Why and how is power shared in democracies?

INTRODUCTION 
The division of power among various groups and at various levels and parts of the government is necessary for the proper functioning of the democracy. It creates checks and balances in the political system of a country and removes dissatisfaction among various groups of society and parts of the government. However in different parts of the world problems have been created due to unequal representation of different groups in power sharing.

Belgium :
(i)    It is a small country in Europe smaller in area then Haryana in India.
(ii)    Bordering countries are Netherlands France and Germany
(iii)    It has the population of little over one crore about half of the population of Haryana
(iv)    The ethnic composition is complex.

(v)    The minority French Speaking community was relatively rich and powerful.
(vi)    This was resented by Dutch speaking coummunity who got the benifit of economic development and education much later.
(vii)    The tension continued during 1950’s and 1960’s and became acute in Bruseels.
(viii)    Dutch speaking people constituted a majority in the country but minority in capital.

Illustration 1 :

(i)    Which language speaking people resided in the areas marked with 1 and 4.
(ii)    Name the place marked with 2.
Solution
(i)    Dutch speaking, French speaking
(ii)    Brussels

Majoritarianism in srilanka :
    Srilanka :
(i)    An island nation a few kilometres away from Indian state of Tamilnadu coast in South Asia region.
(ii)    Population is 2 crore about same as Haryana state of India.
(iii)    It has diverse population.

(iv)    Srilanka became independent in 1948.
(v)    SINHALAS secured dominance over the government by the virtue of their majority.
(vi)    The Government adopted majoritarian measures to establish Sinhala supremacy.
(vii)    In 1956 by an Act Sinhala was declared the only official language, disregarding Tamils.
(viii)    The government policies were preferential and favoured sinhala applicants for university positions and government jobs.
(ix)    A new constitution stipulated that the state shall protect and foster Buddhism.
(x)    All these events caused a feeling of alienation and great resentment in Tamils.
(xi)    Causes of resentment were –
    (a)    Tamil felt that non of the political parties led by Buddhist sinhala leader were sensitive to their langugage and culture.
    (b)    Constitution and the government policies denied them equal political rights.
    (c)    Discriminated against them in getting jobs and other opportunities and ignored their interest.
(xii)    Srilankan Tamils launched parties and struggles for
    (a)    Recognition of Tamil as an official language.
    (b)    Regional autonomy
    (c)    Equality of opportunity in education and jobs.
(xiii)    Demands of Tamils for more autonomy to provinces populated by Tamils was repeatedly denied by the majority led government.
(xiv)    By 1980’s several political organization came into existence demanding independent Tamil Eelam (state) in North and Eastern parts of Sri Lanka.
(xv)    This lead to civil war killing thousands of people of both communities.
(xvi)    People were forced to leave Srilanka as refugees and many more lost their livelihood leading to a terrible setback in social, cultural and economic life.

Illustration 2 :
    (i)    How did Srilankan Tamils start their struggle.
    (ii)    Why did Sinhala community seek to secure government dominance over Srilankan Government.
Solution
    (i)    By launching the political parties for 
        (a) Recognising tamil as an official language              (b) Regional autonomy
        (c) Equality of opportunity in education and Jobs.

Try yourself :
5.    What made Srilankan Tamils feel alinated?
6.    Give an account of ethenic composition of Sri Lanka.
7.    Why was the Act of 1956 passed in Srilanka?
Accommodation in belgium :
    The Belgian leaders took a different Path by recognising the existence of regional differences and cultural diversities :
(i)    Amendment of the constitution four times between 1970 and 1993 to enable everyone to live together in the same country.
(ii)   The arrangement they worked out is different from any other country and is very innovative.
        Elements of the Belgian model :
(i)    Number of Dutch and French speaking ministers shall equal in central government.
(ii)   Many powers of the central government has been given to the state government of the two regions of the country. The state governments are not subordinate to central government
(iii)   Brussels has a separate government in which both communities have equal representation.
        The French speaking people accepted equal representation in Brussels because the Dutch speaking community has accepted equal representation in the Central Government.
(iv)   The ‘Community Government’ is elected by the people belonging to one language community–Dutch, French and German speaking no matter wherethey live.
    This Government has power regarding cultural educational and language related issues.
    Nature of Belgian model :
(i)    It is very complicated, even for the people living in Belgium.
(ii)    These arrangements have worked well so far and has halped in avoiding civic strife between two major communities and a possible divison of the country on linguistic basis.
(iii)    After formation of European unions Brussels was chosen as its headquarters.

