The word 'democracy' has its origins in the Greek language. It combines two shorter words: 'demos' meaning whole citizen living within a particular city-state and 'kratos' meaning power or rule.

The word "democracy" indeed comes from the Greek word "dēmokratia," which is a combination of the words "dēmos," meaning "people," and "kratos," meaning "rule" or "power." It refers to a system of government in which power is vested in the hands of the people.

Democracy is an important concept in political science and is based on the principle of power sharing. It ensures that no single individual or group has absolute power and that decisions are made collectively by the people.

Power sharing is crucial for several reasons:

1. Prevents Tyranny: By distributing power among different individuals or groups, power sharing prevents the concentration of power in the hands of a single individual or a few elites. This helps to prevent the emergence of tyranny and authoritarian rule.

2. Protects Minority Rights: In a diverse society, power sharing is essential to protect the rights and interests of minority groups. It ensures that their voices are heard and their concerns are addressed in the decision-making process.

3. Promotes Stability: Power sharing helps to promote political stability by accommodating different interests and preventing conflicts. It provides a mechanism for resolving disputes and reaching consensus on important issues.

4. Enhances Accountability: In a democratic system, power is not only shared but also subject to checks and balances. This promotes accountability among those in power and prevents abuse of authority.

5. Encourages Participation: Power sharing encourages citizen participation in the political process. It allows individuals to have a say in decision-making and promotes active citizenship.

There are different forms of power sharing in a democracy:

1. Horizontal Power Sharing: This refers to the sharing of power among different organs of the government, such as the legislature, executive, and judiciary. Each branch has its own powers and functions, and they serve as checks on one another.

2. Vertical Power Sharing: This involves the sharing of power between different levels of government, such as the central government and state governments. It allows for local autonomy and ensures that decisions are made at the appropriate level.

3. Community Power Sharing: In a diverse society, power sharing can also take place among different communities or social groups. This helps to ensure representation and inclusivity in the decision-making process.

In conclusion, democracy is a system of government that is based on power sharing. It ensures that power is not concentrated in the hands of a few and that decisions are made collectively. Power sharing is important as it prevents tyranny, protects minority rights, promotes stability, enhances accountability, and encourages citizen participation.