Power Sharing

Introduction

Power sharing is the distribution of power among different organs of government, levels of government, and social groups. In a democracy, power sharing is essential because no single group should have absolute power. This chapter examines why power sharing is necessary, its forms, and the lessons from Belgium and Sri Lanka.

1. Why Is Power Sharing Necessary?

Power sharing has two main justifications:

Prudential Reasons (Practical)

• Reduces conflict: Sharing power reduces the possibility of conflict between social groups.
• Stability: A stable political system is more likely when power is shared.
• Prevents tyranny: Concentrating power in one place can lead to dictatorship.

Moral Reasons (Ethical)

• Democratic principle: Democracy means rule by the people. Power sharing is the essence of democracy.
• Legitimacy: People have a right to be consulted on decisions that affect them.
• Accountability: Power sharing ensures that rulers are accountable to the people.

Exam Tip: The difference between prudential and moral reasons is a common 3-mark question. Always give one example for each.

2. Case Study 1: Belgium

Background

• Location: Western Europe, borders France, Netherlands, and Germany.
• Population (1990s): About 1 crore (10 million).
• Ethnic composition:
  • Flemish (Dutch-speaking): 59% — live mainly in the northern region of Flanders.
  • Walloon (French-speaking): 40% — live mainly in the southern region of Wallonia.
  • German-speaking: 1% — live in the eastern part.

The Problem

• French-speaking community was wealthy and powerful, despite being a minority.
• Dutch-speaking Flemish felt marginalised and demanded equal rights and representation.
• Tensions between the two communities threatened to split the country.

The Solution: Power Sharing

Belgium adopted a unique power-sharing model through constitutional amendments (1970-1993):

1. Equal representation: The central government has equal numbers of French and Dutch ministers.
2. Regional governments: Separate governments for Flanders, Wallonia, and Brussels (the capital region).
3. Community government: A third layer of government for cultural and language matters, representing Dutch, French, and German communities.
4. Brussels: The capital has a separate government with equal representation for both communities.

Outcome

• Belgium avoided a violent breakup.
• The model is considered a success story of peaceful power sharing.

Key point: Belgium's solution was to accommodate diversity, not suppress it.

3. Case Study 2: Sri Lanka

Background

• Location: Island nation off the southern coast of India.
• Population: About 2.2 crore (22 million).
• Ethnic composition:
  • Sinhala speakers: 74%
  • Tamil speakers: 18% (divided into Sri Lankan Tamils and Indian Tamils)
  • Other: 8% (Muslims, Burghers, etc.)

The Problem: Majoritarianism

After independence (1948), Sri Lankan governments adopted majoritarian policies:

• Sinhala Only Act (1956): Made Sinhala the only official language.
• State patronage: Buddhism was given preferential treatment.
• Education and jobs: Preference for Sinhala speakers in universities and government jobs.
• No power sharing: Tamil demands for autonomy were rejected.

Consequences

• Civil war: A violent civil war broke out (1983-2009) between the Sri Lankan government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).
• Loss of life: Over 1,00,000 people were killed.
• Economic damage: The war severely damaged Sri Lanka's economy and tourism.
• Displacement: Thousands of Tamils were internally displaced or fled as refugees to India and other countries.

Comparison Table: Belgium vs Sri Lanka

Common mistake: Students often say Sri Lanka adopted majoritarianism because Sinhala was the majority. Majoritarianism is the active use of majority power to dominate minorities, not just the fact of being a majority.

4. Forms of Power Sharing in Modern Democracies

Power sharing takes different forms:

1. Horizontal Power Sharing

• Power is shared among different organs of government.
• Organs: Legislature (makes laws), Executive (implements laws), Judiciary (interprets laws).
• Key feature: All organs are independent and check each other's powers (separation of powers / checks and balances).
• Example: In India, the Supreme Court can strike down laws passed by Parliament if they violate the Constitution.

2. Vertical Power Sharing (Federalism)

• Power is shared between different levels of government.
• Levels: National (central), State, and Local (Panchayats/Municipalities).
• Key feature: Each level has constitutionally defined powers.
• Example: Education is on the Concurrent List (both Centre and State can make laws), while Defence is on the Union List (only Centre).

3. Power Sharing Among Social Groups

• Power is shared among different religious, linguistic, or caste groups.
• Example: Reserved seats for Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC) in legislatures.
• Community government: Like the community government in Belgium for cultural matters.

4. Power Sharing Among Political Parties

• Power is shared among political parties through coalitions and alliances.
• Example: India has had many coalition governments (e.g., United Progressive Alliance, National Democratic Alliance).
• In AP, coalition politics has been significant — TDP and BJP have allied, and YSRCP has also formed partnerships at the national level.

AP Board Focus: Forms of power sharing (especially vertical/horizontal) are frequently asked. Questions often ask: 'Which type of power sharing is practised in India's Panchayati Raj system?'

5. Power Sharing in AP Context

• Andhra Pradesh Panchayati Raj: AP has a three-tier Panchayati Raj system that is an example of vertical power sharing.
• Reservations in AP: AP provides reservations for SC, ST, BC, and women in local bodies, showing power sharing among social groups.
• Coalition politics: AP has a history of coalition governments and shifting alliances.

Common mistake: Students confuse 'power sharing among social groups' with 'reservations'. Reservation is one specific form of power sharing among social groups.

6. Summary of Key Dates

7. Quick Self-Test (with Answers)

Q1: What is the difference between prudential and moral reasons for power sharing? A1: Prudential reasons are practical — power sharing reduces conflict. Moral reasons are ethical — democracy means people have a right to participate in governance.

Q2: What was the Sinhala Only Act (1956)? A2: It made Sinhala the only official language of Sri Lanka, marginalising the Tamil-speaking population.

Q3: How did Belgium solve its ethnic conflict? A3: Through constitutional amendments that created a federal system with equal representation for French and Dutch speakers, regional governments, and community governments.

Q4: What is horizontal power sharing? A4: Power shared among different organs of government — legislature, executive, and judiciary.

Q5: What is vertical power sharing? A5: Power shared among different levels of government — national, state, and local.

Q6: Give an example of power sharing among social groups in India. A6: Reserved seats for SC/ST/OBC in legislatures and local bodies.

Q7: What lesson does Sri Lanka's civil war teach about power sharing? A7: Denying power sharing and adopting majoritarianism can lead to violent conflict.

Q8: Which level of government was established in Belgium for cultural matters? A8: The community government.

Q9: What type of power sharing is the Panchayati Raj system? A9: Vertical power sharing (local level of government).

Q10: Mention one prudential reason for power sharing. A10: Power sharing reduces the possibility of conflict between social groups.

8. AP Board Exam Focus