INTRODUCTION 
The division of power among various groups and at various levels and parts of the government is necessary for the proper functioning of the democracy. It creates checks and balances in the political system of a country and removes dissatisfaction among various groups of society and parts of the government. However in different parts of the world problems have been created due to unequal representation of different groups in power sharing.

Belgium :
(i)    It is a small country in Europe smaller in area then Haryana in India.
(ii)    Bordering countries are Netherlands France and Germany
(iii)    It has the population of little over one crore about half of the population of Haryana
(iv)    The ethnic composition is complex.

(v)    The minority French Speaking community was relatively rich and powerful.
(vi)    This was resented by Dutch speaking coummunity who got the benifit of economic development and education much later.
(vii)    The tension continued during 1950’s and 1960’s and became acute in Bruseels.
(viii)    Dutch speaking people constituted a majority in the country but minority in capital.

Illustration 1 :

(i)    Which language speaking people resided in the areas marked with 1 and 4.
(ii)    Name the place marked with 2.
Solution
(i)    Dutch speaking, French speaking
(ii)    Brussels

Majoritarianism in srilanka :
    Srilanka :
(i)    An island nation a few kilometres away from Indian state of Tamilnadu coast in South Asia region.
(ii)    Population is 2 crore about same as Haryana state of India.
(iii)    It has diverse population.

(iv)    Srilanka became independent in 1948.
(v)    SINHALAS secured dominance over the government by the virtue of their majority.
(vi)    The Government adopted majoritarian measures to establish Sinhala supremacy.
(vii)    In 1956 by an Act Sinhala was declared the only official language, disregarding Tamils.
(viii)    The government policies were preferential and favoured sinhala applicants for university positions and government jobs.
(ix)    A new constitution stipulated that the state shall protect and foster Buddhism.
(x)    All these events caused a feeling of alienation and great resentment in Tamils.
(xi)    Causes of resentment were –
    (a)    Tamil felt that non of the political parties led by Buddhist sinhala leader were sensitive to their langugage and culture.
    (b)    Constitution and the government policies denied them equal political rights.
    (c)    Discriminated against them in getting jobs and other opportunities and ignored their interest.
(xii)    Srilankan Tamils launched parties and struggles for
    (a)    Recognition of Tamil as an official language.
    (b)    Regional autonomy
    (c)    Equality of opportunity in education and jobs.
(xiii)    Demands of Tamils for more autonomy to provinces populated by Tamils was repeatedly denied by the majority led government.
(xiv)    By 1980’s several political organization came into existence demanding independent Tamil Eelam (state) in North and Eastern parts of Sri Lanka.
(xv)    This lead to civil war killing thousands of people of both communities.
(xvi)    People were forced to leave Srilanka as refugees and many more lost their livelihood leading to a terrible setback in social, cultural and economic life.

Illustration 2 :
    (i)    How did Srilankan Tamils start their struggle.
    (ii)    Why did Sinhala community seek to secure government dominance over Srilankan Government.
Solution
    (i)    By launching the political parties for 
        (a) Recognising tamil as an official language              (b) Regional autonomy
        (c) Equality of opportunity in education and Jobs.

