CHAPTER-1
CIVICS
Question 1. What are the different forms of power sharing in modern democracies? Give an example of each of these.
Answer: The different forms of power sharing in modern democracies are:
- Horizontal
Division of Power: It is the sharing of power among
the different organs of government, for example, power sharing by 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. Such a separation ensure that none of
the organs can exercise unlimited power, thereby putting a check on each
other. For example, judges are appointed by the executive, they can check
the functioning of executive or laws made by the legislatures.
- Vertical
Division of Power: It is a system of power sharing
among governments at different levels. A general government for the entire
country usually known as federal government and governments at provincial
or regional levels also known as State 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 different Social Groups: Power
can also be shared among different groups which differ socially like
different religious and linguistic groups. ‘Community Government’ in
Belgium is a good example of this type of power sharing. The system of
reserved constituencies in India is another example. Such an arrangement
is used to give minority communities space in the government and
administration and a fair share in power, who otherwise would feel
alienated from the government.
- Division
of Power among Political Parties, Pressure Groups and Movements: In
contemporary democracies such a division takes the form of competition
among different parties, which in turn ensure that power does not remain
in one hand and is shared among different political parties representing
different ideologies and social groups. Sometimes this kind of sharing is
direct when two or more parties form an alliance to contest elections.
Question 2. State one prudential reason and one moral
reason for 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, seats are reserved for the weaker
sections of society. Example: reservation of seats for scheduled castes
and scheduled tribes in jobs and government. This allows the weaker
sections also to participate in the running of the Government and
upliftment in the society.
- Moral
Reason: It upholds the spirit of democracy. In a truly
democratic setup, the citizens too have a stake in governance. In India,
the citizens can come together to debate and criticise the policies and
decisions of the government. This, in turn, puts pressure on the
government to rethink its policies and reconsider its decisions. People
have a say in the government and government is answerable to the people.
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.
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. Every society needs some form of power sharing even if it is small
or does not have social divisions. A democratic society is one where its
members or citizens through participation acquire a stake in the system. Power
sharing not only prevents conflict between various groups in the society but it
also generates a sense of belongingness among them to the society.No single
community can take a decision unilaterally. It is realized that unity of the
country is only possible by respecting feelings and interest of different
communities. Power sharing helps to maintain a balance of power among various
institutions and also keep a check on how it is exercised. It reduces conflicts
between different social groups. Irrespective of the size of a
country or the type of society, people will be more satisfied where they have a
say in the functioning and decision making processes of the system. Power
sharing is the spirit of democracy. People have the right to be consulted on
how they are to be governed.
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 into 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: No, 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 French, the mayor will cause
civil unrest. Both the languages should be made acceptable in the town's
schools. The unity of a country is possible only by respecting the feelings and
interests of different communities and regions. Thus bilingual education system
will be a better way to integrate the people of the town. Such a realisation
would result in a mutually acceptable arrangement for sharing power.
Question 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.”
Answer: The prudential reason for power sharing offered in this passage
is giving power to panchayats is also a way to reduce corruption and increase
administrative efficiency. Panchayats are at the local level hence deepen
democracy in our country. Local people have better ideas and knowledge about
local problems. They can better understand the problems of the people, thus
performing better. Introduction of panchayats has made the country more united
and stronger. It has also made the administration easier.
Question 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:
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
|
(a) |
A |
B |
D |
F |
|
(b) |
A |
C |
E |
F |
|
(c) |
A |
B |
D |
G |
|
(d) |
B |
C |
D |
G |
Answer : (a)
|
A |
B |
D |
F |
Explanation: In a democracy political power should be
distributed among as many citizens as possible.
Question 7. Consider the following statements about power
sharing 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 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.
D. 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?
(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
Explanation: The democratically elected government adopted a series
of majoritarian measures to establish Sinhala supremacy. Sri Lankan Tamils felt
that none of the major political parties led by Buddhist Sinhala leaders was
sensitive to their language and culture.
