How do social groups benefit from power sharing ?
How do social groups benefit from power sharing ?
Social groups such as traders, businessmen, industrialists, farmers and industrial workers benefit from power sharing because it prevents power from staying concentrated with one group alone — they gain a share in governmental power either by participating directly in government committees or by influencing the decision-making process, so policies also reflect their interests.
Marking Scheme
- 11 mark: for correctly stating that social groups benefit by getting a share in power through participation in government committees and/or by influencing government decision-making, so their interests are represented.
Hint
Think of the two channels named in the passage: government committees and influencing decision-making.
Quick Oral Answer
Social groups benefit from power sharing because it prevents power from being concentrated in one group and lets them participate in committees or influence decisions so their interests are protected.
Analysis & Explanation
Power sharing among social groups is desirable both practically and morally, as the NCERT chapter explains.
Concept
- Social groups (traders, farmers, industrial workers, etc.) get a share of power so it is not concentrated with one group alone.
Key points
- Benefit comes through two mechanisms: participation in government committees, or influencing the decision-making process.
- This reduces conflict between groups and gives decisions wider legitimacy.
Common mistakes
- Vaguely stating 'they get power' without naming the mechanism (committees/influence).
Real-world
- Farmer bodies and trade unions being consulted on agricultural or labour policy reflects this benefit in practice.
Common Mistakes
- 1Giving only a one-word answer like 'they get power' without explaining the mechanism.
- 2Confusing 'social groups' in this context with 'social/ethnic communities' (as in Belgium/Sri Lanka examples) rather than interest groups like traders and farmers.
Interesting Facts
In many countries, formal advisory councils include representatives of trade and industry bodies precisely so that social/economic groups have a direct channel into policymaking.
The idea that power sharing benefits social groups is one of the 'prudential reasons' for democracy given in the NCERT chapter — it helps maintain social harmony by accommodating diverse interests.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which social groups are mentioned as examples in the passage?
Traders, businessmen, industrialists, farmers and industrial workers are given as examples of social/interest groups.
Why is power sharing among social groups considered good?
It prevents concentration of power in one group, gives diverse groups representation in decisions, and reduces the chance of social conflict.