Try yourself :
5.    What made Srilankan Tamils feel alinated?
6.    Give an account of ethenic composition of Sri Lanka.
7.    Why was the Act of 1956 passed in Srilanka?
Accommodation in belgium :
    The Belgian leaders took a different Path by recognising the existence of regional differences and cultural diversities :
(i)    Amendment of the constitution four times between 1970 and 1993 to enable everyone to live together in the same country.
(ii)   The arrangement they worked out is different from any other country and is very innovative.
        Elements of the Belgian model :
(i)    Number of Dutch and French speaking ministers shall equal in central government.
(ii)   Many powers of the central government has been given to the state government of the two regions of the country. The state governments are not subordinate to central government
(iii)   Brussels has a separate government in which both communities have equal representation.
        The French speaking people accepted equal representation in Brussels because the Dutch speaking community has accepted equal representation in the Central Government.
(iv)   The ‘Community Government’ is elected by the people belonging to one language community–Dutch, French and German speaking no matter wherethey live.
    This Government has power regarding cultural educational and language related issues.
    Nature of Belgian model :
(i)    It is very complicated, even for the people living in Belgium.
(ii)    These arrangements have worked well so far and has halped in avoiding civic strife between two major communities and a possible divison of the country on linguistic basis.
(iii)    After formation of European unions Brussels was chosen as its headquarters.

INTRODUCTION 
The division of power among various groups and at various levels and parts of the government is necessary for the proper functioning of the democracy. It creates checks and balances in the political system of a country and removes dissatisfaction among various groups of society and parts of the government. However in different parts of the world problems have been created due to unequal representation of different groups in power sharing.

Belgium :
(i)    It is a small country in Europe smaller in area then Haryana in India.
(ii)    Bordering countries are Netherlands France and Germany
(iii)    It has the population of little over one crore about half of the population of Haryana
(iv)    The ethnic composition is complex.

(v)    The minority French Speaking community was relatively rich and powerful.
(vi)    This was resented by Dutch speaking coummunity who got the benifit of economic development and education much later.
(vii)    The tension continued during 1950’s and 1960’s and became acute in Bruseels.
(viii)    Dutch speaking people constituted a majority in the country but minority in capital.

Illustration 1 :

(i)    Which language speaking people resided in the areas marked with 1 and 4.
(ii)    Name the place marked with 2.
Solution
(i)    Dutch speaking, French speaking
(ii)    Brussels

Majoritarianism in srilanka :
    Srilanka :
(i)    An island nation a few kilometres away from Indian state of Tamilnadu coast in South Asia region.
(ii)    Population is 2 crore about same as Haryana state of India.
(iii)    It has diverse population.

(iv)    Srilanka became independent in 1948.
(v)    SINHALAS secured dominance over the government by the virtue of their majority.
(vi)    The Government adopted majoritarian measures to establish Sinhala supremacy.
(vii)    In 1956 by an Act Sinhala was declared the only official language, disregarding Tamils.
(viii)    The government policies were preferential and favoured sinhala applicants for university positions and government jobs.
(ix)    A new constitution stipulated that the state shall protect and foster Buddhism.
(x)    All these events caused a feeling of alienation and great resentment in Tamils.
(xi)    Causes of resentment were –
    (a)    Tamil felt that non of the political parties led by Buddhist sinhala leader were sensitive to their langugage and culture.
    (b)    Constitution and the government policies denied them equal political rights.
    (c)    Discriminated against them in getting jobs and other opportunities and ignored their interest.
(xii)    Srilankan Tamils launched parties and struggles for
    (a)    Recognition of Tamil as an official language.
    (b)    Regional autonomy
    (c)    Equality of opportunity in education and jobs.
(xiii)    Demands of Tamils for more autonomy to provinces populated by Tamils was repeatedly denied by the majority led government.
(xiv)    By 1980’s several political organization came into existence demanding independent Tamil Eelam (state) in North and Eastern parts of Sri Lanka.
(xv)    This lead to civil war killing thousands of people of both communities.
(xvi)    People were forced to leave Srilanka as refugees and many more lost their livelihood leading to a terrible setback in social, cultural and economic life.

