POWER SHARING What are the different forms of power sharing in modern democracies? Give an example of each of these.

Different forms of power sharing in modern democracies: Horizontal division of power: It is the sharing of power among the different organs of government. The division of government into the executive, the legislature and the judiciary is an example of horizontal division of power. In such a power sharing arrangement, different organs of government, placed at the same level, exercise different powers. This separation of powers ensures that no organexercises unlimited power. Each organ checks the others, thereby putting in place a system of checks and balances. The division of power between the Council of Ministers headed by the Indian Prime Minister, the Parliament of India and the Indian Supreme Court is an example of this kind of power sharing. Vertical division of power: It is the sharing of power among governments at different levels a general government for the entire country and governments at the provincial or regional level. For example, in India, the Constitution defines the way power is to be shared between the Central or Union government and the various State governments. There are certain matters on which only the Central government can take decisions, while there are others on which only an individual state government has an exclusive right for decision making. Division of power among social groups: Power can also be shared among different groups which differ socially. The system of 'community government' in Belgium is an example of this type of power division. This government is elected by people belonging to one language community (Dutch, French and German-speaking), and has the power to take decisions regarding cultural, educational and language-related issues. The system of reserved constituencies in India is another example. Division of power between political parties, pressure groups and movements: Political parties are the organizations which aim to control power by contesting elections. In a democracy, citizens have the freedom to choose among the various contenders for power (the different political parties or the different alliances comprising political parties). Such a freedom of choice entails competition among the different parties, which in turn ensures that power does not remain in one hand, and is shared among different political parties representing different ideologies and social groups.

Pressure groups and movements also share governmental power, either through participation in governmental committees or by influencing the decision-making process. State one prudential reason and one moral reason for power sharing with an example from the Indian context. A prudential reason for power sharing is that it leads to an avoidance of conflict between social groups. Since social conflict often leads to violence and political instability, power sharing is a good way to ensure the stability of political order. In India, seats have been reserved in legislatures for the socially weaker sections keeping in mind this prudential reason for power sharing. A moral reason for power sharing is that it upholds the spirit of democracy. In a truly democratic setup, the citizens too have a stake in governance. In India, the citizens can come together to debate and criticise the policies and decisions of the government. This in turn puts pressure on the government to rethink its policies and reconsider its decisions. This active political participation is in keeping with the moral reason for power sharing. After reading this chapter, three students drew different conclusions. Which of these do you agree with and why? Give your reasons in about 50 words. 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 divisons. Ouseph Every society needs some form of power sharing even if it is small or does not have social divisions. Ousephs statement is the most logical, and thus, should be agreed on. Power sharing not only prevents conflict between various groups in the society but it also inculcates a sense of worth in the citizens. The people will be more satisfied with the government if they have a say in the decision-making process. The Mayor of Merchtem, a town near Brussels in Belgium, has defended a ban on speaking French in the towns schools. He said that the ban would help all non-Dutch speakers integrate in this Flemish town. Do you think that this measure is in keeping

with the spirit of Belgiums power sharing arrangements? Give your reasons in about 50 words. This measure is not in keeping with Belgiums power sharing arrangements. The arrangements seek to maintain peace between the French and Dutch-speaking communities. By banning French, the mayor will cause civil unrest. Both the languages should be made acceptable in the towns schools. This bilingual education system will be a better way to integrate the people of the town. Read the following passage and pick out any one of the prudential reasons for power sharing offered in this. "We need to give more power to the panchayats to realise 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. Given 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." "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." Different arguments are usually put forth in favour of and against power sharing. Identify those 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 peoples participation in government

G. undermines the unity of a country (a) A B D (b) A C E F F

(c) A B D G (d) B C D G

(a) A B D F

Consider the following statements about power sharing arrangements in Belgium and Sri Lanka. . 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? (a) A, B, C and D (b) A, B and D (c) C and D (d) B, C and D (d) B, C and D

Match list I (forms of power sharing) with List II (forms of government) and select the correct answer using the codes given below in the lists: List I List II

1. Power shared among different organs of government . Community government 2. Power shared among governments at different levels 3. Power shared by different social groups 4. Power shared by two or more political parties . Separation of powers C. Coalition government D. Federal government

(a) D A B C (b) B C D A (c) B D A C

(d) C D A B

(c) B D A C

Consider the following two statements on power sharing and select the answer using the codes given below: A. Power sharing is good for democracy. B. It helps to reduce the possibility of conflict between social groups. Which of these statements are true and false?

