Question 1

Question 1What are the different forms of power sharing in modern democracies? Give an example of each of these.

Accepted Answer

In modern democracies, power sharing takes various forms to ensure a balanced and inclusive system. Here are the different forms of power sharing:Horizontal Distribution of Power — This involves sharing power among different organs of government, such as the legislature, executive, and judiciary. For example, in India, the Parliament enacts laws (legislature), the executive implements them, and the judiciary checks their functioning.Vertical Distribution of Power — Power is shared between different levels of government (central and regional). For example, India has a Union Government (central) and State Governments (regional) that share power.Power Sharing Between Different Social Groups — It enhances participation in democratic systems by sharing power among diverse social groups. For example, 'Community Government' in Belgium shows sharing of power between different social groups.Power Sharing Between Political Parties, Pressure Groups, and Movements — When two or more parties form an alliance to contest elections, they directly engage in power sharing. If their alliance wins the elections, they form a coalition government, resulting in shared power. For example, National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is an Indian political alliance. Beyond political parties, interest groups (such as industrial workers, farmers, and business associations) also influence those in power.

Question 2

Question 3After 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.

Accepted Answer

I agree with Ouseph. Every society needs some form of power sharing even if it is small or does not have social divisions. It is because even in a seemingly homogeneous society, differing opinions and interests exist. Power-sharing helps maintain social harmony by reducing conflicts among individuals. Also, a democratic society allows its members to participate and acquire a stake in the system. Power-sharing generates a sense of belongingness, making people feel connected to their community and nation and it keeps a check on how power is exercised, preventing its concentration in a few hands and misuse.

Question 3

Question 4The 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.

Accepted Answer

No, this measure is not in keeping with the spirit of Belgium’s power sharing arrangements. These arrangements aim to maintain peace between the French-speaking and Dutch-speaking communities without offending any of them. By banning French, the mayor risks causing civil unrest. Accepting both languages in the town’s schools through bilingual education would be a better way to integrate the people of the town, avoid clash amd maintain peace.

Question 4

Question 9Consider 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 is true but B is falseBoth A and B are trueBoth A and B are falseA is false but B is true

Accepted Answer

Both A and B are truePower sharing is indeed beneficial for democracy because it ensures inclusivity, representation, and accountability. By allowing different social groups to participate in decision-making, power sharing reduces the likelihood of conflicts.

Question 5

Question 5So you are saying that sharing of power makes us more powerful. Sounds odd! Let me think.

Accepted Answer

Sharing power in a democracy can indeed strengthen the country in several ways:Conflict Reduction — When power is shared among different groups, it reduces the likelihood of social conflict. Cooperation and compromise become essential, leading to stability and unity.Democratic Spirit — Power-sharing embodies the essence of democracy by ensuring that various voices are heard. It prevents the concentration of power in a single entity, promoting fairness and inclusivity.Stability — By balancing power distribution, power-sharing maintains political stability. It prevents domination by any one group, fostering a harmonious environment.

Question 6

Question 6Read the given story carefully and answer the question that follows:“In the city of Beirut, there lived a man called Khalil. His parents came from different communities. His father was an Orthodox Christian and mother a Sunni Muslim. This was not so uncommon in this modern, cosmopolitan city. People from various communities that lived in Lebanon came to live in its capital, Beirut. They lived together, intermingled, yet fought a bitter civil war among themselves. One of Khalil’s uncles was killed in that war.At the end of this civil war, Lebanon’s leaders came together and agreed to some basic rules for power sharing among different communities. As per these rules, the country’s President must belong to the Maronite sect of Catholic Christians. The Prime Minister must be from the Sunni Muslim community. The post of Deputy Prime Minister is fixed for Orthodox Christian sect and that of the Speaker for Shi’a Muslims. Under this pact, the Christians agreed not to seek French protection and the Muslims agreed not to seek unification with the neighbouring state of Syria. When the Christians and Muslims came to this agreement, they were nearly equal in population. Both sides have continued to respect this agreement though now the Muslims are in clear majority.Khalil does not like this system one bit. He is a popular man with political ambition. But under the present system, the top position is out of his reach. He does not practise either his father’s or his mother’s religion and does not wish to be known by either. He cannot understand why Lebanon can’t be like any other ‘normal’ democracy. “Just hold an election, allow everyone to contest and whoever wins maximum votes becomes the president, no matter which community he comes from. Why can’t we do that, like in other democracies of the world?” he asks. His elders, who have seen the bloodshed of the civil war, tell him that the present system is the best guarantee for peace…”If you had the power to rewrite the rules in Lebanon, what would you do? Would you adopt the ‘regular’ rules followed everywhere, as Khalil suggests? Or stick to the old rules? Or do something else?