Illustration 2 :
    (i)    How did Srilankan Tamils start their struggle.
    (ii)    Why did Sinhala community seek to secure government dominance over Srilankan Government.
Solution
    (i)    By launching the political parties for 
        (a) Recognising tamil as an official language              (b) Regional autonomy
        (c) Equality of opportunity in education and Jobs.

Try yourself :
5.    What made Srilankan Tamils feel alinated?
6.    Give an account of ethenic composition of Sri Lanka.
7.    Why was the Act of 1956 passed in Srilanka?
Accommodation in belgium :
    The Belgian leaders took a different Path by recognising the existence of regional differences and cultural diversities :
(i)    Amendment of the constitution four times between 1970 and 1993 to enable everyone to live together in the same country.
(ii)   The arrangement they worked out is different from any other country and is very innovative.
        Elements of the Belgian model :
(i)    Number of Dutch and French speaking ministers shall equal in central government.
(ii)   Many powers of the central government has been given to the state government of the two regions of the country. The state governments are not subordinate to central government
(iii)   Brussels has a separate government in which both communities have equal representation.
        The French speaking people accepted equal representation in Brussels because the Dutch speaking community has accepted equal representation in the Central Government.
(iv)   The ‘Community Government’ is elected by the people belonging to one language community–Dutch, French and German speaking no matter wherethey live.
    This Government has power regarding cultural educational and language related issues.
    Nature of Belgian model :
(i)    It is very complicated, even for the people living in Belgium.
(ii)    These arrangements have worked well so far and has halped in avoiding civic strife between two major communities and a possible divison of the country on linguistic basis.
(iii)    After formation of European unions Brussels was chosen as its headquarters.

INTRODUCTION 
The division of power among various groups and at various levels and parts of the government is necessary for the proper functioning of the democracy. It creates checks and balances in the political system of a country and removes dissatisfaction among various groups of society and parts of the government. However in different parts of the world problems have been created due to unequal representation of different groups in power sharing.

Belgium :
(i)    It is a small country in Europe smaller in area then Haryana in India.
(ii)    Bordering countries are Netherlands France and Germany
(iii)    It has the population of little over one crore about half of the population of Haryana
(iv)    The ethnic composition is complex.

(v)    The minority French Speaking community was relatively rich and powerful.
(vi)    This was resented by Dutch speaking coummunity who got the benifit of economic development and education much later.
(vii)    The tension continued during 1950’s and 1960’s and became acute in Bruseels.
(viii)    Dutch speaking people constituted a majority in the country but minority in capital.

Illustration 1 :

(i)    Which language speaking people resided in the areas marked with 1 and 4.
(ii)    Name the place marked with 2.
Solution
(i)    Dutch speaking, French speaking
(ii)    Brussels

Majoritarianism in srilanka :
    Srilanka :
(i)    An island nation a few kilometres away from Indian state of Tamilnadu coast in South Asia region.
(ii)    Population is 2 crore about same as Haryana state of India.
(iii)    It has diverse population.

(iv)    Srilanka became independent in 1948.
(v)    SINHALAS secured dominance over the government by the virtue of their majority.
(vi)    The Government adopted majoritarian measures to establish Sinhala supremacy.
(vii)    In 1956 by an Act Sinhala was declared the only official language, disregarding Tamils.
(viii)    The government policies were preferential and favoured sinhala applicants for university positions and government jobs.
(ix)    A new constitution stipulated that the state shall protect and foster Buddhism.
(x)    All these events caused a feeling of alienation and great resentment in Tamils.
(xi)    Causes of resentment were –
    (a)    Tamil felt that non of the political parties led by Buddhist sinhala leader were sensitive to their langugage and culture.
    (b)    Constitution and the government policies denied them equal political rights.
    (c)    Discriminated against them in getting jobs and other opportunities and ignored their interest.
(xii)    Srilankan Tamils launched parties and struggles for
    (a)    Recognition of Tamil as an official language.
    (b)    Regional autonomy
    (c)    Equality of opportunity in education and jobs.
(xiii)    Demands of Tamils for more autonomy to provinces populated by Tamils was repeatedly denied by the majority led government.
(xiv)    By 1980’s several political organization came into existence demanding independent Tamil Eelam (state) in North and Eastern parts of Sri Lanka.
(xv)    This lead to civil war killing thousands of people of both communities.
(xvi)    People were forced to leave Srilanka as refugees and many more lost their livelihood leading to a terrible setback in social, cultural and economic life.

