The Belgian model prescribes equal
Describe the Belgian model of governance in
terms of linguistic representation the central
government.
Define civil war and provide an example from
the text.
How did the Belgian leaders address regional
differences and cultural diversities within
their country?
Do the State Governments in Belgium have
autonomy from the Central Government?
Describe the situation that led to the civil war
in Sri Lanka as mentioned in the text.
What is the significance of Brussels in the
Belgian governance model?
Describe the power-sharing approach in
Belgium as compared to Sri Lanka.
What is the significance of the 'community
government' in Belgium's power-sharing
model?
representation of Dutch and French-speaking
ministers in the central government to
prevent unilateral decision-making by any
single community.
Civil war is a violent conflict between
opposing groups within a country. An example
from the text is the conflict between the
Sinhala and Tamil communities in Sri Lanka.
The Belgian leaders amended their
constitution multiple times to create a unique
arrangement where different linguistic
communities have equal representation and
decision-making power.
Yes, the State Governments in Belgium have
been given many powers and are not
subordinate to the Central Government.
Tensions between the Sinhala and Tamil
communities escalated due to denial of
autonomy, language recognition, and equality
of opportunity, leading to the demand for an
independent Tamil state and eventually a civil
war.
Brussels has a separate government with
equal representation for both linguistic
communities, showcasing the acceptance of
diversity and power-sharing in the country.
Belgium emphasizes respecting the feelings
and interests of different communities and
regions for unity, while Sri Lanka showcases
the negative impact of a majority community
refusing to share power.
The 'community government' is elected by
language communities and has authority over
cultural, educational, and language-related
issues.
 The European Parliament in Brussels
Define the European Parliament's role in accepted equal representation in the Central
power-sharing in Belgium. Government, contributing to power-sharing
arrangements.

The complex power-sharing structures in

How did power-sharing arrangements in
Belgium have successfully averted civic strife
Belgium help prevent potential conflicts and
between major communities and potential
division in the country?
linguistic divisions.

Some conflicts may be related to power-

Do ongoing conflicts or wars often have roots
sharing disputes, as seen in the case studies
in power-sharing disputes?
of Belgium and Sri Lanka.

Power-sharing can either foster unity by

Describe the impact of power-sharing on
respecting diverse interests (Belgium) or lead
unity in a country based on the examples of
to disunity when a majority community
Belgium and Sri Lanka.
refuses to share power (Sri Lanka).

Annette studies in a Dutch medium school in

Describe the scenario of Annette and Selvi in Belgium while many French-speaking
relation to the medium of instruction in their students want instruction in French. Selvi
schools. studies in a Tamil-speaking school in Sri Lanka
where students desire instruction in Tamil.

Power sharing is desirable as it helps reduce

conflict between social groups, ensures
Why is power sharing considered desirable? political stability, and upholds the spirit of
democracy by involving those affected by
decisions.

Prudential reasons for power sharing are

based on careful calculation of gains and
Define prudential reasons for power sharing.
losses, focusing on better outcomes rather
than purely moral considerations.

Power sharing reduces the possibility of

How does power sharing contribute to the conflict between social groups, which in turn
stability of political order? minimizes violence and political instability,
ensuring the stability of political order.

Describe the cartoon's reference to
Germany's grand coalition government.
Explain the difference between prudential
and moral reasons for power sharing.
Why is imposing the will of the majority
community over others not a sustainable
option in the long run?
The cartoon depicts the challenges faced by
Germany's grand coalition government
comprising the Christian Democratic Union
and the Social Democratic Party, historically
rival parties forced to form a coalition due to
lack of clear majority.
Prudential reasons focus on achieving better
outcomes through careful calculation, while
moral reasons emphasize the value of power
sharing as an act in itself, beyond just the
results it brings.
Imposing majority will can undermine national
unity, lead to tyranny of the majority, oppress
minorities, and ultimately bring ruin to the
majority community as well.