Evaluate the system of 'Checks and Balances' in the horizontal distribution of power in India.
Generated by claude-sonnet-4-6 · 2026-06-15 07:01 · grounding rag
Model Answer
In India, horizontal distribution of power refers to the division of power among the three organs of government — Legislature, Executive, and Judiciary — at the same level.
The system of Checks and Balances ensures no single organ becomes too powerful:
- The Legislature makes laws, but the Judiciary can declare them unconstitutional.
- The Executive implements laws but is accountable to the Legislature.
- The Judiciary is independent and can review actions of both Legislature and Executive.
This prevents misuse of power and upholds the rule of law in a democracy.
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Explanation
The examiner expects students to:
- Define horizontal distribution briefly.
- Name all three organs — Legislature, Executive, Judiciary.
- Give specific examples of how each checks the other (this earns the marks).
- Conclude with its importance (prevents concentration of power).
Key point: The source passages focus on federalism/decentralisation, but this question draws from Chapter 1 of Political Science (Power Sharing). Answer from standard NCERT knowledge on this topic. Keep the answer tight — three clear points with examples is sufficient for 3 marks.