Political Science: Power-sharing

Topics in this chapter

• Importance of Power Sharing
• Belgian Accommodation Model
• Sri Lankan Majoritarianism
• Horizontal Power Sharing
• Vertical Power Sharing
• Social and Political Participation

Cheat sheet

Practice questions

1. Question 1Q-EA9C54

   Which measure helped Belgium accommodate its different linguistic communities and avoid conflict between Dutch-speaking and French-speaking citizens?

   1. A.A unitary system with all powers concentrated in Brussels
   2. B.Equal representation of Dutch-speaking and French-speaking ministers in the central government
   3. C.Making French the only official language
   4. D.Giving voting rights only to the Dutch-speaking community
   See the answer and solution
2. Question 2Q-C6861E

   What was a major consequence of Sri Lanka's policy of establishing Sinhala as the only official language in 1956?

   1. A.It strengthened trust between the Sinhala and Tamil communities
   2. B.It gave Tamil speakers greater access to government employment
   3. C.It increased feelings of alienation among Tamils and contributed to ethnic conflict
   4. D.It led to the immediate creation of a federal government
   See the answer and solution
3. Question 3Q-B5A673

   A country divides power among its legislature, executive and judiciary, while also sharing power between the national government and provincial governments. Which two forms of power-sharing are represented?

   1. A.Power-sharing among social groups and power-sharing among political parties
   2. B.Power-sharing among organs of government and power-sharing among governments at different levels
   3. C.Power-sharing among political parties and power-sharing among pressure groups
   4. D.Power-sharing among religious groups and power-sharing among linguistic groups
   See the answer and solution
4. Question 4Q-BFAFD9

   Distinguish between horizontal and vertical power-sharing.

   See the answer and solution
5. Question 5Q-CD802E

   Explain two reasons why power-sharing is desirable in a democratic society.

   See the answer and solution