The first chapter in Political Science textbook is 'Power sharing'. An intelligent sharing of power among the legislature, executive and judiciary is very important for the design of democracy. In this chapter, the idea of power sharing is explained in detail, drawing parallels between the stories of Belgium and Sri Lanka.
Why power sharing is considered desirable?
- It is because power sharing helps to reduce the possibility of conflict between social groups.
- The second reason is that people have a right to be consulted on how they are to be governed.
Taking a look at the present, power sharing can take various forms in a democracy such as:
- Power is shared among different organs of government, such as the legislature, executive and judiciary.
- Power can be shared among governments at different levels.
- Power may also be shared among different social groups.
- Power sharing arrangements can also be seen in the way political parties, pressure groups and movements control or influence those in power.
The topics discussed in this chapter are as follows:
- Story of Belgium
- Story of Sri Lanka
- Forms of power sharing
Students can view and download the chapter from the link given below.
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NCERT Solutions for Chapter 1: Power sharing
Also Check
Chapter 2: Federalism
Chapter 3: Democracy and Diversity
Chapter 4: Gender, Religion and Caste
Chapter 5: Popular Struggles and Movements
Chapter 6: Political Parties
Chapter 7: Outcomes of Democracy
Chapter 8: Challenges to Democracy
Check out Frequently Asked Questions for Chapter 1: Power sharing
Which languages are spoken in Belgium? What is their percentage?
Dutch language – 59 per cent
French language – 40 per cent
German language – 01 per cent.
French language – 40 per cent
German language – 01 per cent.
Which language is spoken by majority of Sri Lanka?
Sinhala is spoken by 74 per cent people in Sri Lanka.
What is horizontal distribution of power?
Under horizontal distribution, power is shared among different organs of government, such as legislature, executive and judiciary.
Define the term ‘Ethnic’.
Ethnic means a social division based on shared culture and common descent. People belonging to an ethnic group need not have the same religion or nationality.
What is vertical division of power?
When power is shared among governments at different levels, i.e., the Union or the Central Government, the State Government and the Municipality and Panchayat at the lower level. This division of power involving higher and lower levels of government is called the vertical division of power.