What are the different forms of power sharing in modern democracies? Give an example of each of these.
Answer:
Forms of Power Sharing in Modern Democracies
Power sharing is essential in a democracy to prevent the concentration of power and ensure participation and stability. The different forms of power sharing are:
Power Sharing Among Different Organs of Government (Horizontal Power Sharing)
- Power is divided among the legislature (law-making), executive (law-implementing), and judiciary (law-interpreting).
- Each organ checks the power of the other through a system of checks and balances.
- Example: In India, the Parliament makes laws, the Prime Minister and Cabinet implement them, and the Supreme Court ensures justice.
Power Sharing Among Different Levels of Government (Vertical Power Sharing)
- Power is distributed among central, state, and local governments.
- Each level has its own responsibilities, ensuring decentralization.
- Example: In India, the central government handles national issues (defense), state governments manage state matters (police, health), and local bodies oversee local affairs (sanitation, roads).
Power Sharing Among Different Social Groups
- Power is shared among various religious, linguistic, and ethnic groups to ensure fair representation.
- Helps in protecting minority rights and preventing discrimination.
- Example: In Belgium, both Dutch-speaking and French-speaking communities have equal representation in government. In India, reservations are provided for SCs, STs, and OBCs in education and jobs.
Power Sharing Among Political Parties, Pressure Groups, and Movements
- Different political parties compete in elections, and sometimes form coalition governments.
- Pressure groups (such as labor unions or farmers’ groups) influence government policies.
- Example: In India, coalition governments like UPA and NDA are formed when no single party wins a majority.