Illustration 2 :
    (i)    How did Srilankan Tamils start their struggle.
    (ii)    Why did Sinhala community seek to secure government dominance over Srilankan Government.
Solution
    (i)    By launching the political parties for 
        (a) Recognising tamil as an official language              (b) Regional autonomy
        (c) Equality of opportunity in education and Jobs.

Try yourself :
5.    What made Srilankan Tamils feel alinated?
6.    Give an account of ethenic composition of Sri Lanka.
7.    Why was the Act of 1956 passed in Srilanka?
Accommodation in belgium :
    The Belgian leaders took a different Path by recognising the existence of regional differences and cultural diversities :
(i)    Amendment of the constitution four times between 1970 and 1993 to enable everyone to live together in the same country.
(ii)   The arrangement they worked out is different from any other country and is very innovative.
        Elements of the Belgian model :
(i)    Number of Dutch and French speaking ministers shall equal in central government.
(ii)   Many powers of the central government has been given to the state government of the two regions of the country. The state governments are not subordinate to central government
(iii)   Brussels has a separate government in which both communities have equal representation.
        The French speaking people accepted equal representation in Brussels because the Dutch speaking community has accepted equal representation in the Central Government.
(iv)   The ‘Community Government’ is elected by the people belonging to one language community–Dutch, French and German speaking no matter wherethey live.
    This Government has power regarding cultural educational and language related issues.
    Nature of Belgian model :
(i)    It is very complicated, even for the people living in Belgium.
(ii)    These arrangements have worked well so far and has halped in avoiding civic strife between two major communities and a possible divison of the country on linguistic basis.
(iii)    After formation of European unions Brussels was chosen as its headquarters.

INTRODUCTION 
The division of power among various groups and at various levels and parts of the government is necessary for the proper functioning of the democracy. It creates checks and balances in the political system of a country and removes dissatisfaction among various groups of society and parts of the government. However in different parts of the world problems have been created due to unequal representation of different groups in power sharing.

Belgium :
(i)    It is a small country in Europe smaller in area then Haryana in India.
(ii)    Bordering countries are Netherlands France and Germany
(iii)    It has the population of little over one crore about half of the population of Haryana
(iv)    The ethnic composition is complex.

(v)    The minority French Speaking community was relatively rich and powerful.
(vi)    This was resented by Dutch speaking coummunity who got the benifit of economic development and education much later.
(vii)    The tension continued during 1950’s and 1960’s and became acute in Bruseels.
(viii)    Dutch speaking people constituted a majority in the country but minority in capital.

Illustration 1 :

(i)    Which language speaking people resided in the areas marked with 1 and 4.
(ii)    Name the place marked with 2.
Solution
(i)    Dutch speaking, French speaking
(ii)    Brussels

Majoritarianism in srilanka :
    Srilanka :
(i)    An island nation a few kilometres away from Indian state of Tamilnadu coast in South Asia region.
(ii)    Population is 2 crore about same as Haryana state of India.
(iii)    It has diverse population.

