Chapter 1 Power Sharing Class 10 Notes
Power Sharing Chapter 1 Class 10 Handwritten Notes PDF
Belgium and Sri Lanka
Belgium:
Belgium is a small European country with a complex ethnic composition.
59% of the population in the Flemish region speaks Dutch, while 40% in the Wallonia region speaks French.
The minority French-speaking community was wealthier and more powerful, causing tensions with the Dutch-speaking community.
Tensions between the two communities were more acute in Brussels, where Dutch-speakers were a minority.
“Ethnic” refers to a group of people who share common characteristics such as cultural background, ancestry, language, or traditions.
Sri Lanka:
Sri Lanka is an island nation with a diverse population.
The major social groups are Sinhala-speakers (74%) and Tamil-speakers (18%).
Sri Lankan Tamils (13%) and Indian Tamils, whose ancestors came from India, constitute the Tamil-speaking population.
The Sinhala community, predominantly Buddhist, and the Tamil community, mainly Hindu or Muslim, exist with a significant Christian minority.
Potential scenarios:
In Belgium, the Dutch community could exploit its majority status and impose its will on the French and German-speaking population, leading to further conflicts and possible partition.
In Sri Lanka, the Sinhala community, having a larger majority, could exert control over the entire country.
Note: The subsequent development of events in both countries is not provided in the given information.
Majoritarianism in Sri Lanka
Events in Sri Lanka:
After gaining independence in 1948, the Sinhala community sought dominance over the government due to their majority.
Majoritarian measures were adopted to establish Sinhala supremacy, including recognizing Sinhala as the only official language and implementing preferential policies favoring Sinhala applicants.
The constitution and government policies created a sense of alienation among Sri Lankan Tamils, who felt their language, culture, and political rights were disregarded and discriminated against.
The Sri Lankan Tamils launched movements for language recognition, regional autonomy, and equality in education and employment.
The demand for greater autonomy was denied, leading to the formation of political organizations advocating for an independent Tamil Eelam in the northern and eastern parts of Sri Lanka.
Tensions escalated, resulting in a civil war that caused numerous casualties, displacement, and economic setbacks.
The civil war ended in 2009, after causing significant damage to the social, cultural, and economic fabric of the country.
Accommodation in Belgium
Belgian Model:
Belgian leaders recognized regional differences and cultural diversities.
The constitution ensures equal representation of Dutch and French-speaking ministers in the central government.
Special laws require majority support from each linguistic group, preventing unilateral decision-making.
Power is decentralized, with significant authority given to state governments.
Brussels has a separate government with equal representation from both communities.
Community governments, elected by specific language communities, handle cultural, educational, and language-related issues.
The Belgian model is complex but has helped prevent conflict and division based on language lines.
Brussels serves as the headquarters of the European Union.
Lessons from Belgium and Sri Lanka:
Power sharing is crucial for maintaining unity in diverse democracies.
Respect for the feelings and interests of different communities and regions is essential.
Mutually acceptable arrangements for power sharing can help prevent conflicts.
Dominance by a majority community and refusal to share power can threaten the unity of a country.
Why power sharing is desirable?
Power sharing in Belgium and Sri Lanka took different paths.
Belgium recognized regional differences and cultural diversity, leading to constitutional amendments and innovative arrangements for equal representation.
Sri Lanka adopted majoritarian measures, leading to alienation among the Tamil community and a civil war.
Belgium’s power-sharing model helped maintain unity and avoid division along linguistic lines.
It reduces conflicts and ensures stability.
It is intrinsic to democracy and gives citizens a stake in the system.
Forms of Power Sharing
Power sharing is a response to the notion of undivided political power.
Democracy recognizes that political power should be distributed among citizens.
Power sharing can take different forms in modern democracies.
Horizontal distribution of power separates and balances the legislative, executive, and judiciary.
Power can be shared among different levels of government, such as federal and state governments.
Power sharing can also involve representation of diverse social groups and minorities.
Political parties, interest groups, and alliances contribute to power sharing in democracies.
Power sharing ensures competition, representation, and participation in decision-making processes.
Economics
Globalization and The Indian Economy
Consumer Rights
Geography
Forest and Wildlife Resources
Water Resources
Agriculture
Mineral and Energy Resources
Manufacturing Resources
Lifelines of National Economy