Social Science (087) — AI-generated practice question

Belgium's Approach:
Belgium recognised its ethnic and linguistic diversity (59% Dutch-speaking, 40% French-speaking) and amended its constitution four times between 1970 and 1993. Key steps included equal representation of Dutch and French ministers in the central government, powers given to state governments, equal representation in Brussels, and a separate "community government" for cultural and language matters. No single community could make decisions unilaterally. This avoided civic strife and possible division of the country.

Sri Lanka's Approach:
Sri Lanka, with a 74% Sinhala majority, adopted majoritarian policies. The Sinhala community imposed its dominance, ignoring Tamil interests, which led to feelings of alienation, mistrust, and eventually prolonged civil conflict.

Lesson:
Belgium shows that sharing power respects diversity and strengthens unity. Sri Lanka shows that forcing majority dominance undermines it. Power sharing is essential for national unity in a diverse democracy.

Source: Chapter 1 — Power Sharing

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• Examiners expect a direct comparison — what Belgium did vs. what Sri Lanka did — before drawing the lesson.
• Name at least 3 specific features of the Belgian model (equal ministers, state governments, community government).
• The lesson must explicitly link power sharing → unity and majority dominance → conflict.
• Don't write vague phrases like "Belgium was successful" without stating how. Specific details earn marks.