CBSE Class 10 · Power-sharing

Belgium and Sri Lanka Class 10: Two Stories of Power-sharing

Updated 14 October 2026 · Fact-checked

Belgium and Sri Lanka are both democracies with ethnic diversity but chose opposite paths. Sri Lanka's Sinhala majority imposed majoritarian measures such as the 1956 Sinhala-only Act, alienating Tamils and leading to civil war. Belgium amended its constitution four times between 1970 and 1993 to share power between Dutch- and French-speakers, keeping the country united.

Both countries were diverse democracies, but Belgium shared power and stayed united, while Sri Lanka's majority rule alienated Tamils and led to civil war.

Illustration drawn for QuestionBuddy.

Understand Belgium and Sri Lanka: Power-sharing Challenges

Why these two stories. Power-sharing chapters begin with two democracies that faced the same question, how to deal with demands for a share in power, and answered it in opposite ways.

Belgium: the ethnic composition.

A small European country, smaller than Haryana, bordering France, the Netherlands, Germany and Luxembourg; population a little over one crore.
59 per cent live in the Flemish region and speak Dutch; 40 per cent live in Wallonia and speak French; 1 per cent speak German.
In the capital Brussels, 80 per cent speak French and 20 per cent Dutch.
The minority French-speakers were relatively rich and powerful, which the Dutch-speakers, who gained from economic development and education later, resented. Tensions rose in the 1950s and 1960s, most acutely in Brussels, where the Dutch were a majority in the country but a minority in the capital.

Sri Lanka: the ethnic composition.

An island a few kilometres off Tamil Nadu, with about two crore people.
Sinhala-speakers 74 per cent, Tamil-speakers 18 per cent: Sri Lankan Tamils 13 per cent (natives, concentrated in the north and east) and Indian Tamils (whose forefathers came from India as plantation workers in colonial times).
Most Sinhalas are Buddhists; most Tamils are Hindus or Muslims; about 7 per cent are Christians, both Tamil and Sinhala.

What Sri Lanka did: majoritarianism. Independent in 1948, Sri Lanka's Sinhala leaders sought dominance through their majority. The elected government adopted majoritarian measures:

1956 Act: Sinhala the only official language, disregarding Tamil;
preferential policies favouring Sinhala applicants for university positions and government jobs;
a new constitution saying the state shall protect and foster Buddhism.

Tamils felt alienated, denied equal political rights and opportunities. They demanded recognition of Tamil, regional autonomy and equal opportunity; when autonomy was repeatedly denied, by the 1980s groups demanded an independent Tamil Eelam in the north and east. Distrust became a civil war, killing thousands, creating refugees and setting back social, cultural and economic life. It ended in 2009.

What Belgium did: accommodation. Belgian leaders recognised regional and cultural diversity and amended the constitution four times between 1970 and 1993:

equal numbers of Dutch- and French-speaking ministers in the central government; some special laws need a majority of each linguistic group, so no community decides alone;
many central powers given to the state governments of the two regions, which are not subordinate to the centre;
Brussels has a separate government with equal representation of both communities (the French accepted equality in Brussels because the Dutch accepted equality at the centre);
a community government, elected by people of one language community (Dutch, French, German) wherever they live, with power over cultural, educational and language issues.

The model is complicated, but it avoided civic strife and a possible division on linguistic lines. Brussels was chosen as the headquarters of the European Union.

The lesson. Belgium shows that unity is possible only by respecting the feelings and interests of different communities and regions. Sri Lanka shows that if a majority forces its dominance and refuses to share power, it can undermine the unity of the country.

Belgium and Sri Lanka: Power-sharing Challenges: key facts

Belgium's composition: Dutch 59% (Flanders), French 40% (Wallonia), German 1%; Brussels: French 80%, Dutch 20%; Majority in country, minority in capital.
Sri Lanka's composition: Sinhala 74%; Tamil 18% (Sri Lankan Tamils 13%, rest Indian Tamils); Christians ~7%; Sri Lankan Tamils in the north and east.
Majoritarian measures: 1956 Sinhala-only Act; preference in university places and government jobs; constitution to protect and foster Buddhism; Led to alienation, Tamil Eelam demand, civil war (ended 2009).
Belgian model: Equal Dutch and French ministers; powers to state governments; Brussels government with equal representation; community government; Four amendments, 1970-1993.
Majoritarianism (definition): Belief that the majority community should rule as it wants, disregarding the wishes and needs of the minority
Lesson: Belgium: accommodation keeps unity; Sri Lanka: refusal to share power undermines unity

How to answer Belgium and Sri Lanka: Power-sharing Challenges questions

This topic is examined through MCQs on percentages and dates, 2- and 3-mark comparisons, 5-mark 'compare Belgium and Sri Lanka' answers and case passages.

