Social Science (087) — AI-generated practice question

Brussels presented a special problem: 80% of its population is French-speaking, yet the Dutch-speaking community forms the majority nationwide. If equal representation were not given to French-speakers in Brussels, the Dutch majority could dominate the capital's government, worsening ethnic tensions.

To prevent this, Belgian leaders worked out a reciprocal arrangement: French-speaking people accepted equal representation in Brussels, while the Dutch-speaking community accepted equal representation in the Central Government. This mutual compromise ensured no single community could make decisions unilaterally, thereby avoiding civic strife and a possible partition of the country.

Source: Power Sharing, Chapter 1 — Accommodation in Belgium

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• The examiner expects you to explain why Brussels was a "special problem" (majority–minority reversal in the capital) and the logic of reciprocal concession.
• Key phrase to use: "no single community can make decisions unilaterally" — it directly comes from the textbook and scores marks.
• Avoid writing about Sri Lanka here; the question is specifically about Belgium's Brussels arrangement.
• 3 marks = roughly 3 distinct points: (1) Brussels' unique demographic situation, (2) the risk of domination, (3) the reciprocal deal that made it acceptable to both sides.