Social Science (087) — AI-generated practice question

Power sharing is not merely a practical necessity but a fundamental democratic value. The moral reason for power sharing is that democracy itself is built on the idea that people have a right to be consulted on how they are governed. Power sharing is the very spirit of democracy.

A democratic rule involves sharing power with those affected by its exercise, who have to live with its effects. A legitimate government is one where citizens, through participation, acquire a stake in the system. Thus, the act of power sharing is valuable in itself — not just because it produces better outcomes, but because it upholds the dignity and rights of all citizens.

In contrast to prudential reasons (which focus on reducing conflict and ensuring stability), moral reasons emphasise that power sharing is intrinsically right, regardless of its consequences.

Source: Chapter 1 — Power Sharing, "Why power sharing is desirable?"

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• Examiners want the distinction between prudential and moral reasons clearly stated.
• The key moral reason: people have a right to participate in governance; power sharing is the spirit of democracy, not just a tool.
• Quote or closely paraphrase: "A legitimate government is one where citizens, through participation, acquire a stake in the system."
• Don't confuse moral with prudential (conflict-reduction, stability = prudential; right to be consulted, spirit of democracy = moral).
• At 3 marks, 60–80 words is sufficient — no need to list all four forms of power sharing.