Question

Why power sharing is desirable ?what are the forms of power sharing ?

Answer 1

..Power Sharing is a term which is used to describe a system of governance in which all major segments of society are provided a permanent share of power.

Power sharing is desirable because of the following reasons.

1) Power sharing helps to reduce the possibility of conflict between social groups. Power sharing is a good way to ensure the stability of political order as social conflict often leads to violence and political instability.

2) Imposing the will of the majority community over others may look like an attractive option in the short run, but in the long run it determines the unity of the nation. Tyranny of the majority is not only oppressive for the minority but it also brings ruin to the majority.

3) The very spirit of democracy is power sharing. A democratic rule involves sharing power with those affected by by its exercise, and who have to live with its effects. Citizens of a country have a right to be consulted on how they are being governed. A legitimate government is one where citizens, through participation, acquire a stake in the system.

The different forms of power sharing in modern democracies are:

→ Horizontal Distribution of Power: The power is shared among the different organs of government, such as the legislature, executive and judiciary. Example: The distribution of power between Indian Parliament (legislature), the council of ministers headed by chief ministers (executive) and Courts of India.

→ Vertical Distribution of Power: The power is shared among governments at different levels– a general government for the entire country and governments at the provincial or regional level. Example: In India, power is shared among Central government, State government and local governments.

→ Distribution of Power among different Social Groups: Power may also be shared among different social groups such as the religious and linguistic groups.Example: ‘Community Government’ in Belgium.

→ Distribution of Power among Political Parties, Pressure Groups and Movements: Political Parties, Pressure Groups and Movements control or influence those who are in power. Different political parties contest elections for power which ensures that power does not remain in one hand and shared among different political parties that represent different ideologies and social groups. Pressure groups and movements influence the decision making process.