(iv)    Srilanka became independent in 1948.
(v)    SINHALAS secured dominance over the government by the virtue of their majority.
(vi)    The Government adopted majoritarian measures to establish Sinhala supremacy.
(vii)    In 1956 by an Act Sinhala was declared the only official language, disregarding Tamils.
(viii)    The government policies were preferential and favoured sinhala applicants for university positions and government jobs.
(ix)    A new constitution stipulated that the state shall protect and foster Buddhism.
(x)    All these events caused a feeling of alienation and great resentment in Tamils.
(xi)    Causes of resentment were –
    (a)    Tamil felt that non of the political parties led by Buddhist sinhala leader were sensitive to their langugage and culture.
    (b)    Constitution and the government policies denied them equal political rights.
    (c)    Discriminated against them in getting jobs and other opportunities and ignored their interest.
(xii)    Srilankan Tamils launched parties and struggles for
    (a)    Recognition of Tamil as an official language.
    (b)    Regional autonomy
    (c)    Equality of opportunity in education and jobs.
(xiii)    Demands of Tamils for more autonomy to provinces populated by Tamils was repeatedly denied by the majority led government.
(xiv)    By 1980’s several political organization came into existence demanding independent Tamil Eelam (state) in North and Eastern parts of Sri Lanka.
(xv)    This lead to civil war killing thousands of people of both communities.
(xvi)    People were forced to leave Srilanka as refugees and many more lost their livelihood leading to a terrible setback in social, cultural and economic life.

Illustration 2 :
    (i)    How did Srilankan Tamils start their struggle.
    (ii)    Why did Sinhala community seek to secure government dominance over Srilankan Government.
Solution
    (i)    By launching the political parties for 
        (a) Recognising tamil as an official language              (b) Regional autonomy
        (c) Equality of opportunity in education and Jobs.

Try yourself :
5.    What made Srilankan Tamils feel alinated?
6.    Give an account of ethenic composition of Sri Lanka.
7.    Why was the Act of 1956 passed in Srilanka?
Accommodation in belgium :
    The Belgian leaders took a different Path by recognising the existence of regional differences and cultural diversities :
(i)    Amendment of the constitution four times between 1970 and 1993 to enable everyone to live together in the same country.
(ii)   The arrangement they worked out is different from any other country and is very innovative.
        Elements of the Belgian model :
(i)    Number of Dutch and French speaking ministers shall equal in central government.
(ii)   Many powers of the central government has been given to the state government of the two regions of the country. The state governments are not subordinate to central government
(iii)   Brussels has a separate government in which both communities have equal representation.
        The French speaking people accepted equal representation in Brussels because the Dutch speaking community has accepted equal representation in the Central Government.
(iv)   The ‘Community Government’ is elected by the people belonging to one language community–Dutch, French and German speaking no matter wherethey live.
    This Government has power regarding cultural educational and language related issues.
    Nature of Belgian model :
(i)    It is very complicated, even for the people living in Belgium.
(ii)    These arrangements have worked well so far and has halped in avoiding civic strife between two major communities and a possible divison of the country on linguistic basis.
(iii)    After formation of European unions Brussels was chosen as its headquarters.

INTRODUCTION 
The division of power among various groups and at various levels and parts of the government is necessary for the proper functioning of the democracy. It creates checks and balances in the political system of a country and removes dissatisfaction among various groups of society and parts of the government. However in different parts of the world problems have been created due to unequal representation of different groups in power sharing.

Belgium :
(i)    It is a small country in Europe smaller in area then Haryana in India.
(ii)    Bordering countries are Netherlands France and Germany
(iii)    It has the population of little over one crore about half of the population of Haryana
(iv)    The ethnic composition is complex.

(v)    The minority French Speaking community was relatively rich and powerful.
(vi)    This was resented by Dutch speaking coummunity who got the benifit of economic development and education much later.
(vii)    The tension continued during 1950’s and 1960’s and became acute in Bruseels.
(viii)    Dutch speaking people constituted a majority in the country but minority in capital.

Illustration 1 :

(i)    Which language speaking people resided in the areas marked with 1 and 4.
(ii)    Name the place marked with 2.
Solution
(i)    Dutch speaking, French speaking
(ii)    Brussels

Majoritarianism in srilanka :
    Srilanka :
(i)    An island nation a few kilometres away from Indian state of Tamilnadu coast in South Asia region.
(ii)    Population is 2 crore about same as Haryana state of India.
(iii)    It has diverse population.

