Power sharing is an essential element of any constitution, and it ensures that there is an optimum balance between different sections of society. Power sharing has its own value in a democracy, and it ensures the stability of the political order. There are different forms of power sharing in modern democracies, which are listed below:
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Horizontal distribution of power: Power is shared among different organs of government, such as the legislature, executive, and judiciary. This division ensures that no organ can exercise and use infinite power. India is an example of horizontal distribution of power.
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Vertical distribution of power: Power can be shared not only through organs of government but among governments at different levels as well. A general central government for the entire country and governments at the provincial or state and regional level. India has a division of power between the central and state governments.
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Community government: Power is also shared among different socially active groups, including religious, ethnic, and linguistic groups. Belgium is an example of community government.
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Power-sharing between political parties, pressure groups, and movements: This type of power-sharing competition ensures that power does not remain in one hand. Different political parties representing different ideologies and social groups share power for extended periods. Power-sharing between pressure groups and political parties ensures that power is not concentrated in one single hand.
Every state should have some form of power-sharing, and this ensures that there are fair chances of opportunity for every citizen. Not only that, but it also helps provide stability in the political arena.