1For composition, give each group's share and region; note Brussels separately.
2For Sri Lanka, list the three majoritarian measures and their result (alienation, demands, civil war).
3For Belgium, list the four elements of the model.
4For comparison, use the same heads: composition, approach, measures, outcome.
5End with the lesson: respecting diversity keeps unity; majoritarianism undermines it.

Belgium and Sri Lanka: Power-sharing Challenges in real life

The idea, met in an everyday situation. Answer the question in your own words, then compare with the model answer. The one-line hook is what to remember.

Majority rule versus accommodation

Suppose a school committee has 7 students from one language group and 3 from another. The majority votes to hold every assembly and notice only in its language, and the minority students begin to skip assemblies.

Compare this imagined case with Sri Lanka and suggest a Belgian-style alternative.

Try it first, then show the solutionSolution

Identify majoritarianism: the majority imposes its language.
Link to Sri Lanka's 1956 Sinhala-only Act and Tamil alienation.
Suggest accommodation: both languages, shared roles.
Link to Belgium's equal ministers and community government.

Answer: The committee is acting like Sri Lanka, where the 1956 Act made Sinhala the only official language and Tamils felt alienated. A Belgian-style answer would be to use both languages in notices and assemblies, and to give each group an equal share in decisions affecting culture and language. Accommodation keeps everyone involved; imposing the majority's will pushes the minority away.

Memory hook: Rule by numbers divides; sharing power unites.

Tricks to remember Belgium and Sri Lanka: Power-sharing Challenges

Short memory aids. Say each one aloud once, then use it on a question the same day.

59-40-1 and 80-20
Belgium: Dutch 59, French 40, German 1; Brussels flips: French 80, Dutch 20.
Use it when: Percentage MCQs.
74-18-13
Sri Lanka: Sinhala 74, Tamil 18, of which Sri Lankan Tamils 13.
Use it when: Percentage MCQs.
L-J-B (Sri Lanka)
Language (1956), Jobs and universities, Buddhism: three majoritarian moves.
Use it when: 3-mark answers.
E-S-B-C (Belgium)
Equal ministers, State powers, Brussels government, Community government.
Use it when: Belgian model.

Belgium and Sri Lanka: Power-sharing Challenges: solved examples

Ordered from board level to HOTS. Try each one before you open the solution.

Example 1: Brussels' language mix · 1 mark · MCQBoard level

In Brussels, the capital of Belgium:
(a) 80 per cent speak Dutch and 20 per cent French
(b) 80 per cent speak French and 20 per cent Dutch
(c) 59 per cent speak Dutch and 40 per cent French
(d) all speak German

Try it first, then show the solutionSolution

The national ratio is reversed in Brussels: 80 per cent French, 20 per cent Dutch (1 mark).

Answer: (b) 80 per cent speak French and 20 per cent Dutch

Example 2: Majoritarian measures (3 marks) · 3 marks · Short answerBoard level

Describe any three majoritarian measures adopted by the Sri Lankan government to establish Sinhala supremacy. (3 marks)

Try it first, then show the solutionSolution

In 1956 an Act recognised Sinhala as the only official language, disregarding Tamil (1 mark).
Preferential policies favoured Sinhala applicants for university positions and government jobs (1 mark).
A new constitution stipulated that the state shall protect and foster Buddhism (1 mark).

Answer: In 1956 an Act made Sinhala the only official language, ignoring Tamil. Governments followed preferential policies favouring Sinhala applicants for university places and government jobs. A new constitution required the state to protect and foster Buddhism, the religion of most Sinhalas.

Example 3: Assertion-reason: Brussels · 1 mark · Assertion-reasonHarder board level

Assertion (A): Brussels presented a special problem in Belgium.
Reason (R): The Dutch-speaking people were a majority in the country but a minority in the capital.
(a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
(b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
(c) A is true, but R is false.
(d) A is false, but R is true.

Try it first, then show the solutionSolution

NCERT explains the Brussels problem by exactly this reversal (1 mark).

Answer: (a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.

Example 4: Compare Belgium and Sri Lanka (5 marks) · 5 marks · Long answerHarder board level

Compare the ways in which Belgium and Sri Lanka dealt with ethnic diversity, and state the lesson for democracies. (5 marks)

Try it first, then show the solutionSolution

Composition: Belgium's Dutch majority (59%) and rich French minority (40%), with Brussels reversed; Sri Lanka's Sinhala majority (74%) and Tamil minority (18%) (1 mark).
Sri Lanka chose majoritarianism: 1956 Sinhala-only Act, preference in jobs and universities, state to protect Buddhism (1 mark).
Result: Tamil alienation, demands for autonomy and Tamil Eelam, civil war until 2009 (1 mark).
Belgium chose accommodation: four amendments (1970-93), equal ministers, state powers, Brussels government, community government (1 mark).
Result and lesson: Belgium stayed united and Brussels became EU headquarters; respecting diversity keeps unity, majoritarianism undermines it (1 mark).

