Question 1.
What are the different forms of power sharing in modem democracies? Give an
example of each of these.
Answer:
In modern democracies, power sharing arrangement can take any of the
following terms:
1. Among different organs of government:
Power is shared among different organs of government, such as the
legislative, executive and judiciary. This is known as horizontal distribution
of power because it allows different organs of the government placed at the
same level to exercise different powers. This arrangement ensures that none of
the organs can exercise unlimited power. Example : The Mumbai Maharashtra
state government to immediately take action and improve living condition for
the 2,000 odd children at seven children’s homes in Mumbai.
2. Among governments at different levels :
Power can be shared among governments at different levels. For example, a
general government for the entire country and governments at the provincial,
sub-national or regional level. Such a general government for the entire
country is usually called federal government. In those countries, where there
are different levels of governments, the constitution clearly lays down the
powers of different levels of governments.
Example :
The finance ministers of various
states Nigeria got together and demanded that the federal government should
declare its sources of income. They also wanted to know the formula by which
the revenue is distributed to various state governments.
3. Among different social groups :
Power may
also be shared among different social groups, such as the religious and
linguistic groups. In some countries there are legal and constitutional
arrangements whereby socially and economically weaker sections and women are
represented in the administration and legislatures This method used to give
minority communities a fair sharing power, community government in Belgium is
a good ‘example of this arrangement. It is elected by people belonging to one
language community Dutch, French and German speaking – no matter where they
live. This government has the power regarding cultural, educational and
language related issues.
Example :
The government of Ontario state in Canada has agreed to a land claim
settlement with the aboriginal community The Minister responsible for Native
Affairs announced that the government will work with aboriginal people in a
spirit of mutual respect and co-operation.
4. Among Political Parties and Pressure Groups :
Power sharing arrangements can also be seen in the way political parties
pressure groups and movements control or influence power. In such
arrangements, power is shared among different political parties representing
different ideologies and social groups. In a democracy we find interest groups
such as those of traders, businessman, industrialists, farmers and workers.
They too, will have a share in government power, either through participation
in governmental committees or bringing influence on the decision making
process.
Example :
Russia’s two influential political parties, the Union of Right Forces (SPS)
and the liberal yabloko movement agreed to unite their organizations into
strong right-wing coalition. They propose to have a common list of candidates
in the next parliamentary elections.
Question 2.
State one prudential reason and
one moral reason for power sharing with an example from the Indian context.
Answer:
Two different sets of reasons can
be given in favour of power sharing
1.
Prudential reason:
Power sharing reduces the
possibility of conflict between social groups. Social conflicts often lead to
violence and political instability, so power sharing ensures the stability of
political order. Imposing the will of majority community over other minority
groups undermines the unity of the nation. For example, India is a country of
unity in diversity. People from different castes, religions and languages live
in this country. So power sharing is desirable.
2. Moral reason :
Power sharing is the very
spirit gf democracy. People have a right to be consulted on how they are to be
govehed. For example, India is the largest democracy of the world. The
government of India is a legitimate government representing the aspirations of
Indian masses.
Question 3.
After reading this chapter,
three students drew different conclusions. Which of these do you agree with
and why? Give your reasons in about 50 words.
Thomman : Power sharing is necessary only in societies which have religious
linguistic or ethnic divisions.
Mattai:
Power sharing is suited only for big countries that have regional
divisions.
Ousep: Every society needs some
form of power sharing ,even if they are small or do not have social
divisions.
Answer:
We agree with the conclusion drawn by Ousep that every society needs some
form of power sharing even if they are small or do not have social divisions.
In a democracy people rule themselves through institutions of self governance. At the same time, due respect is given to the views that exist in a society and everyone’s voice is heard in shaping of public policies in a good democratic government. In a democracy political power should be distributed among as many citizens as possible.
Question 4.
The mayor of Merchtem, a town
near Brussels in Belgium, has defended a ban on speaking French in the town’s
schools. He said that the ban would help all non-Dutch speakers integrate in
this Flemish town. Do you think that this measure is in keeping with the
spirit of Belgium’s power sharing arrangements? Give your reasons in about 50
words.
Answer:
The Mayor’s view that the ban on speaking French in the town’s schools would
help all non-Dutch speakers integrate in this Flemish town, is not in keeping
with the s sharing arrangements because the constitution prescribes that the
number of Dutch and French speaking ministers shall be equal in the central
government. Secondly, the community government’ is elected by people belonging
to one language community – Dutch, French and German speaking no matter where
they live. This government has the power regarding cultural, educational and
language related issues.
Question 5.
Read the following passage and
pick out any one of the of rudential reasons power sharing offered in this we
need to give more power to the panchayats to realize dream of Mahatma Gandhi
and the hopes our Constitution. Panchayati Raj establishes true democracy. It
restores power to the makers of only place where power belongs in the hands of
the people. Giving power to is also a way to reduce corruption and increase
administrative efficiency. When people participate in the planning and
implementation of developmental schemes, would naturally exercise greater
control over these schemes. This would eliminate the corrupt middlemen. Thus
Panchayati Raj will strengthen the foundations of our democracy.”
Answer:
Giving power to Panchayats is also
a way to reduce corruption and increase administrative efficiency. Thus
power-sharing would help to reduce the possibility of conslict between social
groups.
Question 6.
Different arguments are usually
put forth in favour and against power-sharing. Identify those which are in
favour of power-sharing and select the answer from the codes given below?
Power-sharing:
A. reduces conflict among
different! communities
B. decreases the
possibility of arbitrariness
C. delays
decision-making process
D. accommodates
diversities
E. increases instability and
divisiveness.
F. promotes people’s
participation in government
G. undermines
the unity of a country,
Answer:
(a) A, B, D, F
Question 7.
Consider the following
statements about power sharing e arrangements in Belgium and Sri Lanka,
A. In Belgium the Dutch-speaking majority people tried to impose their
domination on the minority French-speaking Community.
B. In Sri Lanka, the policies of government sought to ensure the dominance
of the Sinhala- speaking majority.
C. The
Tamils in Sri Lanka demanded a federal arrangement of power sharing to protect
their culture, language and equality of opportunity in education and jobs.
D. The transformation of Belgium from unitary government to a federal one
prevented a possible division of the country cn linguistic lines.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) A, B, C and D.
(b) A, B and D
(c) C and D
(d) B, C and D
Answer:
(d) B, C and D
Question 8.
Match List I (forms of power
sharing) with List II (forms of government) and select the correct answer
using the codes given below in the lists:
| List I | List II |
| 1. Power shared among different organs of government | A. Community government |
| 2. Power shared among governments at different levels | B. Separation of powers |
| 3. Power shared by different social groups | C. Coalition government |
| 4. Power shared by two or more political parties | D. Federal government political parties |
Answer:
Question 9.
Consider the following two
statements on power-sharing and select the answer using the codes given
below;
(A) Power sharing is good for
democracy
(B) It helps to reduce the
possibility of conflict between social groups
Which of these statements are true and false?
(a) A is true but B is false
(b) Both A
and B are true
(c) Both A and B are false
(d) A is false but B is true
Answer:
(b) Both A and B are true.