Power Sharing and Conflict Prevention Quiz

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What is the main advantage of power sharing in a democracy?

Power sharing helps to reduce the possibility of conflict between social groups and ensures the stability of political order.

What is the primary reason why power sharing is desirable in a democracy?

To prevent the tyranny of the majority and ensure unity of the nation.

What is the significance of the cartoon depicting Germany's grand coalition government?

It illustrates the problems of power sharing between two historically rival parties, the Christian Democratic Union and the Social Democratic Party.

What is the underlying principle behind power sharing in modern democracies?

Prudence, or careful calculation of gains and losses, to ensure the stability of political order. Signup and view all the answers

How does power sharing prevent conflict between social groups?

By giving a share of power to different social groups, reducing the possibility of conflict between them. Signup and view all the answers

What is the alternative to power sharing, and what are its drawbacks?

Imposing the will of the majority community over others, but it can lead to tyranny of the majority and undermine national unity. Signup and view all the answers

What type of arrangement is meant to give representation to socially weaker sections and women in legislatures and administration?

Constitutional and legal arrangements, such as reserved constituencies. Signup and view all the answers

What is one way power can be shared among different social groups, as seen in the example of 'community government' in Belgium?

Power sharing among different social groups such as religious and linguistic groups. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of power sharing among different organs of government?

To provide checks and balances on each other, preventing any one branch from abusing its power. Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of power sharing among different organs of government, as seen in the concept of separation of powers?

A system of checks and balances, preventing any one branch from abusing its power. Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of power sharing between the government and an indigenous community?

The government of Ontario state in Canada agreeing to a land claim settlement with the aboriginal community. Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of power sharing between different political parties, as seen in Russia?

The Union of Right Forces and the Liberal Yabloko Movement agreeing to unite their organisations into a strong right-wing coalition. Signup and view all the answers

In a democracy, why is it important to have an intelligent sharing of power among the legislature, executive, and judiciary?

To prevent any one organ of the government from having too much power and to ensure checks and balances. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main issue that led to tensions between the Dutch-speaking and French-speaking communities in Belgium?

The difference in language and the perception that the French-speaking community was dominating the government. Signup and view all the answers

What is the author's initial equation for sharing power?

Sharing power = dividing power = weakening the country. Signup and view all the answers

Why is Brussels a special problem in the context of Belgium's linguistic tensions?

Because the Dutch-speaking people constituted a majority in the country, but a minority in the capital. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the examples of Belgium and Sri Lanka in the context of power-sharing?

They demonstrate the need for power-sharing in democracy and yield general conclusions about the importance of power-sharing. Signup and view all the answers

What is the focus of the next two chapters in the context of power-sharing?

Various forms of power-sharing. Signup and view all the answers