Chapter 1 · Question 4
Differentiate between horizontal and vertical power-sharing.
Answer
Direct Answer
Horizontal power-sharing distributes power among organs at the same level, such as legislature, executive, and judiciary. Vertical power-sharing distributes power among different levels of government, such as central, state, and local governments.
Simple Explanation
Horizontal sharing divides power among legislature, executive, and judiciary at the same level. Vertical sharing divides power among central, state, and local governments at different levels.
Exam-Ready Structure
Horizontal and vertical power-sharing differ in structure, purpose, and the relationship between power-holding bodies:
Horizontal power-sharing:
• Power is shared among different organs of government — legislature, executive, and judiciary — placed at the same level.
• Each organ exercises different powers and has its own area of functioning.
• Principle of checks and balances: Each organ can check the others, ensuring no organ becomes all-powerful.
• Example: An Indian judge is appointed by the executive, but the judiciary can review executive and legislative actions and strike down unconstitutional laws.
• Also called separation of powers.
Vertical power-sharing:
• Power is shared among different levels of government — union/central, state/provincial, and local.
• Each level has its own jurisdiction defined by the constitution.
• The higher levels do not entirely control the lower levels — each has constitutional status.
• Example: In India, the centre governs subjects in the Union List, states govern the State List, and both can legislate on the Concurrent List.
• Also called federal division of powers.
Key difference: Horizontal sharing is among organs at the same level; vertical sharing is among governments at different levels of the entire political system.
Key Points
- Horizontal power-sharing distributes power among organs at the same level, such as legislature, executive, and judiciary.
- Vertical power-sharing distributes power among different levels of government, such as central, state, and local governments.