1. Power - Sharing
Power-sharing is a fundamental aspect of democracies, allowing for a more equitable distribution of authority among various groups and levels of government. The chapter explores how different countries, specifically Belgium and Sri Lanka, handle the demands for power-sharing in the context of their diverse populations. Through examining these cases, it highlights the benefits of such arrangements in preventing conflict and promoting social stability.
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Sections
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What we have learnt
- Power-sharing can help avoid conflict between social groups.
- Belgium's constitution emphasizes equal representation among linguistic communities to maintain unity.
- Sri Lanka's failure to accommodate ethnic diversity through power-sharing led to civil unrest and conflict.
Key Concepts
- -- Majoritarianism
- A belief that the majority community should be able to rule a country according to its own interests, disregarding the minority's needs.
- -- Prudential Reasons for Powersharing
- Arguments that suggest power-sharing leads to better governance and stability by reducing the possibility of conflict.
- -- Moral Reasons for Powersharing
- Arguments that emphasize the importance of sharing power as a necessary aspect of democratic governance.
- -- Federal Government
- A system of government where power is distributed between a central authority and various regional entities.
- -- Community Government
- A form of government in Belgium, elected by language communities, that manages cultural, educational, and language-related issues.
Additional Learning Materials
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