(iv)    Srilanka became independent in 1948.
(v)    SINHALAS secured dominance over the government by the virtue of their majority.
(vi)    The Government adopted majoritarian measures to establish Sinhala supremacy.
(vii)    In 1956 by an Act Sinhala was declared the only official language, disregarding Tamils.
(viii)    The government policies were preferential and favoured sinhala applicants for university positions and government jobs.
(ix)    A new constitution stipulated that the state shall protect and foster Buddhism.
(x)    All these events caused a feeling of alienation and great resentment in Tamils.
(xi)    Causes of resentment were –
    (a)    Tamil felt that non of the political parties led by Buddhist sinhala leader were sensitive to their langugage and culture.
    (b)    Constitution and the government policies denied them equal political rights.
    (c)    Discriminated against them in getting jobs and other opportunities and ignored their interest.
(xii)    Srilankan Tamils launched parties and struggles for
    (a)    Recognition of Tamil as an official language.
    (b)    Regional autonomy
    (c)    Equality of opportunity in education and jobs.
(xiii)    Demands of Tamils for more autonomy to provinces populated by Tamils was repeatedly denied by the majority led government.
(xiv)    By 1980’s several political organization came into existence demanding independent Tamil Eelam (state) in North and Eastern parts of Sri Lanka.
(xv)    This lead to civil war killing thousands of people of both communities.
(xvi)    People were forced to leave Srilanka as refugees and many more lost their livelihood leading to a terrible setback in social, cultural and economic life.

Illustration 2 :
    (i)    How did Srilankan Tamils start their struggle.
    (ii)    Why did Sinhala community seek to secure government dominance over Srilankan Government.
Solution
    (i)    By launching the political parties for 
        (a) Recognising tamil as an official language              (b) Regional autonomy
        (c) Equality of opportunity in education and Jobs.

Try yourself :
5.    What made Srilankan Tamils feel alinated?
6.    Give an account of ethenic composition of Sri Lanka.
7.    Why was the Act of 1956 passed in Srilanka?
Accommodation in belgium :
    The Belgian leaders took a different Path by recognising the existence of regional differences and cultural diversities :
(i)    Amendment of the constitution four times between 1970 and 1993 to enable everyone to live together in the same country.
(ii)   The arrangement they worked out is different from any other country and is very innovative.
        Elements of the Belgian model :
(i)    Number of Dutch and French speaking ministers shall equal in central government.
(ii)   Many powers of the central government has been given to the state government of the two regions of the country. The state governments are not subordinate to central government
(iii)   Brussels has a separate government in which both communities have equal representation.
        The French speaking people accepted equal representation in Brussels because the Dutch speaking community has accepted equal representation in the Central Government.
(iv)   The ‘Community Government’ is elected by the people belonging to one language community–Dutch, French and German speaking no matter wherethey live.
    This Government has power regarding cultural educational and language related issues.
    Nature of Belgian model :
(i)    It is very complicated, even for the people living in Belgium.
(ii)    These arrangements have worked well so far and has halped in avoiding civic strife between two major communities and a possible divison of the country on linguistic basis.
(iii)    After formation of European unions Brussels was chosen as its headquarters.

INTRODUCTION 
The division of power among various groups and at various levels and parts of the government is necessary for the proper functioning of the democracy. It creates checks and balances in the political system of a country and removes dissatisfaction among various groups of society and parts of the government. However in different parts of the world problems have been created due to unequal representation of different groups in power sharing.

Belgium :
(i)    It is a small country in Europe smaller in area then Haryana in India.
(ii)    Bordering countries are Netherlands France and Germany
(iii)    It has the population of little over one crore about half of the population of Haryana
(iv)    The ethnic composition is complex.

