Chapter 1: Power Sharing – Class 10 Civics Notes
Power sharing is one of the most important topics in Class 10 Civics. It explains how political power is divided among different levels of government to ensure stability, equality, and democratic participation. The concept of power sharing is essential for preventing conflicts and maintaining harmony in diverse societies like India, Belgium, and Sri Lanka.
Power sharing means distributing authority among various organs and levels of government to avoid the concentration of power in one place. It also ensures that every community and region gets a fair voice in the political system. In Belgium, the government gave equal representation to both the Dutch and French-speaking communities to maintain balance. In Sri Lanka, the failure to share power equally among Sinhalese and Tamils led to ethnic tension and civil war. In India, power sharing takes place in different forms—horizontal division and vertical division. The horizontal division distributes power among different organs like the legislature, executive, and judiciary. This ensures the principle of “separation of powers” and checks and balances. The vertical division refers to power distribution among central, state, and local governments.
Power sharing can also be seen among different social groups and political parties. Community governments, coalitions, and minority representation are examples of inclusive governance. Power sharing strengthens democracy, reduces social conflicts, and promotes national integration. It ensures political stability by accommodating diverse groups within the system. Students studying this chapter understand that power sharing is not just about dividing authority but creating a balanced and participative form of governance. It is a key feature of democratic countries and helps build trust among citizens.