Chapter 1 Solutions — Power Sharing

Exercises

1. 1.
   What are the different forms of power sharing in modern democracies? Give an example of each of these.
2. 2.
   State one prudential reason and one moral reason for power sharing with an example from the Indian context.
3. 3.
   After reading this chapter, three students drew different conclusions. Which of these do you agree with and why? Give your reasons in about 50 words. Thomman - Power sharing is necessary only in societies which have religious, linguistic or ethnic divisions. Mathayi – Power sharing is suitable only for big countries that have regional divisions. Ouseph – Every society needs some form of power…
4. 4.
   The Mayor of Merchtem, a town near Brussels in Belgium, has defended a ban on speaking French in the town’s schools. He said that the ban would help all non-Dutch speakers integrate in this Flemish town. Do you think that this measure is in keeping with the spirit of Belgium’s power sharing arrangements? Give your reasons in about 50 words.
5. 5.
   Read the following passage and pick out any one of the prudential reasons for power sharing offered in this …
6. 6.
   Different arguments are usually put forth in favour of and against power sharing. Identify those which are in favour of power sharing and select the answer using the codes given below? Power sharing: A. reduces conflict among different communities B. decreases the possibility of arbitrariness C. delays decision making process D. accommodates diversities E. increases instability and divisiveness…
7. 7.
   Consider the following statements about power sharing arrangements in Belgium and Sri Lanka. A. In Belgium, the Dutch-speaking majority people tried to impose their domination on the minority French-speaking community. B. In Sri Lanka, the policies of the government sought to ensure the dominance of the Sinhala-speaking majority. C. The Tamils in Sri Lanka demanded a federal arrangement of power…
8. 8.
   Match List I (forms of power sharing) with List II (forms of government) and select the correct answer using the codes given below in the lists: List I: 1. Power shared among different organs of government; 2. Power shared among governments at different levels; 3. Power shared by different social groups; 4. Power shared by two or more political parties. List II: A. Community government; B…
9. 9.
   Consider the following two statements on power sharing and select the answer using the codes given below: A. Power sharing is good for democracy. B. It helps to reduce the possibility of conflict between social groups. Which of these statements are true and false?

   • (a) A is true but B is false
   • (b) Both A and B are true
   • (c) Both A and B are false
   • (d) A is false but B is true