Important Facts from Chapter 1 (Power sharing):

1. Power sharing refers to the distribution of power among the different levels of government and various social groups.
2. Power sharing can be horizontal or vertical.
3. Horizontal power sharing takes place between different organs of government like the legislature, executive, and judiciary.
4. Vertical power sharing takes place between different levels of government like the central and state governments.
5. Power sharing can also be based on ethnic, linguistic, or religious lines.
6. Belgium is an example of ethnic power sharing.
7. Sri Lanka is an example of a country where power sharing based on language failed.
8. Power sharing can also be based on the principle of accommodation, where different groups are given representation in government.
9. The Indian Constitution provides for both horizontal and vertical power sharing.
10. The Indian Constitution also provides for reservation of seats in government and educational institutions for certain disadvantaged groups.
11. The Panchayati Raj system in India is an example of decentralisation of power.
12. The Panchayati Raj system gives power to rural local bodies to take decisions on local issues.
13. The three-tier system of Panchayati Raj includes the Gram Panchayat, the Panchayat Samiti, and the Zila Parishad.
14. The Gram Sabha is the basic unit of the Panchayati Raj system.
15. The 73rd and 74th Amendments to the Indian Constitution provide for the Panchayati Raj system.
16. The Panchayati Raj system has helped in the empowerment of women and disadvantaged groups.
17. The Panchayati Raj system has also helped in the development of rural areas.
18. Power sharing helps to reduce conflict among different groups.
19. Power sharing also helps to ensure that the interests of all groups are represented in government.
20. Power sharing is an important aspect of democracy as it ensures that all citizens have a say in the governance of the country.

Explanation:

Power sharing is an important concept in politics as it helps to ensure that power is not concentrated in the hands of a few individuals or groups. Power sharing can take many different forms, including horizontal and vertical power sharing, power sharing based on ethnicity, language, or religion, and power sharing based on the principle of accommodation.

Horizontal power sharing takes place between different organs of government like the legislature, executive, and judiciary. This ensures that each organ of government has a say in the decision-making process and that no one organ becomes too powerful. Vertical power sharing takes place between different levels of government like the central and state governments. This ensures that power is distributed between the different levels of government and that the central government does not become too powerful.

Belgium is an example of ethnic power sharing, where power is distributed among different ethnic groups. Sri Lanka is an example of a country where power sharing based on language failed, resulting in a civil war. Power sharing can also be based on the principle of accommodation, where different groups are given representation in government. The Indian Constitution provides for both horizontal and vertical power sharing and also provides for reservation of seats in government and educational institutions for certain disadvantaged groups.

The Panchayati Raj system in India is an example of decentralisation of power. The Panchayati Raj system gives power to rural local bodies to take decisions on local issues. The three-tier system of Panchayati Raj includes the Gram Panchayat, the Panch