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How changes are made to power sharing arrangements in India?

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A political arrangement is known as “power-sharing” involves the division and sharing of authority between various governmental organizations and tiers of government. Democracy is seen to be stronger when power is shared. It guarantees the democratic operation of the government, strengthens decision-making, and lowers the likelihood of disputes.

The concept of shared political power has come into existence in response to the ideas of absolute political authority. For a very long time, it was thought that one person or group of people based in one location had to have all of the authority in a government. It was believed that making swift judgments and enforcing them would be impossible if the decision-making authority were distributed. But as democracy has grown, these ideas have evolved. The idea that all political power originates from the people is one of democracy’s fundamental tenets. People govern themselves in democracy through institutions of self-government. The many organizations and points of view that exist in a community are respected under a successful democratic administration. Power-sharing arrangements in modern democracies can take many different shapes. Let’s examine some of the most typical arrangements we have or will experience.

Among various government agencies

Different governmental branches, including the legislative, executive, and judicial branches, share power. Because it permits various governmental entities to exercise various powers while being located at the same level, let’s refer to this as a horizontal distribution of power. A separation like this makes sure that none of the organs have unrestricted authority. The various organs check each other. As a result, power is distributed fairly across different institutions.

Even if ministers and other government officials have authority in a democracy, they are nonetheless accountable to the Parliament or State Assemblies. In a similar manner, judges can oversee the implementation of laws passed by legislatures or the executive branch, despite being selected by the administration. This system of checks and balances is referred to as such.

Among governments at various levels 

A general government that governs the entire nation, as well as governments at the provincial or regional levels, might share power. The federal government is the typical name for such a general government that oversees the entire nation. It is known as the Central or Union Government in India. Different names are used for provincial or regional administrations depending on the country.

They are known as state governments. There are certain nations that do not use this method. There are several nations without provincial or state governments. However, in nations with several levels of government, such as ours, the constitution outlines each level’s authority in clear terms. In Belgium, they carried this out, but Sri Lanka rejected them.

Federal power division refers to this. The same idea may be used for governmental tiers below the State level, such as the municipality, and panchayat. Vertical power division is what we will refer to as the separation of powers between higher and lower tiers of government.

Among various social communities

Additionally, power may be distributed across other social groupings, including linguistic and religious ones. In Belgium, “community governance” is a prime example of this system. Socially disadvantaged groups and women have been represented in legislatures and governments in several nations thanks to constitutional and legal provisions. The system of “reserved constituencies” in our nation’s legislatures and parliament was covered in class last year.

This kind of organization is intended to offer a room in the administration and government to various social groups that would otherwise feel cut off from it. This strategy is designed to distribute power fairly across minority populations.

Among political parties, campaign organizations, and movements

Power-sharing arrangements may also be evident in the ways that political parties, corporate interests, and movements influence or manipulate persons in positions of authority. Citizens must be allowed to select among many candidates for office in a democracy. This manifests itself in contemporary democracies as rivalry between various parties. It is ensured by such rivalry that power does not reside with one. Over time, several political parties that represent various ideologies and socioeconomic groupings share power.

When two or more parties come together to run for office, sharing can often be direct. If their alliance wins, they establish a coalition government and divide the available resources. Interest groups like those of traders, businesspeople, industrialists, farmers, and industrial workers can be found in democracies. Through membership in governmental committees or exerting influence over the decision-making process, they will also have a portion of the political power.

Sample Questions

Question 1: What are the factors on which power-sharing arrangement works?

Answers:

The factors on which power-sharing arrangement works are human rights, rule of law, political liberty, and political liberty and the constitutional option for solving a problem.

Question 2:  What is the type of power-sharing in India?

Answer:

The type of power-sharing in India is a vertical division of power among the central government, state government, municipal, and so forth.

Question 3:  What are the two positive aspects of power-sharing?

Answer:

The positives of power-sharing are that it reduces conflict among communities, and decreases arbitrariness.


Last Updated : 19 Jul, 2022
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