Forms of Power-Sharing
🧩 Forms of Power-Sharing
In modern democracies, power is not concentrated in a single hand. It is shared to ensure stability, inclusion, and accountability. Below are the four key forms of power-sharing with examples you can quote in exams.
⚖️ Checks & Balances🏛️ Federal Structure🧑🤝🧑 Social Representation🗳️ Multi-party Democracy
1) ⚖️ Horizontal Distribution of Power
Power is shared across organs of government — Legislature, Executive, Judiciary — so that none can dominate. Each organ checks the other: this is called Checks & Balances.
🏛️ Legislature
Makes laws
👔 Executive
Implements laws
⚖️ Judiciary
Interprets laws
🔁 Each keeps a check on the other → prevents abuse of power
📌 Example: India — Parliament, Council of Ministers/President, Supreme Court.
2) 🗺️ Vertical Distribution of Power
Power is shared among levels of government — Union, State, Local. This is the basis of a federal system.
🇮🇳 Union (National)
🏞️ State / Regional
🏘️ Local (Panchayats · Municipalities)
📜 Subjects divided via Union / State / Concurrent / Residuary lists
📌 Example: India — three-tier federalism strengthened by the 73rd & 74th Amendments (local self-government).
3) 🧑🤝🧑 Distribution Among Social Groups
Power is shared with religious/linguistic and other communities so that diverse identities get a voice in governance.
- 👥 Community representation in decision-making bodies
- 🎓 Affirmative action / reservations to widen participation
- 🗣️ Respect for language & culture in policy areas
📌 Example: Belgium — Community Government for Dutch/French/German speakers (culture, education, language).
4) 🗳️ Among Parties, Pressure Groups & Movements
Power is shared among political parties and influenced by pressure groups & movements. In multiparty systems, parties may form coalition governments to share executive power.
🏷️ Party A
🏷️ Party B
🏷️ Party C
🤝 Coalition = shared cabinet posts, common minimum programme
📌 Example: India — coalition ministries at the Union/State level; pressure groups (farmer unions, student bodies) shape policy.
🧠 Summary — Four Forms at a Glance
| Form | Who shares power? | Purpose | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| ⚖️ Horizontal | Legislature · Executive · Judiciary | Checks & balances; no organ dominates | India — Parliament, Government, Supreme Court |
| 🗺️ Vertical | Union · State · Local | Efficient governance; local needs addressed | India — Federal structure (73rd/74th Amend.) |
| 🧑🤝🧑 Social Groups | Religious/Linguistic/Community bodies | Representation · Inclusion · Harmony | Belgium — Community Government |
| 🗳️ Parties & Groups | Parties · Coalitions · Pressure groups | Diverse views in policy; accountability | India — Coalition cabinets; unions influence policy |
📝 Quick Practice (Class 10)
- Differentiate between horizontal and vertical distribution with one example each.
- How does community government in Belgium show power-sharing among social groups?
- Explain how coalition governments share power among political parties.