Social ScienceCh-13 15 min comprehensive revision
NCERT Class 10 Social Science — Chapter 13Power Sharing
Ethnic composition of Belgium and Sri Lanka, Majoritarianism in Sri Lanka (1956 Act, civil war), Accommodation model in Belgium (Community government, Brussels parity), Why power sharing is desirable (Prudential vs Moral reasons), and Forms of power sharing (Horizontal, Vertical, Social Groups, Political Parties/Coalitions).
Quick Key Takeaways:
Ethnic Comparison:
- Belgium: 59% Dutch-speakers (Flemish region), 40% French-speakers (Wallonia region), 1% German-speakers. In capital Brussels: 80% French-speaking, 20% Dutch-speaking.
- Sri Lanka: 74% Sinhala-speakers (mostly Buddhist), 18% Tamil-speakers (13% Sri Lankan Tamils in North/East, 5% Indian Tamils), 7% Christians (both Sinhala and Tamil).
- Belgium: 59% Dutch-speakers (Flemish region), 40% French-speakers (Wallonia region), 1% German-speakers. In capital Brussels: 80% French-speaking, 20% Dutch-speaking.
- Sri Lanka: 74% Sinhala-speakers (mostly Buddhist), 18% Tamil-speakers (13% Sri Lankan Tamils in North/East, 5% Indian Tamils), 7% Christians (both Sinhala and Tamil).
Majoritarianism in Sri Lanka: Democratically elected government adopted majoritarian measures:
- Passed 1956 Official Language Act recognizing Sinhala as the sole official language, disregarding Tamil.
- Preferential policies for Sinhala applicants in university admissions and government jobs.
- State mandated to protect and foster Buddhism.
- Led to alienation, demand for independent Tamil Eelam, and a catastrophic Civil War.
- Passed 1956 Official Language Act recognizing Sinhala as the sole official language, disregarding Tamil.
- Preferential policies for Sinhala applicants in university admissions and government jobs.
- State mandated to protect and foster Buddhism.
- Led to alienation, demand for independent Tamil Eelam, and a catastrophic Civil War.
Belgian Model of Accommodation (1970–1993, 4 Constitutional Amendments):
- Constitution mandates equal number of Dutch and French ministers in the Central Government.
- Many powers of Central Government given to State Governments of the two regions (not subordinate).
- Capital Brussels has a separate government with equal representation for both linguistic communities.
- Community Government: Elected by people belonging to one language community (Dutch, French, German), with jurisdiction over cultural, educational, and language issues.
- Result: Avoided ethnic strife; Brussels chosen as headquarters of the European Union (EU).
- Constitution mandates equal number of Dutch and French ministers in the Central Government.
- Many powers of Central Government given to State Governments of the two regions (not subordinate).
- Capital Brussels has a separate government with equal representation for both linguistic communities.
- Community Government: Elected by people belonging to one language community (Dutch, French, German), with jurisdiction over cultural, educational, and language issues.
- Result: Avoided ethnic strife; Brussels chosen as headquarters of the European Union (EU).
Prudential vs Moral Reasons for Power Sharing:
- Prudential Reason: Reduces the possibility of conflict and violence between social groups, ensuring political stability.
- Moral Reason: Power sharing is the very spirit of democracy; a legitimate government is one where citizens acquire a stake in the system through participation.
- Prudential Reason: Reduces the possibility of conflict and violence between social groups, ensuring political stability.
- Moral Reason: Power sharing is the very spirit of democracy; a legitimate government is one where citizens acquire a stake in the system through participation.
4 Forms of Power Sharing: (1) Horizontal (Legislature, Executive, Judiciary - System of Checks and Balances), (2) Vertical / Federal (Central, State, Local governments), (3) Social Groups (Religious/linguistic groups: Community government, Reserved constituencies), (4) Political Parties & Pressure Groups (Coalition governments, alliances).
Jump to Concept:1. 1. Ethnic Compositions & Majoritarianism vs Accommodation2. 2. Why Power Sharing is Desirable & Its Modern Institutional Forms3. 3. High-Yield Solved Board Examination Questions (3-Mark & 5-Mark)4. 4. CBSE Source-Based & Map Competency Drill: Why Brussels was Chosen as the Headquarters of the European Union5. 5. CBSE Examiner Marking Scheme, Key Terms & Topper Presentation
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Historical & Theoretical Base1. Ethnic Compositions & Majoritarianism vs Accommodation
Comprehensive timeline, constitutional frameworks, resource classifications, and visual model for Power Sharing.
• Belgium vs Sri Lanka: Contrasting Approaches to Ethnic Diversity
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Belgium's Inclusive Accommodation:
- Belgian leaders recognized regional differences and cultural diversities.
- Between 1970 and 1993, they amended their constitution 4 times to work out an innovative power-sharing arrangement where no single linguistic community could make decisions unilaterally.
