1.5-Exercises (Power Sharing)
1.5-Exercises (Power Sharing) Important Formulae
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Solved Example: 1-5-01
What are the different forms of power sharing in modern democracies? Give an example of each of these.
Solution:
Forms of Power Sharing in Modern Democracies
Power sharing in modern democracies can take various forms. Firstly, Horizontal Distribution occurs when power is divided among different organs of government, such as the executive, legislature, and judiciary. For example, in India, the Parliament (legislature) makes laws, while the President (executive) enforces them.
Secondly, Vertical Distribution involves sharing power between different levels of government, such as federal and state. In the USA, power is shared between the national and state governments.
Lastly, Community-Based Sharing includes arrangements for different communities. In Belgium, power is shared among Flemish, French, and German-speaking communities.
Solved Example: 1-5-02
State one prudential reason and one moral reason for power sharing with an example from the Indian context.
Solution:
Reasons for Power Sharing in India
One prudential reason for power sharing is to reduce the chances of conflict between different social groups. For instance, in India, the reservation system in government jobs and educational institutions helps to ensure representation for marginalized communities, thereby promoting social harmony.
One moral reason is the recognition of diverse interests and the need for inclusiveness in governance. For example, the formation of the Panchayati Raj system allows local self-governance, empowering rural communities to participate in decision-making, thus respecting their rights and voices.
Solved Example: 1-5-03
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.
Mathayi – Power sharing is suitable only for big countries that have regional divisions.
Ouseph – Every society needs some form of power sharing even if it is small or does not have social divisions.
Solution:
Power Sharing Perspectives
I agree with Ouseph's conclusion that every society needs some form of power sharing. This is essential for promoting inclusivity and preventing the concentration of power, which can lead to tyranny. Even in small or homogeneous societies, power sharing fosters cooperation, understanding, and representation, ensuring that diverse voices are heard.
Solved Example: 1-5-04
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.
Solution:
Analysis of the Mayor's Ban on French in Merchtem
The Mayor's ban on French contradicts Belgium's power-sharing arrangements, which promote linguistic equality among its Dutch, French, and German-speaking communities. By restricting French, the ban undermines inclusivity and could foster divisions, rather than encouraging integration and mutual respect among diverse linguistic groups.
Solved Example: 1-5-05
Read the following passage and pick out any one of the prudential reasons for power sharing offered in this. “We need to give more power to the panchayats to realise the dream of Mahatma Gandhi and the hopes of the makers of our Constitution. Panchayati Raj establishes true democracy. It restores power to the only place where power belongs in a democracy – in the hands of the people. Giving power to Panchayats is also a way to reduce corruption and increase administrative efficiency. When people participate in the planning and implementation of developmental schemes, they would naturally exercise greater control over these schemes. This would eliminate the corrupt middlemen. Thus, Panchayati Raj will strengthen the foundations of our democracy.”
Solution:
Prudential Reason for Power Sharing
One prudential reason for power sharing highlighted in the passage is that giving power to Panchayats reduces corruption and increases administrative efficiency. When local communities participate in planning and implementing developmental schemes, they exercise greater control, thereby eliminating corrupt middlemen and ensuring accountability in governance.
Solved Example: 1-5-06
6. Different arguments are usually put forth in favour of and against power sharing. Identify those which are in favour of power sharing and select the answer using the codes given below? Power sharing:
* reduces conflict among different communities
* decreases the possibility of arbitrariness
* delays decision making process
* accommodates diversities
* increases instability and divisiveness
* promotes people’s participation in government
* undermines the unity of a country
Solution:
Arguments in Favour of Power Sharing
- Reduces conflict among different communities
- Decreases the possibility of arbitrariness
- Accommodates diversities
- Promotes people’s participation in government
Solved Example: 1-5-07
7. Consider the following statements about power sharing arrangements in Belgium and Sri Lanka.
In Belgium, the Dutch-speaking majority people tried to impose their domination on the minority French-speaking community.
In Sri Lanka, the policies of the government sought to ensure the dominance of the Sinhala-speaking majority.
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.
The transformation of Belgium from unitary government to a federal one prevented a possible division of the country on linguistic lines.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
Solution:
Power Sharing in Belgium and Sri Lanka
In Belgium, the Dutch-speaking majority attempted to dominate the French-speaking minority, highlighting tensions between linguistic groups. In contrast, Sri Lanka's government policies favored the Sinhala-speaking majority, leading to marginalization of the Tamil minority. The Tamils sought a federal arrangement to safeguard their culture, language, and equal access to education and employment opportunities. Belgium's shift from a unitary government to a federal system was a strategic move that helped avert potential divisions based on language, ensuring more equitable representation and power distribution among its diverse communities.
Solved Example: 1-5-08
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. 2. 3. 4. Power shared among different organs of government A. Community government Power shared among governments at different levels B. Separation of powers Power shared by different social groups C. Coalition government Power shared by two or more political parties D. Federal government
Solved Example: 1-5-09
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?
Solution:
Statements on Power Sharing
Statement A: Power sharing is good for democracy. This statement is true as power sharing enhances the democratic process by ensuring representation and participation of diverse groups. Statement B: It helps to reduce the possibility of conflict between social groups. This statement is also true, as power sharing fosters dialogue and cooperation among different social groups, thereby mitigating tensions. Both statements highlight the significance of power sharing in promoting stability and inclusivity within a democratic framework.