Power Sharing (NCERT Pages 8–10)

Vocabulary flashcards defining the various forms, levels, and systems of power sharing based on the NCERT curriculum.

Horizontal distribution of power

Power sharing among the Legislature, Executive and Judiciary at the same level of government so that no organ exercises unlimited power.

Legislature

The organ of government responsible for making laws.

Executive

The organ of government responsible for the implementation and enforcement of laws.

Judiciary

The organ of government that interprets laws, protects the Constitution and delivers justice.

Checks and balances

A system in which each organ of government checks the powers of the others to prevent misuse of power and ensure accountability.

Vertical distribution of power

Power sharing among governments functioning at different levels, such as the Union, State and Local Governments.

Union Government

The level of government that governs the entire country in India.

State Government

The level of government that governs a particular state in India.

Local Government

The level of government in India that governs villages through Panchayats and cities through Municipalities.

Federalism

A system in which power is shared among different levels of government to improve administration and strengthen democracy.

Community Government

A system introduced in Belgium where a government is elected by people belonging to one language community to deal with culture, education and language.

Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs)

Social groups given reservations in India to ensure representation and protect minority interests.

Coalition government

A government formed by two or more political parties when no single party gets a majority.

Pressure groups

Organisations that influence government policies without contesting elections.

Movements

Groups of people who work to influence government policies on specific issues.