Power Sharing

Question 1

What is the definition of majoritarianism?

Answer 1

Majoritarianism is a political theory that holds that the majority’s opinion or preference should guide decision-making in governance.

Question 2

True or False: Majoritarianism advocates for the interests of minority groups.

Answer 2

False

Question 3

In majoritarian systems, how are decisions typically made?

Answer 3

Decisions are made based on a simple majority vote.

Question 4

Fill in the blank: Majoritarianism is often contrasted with ________.

Answer 4

pluralism

Question 5

What is a common criticism of majoritarianism?

Answer 5

It can lead to the oppression of minority groups.

Question 6

Multiple Choice: Which of the following is a characteristic of majoritarianism? A) Consensus building B) Majority rule C) Equal representation

Answer 6

B) Majority rule

Question 7

What is the relationship between majoritarianism and democracy?

Answer 7

Majoritarianism is often seen as a foundational principle of direct democracy.

Question 8

True or False: Majoritarianism ensures that all voices are heard equally.

Answer 8

False

Question 9

What is a potential outcome of a purely majoritarian system?

Answer 9

It may lead to the marginalization of minority viewpoints.

Question 10

Fill in the blank: Majoritarianism is often implemented in ________ elections.

Answer 10

single-member district

Question 11

Multiple Choice: Which system is an example of majoritarianism? A) Proportional representation B) First-past-the-post C) Ranked-choice voting

Answer 11

B) First-past-the-post

Question 12

What does the term ‘tyranny of the majority’ refer to?

Answer 12

It refers to the scenario where the majority imposes its will on the minority, disregarding their rights.

Question 13

True or False: Majoritarianism promotes equal political power among all citizens.

Answer 13

False

Question 14

What is a key principle that majoritarianism relies on?

Answer 14

The principle of majority rule.

Question 15

Fill in the blank: In a majoritarian system, policies are often shaped by the ________ majority.

Answer 15

numerical

Question 16

Multiple Choice: Which of the following is NOT a feature of majoritarianism? A) Majority rule B) Equal representation C) Decision based on popular vote

Answer 16

B) Equal representation

Question 17

What role does public opinion play in majoritarianism?

Answer 17

Public opinion is crucial as the majority’s views dictate policy and governance.

Question 18

True or False: Majoritarianism can lead to stable government when the majority is cohesive.

Answer 18

True

Question 19

What is one way to mitigate the disadvantages of majoritarianism?

Answer 19

Implementing checks and balances or protections for minority rights.

Question 20

Fill in the blank: Majoritarianism is often seen in ________ democracies.

Answer 20

direct

Question 21

Multiple Choice: Which political theorist is associated with the concept of majoritarianism? A) John Stuart Mill B) Alexis de Tocqueville C) Karl Marx

Answer 21

A) John Stuart Mill

Question 22

What is the primary goal of majoritarianism in governance?

Answer 22

To reflect the will of the majority in policy-making.

Question 23

True or False: Majoritarianism is synonymous with totalitarianism.

Answer 23

False

Question 24

What is the impact of majoritarianism on legislative processes?

Answer 24

It often streamlines decision-making but can overlook minority perspectives.

Question 25

What is majoritarianism?

Answer 25

Majoritarianism is a political philosophy that emphasizes the majority's preference in decision-making.

Question 26

True or False: Majoritarianism is often associated with the suppression of minority rights.

Answer 26

True

Question 27

In the context of Sri Lanka, which ethnic group is considered the majority?

Answer 27

The Sinhalese ethnic group.

Question 28

Fill in the blank: Majoritarianism in Sri Lanka has often led to ________ tensions.

Answer 28

ethnic

Question 29

What year did Sri Lanka gain independence from British colonial rule?

Answer 29

1948

Question 30

Multiple Choice: Which of the following policies has been criticized for promoting majoritarianism in Sri Lanka? A) Language policy B) Education policy C) Immigration policy D) Trade policy

Answer 30

A) Language policy

Question 31

What was the outcome of the 1972 constitution regarding majoritarianism in Sri Lanka?

Answer 31

It declared Sri Lanka a unitary state and recognized Sinhala as the only official language.

Question 32

True or False: The Tamil population in Sri Lanka is considered a minority.

Answer 32

True

Question 33

What conflict arose as a result of majoritarian policies in Sri Lanka?

Answer 33

The Sri Lankan Civil War.

Question 34

Fill in the blank: Majoritarianism has often marginalized the ________ community in Sri Lanka.

Answer 34

Tamil

Question 35

Short answer: What is one major consequence of majoritarianism in Sri Lanka's political landscape?

Answer 35

Increased ethnic tensions and conflict.

Question 36

Multiple Choice: Which political party has historically represented the interests of the Sinhalese majority? A) Tamil National Alliance B) United National Party C) Sri Lanka Freedom Party D) Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna

Answer 36

C) Sri Lanka Freedom Party

Question 37

What year did the Sri Lankan Civil War officially begin?

Answer 37

1983

Question 38

True or False: The Sri Lankan government has taken steps to reduce majoritarianism since the end of the Civil War in 2009.

Answer 38

False

Question 39

What does the term 'unitary state' imply in the context of Sri Lanka's governance?

Answer 39

It implies that the central government holds the primary power, limiting the autonomy of regional governments.

Question 40

Fill in the blank: The ________ Accord of 1987 aimed to address ethnic tensions in Sri Lanka.

Answer 40

Indo-Lanka

Question 41

Short answer: What role did the 13th Amendment play in Sri Lanka's governance?

Answer 41

It provided for limited devolution of power to provincial councils.

Question 42

Multiple Choice: Which of the following was a major factor contributing to the rise of Tamil militancy? A) Economic development B) Language discrimination C) Religious freedom D) Political stability

Answer 42

B) Language discrimination

Question 43

True or False: Majoritarianism in Sri Lanka has been beneficial for all ethnic groups.

Answer 43

False

Question 44

What is the primary language of the Sinhalese majority?

Answer 44

Sinhala

Question 45

Fill in the blank: The ________ community in Sri Lanka has historically faced discrimination due to majoritarian policies.

Answer 45

Tamil

Question 46

Short answer: What was a significant effect of the ethnic tensions in Sri Lanka?

Answer 46

A prolonged civil war and loss of lives.

Question 47

Multiple Choice: Which event marked a significant escalation of the Civil War in Sri Lanka? A) The signing of the Indo-Lanka Accord B) The assassination of a prominent leader C) The 1983 anti-Tamil riots D) The establishment of provincial councils

Answer 47

C) The 1983 anti-Tamil riots

Question 48

True or False: The Sri Lankan government has fully embraced a multicultural approach in its post-war policies.

Answer 48

False

Question 49

What is the significance of the 19th Amendment to the Sri Lankan Constitution?

Answer 49

It aimed to strengthen democratic governance and reduce the powers of the presidency.