
Here is an example of power-sharing. Which type of power-sharing do these represent? Who is sharing power with whom?
- Russia’s two influential political parties, the Union of Right Forces and the liberal Yabloko movement agreed to unite their organisations into a strong right-wing coalition. They propose to have a common list of candidates in the next parliamentary elections.

Important Questions on Power-Sharing
Here is an example of power-sharing. Which of the four types of power-sharing do these represent? Who is sharing power with whom?
The finance ministers of various states in Nigeria got together and demanded that the federal government should declare its sources of income. They also wanted to know the formula by which the revenue is distributed to various state governments.



Thomman - Power-sharing is necessary only in societies which have religious, linguistic or ethnic divisions.
Mathayi - Power-sharing is suitable only for big countries that have regional divisions.
Ouseph - Every society needs some form of power-sharing even if it is small or does not have social divisions.


"We need to give more power to the panchayats to realize the dream of Mahatma Gandhi and the hopes of the makers of our Constitution. Panchayati Raj establishes true democracy. It restores power to the only place where power belongs in a democracy - in the hands of the people. Giving power to Panchayats is also a way to reduce corruption and increase administrative efficiency. When people participate in the planning and implementation of developmental schemes, they would naturally exercise greater control over these schemes. This would eliminate the corrupt middlemen. Thus, Panchayati Raj will strengthen the foundations of our democracy."

Different arguments are usually put forth in favour of and against power-sharing. Identify those arguments which are in favour of power-sharing and select the answer using the codes given below? Power-sharing:
A. Reduces conflict among different communities.
B. Decreases the possibility of arbitrariness.
C. Delays decision-making process.
D. Accommodates diversities.
E. Increases instability and divisiveness.
F. Promotes people’s participation in government.
G. Undermines the unity of a country.

A. In Belgium, the Dutch-speaking majority people tried to impose their domination on the minority French-speaking community.
B. In Sri Lanka, the policies of the government sought to ensure the dominance of the Sinhala-speaking majority.
C. The Tamils in Sri Lanka demanded a federal arrangement of power-sharing to protect their culture, language and equality of opportunity in education and jobs.
D. The transformation of Belgium from unitary government to a federal one prevented a possible division of the country on linguistic lines.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