- Brussels parity: French-speaking community accepted equal representation in Brussels because Dutch-speaking community accepted equal representation in Central Government.
- Belgian leaders recognized regional differences and cultural diversities.
- Between 1970 and 1993, they amended their constitution 4 times to work out an innovative power-sharing arrangement where no single linguistic community could make decisions unilaterally.
- Brussels parity: French-speaking community accepted equal representation in Brussels because Dutch-speaking community accepted equal representation in Central Government.
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Sri Lanka's Majoritarian Catastrophe:
- Leaders of the Sinhala majority community sought to secure dominance over government by virtue of their majority.
- Systematic exclusion of Tamils from state power, denial of equal political rights, and economic discrimination created deep distrust.
- The resulting civil war killed thousands of people on both sides, caused mass refugee flight, and caused terrible setbacks to the social, cultural, and economic life of the island nation.
- Leaders of the Sinhala majority community sought to secure dominance over government by virtue of their majority.
- Systematic exclusion of Tamils from state power, denial of equal political rights, and economic discrimination created deep distrust.
- The resulting civil war killed thousands of people on both sides, caused mass refugee flight, and caused terrible setbacks to the social, cultural, and economic life of the island nation.
📊 Power Sharing: Horizontal, Vertical & Accommodation ModelsVisual Model
Power Sharing: Institutional Mechanics & Belgian Model
Horizontal & Vertical Power Sharing
•Horizontal (Same Level): Legislature, Executive, Judiciary (Checks & Balances)
•Vertical (Federal): Union Government -> State Government -> Local Bodies
•Social/Community Groups: Linguistic/religious representation
Belgium vs Sri Lanka Contrast
•Belgium (Accommodation): Equal Dutch/French ministers, Brussels equality
•Sri Lanka (Majoritarianism): 1956 Sinhala Only Act, civil conflict
•Prudential vs Moral reasons for sharing governance power
Core Concept: Power sharing is the very spirit of democracy, preventing violent majoritarian strife
Visual schematic mapping the horizontal separation of powers (checks & balances), vertical federal tiers, Belgian accommodation, and Sri Lankan majoritarian outcomes.
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Comparative Matrices2. Why Power Sharing is Desirable & Its Modern Institutional Forms
In-depth institutional comparisons, economic data matrices, and structural policy breakdowns for Power Sharing.
• Prudential and Moral Reasons for Power Sharing
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Prudential Reasons (Calculations of Gains and Losses):
- Power sharing prevents violent social conflicts and political instability.
- Imposing the will of a majority community over minority undermines the unity of the nation in the long run.
- Tyranny of the majority is not just oppressive for the minority; it often ruins the majority itself.
- Power sharing prevents violent social conflicts and political instability.
- Imposing the will of a majority community over minority undermines the unity of the nation in the long run.
- Tyranny of the majority is not just oppressive for the minority; it often ruins the majority itself.
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Moral Reasons (Essential Spirit of Democracy):
- Democracy implies sharing power with those affected by its exercise and who have to live with its consequences.
- People have a natural democratic right to be consulted on how they are to be governed.
- Democracy implies sharing power with those affected by its exercise and who have to live with its consequences.
- People have a natural democratic right to be consulted on how they are to be governed.
• Four Modern Forms of Power Sharing in Contemporary Democracies
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1. Horizontal Division of Power (Separation of Powers): Power shared among different organs of government at the same level (Legislature, Executive, Judiciary). None of the organs can exercise unlimited power. Each organ checks the others, resulting in a balance of power and a system of checks and balances.
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2. Vertical Division of Power (Federal Division): Power shared among governments at different levels (National/Union government → State/Provincial governments → Local municipal/panchayat bodies).
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3. Power Sharing among Social Groups: Power shared among distinct religious, linguistic, and socially weaker groups (e.g. 'Community Government' in Belgium; 'Reserved Constituencies' in India).
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4. Power Sharing among Political Parties, Pressure Groups & Movements: Power shared through multi-party coalition governments (e.g. NDA, UPA) and policy influence exerted by trade unions, business associations, and farmers' lobbies.
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Solved Board Questions3. High-Yield Solved Board Examination Questions (3-Mark & 5-Mark)
Standard CBSE 3-mark analytical questions and 5-mark multi-paragraph answers with dates and acts.
• 3-Mark Analytical Question: Differentiate between Horizontal and Vertical division of power with suitable examples.
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1. Level of Government Organs:
- Horizontal Division: Power is shared among different organs of government placed at the same horizontal level (Legislature, Executive, and Judiciary).
- Vertical Division: Power is shared among governments placed at different vertical levels (Central/Union Government → State Governments → Local Panchayats/Municipalities).
- Horizontal Division: Power is shared among different organs of government placed at the same horizontal level (Legislature, Executive, and Judiciary).
