Q. 5. Mention the steps taken by the Sri Lankan government to achieve majoritarianism.
Ans.
1. In 1956, an Act was passed under which English was replaced as the country’s official language not by Sinhala and Tamil but by Sinhala only.
2. The governments followed preferential policies that favored Sinhala applicants for university positions and government jobs.
3. A new constitution was stipulated that the state shall protect and foster Buddhism.
4. Denial of citizenship to estate Tamils.
Q. 6. Why is power sharing desirable?
Ans.
1. To avoid conflict: it reduce the possibility of conflict between the various social groups. Since social conflict often leads to violence and political instability, power sharing is a good way to ensure political stability. Imposing the will of majority community over the minority may look like an attractive option in the short run, but in long run, it undermines the unity of the nation. Tyranny of the majority is not just oppressive for the minority, if often brings ruin to the majority as well.
2. Spirit of democracy: Power sharing is the basic spirit of democracy. A democratic rule involves the sharing of power with those affected by its exercise, and those who have to live with its effects. A democratic government is chosen by the people. So they are to be governed. A legitimate government is one where groups, through participation acquire a stake in the system.
Q.7. Explain the difference between horizontal and vertical power sharing.
Ans. Horizontal Power sharing
1. Under the horizontal power sharing power is shared among different organs of government such as the legislature, executive and judiciary.
2. Under horizontal distribution of power, organs of the government are placed at the same level to exercise different powers.
3. Under horizontal each organ checks the other.
Vertical Power sharing
1. Under the vertical sharing power, power is shared among the different levels of the governments.
2. The vertical division of power involves the highest and the lower levels of government.
3. Under vertical power sharing the lower organs work under the higher org.
Q.8. Explain the power sharing arrangements among the political parties and pressure groups.
Ans.
1. In a democracy, power is also shared among different political parties, pressure groups and movements.
2. Democracy provides the citizens a choice to choose their rulers. This choice is provided by the various political parties, who contest elections to win them. Such competition ensures that power does not remain in one hand.
3. In the long run, power is shared among the different political parties that represent different ideologies and social groups. Sometimes, this kind of sharing can be direct, when two or more parties form an alliance to contest elections. If their alliance is elected, they form a coalition government and thus share power.
4. In a democracy, various pressure groups and movements also remain active. They also have a share in governmental power, either through participation in governmental committees or having influence on the decision making process.
Q. 9 . How is a federal government better than a unitary government? Explain with examples of Belgium and Sri Lanka.
Ans.
1. Federalism is a system of government under which power is divided between central authority and its various constituents units.
2. The Belgium leaders tried to solve the ethnic problem by respecting communities and regions by establishing a federal government, whereas Sri Lanka government tried to solve the problem through majoritarianism.
3. The Belgium solution helped in avoiding the civic strife, whereas the majoritarianism in Sri Lanka led to the civil war.
