POWER SHARING
By - SRT SIR
Introduction to Power Sharing
Power sharing is a system of governance in which power is distributed among different organs of government and
different levels of administration to ensure stability, avoid conflicts, and promote democracy.
Why is Power Sharing Important?
1. Reduces Conflicts: It prevents social conflicts that arise due to power concentration in one group or
person.
2. Maintains Political Stability: It ensures political stability by giving representation to diverse groups.
3. Encourages Democracy: Power sharing strengthens democracy by allowing multiple voices to be
heard.
4. Prevents Tyranny: It prevents dictatorship and authoritarian rule.
Forms of Power Sharing
1. Horizontal Power Sharing
*Power is shared among different organs of government: Legislature, Executive, and Judiciary.
*Each organ works independently but checks the powers of the other organs (Separation of Powers).
*Example: India’s system of government - Judiciary keeps a check on Executive and Legislature.
Legislature Executive Judiciary
Promote check and balance
·
Central/Union
2. Vertical Power Sharing
*Power is shared among different levels of
government: Central, State, and Local State/Provincial
Governments.
*Example: India’s Federal System (Union
Government, State Governments, and
Local/
Panchayats/Municipalities).
Community
15.7%
SC’s
3. Power Sharing Among Social Groups 7.3%
*Power is shared among different social ST’s
groups to ensure fair representation.
*Example: Reservation for SCs, STs, OBCs,
and Minorities in India.
27%
OBC’s
4. Power Sharing Among NDA GOVT.
Political Parties, Pressure I
Groups, and Movements
*Political parties, Others-10
-
BJP-240 JD(U)-12 SHS-7 LJP-5 TDP-16
pressure groups, and
movements influence
decision-making in a
democracy.
*Example: Multi-party
system in India where
coalition governments are
formed.
Case Studies of Power Sharing
1. Belgium Belgium
*Belgium has a complex power-sharing
system to accommodate its Dutch-speaking and
French-speaking populations. -
-
*It includes equal representation in the Dutch-59% French-40% German-1%
central government, autonomous regions, and a -
community government for linguistic groups.
2. Sri Lanka &
*Sri Lanka followed a majoritarian policy Sri Lanka
&
favoring Sinhala-speaking people, which led to I I
ethnic tensions with Tamils.
*Lack of power sharing led to a prolonged civil Sinhalese - 74% Tamil - 18%
S
war. -
Indian-Tamil - 5% Sri-Lankan Tamil - 13% -
1. Prudential Reasons for Power Sharing
These reasons focus on the practical benefits (better concequences) of power sharing.
*Prevents Conflicts: Power sharing helps in reducing social conflicts by giving all groups a stake in governance.
*Ensures Political Stability: It avoids situations where one group feels excluded, which can lead to political unrest.
*Reduces the Risk of Tyranny: When power is shared, no single authority can misuse power.
*Improves Decision-Making: Different groups participate in decision-making, leading to balanced and better
policies.
*Encourages Economic Growth: Political stability leads to a better economic environment, attracting investments.
Example: Belgium adopted a power-sharing model to accommodate its diverse linguistic groups, which helped in
maintaining harmony.
2. Moral Reasons for Power Sharing
These reasons emphasize the ethical (what is right should do, irrespective of its consequences) and democratic values
behind power sharing.
*Upholds Democratic Principles: Democracy is based on people’s participation, and power sharing ensures that all
sections of society have a say. Specially with those who have been impacted its decisions.
T
*Respects Diversity: Every society has different religious, linguistic, and ethnic groups. Power sharing recognizes and
respects these differences.
-
*Protects Minority Rights: It ensures that minority communities do not feel oppressed by the majority.
*Promotes Equality and Justice: It allows fair representation in governance and decision-making.
Example: In India, power sharing is ensured through reservations for Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs),
and Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in legislatures and government jobs.
Conclusion
Power sharing is essential for democracy, national unity, and peaceful coexistence in diverse societies. It ensures that no
single group dominates and that all voices are heard in governance.
Pillar -3 - Abhyaas
I) Conceptual understanding
1. Which of the following statements best describes horizontal power sharing?
a) Power is shared among different levels of government
b) Power is divided among different social groups
c) Power is shared among different organs of government, each working independently
d) Power is shared between majority and minority communities
Answer: c) Power is shared among different organs of government, each working independently
2. In a federal system, which level of government has the final authority in case of a conflict over legislative
matters?
a) Local government
b) State government
c) Central government
d) Judiciary
Answer: d) Judiciary
3. Why did Sri Lanka’s majoritarianism policy lead to conflict?
a) The Sinhala community was given more power over Tamils
b) Tamil leaders were made heads of the government
c) Sri Lanka introduced a power-sharing model similar to Belgium
d) All communities were given equal representation
Answer: a) The Sinhala community was given more power over Tamils
4. Which of the following countries successfully implemented power-sharing among linguistic groups?
a) Pakistan
b) Belgium
c) Sri Lanka
d) China
Answer: b) Belgium
II) Application-Based MCQs
5. In a country, all decisions are taken by the national government, and state governments only implement these
decisions. Which type of government structure does this represent?
