NCERT Explained: Class X Political Science, Chapter 1 - Power Sharing

Introduction to Power Sharing

Welcome to one of the most foundational chapters in the Class X Political Science curriculum: Power Sharing. At its heart, power sharing is the idea that the distribution of power among different branches of government and various social groups is essential for the smooth functioning of a democracy. It is not just a political convenience; it is a fundamental principle that ensures stability and fairness within a nation.

In this chapter, we explore how different countries handle the demands of diverse populations. Why do some nations remain peaceful while others descend into civil war? The answer often lies in how power is shared. We will look at the contrasting examples of Belgium and Sri Lanka to understand the consequences of inclusive versus majoritarian policies. By the end of this post, you will understand why power sharing is often called the 'very spirit of democracy.'

The Tale of Two Nations: Belgium and Sri Lanka

1. The Belgian Model of Accommodation

Belgium is a small European country, even smaller than the state of Haryana in India. Despite its size, it has a very complex ethnic composition. The country is divided into different linguistic regions: the Flemish region (where 59% speak Dutch) and the Wallonia region (where 40% speak French). The remaining 1% speak German. Interestingly, in the capital city, Brussels, the situation is reversed: 80% speak French and 20% speak Dutch.

During the 1950s and 1960s, tensions rose between the Dutch-speaking and French-speaking communities. The French-speaking minority was relatively rich and powerful, which led to resentment among the Dutch-speaking majority who received the benefits of economic development much later. However, instead of letting these tensions tear the country apart, Belgian leaders took a path of accommodation. Between 1970 and 1993, they amended their constitution four times to work out an arrangement that would enable everyone to live together.

• Equal Representation: The Constitution prescribes that the number of Dutch and French-speaking ministers shall be equal in the Central Government.
• State Autonomy: Many powers of the Central Government were given to State Governments of the two regions. The State Governments are not subordinate to the Central Government.
• Brussels Government: Brussels has a separate government in which both communities have equal representation.
• Community Government: Apart from the Central and State governments, there is a third kind of government called 'Community Government,' elected by people belonging to one language community (Dutch, French, or German), which handles cultural, educational, and language-related issues.

2. Majoritarianism in Sri Lanka

In contrast, Sri Lanka, an island nation south of India, followed a very different path after gaining independence in 1948. Its population is diverse, with the Sinhala-speakers (74%) and Tamil-speakers (18%) being the two major groups. Among Tamils, there are 'Sri Lankan Tamils' (natives) and 'Indian Tamils' (descendants of plantation workers).

The democratically elected government in Sri Lanka adopted a series of Majoritarian measures to establish Sinhala supremacy. In 1956, an Act was passed to recognize Sinhala as the only official language, disregarding Tamil. The government followed preferential policies that favored Sinhala applicants for university positions and government jobs. Furthermore, the constitution stipulated that the state should protect and foster Buddhism, the religion of most Sinhalas.

The result was disastrous. The Sri Lankan Tamils felt alienated, feeling that none of the major political parties led by Buddhist Sinhala leaders were sensitive to their language and culture. This led to a long-drawn Civil War, which caused a terrible setback to the social, cultural, and economic life of the country. This serves as a stark reminder that forcing the dominance of the majority over others can undermine the unity of the nation.

Why is Power Sharing Desirable?

There are two main sets of reasons why power sharing is important for a healthy society. We categorize these as Prudential reasons and Moral reasons.

1. Prudential Reasons

Prudential reasons are based on careful calculation of gains and losses. These are practical reasons aimed at achieving better outcomes.

• Reduces Conflict: Power sharing helps to reduce the possibility of conflict between social groups. Since social conflict often leads to violence and political instability, power sharing is a good way to ensure the stability of political order.
• National Unity: While imposing the will of the majority community might look like an attractive option in the short run, it often undermines the unity of the nation in the long run. The tyranny of the majority is not just oppressive for the minority; it often brings ruin to the majority as well.

2. Moral Reasons

Moral reasons emphasize the very act of power sharing as valuable and essential to the definition of democracy.

• Spirit of Democracy: A democratic rule involves sharing power with those affected by its exercise, and who have to live with its effects. People have a right to be consulted on how they are to be governed.
• Legitimacy: A legitimate government is one where citizens, through participation, acquire a stake in the system.

Forms of Power Sharing

In modern democracies, power sharing arrangements can take many forms. Here are the four most common ways power is distributed:

1. Horizontal Distribution of Power

In this arrangement, power is shared among different organs of government, such as the Legislature, Executive, and Judiciary. We call this horizontal distribution because it allows different organs of government placed at the same level to exercise different powers. This creates a system of checks and balances, where each organ stands as a check on the others, ensuring that no single organ can exercise unlimited power.

2. Vertical Division of Power

Power can be shared among governments at different levels—a general government for the entire country and governments at the provincial or regional level. In India, we refer to this as the Central or Union Government and the State Governments. This is often called Federal Government. In many countries like India, there is even a third tier of government, such as Municipalities and Panchayats.

3. Power Sharing Among Social Groups

Power may also be shared among different social groups such as religious and linguistic groups. 'Community Government' in Belgium is a good example of this. In India, we have the system of reserved constituencies in assemblies and the parliament of our country, which allows space in the government and administration to diverse social groups who otherwise would feel alienated from the government.

4. Power Sharing Among Political Parties and Pressure Groups

In a democracy, the citizens must have freedom to choose among various contenders for power. In contemporary democracies, this takes the form of competition among different parties. Sometimes this leads to Coalition Governments, where two or more parties form an alliance to contest elections or form a government. This ensures that power does not remain in one hand. Additionally, interest groups such as traders, farmers, and industrial workers also have a share in governmental power, either through participation in governmental committees or bringing influence on the decision-making process.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Power Sharing: The distribution of power to ensure stability and democracy.
• Belgium vs. Sri Lanka: Belgium succeeded through accommodation and equal representation, while Sri Lanka suffered a civil war due to majoritarianism.
• Prudential vs. Moral: Prudential reasons focus on reducing conflict and stability; Moral reasons focus on the intrinsic value of democratic participation.
• Horizontal Sharing: Checks and balances between Legislature, Executive, and Judiciary.
• Vertical Sharing: Federal division between Central, State, and Local governments.
• Social & Political Sharing: Ensuring minorities, social groups, and different political ideologies have a voice in governance.