(a) A is true but B is false (b) Both A and B are true (c) Both A and B are false (d) A is false but B is true

(b) Both A and B are true

FEDERALISM

point out one feature in the practice of federalism in India that is similar to and one feature that is different from that of Belgium. In India, just like in Belgium, the central government has to share its powers with the regional governments. However, unlike India, Belgium has a community government in addition to the central and the state government. What is the main difference between a federal form of government and a unitary one? Explain with an example. In a federal form of government, the central government shares its powers with the various constituent units of the country. For example, in India, power is divided between the government at the Centre and the various State governments. In a unitary form of government, all the power is exercised by only one government. For example, in Sri Lanka, the national government has all the powers. State any two differences between the local government before and after the constitutional amendment in 1992. Local governments Local governments AFTER the BEFORE the Constitutional amendment in Constitutional 1992 amendment in 1992 It is mandatory to hold regular Elections were not held elections to local government regularly. bodies. Local governments did The State governments are required

not have any powers or resources of their own.

Since

to share some powers and revenue with local government bodies.

the United States is a ____________________ type of federation, all the constituent States have equal powers and States are _______________ vis--vis the federal government. But India is a _________________ type of federation and some States have more power than others. In India, the ___________________ government has more powers. Since the United States is a coming together type of federation, all the constituent States have equal powers and States are strong vis--vis the federal government. But India is a holding together type of federation and some States have more power than others. In India, theCentral government has more powers.

Here are three reactions to the language policy followed in India. Give an argument and an example to support any of these positions. Sangeeta: The policy of accommodation has strengthened national unity. Arman: Language-based States have divided us by making everyone conscious of their language. Harish: This policy has only helped to consolidate the dominance of English over all other languages. Sangeetas reaction is better than those of the other two. Unlike Sri Lanka (where the language of the majority has been promoted), the Indian polity has given equality of status to all the major languages spoken in the country. This has led to the avoidance of social conflict on linguistic basis. The policy of accommodation has made administration of States easier. It has also ensured a larger participation in the governments activities by people who speak various languages.

The distinguishing feature of a federal government is: (a) National government gives some powers to the provincial governments. (b) Power is distributed among the legislature, executive and judiciary. (c) Elected officials exercise supreme power in the government.

(d) Governmental power is divided between different levels of government. (d) Governmental power is divided between different levels of government.

A few subjects in various Lists of the Indian Constitution are given here. Group them under the Union, State and Concurrent Lists as provided in the table below. A. Defence . Police C. Agriculture D. Education E. Banking F. Forests G. Communications H. Trade I. Marriages Union List State List -

Concurrent List Union List State List Defence, Banking, Communications Police, Agriculture, Trade

Concurrent List Education, Forests, Marriages

Examine the following pairs that give the level of government in India and the powers of the government at that level to make laws on the subjects mentioned against each. Which of the following pairs is not correctly matched? (a) State government (b) Central government State List Union List

(c) Central and State government Concurrent List (d) Local governments Residuary powers

(d) Local governments Residuary powers

Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists: List I 1. Union of India 2. State 3. Municipal List II A. Prime Minister . Sarpanch C. Governor

4. Gram Panchayat D. Mayor

(a) D A B C (b) B C D A (c) A C D B (d) C D A B

1 (c) A

2 C

3 D

4 B

Consider the following statements. A. In a federation the powers of the federal and provincial governments are clearly demarcated. B. India is a federation because the powers of the Union and State Governments are specified in the Constitution and they have exclusive jurisdiction on their respective subjects. C. Sri Lanka is a federation because the country is divided into provinces. D. India is no longer a federation because some powers of the states have been devolved to the local government bodies. Which of the statements given above are correct? (a) A, B and C (b) A, C and D (c) A and B only (d) B and C only (c) A and B only DEVELOPMENT

Development of a country can generally be determined by (i) its per capita income (ii) its average literacy level (iii) health status of its people (iv) all the above (i) its per capita income

Which of the following neighbouring countries has better performance in terms of human development than India? (i) Bangladesh (ii) Sri Lanka (iii) Nepal (iv) Pakistan (ii) Sri Lanka

Assume there are four families in a country. The average per capita income of these families is Rs 5000. If the income of three families is Rs 4000, Rs 7000 and Rs 3000 respectively, what is the income of the fourth family? (i) (ii) (iii) (iv) Rs 7500 Rs 3000 Rs 2000 Rs 6000

What is the main criterion used by the World Bank in classifying different countries? What are the limitations of this criterion, if any?

The main criterion used by the World Bank in classifying different countries is the per capita income or average income of a person in a country. Limitations of this criterion: It does not tell us about how this average income is distributed among the people in the individual countries. Two countries with the same per capita income might be very different with regard to income distribution. One might have equitable distribution of income while the other might have great disparities between the rich and the poor. In what respects is the criterion used by the UNDP for measuring development different from the one used by the World Bank? The criterion used by the UNDP for measuring development is different from the one used by the World Bank in the sense that it uses a combination of factors such as health,