Answer: Both countries were diverse democracies. Belgium had a Dutch majority (59 per cent) and a richer French minority (40 per cent), with the ratio reversed in Brussels; Sri Lanka had a Sinhala majority (74 per cent) and a Tamil minority (18 per cent). Sri Lanka chose majoritarianism: the 1956 Act made Sinhala the only official language, Sinhalas were favoured for university places and jobs, and the constitution promised to protect Buddhism. Tamils were alienated, demanded autonomy and later Tamil Eelam, and a civil war followed until 2009. Belgium amended its constitution four times between 1970 and 1993 to give equal ministers, powers to states, an equal Brussels government and community governments. It stayed united, showing that sharing power preserves unity.

Example 5: Case: Annette and Selvi · 4 marks · Case-basedHOTS / competency

Read the case and answer the questions.

NCERT describes two students. Annette studies in a Dutch-medium school in northern Belgium, where many French-speaking students want French as the medium of instruction. Selvi studies in a school in northern Sri Lanka where all students are Tamil-speaking and want Tamil as the medium. Suppose both sets of parents approach their governments.

(i) Which Belgian government would deal with Annette's request? (1)
(ii) Which Sri Lankan law would stand in Selvi's way? (1)
(iii) Whose request is more likely to succeed, and why? (2)

Try it first, then show the solutionSolution

(i) The community government, which handles cultural, educational and language issues (1 mark).
(ii) The 1956 Act that made Sinhala the only official language (1 mark).
(iii) Annette's is more likely to succeed: Belgium shares power with language communities, whose own governments decide on education (1 mark).
(iii) Sri Lanka's majoritarian policies disregarded Tamil and denied autonomy, so Selvi's request would face resistance (1 mark).

Answer: (i) The community government, elected by each language community and responsible for cultural, educational and language matters. (ii) The 1956 Act recognising Sinhala as the only official language. (iii) Annette's request is more likely to succeed, because Belgium has handed education and language matters to community governments, so French-speakers can decide for themselves. Sri Lanka's majoritarian policies disregarded Tamil and denied regional autonomy, so Selvi's parents would face resistance.

Example 6: Why Sri Lankan Tamils felt alienated (3 marks) · 3 marks · Short answerHOTS / competency

Analyse how majoritarian measures led to civil war in Sri Lanka. (3 marks)

Try it first, then show the solutionSolution

Tamils felt the parties led by Buddhist Sinhala leaders were insensitive to their language and culture, and the constitution and policies denied them equal rights and opportunities (1 mark).
They demanded official status for Tamil, regional autonomy and equal opportunity; autonomy was repeatedly denied, and by the 1980s groups demanded an independent Tamil Eelam (1 mark).
Distrust became widespread conflict and civil war, killing thousands, creating refugees and ending only in 2009 (1 mark).

Answer: Measures favouring Sinhala made Tamils feel their language and culture were ignored and that they were denied equal rights, jobs and opportunities. Their demands for Tamil as an official language and regional autonomy were repeatedly denied, so by the 1980s some groups sought an independent Tamil Eelam. Distrust turned into a civil war that killed thousands and ended only in 2009.

Where students lose marks in Belgium and Sri Lanka: Power-sharing Challenges

The slips examiners see most often, and what to write instead.

Mistake: Reversing Belgium's percentages
Brussels' ratio is remembered as the national ratio.
Wrong working
Most Belgians speak French.
Right working
Nationally 59% Dutch; in Brussels 80% French.
Do this: Country Dutch, capital French.
Usually costs: 1 mark.
Mistake: Giving 18% as Sri Lankan Tamils
Tamils overall and Sri Lankan Tamils confused.
Wrong working
Sri Lankan Tamils are 18 per cent.
Right working
Tamil-speakers 18%; Sri Lankan Tamils 13%; the rest are Indian Tamils.
Do this: 18 total, 13 native.
Usually costs: 1 mark.
Mistake: Writing that Sri Lanka's war is ongoing
Old sources.
Wrong working
The civil war in Sri Lanka continues.
Right working
It ended in 2009.
Do this: Learn 2009.
Usually costs: 1 mark.
Mistake: Describing Belgium without the outcome
Students stop at the measures.
Wrong working
Belgium has equal ministers and community governments.
Right working
This avoided civic strife and division; Brussels became EU headquarters.
Do this: Measure + result.
Usually costs: 1 mark.