In Belgium, the leaders have realized that the unity of the country is possible
only by respecting the feelings and interests of different communities and
regions.
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 |
Α. |
Community government |
|
2 |
Power shared among governments at different levels |
Î’. |
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 |
|
|
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
|
(a) |
D |
A |
B |
C |
|
(b) |
B |
C |
D |
A |
|
(c) |
B |
D |
A |
C |
|
(d) |
C |
D |
A |
B |
Answer :
|
|
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
|
(c) |
B |
D |
A |
C |
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.
Explanation: There are constitutional and legal arrangements
whereby socially weaker sections and women are represented in legislatures and
administration.
Revision Notes
1. With this chapter, we resume the tour of democracy
that we started last year.
2. An intelligent sharing of power among a legislature,
executive and judiciary is very important to the design of a democracy.
3. We start with two stories from Belgium and Sri Lanka.
4. Both these stories are about how democracies handle
demands for power sharing.
Belgium and Sri Lanka:
1. Belgium is a small country in Europe.
2. It has borders with Netherlands, France and Germany.
3. 59% in the Flemish region speaks Dutch.
4. Another 40% people live in Wallonia region and speaks
French.
5. Remaining 1% of the Belgians speak Germany.
6. In the capital city Brussels, 80% people speak French
while 20% are Dutch – speaking.
7. The minority French – speaking community was
relatively rich and powerful.
8. This was resented by the Dutch-speaking community who
got the benefit of the economic development and education much later.
9. The tension between two communities was acuter in
Brussels.
10. Like other nations in the south Asia region, Sri
Lanka has a diverse population.
11. The Sinhala speaks are 74% and Tamil speakers are 18%
12. Among Tamils, there are two sub groups, Tamil natives
of the country are called “Sri Lankan Tamils”; the rest whose forefathers came
from India as a population workers during the colonial period, is called
‘Indian Tamils’.
Majoritarianism in Sri Lanka:
1. Sri Lankan emerged as an independent country in 1948.
2. The leaders of the Sinhala community sought to secure
dominance over the government by virtue of their majority.
3. In 1956, an Act was passed to recognize Sinhala as the
only official language, thus disregarding Tamil.
4. A new constitution stipulated that the state shall
protect and foster Buddhism.
5. All these coming measures, coming one after the other,
gradually increased the feeling of alienation among the Sri Lankan Tamils.
6. As a result, the relations between the Sinhala and
Tamil communities strained over time.
7. The Sri Lankan Tamils launched parties and struggles.
8. But their demand for more autonomy to provinces
populated by the Tamils was repeatedly denied.
9. The distrust between the two communities turned into
widespread conflict. It soon turned into CIVIL WAR.
10. The civil war caused a terrible setback to the
social, cultural and economic life of the country.
Accommodation in Belgium:
1. Belgium recognized the existence of regional
differences and cultural diversities.
2. Between 1970 and 1993, they amended their constitution
four times so as to work out an arrangement that would enable everyone to live
together within the same country.
3. Here are some of the elements of the Belgian model:
a. Constitution prescribes that the number of Dutch and French-speaking
ministers shall be equal in the central government.
b. Many powers of the central government have been given to states government
of the two of the regions of the country.
c. Brussels has separated government in which both the communities have equal
representation.
d. Apart from the central and state government, there is a third kind of
government. This is community government.
4. In Belgium, the leaders have realized that the unity
of the country is possible only by respecting the feelings and interests of
different communities and regions.
5. Sri Lanka shows us a contrasting example. It shows us
that if a majority community wants to force its dominance over others and
refuses to share power, it can undermine the unity of the country.
Why is power sharing desirable?
1. Thus, two different sets of reasons can be given in
favor of power sharing.
2. Firstly, power sharing is good because it helps to
reduce the possibility of conflict between social groups.
3. There is a second, deeper reason why power sharing is
good for democracy. Power sharing is very spirit of democracy. A democratic
rule involves sharing power with those affected by its exercise, and who have
to live with it effects.
4. Let us call the first set of reasons PRUDENTIAL and
the second moral.
