Question

Read the given source carefully and answer the questions that follow:

Power Sharing Power is shared among different organs of government, such as the legislature, executive and judiciary. Let us call this horizontal distribution of power because it allows different organs of government placed at the same level to exercise different powers. Such a separation ensures that none of the organs can exercise unlimited power. Each organ checks the others. This results in a balance of power among various institutions. Last year, we studied that in a democracy, even though ministers and government officials exercise power, they are responsible to the Parliament or State Assemblies. Similarly, although judges are appointed by the executive, they can check the functioning of executive or laws made by the legislatures. This arrangement is called a system of checks and balances.

1. Explain the term ‘Balance of Power’. (1)
2. Why is the judiciary considered independent in a democracy? (1)
3. How is power shared among different organs of government? (2)

Answer 1

1. In a democracy, the Balance of Power refers to the horizontal distribution of power among the various branches of government. It assures that because all organs are located at the same level, no one may wield unlimited power, as each organ serves as a check on the others.
2. The judiciary is considered independent because it can act without being influenced or pressured by the legislative or executive branches. This enables justices to impartially monitor the actions of government officials and ensure that laws are consistent with the Constitution.
3. Power is shared horizontally among the legislative, executive, and judiciary:
   • Different Functions: Each organ, when placed at the same level, possesses distinctive powers.
   • Checks and Balances: This arrangement allows one organ to limit the power of others (for example, the judiciary checks executive actions), creating a stable equilibrium of power across the state.