Power Sharing | Long Answer Type Questions | Class 10th

Long Answer Type Questions

Q.1 What is power sharing? Explain why power sharing is important in a democracy.

Answer: Power sharing means the distribution of political power among different organs, levels and groups of government.

Importance of power sharing:

i) It reduces the chances of conflict by preventing concentration of power in one authority.

ii) It ensures political stability by including all sections of society in decision-making.

iii) It strengthens democracy by promoting participation and accountability.

iv) It protects the interests of minority and weaker sections.

v) It helps in preventing misuse of power and promotes good governance.

Q.2 Describe the different forms of power sharing practiced in modern democracies.

Answer: Modern democracies practice power sharing in the following forms:

i) Horizontal division of power: Power is shared among the legislature, executive and judiciary. Each organ has separate functions and checks the powers of others to prevent misuse of authority.

ii) Vertical division of power: Power is shared among different levels of government such as central, state and local governments. Each level has independent powers for administration.

iii) Power sharing among social groups: Representation is given to minority and weaker sections through reservations or special provisions to ensure equality.

iv) Power sharing among political parties: Different political parties share power through coalition governments and alliances when no single party gets a majority. In such cases, parties come together to form a government by pooling their seats and sharing power and responsibilities.

v) Power sharing through Pressure groups and movements : Pressure groups do not get a formal share in power, but they share power indirectly by influencing government decisions and policies.

Additional detail about Pressure groups: They influence government decisions and policies by organising protests, campaigns and movements and by influencing public opinion. This pressure forces the government to modify laws and policies according to their demands. For Example: Environmental groups like Narmada Bachao Andolan created public awareness against large dams, forcing the government to review and modify projects.

Q.3 “Horizontal division of power ensures checks and balances.” Justify the statement with suitable examples.

Answer: Horizontal division of power means sharing power among the legislature, executive and judiciary at the same level of government. It ensures checks and balances in the following ways:

• The legislature makes laws, a the executive implements them.
• The judiciary can declare laws unconstitutional if they (legislature and executive) violate the Constitution.
• The executive is accountable to the legislature for its actions.
• Courts can review the actions of the executive through judicial review.
• For example, in India, the Supreme Court can strike down unconstitutional laws passed by Parliament.