Forms of Power Sharing MCQs Quiz | Class 10

Understanding Power Sharing: A Core Democratic Principle

Power sharing is a fundamental aspect of modern democracies, referring to the distribution of power among different organs of government, levels of government, social groups, and political parties. It is crucial for ensuring stability, reducing the possibility of conflict, and upholding the spirit of democracy.

Why is Power Sharing Desirable?

• Prudential Reasons: Power sharing helps to reduce the possibility of conflict between social groups. Since social conflict often leads to violence and political instability, power sharing is a good way to ensure the stability of political order. Imposing the will of the majority community over others may look like an attractive option in the short run, but in the long run, it undermines the unity of the nation.
• Moral Reasons: Power sharing is the very spirit of democracy. A democratic rule involves sharing power with those affected by its exercise, and who have to live with its effects. People have a right to be consulted on how they are to be governed. A legitimate government is one where citizens, through participation, acquire a stake in the system.

Forms of Power Sharing

Power sharing arrangements can take various forms:

1. Horizontal Power Sharing (Separation of Powers):

This is power shared among different organs of government at the same level, such as the legislature, executive, and judiciary.

• Legislature: Makes laws (e.g., Parliament in India).
• Executive: Implements laws (e.g., Prime Minister and Cabinet).
• Judiciary: Interprets laws and administers justice (e.g., Supreme Court, High Courts).
• System of Checks and Balances: Each organ checks the others. This ensures that no single organ can exercise unlimited power. For example, judges are appointed by the executive, but they can check the functioning of the executive or laws made by the legislature.

2. Vertical Power Sharing (Federalism):

This involves power sharing among governments at different levels – a general government for the entire country (federal or union government) and governments at the provincial or regional level (state or local governments).

• Union Government: Responsible for subjects of national importance (e.g., defense, foreign affairs, currency).
• State Governments: Responsible for subjects of regional importance (e.g., police, public health, agriculture).
• Local Self-Governments: Panchayati Raj (villages) and Municipalities (cities) at the grassroots level.

Each level of government has its own jurisdiction clearly specified in the constitution. This system is also known as a federal division of power.

3. Power Sharing Among Different Social Groups:

Power can also be shared among different social groups, such as religious and linguistic groups. The ‘community government’ in Belgium is a good example of this arrangement. This method is meant to give a fair share to groups who might otherwise feel alienated from the government.

4. Power Sharing Among Political Parties, Pressure Groups, and Movements:

In a democracy, citizens must have the freedom to choose among various contenders for power. This choice is provided by various political parties.

• Coalition Governments: When two or more parties come together to form a government, sharing power.
• Pressure Groups and Movements: These groups influence government decisions by participating in government committees, bringing public opinion to bear, and sometimes by direct action.

Quick Revision:

• Horizontal: Legislature, Executive, Judiciary (Checks and Balances).
• Vertical: Union, State, Local Governments (Federalism).
• Social Groups: Community Governments (e.g., Belgium).
• Political Parties: Coalition Governments, Pressure Groups.

Practice Questions (for self-assessment):

1. Explain how the system of ‘checks and balances’ prevents the abuse of power.
2. Differentiate between horizontal and vertical power sharing with examples.
3. Why is a community government considered an innovative form of power sharing?
4. How do political parties and pressure groups contribute to power sharing in a democracy?
5. Discuss the prudential and moral reasons for power sharing.