Class 10 Power sharing Notes

Class 10 Civics Chapter 1 Power Sharing Handwritten Notes PDF

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Power Sharing Class 10 Notes Social Science Civics Chapter 1 SST Pdf free download is part of Class 10 Social Science Notes for Quick Revision. Here we have given Power Sharing Class 10 Civics Chapter 1 Notes.

Power Sharing Class 10 Civics Chapter 1

Understanding Ethnicity and Its Role in Society

Ethnicity refers to a social group united by shared cultural traditions, language, and ancestry. Members of an ethnic group may follow different religions or hold different nationalities, but their common heritage binds them together. This concept plays a crucial role in shaping political and social dynamics, especially in diverse nations.

Majoritarianism: When the Majority Ignores Minority Voices

Majoritarianism is a political ideology where the dominant community imposes its will on minority groups, often disregarding their rights and demands. This approach can lead to social tensions, as seen in several countries where minority communities feel marginalized. Understanding majoritarianism helps us recognize why inclusive governance is essential for lasting peace.

Power Sharing in Sri Lanka: A Case of Sinhala Supremacy

Sri Lanka’s post-independence era (1948) saw the rise of Sinhala dominance, leading to deep ethnic divides. Key measures included:

  • The 1956 Official Language Act, making Sinhala the sole official language.

  • Preferential policies favoring Sinhala speakers in education and government jobs.

  • Constitutional protection for Buddhism, sidelining other religions.

These policies alienated the Tamil minority (18% of the population), sparking demands for language rights, regional autonomy, and equal opportunities. The resulting civil war underscores the dangers of exclusionary governance.

Belgium’s Unique Approach: A Model for Power Sharing

Belgium, a small yet diverse European nation, has successfully managed ethnic tensions through innovative power-sharing mechanisms. Its population comprises:

  • 59% Dutch-speaking Flemish

  • 40% French-speaking Walloons

  • 1% German-speaking minorities

Brussels, the capital, is predominantly French-speaking (80%), adding another layer of complexity.

Key Features of Belgium’s Power-Sharing Model

  • Equal representation of Dutch and French ministers in the central government.

  • Autonomous state governments not subordinate to the central authority.

  • Brussels has a separate government with equal community representation.

  • Community Governments handle cultural and language matters, elected by linguistic groups regardless of location.

This system has prevented conflict and fostered unity, making Belgium a global example of successful power-sharing.

Lebanon’s Power-Sharing Pact: Ending Civil Strife

After a devastating civil war, Lebanon’s leaders established a power-sharing agreement to ensure peace:

  • President: Maronite Christian

  • Prime Minister: Sunni Muslim

  • Deputy PM: Orthodox Christian

  • Speaker of Parliament: Shia Muslim

This arrangement balanced representation while preventing external interference, demonstrating how structured power-sharing can resolve deep-rooted conflicts.

Why Power Sharing Matters: Prudential and Moral Reasons

Prudential Benefits

  • Reduces conflicts between social groups.

  • Ensures political stability and national unity.

Moral Justifications

  • Upholds democratic values by giving people a voice.

  • Ensures fair participation in governance.

Principles of a Strong Democracy

  1. Power should never be concentrated in one person or group.

  2. Citizens are the ultimate source of political authority.

  3. Diverse groups must have representation in policymaking.

Checks and Balances: Preventing Abuse of Power

Democracies distribute power horizontally among:

  • Legislature (makes laws)

  • Executive (implements laws)

  • Judiciary (interprets laws)

This system ensures accountability—ministers answer to Parliament, and courts can review executive actions. Such checks prevent authoritarianism and maintain balance.

Power Sharing in Modern Democracies

Today, democracies share power through:

  • Multi-party competition, preventing single-group dominance.

  • Coalition governments, where parties collaborate to represent diverse interests.

This approach strengthens democracy by ensuring broad-based governance.

Final Thoughts

Power-sharing isn’t just a political tool—it’s a necessity for harmony in diverse societies. From Sri Lanka’s struggles to Belgium’s success, these lessons highlight why inclusive governance is vital for lasting peace.

Class 10 Civics Power Sharing Chapter 1 Class Notes PDF

Class 10 Civics Power Sharing Chapter 1 Handwritten Notes PDF

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