- Vertical Division: Power is shared among governments placed at different vertical levels (Central/Union Government → State Governments → Local Panchayats/Municipalities).
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2. Mechanism of Control & Checks:
- Horizontal Division: Employs a System of Checks and Balances where each organ exercises separate powers and checks the unlimited authority of the other organs.
- Vertical Division: Constitution clearly demarcates distinct tiers of jurisdiction and legislative lists (Union List, State List, Concurrent List). Higher levels may delegate powers to lower tiers.
- Horizontal Division: Employs a System of Checks and Balances where each organ exercises separate powers and checks the unlimited authority of the other organs.
- Vertical Division: Constitution clearly demarcates distinct tiers of jurisdiction and legislative lists (Union List, State List, Concurrent List). Higher levels may delegate powers to lower tiers.
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3. Examples:
- Horizontal: Indian Parliament (makes laws), Prime Minister and Cabinet (executes laws), Supreme Court of India (interprets laws and reviews constitutionality).
- Vertical: Government of India (Union) → Government of Maharashtra (State) → Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (Local Body).
- Horizontal: Indian Parliament (makes laws), Prime Minister and Cabinet (executes laws), Supreme Court of India (interprets laws and reviews constitutionality).
- Vertical: Government of India (Union) → Government of Maharashtra (State) → Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (Local Body).
• 5-Mark Structured Essay / Board Answer: (a) Describe the three majoritarian measures adopted by the Sri Lankan Government in 1956 to establish Sinhala supremacy.
(b) Explain the four key elements of the Belgian Model of Accommodation.
(b) Explain the four key elements of the Belgian Model of Accommodation.
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Part (a) Majoritarian Measures in Sri Lanka (1956 Act):
1. Declaration of Official Language: In 1956, an Act was passed recognizing Sinhala as the sole official language of Sri Lanka, completely disregarding the Tamil language.
2. Preferential Policies in Employment & Education: The government formulated preferential policies that favored Sinhala applicants for university admissions and government jobs.
3. State Protection of Buddhism: A new constitution stipulated that the state shall foster and protect Buddhism, marginalizing the Hindu, Christian, and Muslim Tamil populations.
1. Declaration of Official Language: In 1956, an Act was passed recognizing Sinhala as the sole official language of Sri Lanka, completely disregarding the Tamil language.
2. Preferential Policies in Employment & Education: The government formulated preferential policies that favored Sinhala applicants for university admissions and government jobs.
3. State Protection of Buddhism: A new constitution stipulated that the state shall foster and protect Buddhism, marginalizing the Hindu, Christian, and Muslim Tamil populations.
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Part (b) Four Elements of the Belgian Accommodation Model:
1. Linguistic Parity in Central Cabinet: The Constitution prescribes that the number of Dutch-speaking and French-speaking ministers shall be equal in the central government. Special laws require the support of a majority of members from each linguistic group.
2. Autonomous Regional Powers: Many powers of the Central Government were permanently devolved to the State Governments of Flanders and Wallonia; State Governments are not subordinate to the Centre.
3. Brussels Separate Government: Brussels has a separate government in which both Dutch and French linguistic communities have equal representation.
4. Third Tier - Community Government: A unique third tier called 'Community Government' is elected by people belonging to one language community (Dutch, French, or German) regardless of where they live, with exclusive powers over culture, education, and language matters.
1. Linguistic Parity in Central Cabinet: The Constitution prescribes that the number of Dutch-speaking and French-speaking ministers shall be equal in the central government. Special laws require the support of a majority of members from each linguistic group.
2. Autonomous Regional Powers: Many powers of the Central Government were permanently devolved to the State Governments of Flanders and Wallonia; State Governments are not subordinate to the Centre.
3. Brussels Separate Government: Brussels has a separate government in which both Dutch and French linguistic communities have equal representation.
4. Third Tier - Community Government: A unique third tier called 'Community Government' is elected by people belonging to one language community (Dutch, French, or German) regardless of where they live, with exclusive powers over culture, education, and language matters.
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Source-Based & Map Drill4. CBSE Source-Based & Map Competency Drill: Why Brussels was Chosen as the Headquarters of the European Union
Primary historical source text analysis, case scenarios, and CBSE map marking coordinates.
• Source / Case Study Context: Why Brussels was Chosen as the Headquarters of the European Union
When many countries of Europe came together to form the European Union, Brussels was chosen as its headquarters.
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Q1: What made Brussels a symbol of successful conflict resolution in Europe? → Brussels transformed from a deeply tense, divided city (80% French, 20% Dutch in a Dutch-majority nation) into a global model of peaceful power sharing and mutual accommodation.
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Q2: What is the core democratic lesson of the Belgian experience? → That national unity is possible only by respecting the feelings and interests of different communities and regions.