(v)    The minority French Speaking community was relatively rich and powerful.
(vi)    This was resented by Dutch speaking coummunity who got the benifit of economic development and education much later.
(vii)    The tension continued during 1950’s and 1960’s and became acute in Bruseels.
(viii)    Dutch speaking people constituted a majority in the country but minority in capital.

Illustration 1 :

(i)    Which language speaking people resided in the areas marked with 1 and 4.
(ii)    Name the place marked with 2.
Solution
(i)    Dutch speaking, French speaking
(ii)    Brussels

Majoritarianism in srilanka :
    Srilanka :
(i)    An island nation a few kilometres away from Indian state of Tamilnadu coast in South Asia region.
(ii)    Population is 2 crore about same as Haryana state of India.
(iii)    It has diverse population.

(iv)    Srilanka became independent in 1948.
(v)    SINHALAS secured dominance over the government by the virtue of their majority.
(vi)    The Government adopted majoritarian measures to establish Sinhala supremacy.
(vii)    In 1956 by an Act Sinhala was declared the only official language, disregarding Tamils.
(viii)    The government policies were preferential and favoured sinhala applicants for university positions and government jobs.
(ix)    A new constitution stipulated that the state shall protect and foster Buddhism.
(x)    All these events caused a feeling of alienation and great resentment in Tamils.
(xi)    Causes of resentment were –
    (a)    Tamil felt that non of the political parties led by Buddhist sinhala leader were sensitive to their langugage and culture.
    (b)    Constitution and the government policies denied them equal political rights.
    (c)    Discriminated against them in getting jobs and other opportunities and ignored their interest.
(xii)    Srilankan Tamils launched parties and struggles for
    (a)    Recognition of Tamil as an official language.
    (b)    Regional autonomy
    (c)    Equality of opportunity in education and jobs.
(xiii)    Demands of Tamils for more autonomy to provinces populated by Tamils was repeatedly denied by the majority led government.
(xiv)    By 1980’s several political organization came into existence demanding independent Tamil Eelam (state) in North and Eastern parts of Sri Lanka.
(xv)    This lead to civil war killing thousands of people of both communities.
(xvi)    People were forced to leave Srilanka as refugees and many more lost their livelihood leading to a terrible setback in social, cultural and economic life.

Illustration 2 :
    (i)    How did Srilankan Tamils start their struggle.
    (ii)    Why did Sinhala community seek to secure government dominance over Srilankan Government.
Solution
    (i)    By launching the political parties for 
        (a) Recognising tamil as an official language              (b) Regional autonomy
        (c) Equality of opportunity in education and Jobs.

Try yourself :
5.    What made Srilankan Tamils feel alinated?
6.    Give an account of ethenic composition of Sri Lanka.
7.    Why was the Act of 1956 passed in Srilanka?
Accommodation in belgium :
    The Belgian leaders took a different Path by recognising the existence of regional differences and cultural diversities :
(i)    Amendment of the constitution four times between 1970 and 1993 to enable everyone to live together in the same country.
(ii)   The arrangement they worked out is different from any other country and is very innovative.
        Elements of the Belgian model :
(i)    Number of Dutch and French speaking ministers shall equal in central government.
(ii)   Many powers of the central government has been given to the state government of the two regions of the country. The state governments are not subordinate to central government
(iii)   Brussels has a separate government in which both communities have equal representation.
        The French speaking people accepted equal representation in Brussels because the Dutch speaking community has accepted equal representation in the Central Government.
(iv)   The ‘Community Government’ is elected by the people belonging to one language community–Dutch, French and German speaking no matter wherethey live.
    This Government has power regarding cultural educational and language related issues.
    Nature of Belgian model :
(i)    It is very complicated, even for the people living in Belgium.
(ii)    These arrangements have worked well so far and has halped in avoiding civic strife between two major communities and a possible divison of the country on linguistic basis.
(iii)    After formation of European unions Brussels was chosen as its headquarters.