Power Sharing in Democracies: Belgium and Sri Lanka

Political Science

This chapter explores the concept of power sharing in democracies, using case studies from Belgium and Sri Lanka to illustrate how different nations handle demands for power distribution among various communities and government bodies. It discusses the importance, forms, and benefits of power sharing for political stability and democratic principles.

Democracy Power Sharing Government

20 Questions Easy Ages 14+ Mar 22, 2026

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About this Study Set

This study set covers Political Science through 20 practice questions. This chapter explores the concept of power sharing in democracies, using case studies from Belgium and Sri Lanka to illustrate how different nations handle demands for power distribution among various communities and government bodies. It discusses the importance, forms, and benefits of power sharing for political stability and democratic principles. Every question includes the correct answer so you can learn as you go — pick any format above to get started.

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Browse all 20 questions from the Power Sharing in Democracies: Belgium and Sri Lanka study set below. Each question shows the correct answer — select a study format above to practice interactively.

1 What is the primary focus of Chapter 1, 'Power-sharing'?

A The history of European monarchies
B How democracies handle demands for power-sharing
C The economic policies of developing nations
D The military strategies of ancient civilizations

2 In a democracy, where does all power not rest according to the text?

A With the citizens
B With the judiciary
C With any one organ of the government
D With the executive branch

3 Which two countries are used as case studies to understand power-sharing?

A India and Pakistan
B Belgium and Sri Lanka
C Germany and France
D USA and Canada

4 What is the definition of 'Ethnic' provided in the text?

A A social division based on shared religion
B A social division based on shared culture
C A social division based on shared economic status
D A social division based on shared political ideology

5 In Belgium, what percentage of the population speaks Dutch and lives in the Flemish region?

A 40 percent
B 59 percent
C 1 percent
D 80 percent

6 What percentage of people speak French in Brussels, the capital of Belgium?

A 20 percent
B 40 percent
C 80 percent
D 59 percent

7 What was a significant problem concerning Brussels in Belgium?

A Dutch speakers were a majority in the capital but a minority in the country.
B French speakers were a minority in the capital but a majority in the country.
C Dutch speakers were a majority in the country but a minority in the capital.
D French speakers were a majority in the country but a minority in the capital.

8 What is the approximate population of Sri Lanka mentioned in the text?

A Half the population of Haryana
B About two crore
C One crore
D Significantly more than Belgium

9 What are the two major social groups in Sri Lanka based on language?

A Sinhala-speakers and German-speakers
B Tamil-speakers and French-speakers
C Sinhala-speakers and Tamil-speakers
D Dutch-speakers and Tamil-speakers

10 What percentage of the population in Sri Lanka are Sinhala-speakers?

A 18 percent
B 74 percent
C 13 percent
D 7 percent

11 What is the definition of 'Majoritarianism' provided in the text?

A A belief that minorities should rule by disregarding the majority.
B A belief that the majority community should rule by disregarding the minority.
C A belief in equal rule for all communities.
D A belief that power should reside with a single leader.

12 When did Sri Lanka emerge as an independent country?

A 1956
B 1948
C 1980s
D 2009

13 What was the main consequence of the 1956 Act in Sri Lanka regarding language?

A Tamil was declared the only official language.
B Sinhala was declared the only official language.
C Both Sinhala and Tamil were declared official languages.
D English was declared the only official language.

14 What did the Sri Lankan Tamils demand by the 1980s?

A Equality in education and jobs
B Regional autonomy
C An independent Tamil Eelam (state)
D All of the above

15 What does 'Civil war' mean according to the text?

A A war between two different countries
B A violent conflict between opposing groups within a country
C A conflict resolved through peaceful negotiations
D A war fought only by soldiers

16 How did the Belgian leaders approach regional differences and cultural diversities?

A They ignored them to maintain national unity.
B They tried to impose a single culture.
C They recognised them and amended their constitution to accommodate them.
D They divided the country into linguistic regions.

17 Between which years did the Belgian leaders amend their constitution four times?

A 1950s and 1960s
B 1970 and 1993
C 1948 and 1956
D 1990s and 2000s

18 What is a key feature of the Belgian model regarding the central government?

A The number of Dutch and French-speaking ministers is unequal.
B The number of Dutch and French-speaking ministers is equal.
C Only French-speaking ministers are appointed.
D Only Dutch-speaking ministers are appointed.

19 What is the 'community government' in Belgium responsible for?

A Economic development and infrastructure
B Cultural, educational, and language-related issues
C National defense and foreign policy
D Judicial appointments and legal rulings

20 What did the Belgian model help to avoid?

A Economic prosperity
B Civic strife and possible division of the country
C International conflict
D Religious tensions

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