1. What are the different forms of power-sharing in
modern democracies? Give an example of each of these.
modern democracies? Give an example of each of these.
Answer:- In modern democracies, power-sharing arrangements have taken
different forms:
different forms:
Horizontal
Division of Power: The sharing of power among the different organs of government, such as the executive, the Legislature and the Judiciary. In this type of power-sharing arrangement, different organs of government, placed at the same level, exercised different powers. This ensures that none of the organs can exercise unlimited power.
Division of Power: The sharing of power among the different organs of government, such as the executive, the Legislature and the Judiciary. In this type of power-sharing arrangement, different organs of government, placed at the same level, exercised different powers. This ensures that none of the organs can exercise unlimited power.
Vertical
Division of Power: It is a system of power-sharing among governments at
different levels. A general government for the entire country which is usually called a Central or Union government in India. In India, we refer to it as the Central Government, State Governments, Municipality, Gram Panchayat etc. The Constitution lays down the powers of different levels of government.
Division of Power: It is a system of power-sharing among governments at
different levels. A general government for the entire country which is usually called a Central or Union government in India. In India, we refer to it as the Central Government, State Governments, Municipality, Gram Panchayat etc. The Constitution lays down the powers of different levels of government.
Division
of Power among Social Groups: The countries having community government shares power among different social groups, such as the religious and linguistic groups. The system of reserved constituencies in India is another example. Such an arrangement is used to give minority communities a fair share in power, who otherwise would feel alienated from the government.
of Power among Social Groups: The countries having community government shares power among different social groups, such as the religious and linguistic groups. The system of reserved constituencies in India is another example. Such an arrangement is used to give minority communities a fair share in power, who otherwise would feel alienated from the government.
Division
of Power among Political Parties, Pressure Groups and Movements: Political
Parties, Pressure Groups and Movements help in controlling or influencing those who are in power. In contemporary democracies, such a division takes the form of competition among different parties, which in turn ensures that power does not remain in one hand and is shared among different political parties representing different ideologies and social groups.
of Power among Political Parties, Pressure Groups and Movements: Political
Parties, Pressure Groups and Movements help in controlling or influencing those who are in power. In contemporary democracies, such a division takes the form of competition among different parties, which in turn ensures that power does not remain in one hand and is shared among different political parties representing different ideologies and social groups.
2. State one prudential reason and one moral reason for
power-sharing with an example from the Indian context.
power-sharing with an example from the Indian context.
Answer:-
Prudential Reason: Power sharing helps in reducing the conflict between various social groups. Hence, power sharing is necessary for maintaining social harmony and peace. In India, we have reserved constituencies for women and minorities in the Parliament and the state assemblies.
Moral Reason: Power sharing is the essence of democracy. In a truly democratic setup, the citizens too have a stake in governance. The division
of power among different units in India is a suitable example of moral reason
for power-sharing.
of power among different units in India is a suitable example of moral reason
for power-sharing.
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.
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.
Answer:- Ouseph’s statement is the most logical, and thus, should be agreed on. We know that the power to people is the basic theme of a democracy. By sharing power, we respect the basic theme of democracy. As power sharing reduces the possibility of conflict between social groups and strengthens the unity of the nation.
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:- This measure is not in keeping with Belgium’s power sharing arrangements. The arrangements seek to maintain peace between the French and Dutch-speaking communities. By banning speaking French, the mayor will cause civil unrest. Both the languages should be made acceptable in the town’s schools. This bilingual education system will be a better way to integrate the people of the town.
5. 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.”
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.”
Answer:- This passage shows power-sharing at different levels of the government; which is one of the prudential reasons. This would eliminate the corrupt middlemen.
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:
select the answer using the codes given below? Power-sharing:
A. reduces conflict among different communities
B. decreases the possibility of arbitrariness
C. delays the 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
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(a)
|
A
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B
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D
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F
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(b)
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A
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C
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E
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F
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(c)
|
A
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B
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D
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G
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(d)
|
B
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C
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D
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G
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Answer:- (a)A/B/D/F
7. Consider the following statements about power-sharing arrangements
in Belgium and Sri Lanka.
in Belgium and Sri Lanka.
A. In Belgium, the Dutch-speaking majority of people tried to impose their domination on the minority French-speaking community.
B. In Sri Lanka, the policies of the 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.
in education and jobs.
D. The transformation of Belgium from the unitary government to a federal one prevented a possible division of the country on 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
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
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:
given below in the lists:
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List I
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List II
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1.
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Power shared among different organs
of government |
A. Community government
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|
2.
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Power shared among governments at
different levels |
B. Separation of powers
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3.
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Power shared by different social groups
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C. Coalition government
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4.
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Power shared by two or more political
parties |
D.Federal
government |
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1
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2
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3
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4
|
|
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(a)
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D
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A
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B
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C
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(b)
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B
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C
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D
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A
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(c)
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B
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D
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A
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C
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(d)
|
C
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D
|
A
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B
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Answer:- (c) B D A C
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?
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(a) A is true but B is false
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(b) Both A and B are true
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(c) Both A and B are false
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(d) A is false
but B is true |
Answer:- (b) Both A and B are true.