CBSE Class 10 Social Science Chapter 21: Power Sharing NCERT Solutions

In modern democracies, power is shared in several ways to ensure a balanced and representative government. The main forms are:

1. Horizontal Power Sharing: This involves dividing power among different branches of the government at the same level. The three main branches are the Executive (implements laws), the Legislature (makes laws), and the Judiciary (interprets laws). This system creates a system of checks and balances, preventing any one branch from becoming too powerful. For example, in India, the Parliament (legislature) makes laws, the government (executive) enforces them, and the Supreme Court (judiciary) interprets them and can strike down laws deemed unconstitutional.
2. Vertical Power Sharing: This refers to the division of power among different levels of government. Typically, power is shared between the central or federal government and regional governments (like state governments) and sometimes even local governments. Each level has its own sphere of authority. For instance, the Maharashtra state government has the autonomy to make laws on subjects like law and order, which fall under its jurisdiction and are distinct from the central government's responsibilities.
3. Power Sharing among Social Groups: In countries with significant religious, linguistic, or ethnic diversity, power is shared among these different social groups to ensure their representation and prevent marginalization. India, with its vast diversity, has implemented this. An example is the formation of states in India on a linguistic basis after independence, recognizing the distinct identities and needs of different language-speaking populations.
4. Power Sharing among Political Parties, Pressure Groups, and Movements: In a democracy, power is also shared among various political parties, interest groups, and social movements. This ensures that power does not concentrate in the hands of a few. The existence of multiple political parties allows citizens to choose their representatives, and different parties can form coalition governments if no single party wins a majority. This system reflects the diverse ideologies and interests within society. For example, India's multi-party system allows for various parties to contest elections, and coalition governments are formed when different parties unite to govern.

Power sharing is essential for both practical and ethical reasons. Here are examples from the Indian context:

1. Prudential Reason: A prudential reason for power sharing is based on practical considerations that lead to better outcomes. Power sharing helps in reducing the possibility of conflict among different social groups, thereby ensuring political stability and efficiency. For example, the policy of reservation for Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), Other Backward Classes (OBCs), and women in education, government jobs, and political bodies in India is a prudential measure. It ensures that these historically marginalized groups have a voice and representation, which helps prevent social unrest and promotes inclusivity.
2. Moral Reason: A moral reason for power sharing is rooted in the fundamental principles of democracy and justice. It is considered the right and just thing to do. Democracy is fundamentally about the participation of the people in governance. For example, the establishment of Panchayati Raj institutions (local self-government) in India is a moral reason for power sharing. It empowers ordinary citizens at the grassroots level to participate directly in decision-making processes that affect their lives, upholding the democratic ideal of self-rule and ensuring that power is decentralized.

I agree with Ouseph's conclusion that every society needs some form of power sharing, regardless of its size or the presence of social divisions. While Thomman is correct that power sharing is crucial in divided societies, Mathayi's view is too restrictive. Power sharing is a fundamental principle of democracy that helps prevent the concentration of power, ensures broader participation, and fosters stability in all types of societies, not just large or divided ones.