education and income as indicators of development. It does not rely solely on per capita income, as is the case with the World Bank. Why do we use averages? Are there any limitations to their use? Illustrate with your own examples related to development. We use averages because they are useful for comparing differing quantities of the same category. For example, to compute the per capita income of a country, averages have to be used because there are differences in the incomes of diverse people. However, there are limitations to the use of averages. Even though they are useful for comparison, they may also hide disparities. For example, the infant mortality rate of a country does not differentiate between the male and female infants born in that country. Such an average tells us nothing about whether the number of children dying before the age of one are mostly boys or girls. Kerala, with lower per capita income has a better human development ranking than Punjab. Hence, per capita income is not a useful criterion at all and should not be used to compare states. Do you agree? Discuss. Kerala, with lower per capita income has a better human development ranking than Punjab. However, it would be wrong to say that per capita income is not a useful criterion at all. Per capita income is certainly not the only criterion and it has its limitations. But this does not imply that it is not useful at all. To counter the inadequacy of this average, the human development index is used. The human development index uses a combination of development factors (such as health, education, income) for comparison. Thus, per capita income is one of the development factors, and cannot be done away with. Also, per capita income is useful for comparing the money index of states. Find out the present sources of energy that are used by the people in India. What could be the other possibilities fifty years from now? The present sources of energy that are used by the people of India are electricity, coal, crude oil, cowdung and solar energy. Other possibilities fifty years from now, could include ethanol, bio-diesel, nuclear energy and a better utilisation of wind energy, especially with the imminent danger of oil resources running out. Why is the issue of sustainability important for development? The issue of sustainability is important for development because development must be in tandem with the future. If natural resources are not sustained, then development will stagnate after a point of time. Exploiting resources unethically will ultimately undo the

development that a country may have achieved. This is because in the future, those resources will not be available for further progress. "The Earth has enough resources to meet the needs of all but not enough to satisfy the greed of even one person". How is this statement relevant to the discussion of development? Discuss. The Earth has enough resources to meet the needs of all but not enough to satisfy the greed of even one person. This statement is relevant to the discussion of development since both resources and development go hand in hand. For the sustainability of development, the maintenance of resources is also crucial. As the statement claims, the Earth has enough resourcesrenewable and non-renewableto satisfy everyones needs; however, these need to be used with a view to keeping the environment protected and clean so that a balance of production and use is maintained, and shortages are avoided. List a few examples of environmental degradation that you may have observed around you. Environmental degradation manifests itself in different ways. Deforestation, falling levels of ground water, soil erosion, water pollution, burning of fossil fuels, the hole in the ozone layer and combustion from automobiles causing extreme air pollution especially in urban areas are some of the examples of environmental degradation.

For each of the items given in Table 1.6, find out which country is at the top and which is at the bottom. TABLE 1.6 SOME DATA REGARDING INDIA AND ITS NEIGHBOURS FOR 2004 Country Per Capita Income in US$ Life Expectancy at birth Literacy Rate for 15+ yrs population Gross Enrolment Ratio for three levels 69 HDI Rank in the world 93

Sri Lanka

4390

74

91

India Myanmar Pakistan Nepal Bangladesh

3139 1027 2225 1490 1870

64 61 63 62 63

61 90 50 50 41

60 48 35 61 53

126 130 134 138 137

Table 1.6 (i) Per Capita Income in US$: Top country - Sri Lanka; Bottom country - Myanmar (ii) Life Expectancy at birth: Top country - Sri Lanka; Bottom country - Myanmar (iii) Literacy Rate for 15+ yrs population: Top country - Sri Lanka; Bottom country Bangladesh (iv) Gross Enrolment Ratio for three levels: Top country - Sri Lanka; Bottom country Pakistan (v) HDI Rank in the world: Top country - Sri Lanka; Bottom country - Nepal The following table shows the proportion of undernourished adults in India. It is based on a survey of various states for the year 2001. Look at the table and answer the following questions. State Kerala Karnataka Madhya Pradesh All Sates Male (%) Female (%) 22 36 43 37 19 38 42 46

(i) Compare the nutritional level of people in Kerala and Madhya Pradesh.

(ii) Can you guess why around 40 per cent of people in the country are undernourished even though it is argued that there is enough food in the country? Describe in your own words. (i) The nutritional levels of people in Kerala and Madhya Pradesh are different. While 22% and 19% men and women respectively are undernourished in Kerala, the respective percentages of male and female undernourshment in Madhya Pradesh are 43% and 42%. This implies that Kerala has more well nourished people than Madhya Pradesh. Also, the undernourishment average for Madhya Pradesh is greater than that for the entire country, while that for Kerala is lower than the national average. (ii) Despite the presence of adequate food in the country, around 40% of Indians are undernourished. This is because of the erratic and unsystematic distribution of food. Some states in the country ensure smooth running of ration shops and other forms of Public Distribution System (PDS). This ensures that no one has to go without food, especially the poor for whom ration shops provide foodgrains at subsidised rates. However, on account of excess exports and inconsistent food supply to the masses, nearly 40% of the Indian people are undernourished.