ARIHANT INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

Power Sharing
Grade: 10 Sub – Political Science
Chapter No. 1 Q/A WS

Q.1 Explain the different forms of Power sharing in modern democracies.

Ans. Power sharing in democracy is a complex arrangement. There are various methods by which
power can be shared –
(i) Horizontal Form of Power Sharing
• In this, power is shared among various organs at same level.
• This form of power sharing ensures that none of the organ of the govt. gets unlimited power.
• Each organ keeps a check on the other and maintains a balance in democracy.
• Legislative → Executive → Judiciary.

(ii) Vertical form of Power Sharing

• In this form, power is shared among highest and lowest authority of govt. at different levels.
• Here power is shared at National, State and Local level.
• Central Government

State Government

Local Government

(iii) Power sharing among different social groups

• Power may be shared among diff. social groups.
• In a diverse country like India, there are various social, linguistic and caste groups and power is
shared among them.
• Power is also shared among various minorities like SCs, STs, OBCs and women to give them fair
share in power.
• This method ensures that equal representation of each community exists.

(iv) Power sharing among different political parties, pressure groups –

• In a democracy power is shared among different political parties, pressure groups etc.
• Democracy provide citizen a choice to choose their other representatives.
• Such competition ensures that power does not remain in one hand and is shared by all.

Q.2 Explain the ways in which power sharing between different organs of the government results in
the maintenance of balance of power.
Ans. Power is shared among different organs of government like the Legislature, Executive and Judiciary.
This is also called Horizontal power sharing and system of checks and balances.
• In this type of power sharing each organ is equally important in a democracy.
• In the seperation of power each organ ensures to exercise its power within limits.
• Each organ checks the other organ under the checks and balances.
• This results in the balance among various institutions.

Q.3 Why is Power Sharing desirable in a democracy like India?

Ans.
Prudential Reasons Moral Reasons
1. It reduces the possibility of conflicts in a 1. It is the very spirit of democracy.
democracy.
2. It also ensures political stability through various 2. It involves people’s participation as people would
competitions among various groups. be consulted on how they are to be goverened.
3. It also promotes National unity & integrity. 3. It helps to create accountable, legitimate &
responsible government.