What are the different forms of power sharing in modern democracies ?Give an example of each of these.
Answer:
Power-sharing among the different organs of government (Horizontal power-sharing): Power is shared among the different organs of the government such as the legislature, executive, and the judiciary in a democratic government. In this kind of power-sharing arrangement, one can exercise unlimited powers in their own sphere. Each organ has its own powers, and it can also check the powers of others. So this results in a balance of power among the various institutions. This is called the horizontal distribution of power because it allows different organs of the government placed at the same level to exercise different powers.
Power-sharing among governments at different levels: Under this, people choose separate governments at separate levels, for example, a general local government for the entire country and local governments at the provincial, sub-national or regional levels. Such a general government for the entire country is usually called a Federal government.
Power-sharing among different social groups : In countries like Belgium where multi ethnic societies exist, power is also shared among social groups such as the religious and linguistic groups. ‘Community government’ in Belgium is a good example of this arrangement. In some countries, there are constitutional and legal arrangements whereby socially weaker sections and women are represented in the legislatures and the administration.
Power-sharing among political parties, pressure groups, and movements: Democracy provides citizens with a choice to choose their rulers. In a democracy, power is also shared among different political parties, pressure groups, and movements. This chance is provided by the various political parties, who contest elections to win them. In democracy, such competition ensures that power does not remain in one hand.
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