Social Science (087) — AI-generated practice question

There are four major forms of power sharing in modern democracies:

1. Among organs of government (Horizontal distribution): Power is divided among the legislature, executive, and judiciary. Each organ checks and balances the others. Example: In India, judges appointed by the executive can check laws made by the legislature.

2. Among levels of government (Vertical/Federal division): Power is shared between the Central (Union) Government and State Governments. Example: India's federal system divides powers between the Union and State governments through the Constitution.

3. Among social groups (Community government): Power is shared among religious and linguistic groups. Example: Belgium's community government gives power to Dutch, French, and German-speaking communities.

4. Among political parties and pressure groups: Competition among parties ensures power is not concentrated. When parties form alliances, they share power through coalition governments. Example: Coalition governments in India, where multiple parties share ministerial power.

Source: Forms of Power-sharing, Chapter 1 (Democratic Politics II)

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• Examiners expect all four forms clearly named with a one-line description and one example each.
• Use the textbook terms: horizontal, vertical/federal, community government, coalition.
• Examples from Belgium, India, or as given in the text are all acceptable.
• Do not confuse "horizontal" (same level, different organs) with "vertical" (different levels of government).
• Each point should be roughly equal in length — avoid writing too much on one and skipping another.