Class 10 Civics revision notes and exam answers explaining why power sharing is desirable, with prudential and moral reasons, democratic participation, and the major forms of power sharing.
Why Is Power Sharing Desirable?
Power sharing is desirable for two broad reasons: the prudential reason is that it reduces the possibility of conflict and political instability, while the moral reason is that power sharing is a basic democratic principle because people affected by decisions should have a meaningful role in governance.
What Is Power Sharing?
Power-sharing is a political arrangement in which different or opposing groups take part in the government together.
In modern democracies, power sharing can be seen taking the following forms:
1. Organs of Government
In democracy, power is shared among Legislature, Executive and Judiciary. This is known as distribution of power. It allows different organs of government placed at the same level to exercise different powers. No organ can exercise unlimited power as each organ checks the others.
2. Governments at Different Levels
In a federal form of government, power is shared between the central and state governments. In India there is another lower level of government — local self-government. This is called vertical division of government.
3. Social Groups
Power may also be shared among different social groups such as religious and linguistic groups. In India there are constitutional and legal arrangements whereby socially weaker sections and women are represented in the legislatures and administration.
4. Political Parties and Groups
Power is also shared among political parties, pressure groups and movements. Coalitions, consultation and organised participation allow different interests to influence government and public policy.
Why Is Power Sharing Desirable?
Question: Why is power sharing desirable?
Prudential Reasons
It helps reduce the possibility of conflict between social groups. It gives space to each and every social group in the democracy.
Moral Reasons
Power sharing is the spirit of democracy. A legitimate government is one where citizens through participation acquire a stake in the system.
Power Sharing in a Democracy
Question: What is power sharing in a democracy? Explain with examples.
Power sharing is a term 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.
Different Forms of Power Sharing
Question: What are the different forms of power sharing in modern democracies? Give an example of each of these.
Prudential and Moral Reasons — Exam Answer
Question: Why power sharing is desirable? Explain giving any three prudential and moral reasons.
Power sharing is desirable in a democracy because:
Prudential reasons
- It helps to reduce the possibility of conflict between social groups. Social conflict often leads to violence and political instability.
- It is a good way to ensure the stability of political order.
- 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 undermines the unity of the nation.
Moral reasons
- Power sharing is the very spirit of democracy. A democratic rule involves sharing power with those affected by its exercise and who have to live with its effects.
- People have a right to be consulted on how they are to be governed.
- A legitimate government is one where citizens, through participation, acquire a stake in the system.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the two reasons for power sharing?
Prudential reasons focus on reducing conflict and maintaining political stability. Moral reasons focus on democratic participation and the right of citizens to have a say in governance.
Why is power sharing called the spirit of democracy?
Because democratic government involves participation by people affected by decisions. Sharing power prevents excessive concentration of authority and gives different groups and institutions a role in governance.
What are the four forms of power sharing?
Power can be shared among organs of government, among different levels of government, among social groups, and among political parties, pressure groups and movements.
What is the prudential reason for power sharing?
It is the practical reason: power sharing can reduce social conflict and political instability by giving different groups a stake in decision-making.