Power Sharing Test - 11

The Belgian leaders took a different path. They recognised the existence of regional differences and cultural diversities. Between 1970 and 1993, they amended their constitution four times so as to work out an arrangement that would enable everyone to live together within the same country.

 Power sharing is the very 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. A legitimate government is one where citizens, through participation, acquire a stake in the system. 

The Sri Lanka has Unitary Form of Government in which states are in subjugation to the center. It has semi presidential government system where two executives are present i.e. President along side with the Prime Minister and the Cabinet.

• Majoritarian measures adopted by the Sri Lankan government since independence are

In 1956, Sinhala was recognised as the only official language.

Preference was given to Sinhala applicants in government and university positions.

Constitution stipulated that the state shall protect and foster Buddhism.

Power sharing helps to reduce the possibility of conflict between social groups. Power sharing is a good way to ensure the stability of political order as social conflict often leads to violence and political instability. Imposing the will of the majority community over others may look like an attractive option in the short run, but in the long run it undermines the unity of the nation. Tyranny of the majority is not only oppressive for the minority but it also brings ruin to the majority.

• Belgium constitution was amended four times between 1970 to 1993 to accommodate everyone to live together in the country.
•  The arrangement they worked out is different from any other country and is very innovative.
  
• For eg.  Constitution prescribes that the number of Dutch and French-speaking ministers shall be equal in the central government. 
•  Many powers of the central government have been given to state governments of the two regions of the country. The state governments are not subordinate to the Central Government. 
  

Sri Lanka achieved its independence from British Empire on 4th February 1948 and became Dominion of Ceylon. It was then known as British Ceylon. Dominion status under British Commonwealth was for 24 years, later it turned into Republic of Sri Lanka on 22nd May 1972. D. S. Senanayake of United National Party (UNP) was the first Prime Minister of Ceylon. Option A 1948 is the correct answer.

When two or more than two parties come together to form the government, it is known as a coalition government. A coalition government is a cabinet of a parliamentary government in which several political parties cooperate, reducing the dominance of any one party within that coalition.