Ans) The Sri Lankan Tamils launched their own political parties and struggled for the recognition of Tamil as an official language, for regional autonomy and equality of opportunity in securing education and jobs. But their demand for more autonomy to provinces populated by the Tamils was repeatedly denied. By 1980s several political organisations were formed demanding an independent Tamil Eelam (state) in northern and eastern parts of Sri Lanka.

Ans) Belgium’s ethnic composition is complex, as its population is divided into three main linguistic communities: Dutch-speaking Flemish (about 59%), French-speaking Walloons (about 40%), and a small German-speaking minority (about 1%). This linguistic division is complicated by regional differences, the unique status of the capital Brussels, and a history of economic and political tensions between the two major communities, which have shaped the country’s socio-political landscape.

Ans) Belgium and Sri Lanka are both democratic countries. Yet, they dealt with the question of power sharing differently. Belgium leaders realised that the unity of the country is possible only by respecting the feelings and interests of different communities and religions. Such a realisation resulted in mutually acceptable arrangements for sharing powers. Sri Lanka showed a contrasting example. It shows that if a majority community wants to force its dominance over others and refuses to share power, it can undermine the unity of the country.

Ans) As the government measures came one after the other, gradually, they increased the feeling of alienation among the Sri Lankan Tamils. They felt that none of the major political parties led by the Buddhist Sinhala leaders was sensitive to their language and culture. They felt that the constitution and government policies denied them equal political rights, discriminated against them in getting jobs and other opportunities, and ignored their interests. By the 1980s, several political organisations were formed demanding an independent Tamil Eelam (state) in the northern and eastern parts of Sri Lanka. As a result, the relations between the Sinhala and Tamil communities strained over time and soon turned into a civil war, which caused a terrible setback to the socio-cultural and economic life of the country.

Ans) Power is shared among the different organs of government, such as the legislature, executive, and judiciary. This arrangement is also called a system of checks and balances because:-

1. All the three organs of government are placed at the same level to exercise different powers.
2. It ensures that none of the organs can exercise unlimited power.
3. Each organ checks the other. This results in a balance of power among various institutions.
4. Although judges are appointed by the executive, they can check the functioning of executive or laws made by the legislature.

Ans) Differentiate between horizontal and vertical distribution of power are:-

Horizontal Distribution of Power	Vertical Distribution of Power
Power is shared among different organs of government, like the legislature, the executive and the judiciary. It allows different organs of government placed at the same level to exercise different powers.	Power is shared among the different levels of government like union, state and local. It involves higher and lower levels of government.
This distribution has a system of checks and balances.	This distribution has no system of checks and balances. In this, the constitution lays down the powers of higher or lower levels.
In this distribution, all the organs are placed at one level.	In this distribution, the constitution lays down the distribution of power among governments.

Ans) Yes, power sharing usually makes a country stronger and more united. It is a fundamental principle of a healthy democracy that promotes political stability, accommodates diverse social groups, and maintains the legitimacy of the government. Power sharing is the very spirit of democracy as:-

1. Power sharing ensures maximum participation. It confirms the rule of the people. This gives a good result of democracy. This brings political stability in a democracy.
2. Power sharing brings compatibility between different groups. It helps to reduce the possibility of conflict between social groups.
3. Power sharing ensures the possession of rights of all in government.