There are different forms of power sharing in modern democracies and these include:• Horizontal power sharingThis is when the different departments of a government share the power equally. The main three departments of any democratic government, that share the powers of a country are the executive department, the legislative department and the judiciary arm. • Vertical power sharingVertical power sharing is when the power is shared between the different levels of government, but the higher levels of government will have more say than the lower levels. The President will take advice from those beneath him, but ultimately the final decision, on any subjects related to the government, is down to him. • Sharing between social groups Different social groups will have different needs, but they need to be able to share the load. The social groups will talk to each other to decide which elements of certain proposals should be given the go-ahead, and the fairest way to do this is in a democracy. The social groups will all elect someone to speak on their behalf, and generally, they should all be on an equal footing.• Sharing between political parties The different political parties in a country should all have a say on how the country is run. The party in power is obviously the party that has the final decision, but the other political parties can affect what decisions are made if feelings and opinions are strong enough.

Different Forms of Power Sharing in Modern Democracies

There are various forms of power sharing in modern democracies that aim to distribute and decentralize authority among different levels and institutions of governance. These forms include:

1. Federalism:
- Federalism involves the division of power between the central government and regional or state governments.
- It allows for the sharing of legislative, executive, and financial powers between the different levels of government.
- Example: The United States of America operates under a federal system. Power is shared between the federal government and individual states, with each having their own legislative bodies, executive branches, and powers to make decisions in specific areas.

2. Devolution:
- Devolution refers to the transfer of some powers and responsibilities from the central government to regional or local governments.
- It aims to grant more autonomy and decision-making power to subnational units.
- Example: The United Kingdom practices devolution, where Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland have their own devolved governments and legislatures, allowing them to make decisions on specific matters such as education, health, and transportation.

3. Power Sharing through Bicameralism:
- Bicameralism involves the division of legislative power between two chambers or houses of parliament.
- It ensures that legislation is subjected to scrutiny and deliberation from different perspectives and prevents unilateral decision-making.
- Example: India follows a bicameral system with the Parliament consisting of the Lok Sabha (Lower House) and the Rajya Sabha (Upper House). Both houses contribute to the legislative process, ensuring a comprehensive discussion and representation of diverse interests.

4. Coalition Government:
- A coalition government is formed when two or more political parties come together to share power and form a government.
- It is usually formed when no single party gains a majority in the elections.
- Example: Germany often experiences coalition governments due to the presence of multiple political parties. Different parties form alliances to create a coalition, and power is shared among them in the government.

5. Power Sharing through Political Parties:
- Political parties allow for power sharing by offering diverse perspectives and representing different interests.
- They compete for power through elections and play a vital role in shaping policies and decision-making processes.
- Example: In many democracies, such as the United Kingdom, the United States, and India, political parties form the backbone of power sharing. They provide a platform for citizens to participate, voice their concerns, and influence the decision-making process.

In conclusion, power sharing in modern democracies takes various forms, including federalism, devolution, bicameralism, coalition governments, and power sharing through political parties. These forms aim to ensure a more inclusive and participatory governance system, allowing for the representation of diverse interests and the distribution of power among different levels and institutions.