Why is power sharing desirable is one of the most important topic of Class 10 . We build it directly on what we studied in Part 1, where we saw real-life case studies from Belgium and Sri Lanka. Now in Part 2, we go deeper into the reasons why countries adopt power sharing—whether to avoid conflict or to respect democratic values. These notes explain both the prudential and moral reasons behind power sharing with simple examples and clear points, so you can revise quickly and score well in your CBSE Social Science exam.
Power Sharing – Part 2
Why Power Sharing is Desirable –
- ✓ Prudential Reason: Based on careful calculations of gain. Helps to reduce the possibility of conflicts between social groups.
- ✓ Social Conflict: Leads to violence and political instability. Power sharing is a good way to ensure stability of political order.
- ✓ Attractive Option in Short Run: Imposing the will of majority community over others
- ✓ In Long Run: That option undermines the unity of the nation.
Moral Reason of Power Sharing –
- ✓ It is the very spirit of democracy.
- ✓ It signifies the value of power sharing in a society.
Examples:
- ✓ Prudential Reason: Power is shared between central and state governments so that states can manage their own problems and there are less chances of fights.
- ✓ Moral Reason: Power sharing allows people to take part in decisions, which is the real meaning of democracy.
Power sharing is necessary in democracy because people rule through self-government.
Forms of Power Sharing
Horizontal Power Sharing –
- ✓ Power is shared among different organs of the government.
- ✓ Different organs are placed at the same level.
- ✓ No organ exercises unlimited power.
- ✓ Each organ checks the others.
- ✓ This arrangement is also called a system of checks and balances.
Legislature → Executive → Judiciary
Vertical Power Sharing –
- ✓ Power is shared among different levels of the government.
- As given in Constitution:
- Union / Central Government
- State Government
- Local Government
Power Sharing Among Different Social Groups –
- ✓ Power is shared among different social groups, i.e., religious and linguistic groups.
- ✓ Community government in Belgium is a good example of this arrangement.
Power Sharing Among Political Parties, Pressure Groups, and Movements –
- ✓ Power is shared among political parties, pressure groups, and movements.
- ✓ Coalition government is an example of this arrangement.
If you’re also revising History, check out how national unity was represented in Part 6 – Visualising the Nation .
Still confused? Check out these FAQs to clear your concepts quickly:
Q1. Which system of power sharing is called checks and balances?
Answer:Horizontal power sharing is called the system of checks and balances because different organs of the government keep a check on each other.
Q2. What does the system of checks and balances ensure in power sharing?
Answer:No organ of government exercises unlimited power.
Q3. Mention any one characteristic of power sharing.
Answer:Power sharing helps in reducing social conflict and increases political stability in a democrac
Q4. Explain vertical power sharing.
Answer:Vertical power sharing means the division of power among different levels of government—central, state, and local—as mentioned in the Constitution.
Q5. Explain horizontal power sharing.
Answer:Horizontal power sharing divides power among different organs like the legislature, executive, and judiciary, placed at the same level. Each checks the other.
Q6. Why is power sharing good for democracy?
Answer:It reduces the possibility of conflict among different social groups.
Power sharing helps keep a democracy stable, fair, and inclusive—especially in a country as diverse as India. By understanding both prudential and moral reasons, we see why this concept is essential in democratic politics. If you’re looking for more detailed explanations like these, explore our complete collection of Why is power sharing desirable Class 10 notes and other CBSE revision materials at CBSE Notes Hub.
