Power Sharing in Belgium and Sri Lanka
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Questions and Answers

What was a significant consequence of the measures taken by the Sri Lankan government that alienated Tamil citizens?

  • The feeling of deprivation among Sri Lankan Tamils. (correct)
  • A strengthened sense of national unity.
  • Increased cooperation between ethnic groups.
  • An economic boom in the northern regions.
  • Which of the following best reflects the main impact of ethnic divisions and conflict in Sri Lanka?

  • A strengthening of the national identity and social cohesion.
  • A widespread violent conflict causing loss of life and social disruption. (correct)
  • A period of cultural flourishing and harmony.
  • Rapid and sustained economic growth across the island.
  • How did the Sri Lankan government's policies contribute to civil unrest?

  • They ensured fair representation of all communities in government jobs.
  • They adopted preferential policies favoring the Sinhala community. (correct)
  • They equally promoted all religions and cultures.
  • They facilitated peaceful negotiations among diverse groups.
  • Which measure did Belgium implement to address cultural diversity?

    <p>Ensuring equal representation of Dutch and French-speaking ministers in the Central Government.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was one of the main outcomes of Sri Lanka's approach to cultural diversity?

    <p>A civil war and widespread loss of life.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes the importance of power sharing in a democracy?

    <p>It prevents any single branch of government from becoming too dominant.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following countries is described as a federal state in Western Europe?

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

    What is the approximate percentage of the population in Belgium that speaks Dutch?

    <p>59%</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In Brussels, what is the approximate percentage of the population that speaks French?

    <p>80%</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements correctly describes the historical tension between the French and Dutch communities in Belgium?

    <p>The French-speaking community was relatively rich and powerful, causing resentment among the Dutch-speaking citizens.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement accurately portrays the ethnic composition of Sri Lanka?

    <p>Sinhala speakers constitute approximately 74% of the population and are mostly Buddhists.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What percentage of Tamil speakers constitute Sri Lankan Tamils in Sri Lanka?

    <p>13%</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the religious background of the majority of Sinhala speakers in Sri Lanka?

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

    Which governmental bodies in India share power?

    <p>Legislature, executive, and judiciary</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How is power distributed at the state level in India?

    <p>Between municipalities and panchayats</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one way that India ensures the representation of socially weaker sections?

    <p>By reserving constituencies in parliament and assemblies</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of these describes a form of power-sharing beyond government branches in India?

    <p>Influence exerted by political parties and pressure groups</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key difference between Belgium and Sri Lanka's geography?

    <p>Belgium is a mainland European country, while Sri Lanka is an island</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which describes the main aspect of the cultural dynamic in Belgium?

    <p>A numerically larger, less wealthy language majority experienced gains</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the main reason for the civil war in Sri Lanka?

    <p>Majoritarian policies establishing Sinhala supremacy</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of policies did the Sri Lankan government enact that contributed to the civil war?

    <p>Preferential policies favoring Sinhalese in jobs and religion</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes the 'moral reason' for power sharing?

    <p>It is the right of citizens to be consulted on how they are governed.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In a horizontal division of power, which of the following is typically NOT a distinct organ of government?

    <p>The Municipalities</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of these options is an example of power sharing among different social groups?

    <p>The system of reserved constituencies in India</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary goal of the horizontal division of power?

    <p>To ensure that no single organ of government has unlimited power.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT an example of the vertical division of power in India?

    <p>The Executive</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What percentage of Sri Lanka's population is Christian?

    <p>7%</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main purpose of power sharing among different social groups?

    <p>To ensure that minority communities have a fair say in government.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes the relationship between pressure groups and government policy?

    <p>Pressure groups seek to influence government policy.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the primary goal of the Sinhala leaders after Sri Lanka's independence in 1948?

    <p>To establish dominance of the Sinhala community in the government.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the underlying principle of power sharing in a democracy?

    <p>The distribution of power among various groups and organs.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following was NOT a measure taken by the Sri Lankan government to establish Sinhala supremacy?

    <p>Promoting secularism in the constitution.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How did the measures taken by the Sri Lankan government affect the Tamil population?

    <p>The measures increased their alienation and sense of discrimination.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the primary approach adopted by the Belgian leaders to accommodate ethnic diversity?

    <p>To amend the constitution multiple times to accommodate all ethnic groups.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement best describes the representation in the central government of Belgium according to the text?

    <p>The number of French and Dutch-speaking ministers was equal.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the significance of the state governments in the Belgian model?

    <p>They were given powers and were not subordinate to the central government.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the function of the community government established in Belgium?

    <p>Equal representation of communities.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary reason for the formation of a coalition government?

    <p>When no single party achieves an absolute majority after an election.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the percentage of Dutch-speaking people in the Flemish region of Belgium?

    <p>59%</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In Belgium's central government, ministers are...

    <p>Equally divided among Dutch and French-speaking people.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to the information given, how is power specifically shared in the city of Brussels, the capital of Belgium?

    <p>Both the Dutch and French-speaking communities have equal representation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following provides the best example or definition of a federal form of government?

    <p>Government where power is divided between central, state, and sometimes local levels.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the percentage of people in Brussels who speak French?

    <p>80%</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a method of power sharing mentioned in the text?

    <p>Power sharing based on economic status to ensure equality among all.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What proportion of the total population in Belgium speak German?

    <p>1%</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Power Sharing

    • Power sharing is essential for a functioning democracy.
    • It involves the division of power among the legislature, executive, and judiciary.
    • This prevents any one branch from becoming too powerful.
    • It ensures a system of checks and balances.

    Belgium

    • Belgium is a federal state in Western Europe.
    • Its capital is Brussels, a major European Union headquarters.
    • Belgium has two main language communities: Dutch and French-speaking.
    • A tension exists between the two communities regarding economic development and education.
    • The Dutch-speaking community is the majority in the country but the minority in Brussels, the capital.

    Sri Lanka

    • Sinhala speakers make up about 74% of the population.
    • Most Sinhala people are Buddhists.
    • Tamil speakers represent 18% of the population.
    • Sri Lankan Tamils are 13% of Tamil speakers, and Indian Tamils are 5%.
    • Tamil speakers are also divided among Muslims and Hindus.
    • The Christian population of Sri Lanka is approximately 7%.
    • Majoritarianism, where the majority group dominates in the governing, has led to political tensions in Sri Lanka.

    Forms of Power Sharing

    • Horizontal Division of Power: Power is divided among different organs of government at the same level (e.g., legislature, executive, judiciary).
    • Vertical Division of Power: Power is divided among different levels of government (e.g., central, state, local).
    • Division of Power among Different Social Groups: Power is shared among different social groups (e.g., different religious, linguistic groups).
    • Division of Power among Pressure Groups and Movements: Various pressure groups and movements influence government policies.
    • Division of Power among Political Parties: Different political parties may form a coalition government.

    Belgian Model of Accommodation

    • The Belgian model of accommodation was developed to address cultural diversity and safeguard the rights of both Dutch and French-speaking communities.
    • The Constitution mandates an equal number of Dutch and French ministers in the central government.
    • Separate governments exist for both regions (Dutch and French).
    • Brussels (the capital) has a separate government where both language groups are represented equally.

    India's Power Sharing System

    • India's power sharing system involves the division of power between the Union Government and the State Governments.
    • Reserved constituencies reserved for the underrepresented.
    • Different political parties and pressure groups play a significant role in shaping India's political system.

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    Description

    This quiz explores the concept of power sharing in democratic societies, focusing on Belgium and Sri Lanka. It examines the dynamics between different communities and languages in these countries, highlighting the importance of checks and balances in governance.

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