Ethnic Diversity in Belgium and Sri Lanka
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Questions and Answers

What percentage of the population in Sri Lanka are Sinhala-speakers?

  • 74% (correct)
  • 18%
  • 82%
  • 56%

    • The Tamil-speaking community represents 18% of the population in Sri Lanka.

    True

    What are the two sub-groups among Tamils in Sri Lanka called?

    Sri Lankan Tamils and Indian Tamils

    The major social groups in Sri Lanka are the Sinhala-speakers and the ______-speakers.

    <p>Tamil</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following communities in Sri Lanka with their respective percentages of the population:

    <p>Sinhala-speakers = 74% Tamil-speakers = 18% Dutch-speaking = Minority French-speaking = Minority</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What significant event ended in Belgium in 2009?

    <p>A civil war</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The Belgian model allows for a single community to make unilateral decisions.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the primary factor that led Belgian leaders to amend the constitution?

    <p>To accommodate regional differences and cultural diversities.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The Central Government's powers have been delegated to the __________ Governments of different regions.

    <p>State</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following elements to their descriptions regarding the Belgian model:

    <p>Regional differences = Recognized in decisions Cultural diversities = Influenced constitutional amendments Brussels government = Has equal representation from both communities State Governments = Not subordinate to Central Government</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which group played a significant role in the formation of political organizations for independence?

    <p>Political organizations</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the primary goal of the Sinhala community after Sri Lanka became independent?

    <p>To secure dominance over government</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The arrangement worked out by the Belgian leaders was conventional and similar to existing models in other countries.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The Sri Lankan government adopted policies that favored the Tamil community in employment and education.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How many times was the Belgian constitution amended between 1970 and 1993?

    <p>Four times</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What significant legislative act was passed in 1956 in Sri Lanka?

    <p>The Act recognizing Sinhala as the only official language.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The new constitution stipulated that the state shall protect and foster _____ in Sri Lanka.

    <p>Buddhism</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was one of the outcomes of the majoritarian measures implemented by the government?

    <p>Feelings of alienation among Sri Lankan Tamils</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following ethnic communities with their descriptions:

    <p>Sinhalese = Majority community in Sri Lanka Sri Lankan Tamil = Community feeling alienated due to policies Indian Tamil = Descendants of Tamil laborers in Sri Lanka Muslim = Ethnic group present in Sri Lanka with unique cultural practices</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The alienation felt by the Sri Lankan Tamils was completely eradicated by government measures.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What impact did the majoritarian policies have on the job opportunities for Tamil applicants?

    <p>Discrimination against Tamil applicants.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary idea behind power-sharing?

    <p>Distribution of power among many citizens</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Power-sharing implies that all governmental power must reside in one person or group.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What arrangements can be characterized as forms of power-sharing in modern democracies?

    <p>Power shared among different organs of government such as the legislature, executive, and judiciary.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In power-sharing, decisions are made by distributing power among different ________ of government.

    <p>organs</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following aspects of power-sharing with their descriptions:

    <p>Concentration of power = Power believed to reside in one person or group Power-sharing benefits = Allows for quick decision-making Modern democracies = Power distributed among many citizens Organs of government = Legislature, executive, and judiciary</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a perceived advantage of power-sharing?

    <p>Limits citizen participation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Power-sharing arrangements can take many forms in modern democracies.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does it mean for power to be 'dispersed'?

    <p>It means that power is distributed among various governmental entities rather than concentrated in a single source.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of having multiple organs in a democratic government?

    <p>To check and balance each other</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In a democracy, only government officials have a voice in shaping public policies.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What results from respect for diverse groups and views in a democratic society?

    <p>A balance of power among various institutions</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In a democracy, officials are responsible to the __________ or State Assemblies.

    <p>Parliament</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following terms with their definitions:

    <p>Democracy = A system where everyone has a voice Political Power = Authority exercised by elected officials Checks and Balances = Mechanisms to prevent any one branch from gaining too much power Parliament = Legislature in a democratic government</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement represents a key feature of democracy?

    <p>Public involvement in policy-making</p> Signup and view all the answers

    All political power in a democracy is vested in a single individual.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the result of different organs checking each other's powers in a government?

    <p>A balance of power</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement is correct regarding power sharing arrangements in Belgium and Sri Lanka?

    <p>Sri Lankan government policies favored the Sinhala-speaking majority.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Tamils in Sri Lanka have consistently demanded a unitary government.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What form of government did Belgium transform into to prevent division on linguistic lines?

    <p>federal government</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In Sri Lanka, the policies of the government sought to ensure the dominance of the ______-speaking majority.

    <p>Sinhala</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following forms of power sharing with their corresponding forms of government:

    <p>Power shared among different organs of government = Separation of powers Power shared among governments at different levels = Community government Power shared by different social communities = Federal government</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which is an example of a power-sharing arrangement in Belgium?

    <p>Equal representation of the Dutch and French-speaking communities.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The Tamils have never objected to the Sinhala language as a national language in Sri Lanka.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Name one of the consequences of unaddressed power-sharing issues in Sri Lanka.

    <p>Ethnic conflict</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Belgium and Sri Lanka

    • Belgium is a small European country, bordering France, the Netherlands, Germany, and Luxembourg. Its population is slightly more than 1 crore.
    • The ethnic composition is complex, with 59% of the population living in the Flemish region and speaking Dutch, and 40% living in Wallonia and speaking French. The remaining 1% speak German.
    • In the capital Brussels, 80% speak French and 20% Dutch.
    • Tensions existed between the Dutch and French-speaking communities in the 1950s and 1960s, particularly in Brussels.
    • Sri Lanka is an island nation in the Indian Ocean, southwest of India, with a population roughly similar to Haryana's.
    • The main ethnic groups are Sinhala (74%) and Tamil (18%) speakers, with other smaller communities.

    Majoritarianism in Sri Lanka

    • Sri Lanka became independent in 1948. Sinhala leaders sought dominance due to their majority.
    • In 1956, an act was passed to recognize Sinhala as the only official language, ignoring Tamil, and prioritized Sinhalese in government jobs and universities.
    • These actions led to alienation among Sri Lankan Tamils.

    Accommodation in Belgium

    • Belgium's leaders chose accommodation of regional differences and cultural diversities.
    • The constitution mandates equal numbers of Dutch and French-speaking ministers in the central government.
    • A special arrangement where no single group can dictate decisions ensures balance.
    • The Belgian model is unique, preventing division along linguistic lines.

    Power Sharing

    • Power sharing is essential in democratic countries, reducing conflicts between different social groups, and promoting stability.
    • Power sharing can occur among different government organs (legislature, executive, judiciary), different levels of government (federal, regional), or various social groups.
    • Two types of power sharing are horizontal (different organs) and vertical (different levels).
    • Example scenarios described include power sharing through coalition governments and different branches of government checking each other.

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    Belgium and Sri Lanka PDF

    Description

    This quiz explores the complex ethnic compositions of Belgium and Sri Lanka, examining the historical contexts and language policies that shape their societies. Learn about the tensions between communities in both countries, notably in Brussels and Sri Lanka. Test your knowledge on how these factors influence national identity and politics.

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