Horizontal Distribution of Power in Democracy

Questions and Answers

What is a central feature of a good democratic government?

Concentration of power in one organ

Complete control by the government

Unlimited power by certain groups

Checks and balances among institutions (correct)

In a democratic system, it is essential that one organ can exercise unlimited power.

False

What ensures that diverse groups and views are respected in a democracy?

Institutions of self-government

A balanced power structure prevents any organ from exercising __________ power.

unlimited Signup and view all the answers

Match the democratic principles with their descriptions:

Checks and Balances = Prevents any one organ from having too much power Self-Government = Allows people to rule themselves Diversity Respect = Acknowledges various groups and views Accountability = Ensures that elected officials are answerable to the public Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes an important outcome of checks and balances?

Balanced governance Signup and view all the answers

Diverse groups have no role in a democratic society.

False Signup and view all the answers

Name one benefit of having a democratic government.

Representation of diverse groups Signup and view all the answers

The process of ensuring that various institutions can check each other is referred to as __________.

checks and balances Signup and view all the answers

What does self-government empower individuals to do?

Make decisions for their community Signup and view all the answers

A healthy democracy protects only the interests of the majority.

False Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Democracy and Power Distribution

Horizontal distribution of power is a key aspect of modern democracy, ensuring equal access to political authority among different governmental bodies.
In democracies, citizens are the primary source of political power, meaning their participation is essential in shaping public policies.
Every individual in a democracy has a voice, emphasizing the importance of collective decision-making and self-governance.
Political power is exercised through various institutions of self-government, preventing any single entity from having unchecked authority.

Responsibility and Accountability

Ministers and government officials operate within a framework of responsibility to Parliament or State Assemblies, ensuring they answer to the electorate.
This system of checks and balances is crucial in preventing any branch of government from exercising unlimited power.
The interplay among different organs of government fosters accountability and maintains balance of power within the political system.

Importance of Diversity

A robust democratic government recognizes and respects the diverse groups and perspectives present in society.
Inclusivity allows for more comprehensive representation and consideration of varying opinions in policy formation and governance.