Difference between Horizontal and Vertical Power Sharing

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The important element in every constitution is power sharing . Power sharing means an optimal balance between each and every organ of state.

Horizontal power sharing is power shared among different organs of government such as – legislature , executive and judiciary .

Vertical power sharing is power shared among different levels of government such as Union, State and local government.

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Power Sharing 

Power Sharing is defined as 

Features of power sharing

• Horizontal power sharing has following features-

• In a horizontal structure , each institution represents different interest groups . 

• It helps in getting better representation . 

• There is a greater participation from the people . 

• Each organ exercises control over other institutions and preserves the interest of the public. 

• The efficiency of government activities improves with better representation , participation, and control. 

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Horizontal Power Sharing 

Horizontal power sharing refers to different organs of the state such as legislature , judiciary  and executive .  It is a democratic system in which power is divided among various bodies such as legislature , executive and judiciary .  It means that every organ of the state has equal powers .  

However, it is not always possible for all the organs of government to have equal power. In some instances, one organ may be bigger than another one. However, in most democracies , horizontal power sharing is a must because it helps in making efficient use of both the governments’ and its citizens’ resources.

Vertical Power Sharing 

Vertical power sharing is the sharing of power between the Union and State .  Power may be shared in such a way that some powers can be exercised by the central government , which may remain with the state government or vice versa .  It creates a balance of power between Union and State to make a balance for each other.

Modern democracies have both types of power sharing. However, sometimes it is not possible to give equal powers to both the levels of government.

Difference between Horizontal power sharing and vertical power sharing in modern democracies 

• Horizontal power sharing is among  three organs of government such as , legislature , executive , and judiciary , whereas Vertical power sharing power can be shared among governments at different levels such as , union , state , and local government .

• All organs under Horizontal power sharing work for different purposes but at the same level , whereas in vertical power sharing all units work for different levels but for the same purpose.

• Horizontal power sharing promotes the concept of expansion of democracy , whereas Vertical power sharing promotes the concept of deepening of democracy.

• Horizontal power sharing is a democratic system which allows the government to have control over different organs of state which helps the government to function efficiently. 

• Vertical power sharing is a democratic system in which power is distributed between Union and State . 

• Both horizontal and vertical power sharing are important in modern democracies . 

• In vertical power sharing, there are certain features such as- 

Power shared between Union and State where one can remain with either central government or state government. 

Balance of both Union and State with some powers vested on central government and other on state government.

• In horizontal power sharing, every organ is just an executive body of the government.

• In vertical power sharing, the legislature is only an executive body of the government . 

• Vertical power sharing helps in getting better representation for all the stakeholders. 

• There are certain limitations with respect to powers vested on central and state level in vertical power sharing systems.

• Horizontal Power Sharing helps protect the interest of the public as it ensures participation from people which further helps in implementing policies effectively.

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Three branches of government

• The Executive Branch –  This executive branch consist of the President who is the head of the state , president advisors and various departments . The Executive branch is the most powerful branch of government and performs the responsibilities directly. It looks after all the affairs of the state at federal level .

• The Legislative Branch – The legislative branch of the parliament consist of the upper and lower house (Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha ) , as well as the president .

• The Judicial Branch –  The judicial branch consist of the Supreme Court at its apex , and 21 high courts , and number of civil , criminal and family courts at the district level .

Conclusion

Horizontal power sharing and vertical power sharing are the two concepts of sharing of powers in democracy where horizontal power sharing is done among the different organs of government which are legislature , executive , and judiciary  and vertical power sharing is done among the different levels of government which are union , state , and local government . 

Both concepts of horizontal and vertical power sharing work totally different in democracy but both carry the same work of sharing of power .