Power Sharing: A Democratic Ideal

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Questions and Answers

What was the agreement between Christians and Muslims in Lebanon intended to prevent?

Muslims attempting to unify with Syria (correct)

Christians seeking French protection (correct)

Economic inequality between religions

Conflict between the communities

What is Khalil's perspective on the political system in Lebanon?

He wants it to function like a regular democracy (correct)

He supports it because it ensures peace

He thinks it causes more division

He believes it favors the Christians

Why does Khalil feel hindered by the current political system?

He follows neither religion and cannot gain support (correct)

He is too young to run for office

He lacks political ambition

He has a criminal record preventing him

What argument do the elders present to Khalil regarding the current political system?

It has proven to be effective in maintaining peace Signup and view all the answers

What does Vikram need to do when posed with Vetal's question?

Give an answer to avoid negative consequences Signup and view all the answers

What is the demographic situation between Christians and Muslims when the agreement was reached?

They were nearly equal in population Signup and view all the answers

What main concern does Khalil express regarding the elections in Lebanon?

Candidates are restricted by their community Signup and view all the answers

What might be a potential consequence of changing the political system according to Khalil?

Increased community tension Signup and view all the answers

What is a general government for an entire country referred to as?

Federal government Signup and view all the answers

In which year were new laws made in Russia to give more powers to the central government?

2005 Signup and view all the answers

What term is used to refer to governments at the provincial or regional level in India?

State governments Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following methods is used to ensure minority communities feel included in the government's power structure?

Proportional representation Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes countries with no provincial or state governments?

Unitary states Signup and view all the answers

How does the content suggest that social diversities are accommodated in countries with federal systems?

By creating state governments Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential consequence of concentration of power in the government?

Feelings of alienation among certain groups Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by 'tyranny of the majority'?

A governance approach that only considers the needs of the majority. Signup and view all the answers

What is one key reason that power sharing is considered beneficial in democracies?

It reduces the chance of conflict between different groups. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of government system allows for different names for provincial governments in various countries?

Federal system Signup and view all the answers

Why is power sharing considered to embody the spirit of democracy?

It prevents any political group from being totally excluded. Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential downside of unchecked majority rule?

It may lead to ruin not just of the minority, but also the majority. Signup and view all the answers

How does power sharing impact those affected by governance?

It allows individuals to participate in decisions that influence their lives. Signup and view all the answers

In what way does the concept of power sharing contribute to the reduction of conflicts?

By ensuring that all viewpoints are represented and considered. Signup and view all the answers

What consequence does power sharing aim to mitigate in democratic societies?

Conflicts arising from political disagreements. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of power does sharing primarily impact in a democratic context?

The relationship between the government and its citizens. Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe the division of powers among different levels of government?

Vertical division of power Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of power sharing among different ideologies?

Community government in Belgium Signup and view all the answers

What does competition among political parties in a democracy ensure?

Power does not remain in one hand Signup and view all the answers

Which group is often represented in the legislatures due to constitutional arrangements in democracies?

Socially weaker sections Signup and view all the answers

In what scenario do political parties form a coalition government?

When they contest elections as allies Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of interest groups in a democracy?

To influence or control those in power Signup and view all the answers

Which country provides a notable example of refusing federal arrangements in relation to power sharing?

Sri Lanka Signup and view all the answers

What type of division involves having different levels of government such as municipalities and panchayats?

Vertical division Signup and view all the answers

What is the main focus of prudential decisions as described in the content?

Careful calculation of gains and losses Signup and view all the answers

In what language do all the students in Selvi's school wish their medium of instruction to be?

Tamil Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the power-sharing agreements established after the civil war in Lebanon?

Division of power among different communities Signup and view all the answers

Which method could likely increase the chances of Annette and Selvi's parents succeeding in their request?

Presenting a well-documented proposal Signup and view all the answers

What personal background does Khalil have regarding his parents?

Father was Orthodox Christian and mother was Sunni Muslim Signup and view all the answers

What was a consequence of the civil war in Lebanon as stated in the content?

Creation of a structured political system based on sects Signup and view all the answers

What type of decision-making is suggested to be less effective when compared to prudential decision-making?

Decisions based on intuition Signup and view all the answers

What community background does Khalil belong to based on his parents?

Mixed religious heritage Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Power sharing is beneficial for democracies by reducing conflict between different social and political groups.
Power sharing is a reflection of the very spirit of democracy, as it involves sharing power with those affected by its exercise, and who have to live with its effects.
Tyranny of the majority can be oppressive for minorities and can ultimately cause harm to the majority as well.
Prudential decisions for politics involve a careful calculation of gains and losses.
Power sharing can be implemented through various means, including sharing power among different levels of government, as seen in federal systems, or among different social groups, as in Belgium.
Power sharing can also occur through a system of political parties, pressure groups, and social movements.
In many contemporary democracies, power sharing arises from competition among different political parties, ensuring that power does not remain concentrated in one hand.
Coalition governments are formed when two or more parties form an alliance to contest elections and share power.
Interest groups, such as those of traders, businessmen, industrialists, farmers, and industrial workers can also influence and share power in a democracy.
The text highlights the case of Lebanon, where a power-sharing arrangement distributes key political positions among different religious communities.
Khalil, a character in the story, opposes this arrangement and argues for a system based on majority rule, similar to other “normal” democracies.
His elders highlight the importance of this system in maintaining peace after a civil war.

Power sharing can be implemented to accommodate diverse communities and social groups, such as minority communities.
In a federal system, power is divided between the central government and the regional or provincial governments.
India is an example of a country with a federal system, where the Central or Union Government and State Governments share power.
In some countries, there are no provincial or state governments, but the principle of federal division of power can still be applied to lower levels of government, such as municipalities and panchayats.

Belgium has a unique system of power sharing based on language and communities, where the community government empowers different religious and linguistic groups.
The situation in Sri Lanka contrasts with Belgium, where a similar system of power sharing was proposed but rejected.

The text highlights the importance of power sharing in ensuring peace and stability in a diverse society.
In India, power sharing is implemented through both federal and social means, such as the representation of weaker sections and women in legislatures and administration.
The text uses a fictional story about a man named Khalil in Lebanon to illustrate the complexities and benefits of power sharing in diverse societies.
The fictional story also explores different perspectives on power sharing and the need for a delicate balance between majority rule and representation of minority groups.

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Description

This quiz explores the concept of power sharing in democracies, emphasizing its significance in reducing conflicts among diverse social and political groups. It discusses how power sharing reflects the democratic spirit and examines its practical implementation in various political systems, such as federalism and party competition. Test your understanding of this crucial aspect of democratic governance.