Notes Class 9 Civics Chapter 1 Power Sharing

Notes For All Chapters Civics Class 10 CBSE

1. Overview

• Democracy does not allow all power to rest with one organ of government.
• Sharing of power among legislature, executive, and judiciary is essential.
• Power sharing avoids conflicts and strengthens democracy.
• Two case studies: Belgium and Sri Lanka.

2. Belgium and Sri Lanka

Belgium

• A small European country (smaller than Haryana).
• Borders: France, Netherlands, Germany, Luxembourg.
• Population: just over 1 crore (half of Haryana).

Ethnic composition

• 59% – Flemish region, speak Dutch.
• 40% – Wallonia region, speak French.
• 1% – German-speaking.
• In Brussels (capital): 80% French-speaking, 20% Dutch-speaking.

Problem

• French-speaking minority was rich & powerful.
• Dutch-speaking majority felt discriminated in education & jobs.
• Tensions grew during 1950s–60s, especially in Brussels.
• Dutch were majority in country but minority in Brussels → conflict.

Sri Lanka

• Island nation, close to Tamil Nadu.
• Population: about 2 crore.

Ethnic composition

• 74% Sinhala-speaking (mostly Buddhists).
• 18% Tamil-speaking:
  • 13% Sri Lankan Tamils (natives, mainly in north & east).
  • 5% Indian Tamils (plantation workers during colonial period).
• 7% Christians (both Sinhala & Tamil).

Majoritarianism in Sri Lanka

After independence (1948), Sinhala leaders established dominance:

• 1956: Sinhala declared only official language.
• Preference for Sinhala in jobs & university admissions.
• Constitution: state shall protect and foster Buddhism.

Impact

• Tamils felt alienated and discriminated.
• Demands:
  • Recognition of Tamil as an official language.
  • Regional autonomy.
  • Equal opportunity in education & jobs.
• Demands repeatedly denied → Tamils launched political struggles.
• 1980s: demand for independent state Tamil Eelam in north & east.
• Conflict turned into civil war.
• Effects:
  • Thousands killed, many displaced as refugees.
  • Huge setback to economy, education, culture, and society.
• Civil war ended in 2009.

3. Accommodation in Belgium

Belgian leaders chose a peaceful path. Between 1970–1993, constitution was amended 4 times to make an innovative model.

Features of Belgian model

1. Equal number of Dutch & French-speaking ministers in central government.

• No single community can take decisions unilaterally.

2. Many powers of central government given to state governments.

• State governments are not subordinate to central government.

3. Brussels has a separate government with equal representation of both communities.

4. Apart from central & state governments, there is a community government:

• Elected by people of one language community (Dutch, French, German).
• Power over cultural, educational, and language-related issues.

Result

• Though complicated, this system avoided conflict and possible division.
• Helped maintain unity.
• Brussels chosen as headquarters of European Union.

4. Lessons from Belgium and Sri Lanka

• Both are democracies but handled problems differently.
• Belgium – Respected feelings & interests of all communities.
• Sri Lanka – Imposed majority rule → led to civil war.
• Lesson: Power sharing maintains unity, peace, and stability.

5. Why Power Sharing is Desirable?

Prudential reasons (practical benefits)

• Reduces chances of conflict among social groups.
• Prevents political instability & violence.
• Imposing majority’s will may work in short run but harms unity in long run.
• Protects majority itself from “tyranny of majority”.

Moral reasons (principles of democracy)

• Power sharing is the very spirit of democracy.
• People have the right to be consulted in decisions.
• Legitimate government = when citizens participate in governance.
• Ensures everyone has a stake in the system.

6. Forms of Power Sharing

1. Among different organs of government (Horizontal power sharing)

• Legislature, Executive, Judiciary.
• Ensures separation of powers → system of checks and balances.

2. Among governments at different levels (Vertical power sharing):

• Central/Union government, State governments, Local governments.
• Federal division of power.
• Example: India (Union, State, Panchayats/Municipalities).

3. Among different social groups:

• Religious, linguistic groups.
• Example: Community government in Belgium, reserved constituencies in India.
• Ensures minorities and weaker sections get fair share.

4. Among political parties, pressure groups, and movements:

• Power is shared by competition and cooperation of parties.
• Example: Coalition government when no single party wins majority.
• Pressure groups (farmers, traders, workers) influence decisions.