power sharing

Horizontal power sharing

Horizontal power sharing occurs when political power is distributed among different branches of government such as the executive, legislature, and judiciary. This system is closely tied to the principles of separation of powers (in which power is split between the legislature, executive, and judiciary) and checks and balances (in which each branch of government has the authority to limit or review the actions of other branches to maintain accountability).

In the United States power is shared among the executive, legislature, and judiciary. For example, the president (executive) can veto laws passed by Congress (legislature). The Supreme Court (judiciary) can review laws passed by Congress and actions taken by the president to ensure they comply with the Constitution. In India the executive, legislature, and judiciary also operate under a system of separation of powers, with mutual checks and balances.

Vertical power sharing

In vertical power sharing, power is divided among different levels of government such as the central, state, and local tiers. This structure gives each level an amount of autonomy to manage certain matters. In India the central, state, and local governments have different functions and powers. For example, the central government handles defense and foreign affairs; the state governments oversee public order and agriculture; and local governments take care of community-level services such as local roads and sanitation. Similar systems exist in several countries, including Canada, Switzerland, and the United States.

Power sharing among social groups

In many diverse societies, power sharing is not just limited to parts of the government but also extends to social groups such as ethnic, linguistic, or religious communities. This is done by giving communities a role in political decision-making and representation in government, which can lower the chance of any one social group monopolizing power. It helps distribute power fairly and foster a sense of belonging among diverse social groups.

An example of power sharing among social groups is found in Belgium, where tensions between Flemish- and French-speaking communities flared in the 1950s and ’60s. These tensions led to a federal arrangement, beginning in the 1970s, in which linguistic communities (Flemish, French, and German) were each given autonomy in cultural, educational, and language-related matters. This system reflects the principle of consociationalism, in which power is shared among the elites of various social groups through mechanisms such as group autonomy and coalition governance. Examples of power sharing among social groups can be seen in Iraq, Lebanon, and Northern Ireland, among several other countries.

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Power sharing among political parties and interest groups

Power is also shared through the participation of political parties and interest groups in the political process. This allows multiple viewpoints to be represented in governance and helps prevent any single political party or interest group from dominating decision-making. Political parties share power by forming coalitions, both within and outside the government. Interest groups shape governance through lobbying, advocacy, and other forms of political engagement.

Multiparty coalitions are common in several countries, including in India and Germany. In the United States interest groups such as trade unions, business associations, and social movements play an important role in influencing legislation through various methods, including lobbying policymakers, funding political campaigns, mobilizing public support, and providing research to legislators and government agencies.