a) Federal Government
b) Unitary Government
c) Coalition Government
d) Autocratic Government
Answer: b) Unitary Government
6. If India abolished the Panchayati Raj System, which form of power sharing would be affected the most?
a) Horizontal Power Sharing
b) Social Group Power Sharing
c) Vertical Power Sharing
d) Political Party Power Sharing
Answer: c) Vertical Power Sharing
7. A country has a system where the judiciary is controlled by the executive, and political parties have no role in
governance. What is the likely consequence?
a) Strengthening of democracy
b) Emergence of dictatorship
c) Equal power distribution
d) Improved decision-making
Answer: b) Emergence of dictatorship
III) Case Study-Based MCQs
8. Study the following situation and answer the question:
In a country, the central government has full control over the police, education, and transport. The state governments
have no independent decision-making power.
Which form of power sharing is being ignored?
a) Vertical Power Sharing
b) Horizontal Power Sharing
c) Social Group Power Sharing
d) Political Party Power Sharing
Answer: a) Vertical Power Sharing
9. Look at the statement:
Power sharing leads to better governance, but it may also slow down decision-making.
Which of the following supports this statement?
a) Power sharing creates political instability
b) Democracy requires discussion and consultation, which takes time
c) Power sharing gives more authority to one community over others
d) Power sharing is only necessary in dictatorships
Answer: b) Democracy requires discussion and consultation, which takes time
10. In a democratic country, multiple political parties form an alliance to create a government. This is an example of:
a) Vertical Power Sharing
b) Social Group Power Sharing
c) Power Sharing Among Political Parties
d) Unitary Power Structure
Answer: c) Power Sharing Among Political Parties
IV) Basic Questions
1. What is power sharing?
Answer: Power sharing is the distribution of power among different levels of government, various social groups, political parties,
and pressure groups to ensure fairness, prevent conflicts, and maintain democracy.
2. Why is power sharing necessary in a democracy?
Answer: Power sharing is necessary in a democracy because it:
*Prevents the dominance of one group over others.
*Reduces social and political conflicts.
*Ensures political stability and participation of all groups.
*Strengthens democracy by promoting inclusiveness.
3. Name the different forms of power sharing.
Answer: The four main forms of power sharing are:
1. Horizontal Power Sharing: Among different organs of government (Legislature, Executive, Judiciary).
2. Vertical Power Sharing: Among different levels of government (Central, State, Local).
3. Power Sharing Among Social Groups: Among different religious, linguistic, and ethnic groups.
4. Power Sharing Among Political Parties and Pressure Groups: In multi-party systems, coalition governments, and influence of
pressure groups.
4. How is power shared in Belgium?
Answer: Belgium follows a complex power-sharing model where:
*Equal representation is given to Dutch and French-speaking communities in the central government.
*The country is divided into three regions with separate governments.
*A community government exists to protect cultural, linguistic, and educational interests of different groups.
5. What led to the ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka?
Answer: The Sinhala-majority government in Sri Lanka adopted a majoritarian policy favoring the Sinhala community. Tamil
minorities were denied equal rights, leading to protests, demands for autonomy, and ultimately a civil war.
V) Advanced Questions
6. Explain how horizontal power sharing differs from vertical power sharing.
Answer:
*Horizontal Power Sharing: Power is shared among different organs of government (Legislature, Executive, Judiciary).
Each organ works independently and checks the power of the others. Example: Separation of powers in India.
*Vertical Power Sharing: Power is shared among different levels of government (Central, State, Local). Each level has
its responsibilities. Example: India’s federal system.
7. What are the key differences between prudential and moral reasons for power sharing?
Answer:
*Prudential Reasons: Focus on practical benefits (consequences of actions or decisions) like reducing conflicts, ensuring
stability, and improving governance.
*Moral Reasons: Focus on ethical values like democracy, equality, and respect for diversity.
8. How does the Indian Constitution ensure power sharing?
Answer: The Indian Constitution ensures power sharing through:
*Federalism: Division of power between Central, State, and Local governments.
*Separation of Powers: Judiciary, Executive, and Legislature work independently.
*Reservations: Special representation for SCs, STs, OBCs, and minorities.
*Multi-Party System: Encourages coalition governments and diverse representation.
9. What happens if power is not shared in a democracy?
Answer:
*It may lead to dictatorship or authoritarian rule.
*Minority groups may feel oppressed, leading to conflicts and violence.
*Political instability can affect economic growth and governance.
*People may lose trust in democracy, resulting in protests and unrest.
10. Give an example of power sharing among political parties.
Answer: In India’s multi-party system, when no single party wins a majority, different parties form a coalition
government. Example: The United Progressive Alliance (UPA) and National Democratic Alliance (NDA) governments in
India.