5. While prudential reasons stress that power sharing
will bring out better outcomes, moral reasons emphasizes the very act of the
power sharing as valuable.
Forms of power sharing:
1. The idea of power sharing has emerged in opposition to
the notions of undivided political power.
2. For a long time, it was believed that all power of a
government must reside in one person or group of a person located at one place.
3. One basic principle of power sharing is that people are
the source of all political power.
4. In a good democratic government, due respect is given
to diverse groups and views that exist in a society.
5. Everyone has a voice in the shaping of public
politics.
6. Therefore, it follows that in a democracy political
power should be distributed among as many citizens as possible.
Let us look at some of the most common arrangements that
we have or will come across.
1. Power is shared among different organs of the
government, such as the legislature, executive, and judiciary. Let us call this
horizontal distribution of power because it allows different organs of the
government placed at the same level to exercise different powers.
2. Power can be shared among governments at different
levels – a general government for the entire country and governments at the
provincial or regional level. The division of higher and lower levels of
government is called the vertical division of power.
3. Power may also be shared among different social
groups, such as the religious and linguistic groups. ‘Community government’ is
a good example of this arrangement.
4. Power sharing arrangement can also be seen in the way
political parties, pressure groups and movements control or influence those in
power.
Test Paper
1.
The __________ launched parties and struggles for the
recognition of Tamil as an official language, for regional autonomy and
equality of opportunity in securing education and jobs. (1)
a.
Muslims
b.
Sri Lankan Tamils
c.
Christians
d.
Sinhalas
2.
It is the law-making organ of the government. (1)
a.
defence
b.
Legislature
c.
Executive
d.
Judiciary
3.
Under Belgian model, Constitution prescribes that the
number of _____ & ____ ministers shall be equal in the central
government. (1)
a.
English and French speaking
b.
Dutch and French-speaking
c.
German and English speaking
d.
Dutch and German speaking
4.
Which community has increased the feeling of alienation
in Sri Lanka? (1)
a.
Indian Tamils
b.
Sri Lankan Tamils
c.
Sinhalas
d.
Christians
5.
It is an organ of the government which interprets the
laws made (1)
a.
Judiciary
b.
Executive
c.
Legislature
d.
Administrator
6.
In Sri Lanka, the policies of the government sought to
ensure the dominance of which is language speaking people? (1)
7.
Mention any one characteristics of power sharing. (1)
8.
How is power shared in modern democracies? (1)
9.
State two main basis of the social divisions in Sri
Lanka. (1)
10.
How is the ethnic composition of Belgium very complex?
Explain. (3)
11.
Write down the features of Vertical division of power
sharing. (3)
12.
What is power sharing? Why power sharing is important in
a democracy? (3)
13.
Explain the differences between horizontal power sharing
and vertical power sharing. (3)
14.
Briefly explain the ways in which power sharing between
different organs of the government results in the maintenance of balance of
power. (5)
15.
Describe the population composition of Sri Lanka and the
reasons for the formation of Majoritarian government in 1948. (5)
Test Paper
Answers
1.
b.
Sri Lankan Tamils
Explanation: The Sri Lankan Tamils launched parties and struggles
for the recognition of Tamil as an official language, for regional autonomy and
equality of opportunity in securing education and jobs.But their demand for
more autonomy to provinces populated by the Tamils was repeatedly denied
2.
b.
Legislature
Explanation: The different organs of the government:-
i.
Legislature → makes laws
ii.
Executive → enforces those laws
iii.
Judiciary → interprets those laws
3.
b.
Dutch and French-speaking
Explanation: Between 1970 and 1993,the constitution was amended
four times so as to work out an arrangement that would enable everyone to live
together within the same country.
Under the Belgian model, its Constitution prescribes that the number of Dutch
and French-speaking ministers shall be equal in the central government.
4.
b.
