NCERT · Class 10 · Social Science · Civics: Power SharingCompare the different forms of power sharing in modern democracies with suitable examples.

Introduction\nIn modern democracies, power sharing arrangements can take many forms depending on the constitution, political structure, and societal diversity of a nation. For a long time, it was believed that all power of a government must reside in one person or location, but the emergence of democracy has changed this notion. Today, power is shared among various organs, levels, and groups.

1. Horizontal Distribution of Power (Power shared among different organs of government)

• Definition: Power is shared among different organs of government, such as the Legislature, Executive, and Judiciary.
• Checks and Balances: This is often called a system of checks and balances because although different organs exercise different powers, they keep a check on each other, ensuring that no single organ has unlimited power.
• Example: In India, the Parliament makes laws, the Executive implements them, and the Judiciary interprets them. If Parliament passes an unconstitutional law, the Judiciary has the power to strike it down.

2. Vertical Distribution of Power (Power shared among different levels of government)

• Definition: Power can be shared among governments at different levels—a general government for the entire country and governments at the provincial or regional level.
• Federal Division: This system is commonly referred to as federalism. The Constitution clearly lays down the powers of each level of government.
• Example: In India, we have the Central Government at the national level, State Governments at the regional level, and local governments (Panchayats and Municipalities) at the grassroots level.

3. Power Shared Among Different Social Groups

• Definition: Power can also be shared among different social groups, such as religious and linguistic groups.
• Protection of Minorities: This arrangement is used to give space in the government and administration to diverse social groups who otherwise would feel alienated from the government.
• Example: 'Community government' in Belgium is a good example where people belonging to one language community- Dutch, French, and German--speak elect this government.

4. Power Shared Among Political Parties, Pressure Groups, and Movements

• Definition: In a democracy, political power must be contested among various political parties representing different ideologies and social segments.
• Coalition Governments: When no single party gets a clear majority, two or more parties form an alliance to form a government.
• Example: Coalition governments in India and interest groups/movements influencing government policies through strikes or agitations.

Conclusion\nThus, power sharing takes diverse shapes in democracies, ensuring inclusivity, checks on authoritarianism, and active participation of citizens.