Answer:
In
modern democracies, the following are some of the important power sharing
arrangements (i) Power Sharing among the Different Organs of Government (i.e.
Horizontal distribution of power) In this form of power sharing, power is assigned
by the Constitution among different organs of government such as the
Legislature,
Executive and Judiciary.
This type of distribution ensures separation of powers
among the organs at the same level, so that none of the organs can exercise
unlimited power.
Each organ puts a check on the others in order to maintain
balance of power under the system of checks and balances. This arrangement is
as below in India.
(ii) Power Sharing among Governments at Different Levels
(Vertical distribution of power sharing) In this form of power sharing, power
is shared at the different levels of government.
The overall governing body for the country is known as
'Union Government' or 'Federal Government' and the government at the constituent
units is known as State Government.
The third or lowest level is local government, e.g., Municipalities
and Panchayats in India.
(iii) Power Sharing among Political Parties, Pressure Groups
and Movements In a democracy, power is also shared among different political
parties, pressure groups and movements. Democracy provides the citizens the
freedom to choose their rulers.
This freedom is provided by various political parties
which contest elections to win them. Such competition ensures that power is not
always in the hand of a single person.
In the lone run, power is shared among different
political parties that represent different ideologies and
social groups.
Sometimes this kind of sharing can be direct, when two
or more parties form an alliance to contest elections. If their alliance is
elected, they form a coalition government and thus share power. In a
democracy, various pressure groups and movements also remain active.
They will also have an indirect share in government power,
either through participation in government committees or bringing influence on
the decision-making process. An example is the currently running UFA Government
in India, which is a coalition government.
(iv) Power Sharing among Different Social Groups In a
democracy, especially, in multi-ethnic society, power is also shared among
social groups such as religious and linguistic groups. 'Community government'
in Belgium is a good example of this arrangement.
There are constitutional and legal arrangements
in India whereby socially weaker sections and women are
represented in the Legislatures and administration. We have a system of
'reserved constituencies' in State Assemblies and the Parliament. This type of
arrangement is meant to give proper share in the government and administration
to diverse social groups who otherwise would feel alienated from the government.
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