What is meant by the 'horizontal distribution of power' among the organs of government? How does it ensure that no single organ becomes all-powerful?
Generated by claude-sonnet-4-6 · 2026-06-26 13:16 · grounding rag
Model Answer
Horizontal distribution of power means dividing power among different organs of government — the legislature, executive, and judiciary — placed at the same level. Each organ exercises different powers and operates independently.
It prevents any single organ from becoming all-powerful through a system of checks and balances:
- The legislature makes laws, but the judiciary can strike them down if unconstitutional.
- Ministers exercise executive power but are responsible to Parliament.
- Judges are appointed by the executive, yet can check executive functioning.
Thus, each organ controls the others, ensuring a balance of power.
Source: Power Sharing, Chapter 1, Forms of power-sharing
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Explanation
- Examiners expect the definition of horizontal distribution (same-level organs) + at least two examples of checks and balances.
- The phrase "checks and balances" is a textbook term — use it.
- Don't confuse horizontal (legislature/executive/judiciary) with vertical (central/state/local levels).
- For 3 marks: one point for definition, two points for how checks and balances work.