Exam tips

Learn the percentages in pairs; MCQs often swap them.
In comparison answers, use parallel heads so each point scores for both countries.
Define majoritarianism in one line when the word appears in the question.
Political Science uses 2-, 3- and 5-mark answers: keep to 40, 60 and 120 words.

Practice questions on Belgium and Sri Lanka: Power-sharing Challenges

Write each answer on paper first. Open the hint only if you are stuck, and the answer only when you have finished.

Q1 · 1 mark · MCQBoard level
In which year did Sri Lanka pass an Act recognising Sinhala as the only official language?
(a) 1948
(b) 1956
(c) 1970
(d) 2009
Hint
Eight years after independence.
Answer
(b) 1956
Q2 · 2 marks · Very short answerBoard level
Who are 'Indian Tamils' in Sri Lanka? (2 marks)
Hint
Their forefathers' work.
Answer
Indian Tamils are Tamil-speakers whose forefathers came from India as plantation workers during the colonial period. They are different from Sri Lankan Tamils, who are natives of the country.
Q3 · 3 marks · Short answerHarder board level
Describe any three elements of the Belgian model of power-sharing. (3 marks)
Hint
Ministers, states, Brussels, community government.
Answer
The constitution requires equal numbers of Dutch- and French-speaking ministers in the central government. Many central powers were given to state governments of the two regions, which are not subordinate to the centre. A community government, elected by each language group wherever its members live, controls cultural, educational and language matters.
Q4 · 3 marks · Short answerHOTS / competency
Suppose a student argues, 'In a democracy the majority should always rule; that is what elections are for.' Use the stories of Belgium and Sri Lanka to evaluate this. (3 marks)
Hint
Define majoritarianism; outcomes in both countries.
Answer
This is majoritarianism: the belief that the majority may rule as it wishes, ignoring minorities. Sri Lanka followed it and its Tamil minority was alienated, leading to a civil war until 2009. Belgium's Dutch majority instead shared power through equal ministers and community governments, and the country stayed united. So democracy needs majority rule with respect for minorities.
Q5 · 1 mark · Assertion-reasonHOTS / competency
Assertion (A): The French-speaking community in Belgium accepted equal representation in Brussels.
Reason (R): The Dutch-speaking community accepted equal representation in the central government.
(a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
(b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
(c) A is true, but R is false.
(d) A is false, but R is true.
Hint
A trade-off.
Answer
(a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Q6 · 2 marks · Very short answerHarder board level
Why did tensions arise between Dutch- and French-speaking communities in Belgium in the 1950s and 1960s? (2 marks)
Hint
Who was richer?
Answer
The minority French-speakers were relatively rich and powerful. The Dutch-speakers, who got the benefits of economic development and education much later, resented this, and tension was sharpest in Brussels.
Q7 · 5 marks · Long answerHarder board level
'Belgium and Sri Lanka are both democracies, yet they dealt with the question of power-sharing differently.' Explain, with outcomes. (5 marks)
Hint
Two approaches, measures, results, lesson.
Answer
Sri Lanka, independent in 1948, let its Sinhala majority dominate: the 1956 Act made Sinhala the only official language, Sinhala applicants were favoured for university places and government jobs, and the constitution promised to protect and foster Buddhism. Tamils felt alienated; when their demand for autonomy was refused, groups demanded Tamil Eelam, and a civil war followed until 2009, causing deaths, refugees and economic setback. Belgium recognised regional and cultural differences and amended its constitution four times between 1970 and 1993: equal Dutch and French ministers, powers to state governments, an equal Brussels government and community governments. This avoided civic strife and division, and Brussels became the EU headquarters. Sharing power kept Belgium united.

Test your recall

Answer in your head or on paper first, then open the card. Pulling an answer out of memory makes it stick far better than re-reading.

1.Which countries border Belgium?Show answer
France, the Netherlands, Germany and Luxembourg.
2.When did Sri Lanka become independent?Show answer
1948.
3.What did Tamil groups demand by the 1980s?Show answer
An independent Tamil Eelam in the north and east.
4.How many times did Belgium amend its constitution between 1970 and 1993?Show answer
Four times.
5.What is a community government?Show answer
A government elected by one language community, wherever its people live, with power over cultural, educational and language issues.

Belgium and Sri Lanka: Power-sharing Challenges: frequently asked questions

What is the difference between Belgium and Sri Lanka in power-sharing?

Belgium accommodated its communities by sharing power, while Sri Lanka followed majoritarianism; Belgium stayed united, Sri Lanka suffered a civil war.

What is majoritarianism?

The belief that the majority community should rule a country as it wishes, disregarding the wishes and needs of the minority.

What was the 1956 Act in Sri Lanka?

An Act that recognised Sinhala as the only official language, disregarding Tamil.

Why is Brussels important?

It has a separate government with equal representation of both communities, and it was chosen as the headquarters of the European Union.