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Q3: What would have happened if Belgium had followed Sri Lanka's majoritarian path? → Belgium would have suffered from violent civil war, linguistic riots, and potential partition into two separate countries (Flanders and Wallonia).
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Important Solved Board Questions5. CBSE Examiner Marking Scheme, Key Terms & Topper Presentation
Examiner point allocation rules, essential historiographical/geographic terminology, and common error avoidance.
• Step-by-Step Marking Rubric & Key Terminology
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1 Mark: Exact ethnic percentages for Belgium and Sri Lanka.
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2 Marks: 3 majoritarian acts in Sri Lanka vs 4 accommodation pillars in Belgium.
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1 Mark: Prudential vs Moral justifications for power sharing.
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1 Mark: Horizontal vs Vertical power sharing comparison.
• Common Error Deduction Traps
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Trap 1: Confusing language majorities in Belgium (Dutch is majority in country 59%; French is majority in capital Brussels 80%).
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Trap 2: Believing that Community government is based on region (it is based on linguistic identity, irrespective of residence).
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Trap 3: Forgetting the year of the Sri Lankan Official Language Act (1956).
Authentic Board Question (5 Marks)Topic: Comparison of Accommodation vs Majoritarianism
Compare the ways in which Belgium and Sri Lanka dealt with cultural and linguistic diversity. What lesson does each country offer?
Official CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Breakdown:
Belgium Strategy (Accommodation): Equal representation of Dutch & French in Central Govt, Community Govt, Brussels equality, avoiding civil strife.
Sri Lanka Strategy (Majoritarianism): 1956 Act making Sinhala sole official language, preferential university jobs, state fostering Buddhism, Tamil alienation.
Core Democratic Lesson: Power-sharing preserves national unity by accommodating diversity, while forcing majority dominance leads to civil war and disintegration.
Model Student Answer (Target: Full 5/5 Marks):
1. Belgium’s Strategy of Mutual Accommodation:
- Belgian leaders amended their Constitution 4 times (1970–1993) to ensure equal representation for Dutch- and French-speaking ministers in the Central Government.
- Created a unique Community Government elected by people of each linguistic group to manage cultural, educational, and language matters.
- Both groups accepted equal power in the capital Brussels.
- Result: Successfully avoided civil conflict and preserved national unity.
2. Sri Lanka’s Majoritarian Strategy:
- In 1956, the Sri Lankan government passed an Act recognising Sinhala as the only official language, disregarding Tamil.
- Preferential policies favoured Sinhala applicants for university admissions and government jobs.
- The state constitutionally protected and fostered Buddhism alone.
- Result: Created deep alienation among Sri Lankan Tamils, leading to demands for Tamil Eelam and a devastating 26-year Civil War (ended 2009).
3. Key Democratic Lesson:
Power-sharing is the very spirit of democracy. Respecting the interests of all communities strengthens national unity, whereas imposing majority dominance undermines the very integrity of the nation.
- Belgian leaders amended their Constitution 4 times (1970–1993) to ensure equal representation for Dutch- and French-speaking ministers in the Central Government.
- Created a unique Community Government elected by people of each linguistic group to manage cultural, educational, and language matters.
- Both groups accepted equal power in the capital Brussels.
- Result: Successfully avoided civil conflict and preserved national unity.
2. Sri Lanka’s Majoritarian Strategy:
- In 1956, the Sri Lankan government passed an Act recognising Sinhala as the only official language, disregarding Tamil.
- Preferential policies favoured Sinhala applicants for university admissions and government jobs.
- The state constitutionally protected and fostered Buddhism alone.
- Result: Created deep alienation among Sri Lankan Tamils, leading to demands for Tamil Eelam and a devastating 26-year Civil War (ended 2009).
3. Key Democratic Lesson:
Power-sharing is the very spirit of democracy. Respecting the interests of all communities strengthens national unity, whereas imposing majority dominance undermines the very integrity of the nation.
Examiner Mark Deduction Traps:
•Create a clear tabular or side-by-side comparative format for high clarity.
•Explicitly state the "Democratic Lesson" at the end to secure the 5th mark.
High-Frequency Conceptual Doubts & FAQs
Curated answers to the most common questions asked by Class 10 students.1. Equal number of Dutch and French-speaking ministers in the Central Government; unilateral laws prohibited.
2. Many powers of the Central Government delegated to State Governments, which are not subordinate to the Centre.
3. In the capital Brussels, both linguistic communities accepted equal representation.
4. Creation of an elected "Community Government" (Dutch, French, German) to manage cultural, educational, and linguistic policies.
2. Many powers of the Central Government delegated to State Governments, which are not subordinate to the Centre.
3. In the capital Brussels, both linguistic communities accepted equal representation.
4. Creation of an elected "Community Government" (Dutch, French, German) to manage cultural, educational, and linguistic policies.
Related YouTube Videos & Masterclasses
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