Accepted Answer

I propose a hybrid approach for Lebanon, combining power-sharing and democratic principles. Retain the current framework for key positions (President, Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister, Speaker) to ensure stability and representation. Implement a democratic electoral system for other positions, promoting inclusivity and meritocracy. As Abraham Lincoln said, democracy is a government “of the people, by the people, for the people.” Introduce proportional representation in parliament to reflect Lebanon's diverse demographics, echoing Mahatma Gandhi’s belief that “Democracy is an impossible thing until the power is shared by all.” Establish a periodic review mechanism to adjust the power-sharing formula as needed. Promote policies to strengthen a civic national identity over sectarian divides, fostering a "live and let live" ethos. This approach balances stability with fairness, ensuring a more resilient and equitable political system for Lebanon.

Question 7

Question 7In 2005, some new laws were made in Russia giving more powers to its president. During the same time the US president visited Russia. What according to this cartoon, is the relationship between democracy and concentration of power? Can you think of some other examples to illustrate the point being made here?

Accepted Answer

Democracy is a system of government where the citizens of a state exercise power to rule the state, either directly or through elected representatives. In the given cartoon, the horse pulling the cart represents the democracy. The cartoon clearly imparts that the people suffer when there is concentration of power. The government behaves like an autocracy and the say of people decreases considerably. For example, Pakistan is a democratic country but the government often works like an autocracy.

Question 8

Question 8In my school, the class monitors changes every month. Is that what you call a power sharing arrangement?

Accepted Answer

Changing of class monitor every month cannot be called a power sharing arrangement because their is no arrangements for checking his actions. But if there are 2 or 3 monitors for different works, it can depict power sharing as none of them can work independently in an autocratic way.

Question 9

Question 2Here are some examples of power sharing. Which of the four types of power sharing do these represent? Who is sharing power with whom?The Bombay High Court ordered the Maharashtra State Government to immediately take action and improve living conditions for the 2,000-odd children at seven children’s homes in Mumbai.The government of Ontario state in Canada has agreed to a land claim settlement with the aboriginal community. The Minister responsible for Native Affairs announced that the government will work with aboriginal people in a spirit of mutual respect and cooperation.Russia’s two influential political parties, the Union of Right Forces and the Liberal Yabloko Movement, agreed to unite their organisations into a strong rightwing coalition. They propose to have a common list of candidates in the next parliamentary elections.The finance ministers of various states in Nigeria got together and demanded that the federal government declare its sources of income. They also wanted to know the formula by which the revenue is distributed to various State Governments.

Accepted Answer

The Bombay High Court ordered the Maharashtra state government to immediately take action and improve living conditions for the 2,000-odd children at seven children’s homes in Mumbai — This is an example of power sharing among different organs of the government. Here the power is shared between the judiciary and the executive.The government of Ontario state in Canada has agreed to a land claim settlement with the aboriginal community. The minister responsible for Native Affairs announced that the government will work with aboriginal people in a spirit of mutual respect and cooperation. — This is an example of sharing of power among different social groups. Here, the power is shared between the aboriginals and other social groups.Russia’s two influential political parties, the Union of Right Forces (SPS) and the liberal Yabloko movement agreed to unite their organizations into a strong right- wing coalition. They propose to have a common list of candidates in the next parliamentary elections. — Political parties pressure groups and movements control or influence power. Here, the power is being shared between SPS and the liberal Yabloko movement. This is an example of power sharing arrangements forming a coalition government.The finance ministers of various states in Nigeria got together and demanded that the federal government should declare its sources of income. They also wanted to known the formula by which the revenue is distributed to various state governments. — This is an example of power sharing among governments at different levels. Here, the power is being shared between federal and state governments.

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