Sri Lankan Tamils
Explanation: All these government measures, coming one after the
other, gradually increased the feeling of alienation among the Sri Lankan
Tamils. They felt that none of the major political parties led by the Buddhist
Sinhala leaders was sensitive to their language and culture.
c. Judiciary
Explanation: The different organs of the government:-
Legislature → makes laws
Executive → enforces those laws
Judiciary → interprets those laws
The policies of the government under the Act of 1956
sought to ensure the dominance of Sinhala speaking people in Sri Lanka.
It gives people the right to be consulted.
In modern democracies, power is shared among different
organs of government, among government at different levels and among various
political parties, pressure groups etc.
Religion and Language
The ethnic composition of a small country, Belgium is
very complex. Ethnic is a social division based on shared culture. People
belonging to the same ethnic group believe in their common descent because of
similarities of physical type or of culture.
i.
Of the country's total population, 59% live in the
Flemish region and speak the Dutch language.
ii.
Another 40% of people live in the Wallonia and speak
French.
iii.
Remaining 1% of the Belgians speak German.
iv.
80% of people speak French while 20% are Dutch-German
speaking in the capital city Brussels.
2.
i.
In vertical division of Power Sharing power is shared
among the different levels of the government like Union Government, state
government and Lower levels.
ii.
Different levels of the government exercise the power of
the government.
iii.
No specification of the system of checks and balance.
iv.
It ensures the concept of deepening of democracy.
v.
Central Government, State Government and Panchayat Raj
are the example of the Vertical division of Power Sharing.
3.
i.
When the power does not rest with any one organ of the
state rather it is shared among the legislature, executive and judiciary it is
called power sharing.
ii.
Power sharing is important in a democracy because:
a.
It helps to reduce the possibility of conflict between
social groups.
b.
It is the very spirit of democracy.
c.
It is a good way to ensure the stability of the political
order.
d.
A democratic government is chosen by the people. So, they
have the right to be consulted on how they are to be governed. A legitimate
government is one where groups, through participation, acquire a stake in the
system.
4.
In a modern democracy, power-sharing arrangement can take
many forms. It can be horizontal or vertical.
|
Horizontal Division of Power Sharing |
Vertical Division of Power Sharing |
|
A. Horizontal Division of power, in which power is
shared among different organs of the government like legislature, Executive
and Judiciary. |
A. In vertical division of Power Sharing power is
shared among the different levels of the government like Union Government,
state government and Lower levels. |
|
B. Different organs of the government exercise power. |
B. Different levels of the government exercise the
power of the government. |
|
C. It specifies the concept of check and balance. |
C. No specification of the system of checks and
balance. |
5.
i.
Power is shared among different organs of government like
the legislature, executive and judiciary. It is called vertical distribution of
power because it allows different organs of the government placed at the same
level to exercise different powers.
ii.
Each organ is equally important in a democracy and they
exercise different powers.
iii.
Separation of powers ensures that all organs exercise
their power within limits.
iv.
Each organ checks the others. This results in the
maintenance of balance of power among various institutions.
v.
The equivalent distribution of power allows different
organs of government at the same level to employ various powers.
vi.
This guarantees that all structures are given with equal
power. The judges are elected by the executive but the judges can check the
functioning of the executive or laws made by the legislature. This is called as
a system of checks and balances.
vii.
Our constitution is drafted in such a way that each organ
inspects the other organs.
viii.
E.g. though ministers and officials exercise power, they
are still answerable to the Parliament or State Assemblies. Also, Judges are
appointed by the executive; they can verify the operations of executive.
ix.
This enables the maintenance of balance of power between
different organs of the government.
6.
i.
It is an Island nation south of India. Tamil natives are
called Sri Lankan Tamils and formed 13% population.
ii.
The Indian Tamils whose forefathers had come from India
as plantation workers formed 5% population.
iii.
The Sinhala Buddhist, who was 74% of the population,
formed the majority government after independence in 1948.
iv.
Tamils are either Hindus or Muslims, 7% of the people are
Christian who are both Tamil and Sinhala.
v.
Sinhalese enjoy majority and can impose their will on the
entire country.
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