Power Sharing Test - 6

Power can be shared among governments at different levels – a general government for the entire country and governments at the provincial or regional level. Such a general government for the entire country is usually called federal government.

In India, we have a three tier government. Union, State and Local (Panchayati Raj).

‘Community government’ in Belgium is a good example of 'Power shared among social groups'.

‘Reservation for women in the parliament’ is a good example of 'Power shared among social groups'.

'Reserved constituencies' is a good example of 'Power shared among social groups'.

This type of arrangement is meant to give space in the government and administration to diverse social groups who otherwise would feel alienated from the government. This method is used to give minority communities a fair share in power.

Sri Lanka emerged as an independent country in 1948. The leaders of the Sinhala community sought to secure dominance over government by virtue of their majority. As a result, the democratically elected government adopted a series of MAJORITARIAN measures to establish Sinhala supremacy. The distrust between the two communities turned into widespread conflict. It soon turned into a CIVIL WAR.

Firstly, power sharing is good because it helps to reduce the possibility of conflict between social groups. Since social conflict often leads to violence and political instability, power sharing is a good way to ensure the stability of political order.It also upholds the spirit of democracy.

The minority French-speaking community was relatively rich and powerful. This was resented by the Dutch-speaking community who got the benefit of economic development and education much later.

In India, power sharing mechanism directly involve as legislature makes the laws, Executive implements the laws and judiciary interprets the laws.Defence is outside this purview.