sri Lanka.Indian Tamils
Brought by British rulers from India to work on plantations.
Religious Composition
Sinhala: Mostly Buddhists
Tamil: Mostly Hindus or Muslims
7% Christians (from both communities)
2. Majoritarianism in Sri Lanka
Meaning (Very Important)
Majoritarianism means the majority community believes it should rule the country in any way it wants.
It ignores the needs and rights of minority groups.
Steps Taken by Sinhala Majority
1956 Act: Sinhala declared as the only official language.
This made Tamil speakers feel excluded.Preferential policies:
Sinhala people were given more chances in jobs and education.Constitution gave special status to Buddhism.
This made other religions feel less important.
Impact on Tamils
Felt alienated (ignored and separated).
Did not get equal political rights.
Faced discrimination in jobs and education.
Tamil Response
Demanded Tamil as an official language.
Asked for regional autonomy (self-rule in their areas).
Formed political organizations to fight for rights.
Conflict and Civil War
Some groups demanded a separate country called Tamil Eelam.
This led to a violent civil war.
LTTE (Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam):
A militant organization that fought for a separate state.
Result of Conflict
Thousands of people lost their lives.
Economy of the country suffered.
Social peace and unity were destroyed.
3. Accommodation in Belgium
Belgium solved its problems through power sharing instead of conflict.
Steps Taken (Explained)
Constitution amended 4 times (1970–1993)
Changes were made to include all communities fairly.Equal representation in central government
Both Dutch and French groups got equal ministers.State governments are independent
They are not controlled by the central government.Brussels has a separate government
Both communities have equal power here.Community government
Based on language groups
Handles culture, education, and language issues
People elect it regardless of where they live
Outcome
Reduced conflict between communities.
Maintained unity in the country.
Created a stable political system.
4. Why Power Sharing is Desirable
(A) Prudential Reasons (Practical Benefits)
Reduces chances of conflict between groups.
Prevents violence and fights.
Ensures political stability (peaceful government).
Avoids domination of majority over minority.
(B) Moral Reasons (Democratic Values)
Power sharing is the true spirit of democracy.
People have the right to be consulted in decisions.
Everyone gets a chance to participate.
Makes government fair and legitimate.
5. Forms of Power Sharing
1. Horizontal Distribution (Among Organs)
Power is divided among:
Legislature (makes laws)
Executive (implements laws)
Judiciary (interprets laws)
Why important:
Prevents misuse of power
Each organ checks the other
Creates balance (checks and balances)
2. Vertical Distribution (Different Levels)
Power divided at different levels:
Central government (national level)
State government (state level)
Local government (village/city level)
This is called federalism.
It helps manage a large country effectively.
3. Among Different Social Groups
Power shared based on:
Religion
Language
Caste
Methods:
Reservation for SC, ST, OBC, Women
Community government in Belgium
Purpose:
To give fair representation to weaker sections
4. Among Political Parties and Pressure Groups
Power is shared through:
Elections
Political competition
Example:
Coalition government (many parties share power)
Why important:
Prevents one party from controlling everything
Represents different ideas and groups
Quick Revision Table
| Topic | Simple Understanding |
|---|---|
| Belgium | Solved conflict through power sharing |
| Sri Lanka | Conflict due to majoritarianism |
| Majoritarianism | Majority dominates minority |
| Power Sharing | Keeps country stable and peaceful |
| Forms | Different ways power is divided |
Exam Writing Tips
Always write answers in points with explanation.
Use keywords:
Majoritarianism
Accommodation
Checks and balances
Give examples (Belgium and Sri Lanka).
Keep answers clear and simple.
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