Describe the horizontal power-sharing arrangements.

The idea of power-sharing has emerged in opposition to the notions of undivided political power and can take many forms. Horizontal distribution of power is one of the most common arrangements.

Power is shared among different organs of government, such as the legislature, executive and judiciary.
It is also called a horizontal distribution of power because it allows different organs of government placed at the same level to exercise different powers. Such a separation ensures that none of the organs can exercise unlimited power.
Each organ checks the others. This results in a balance of power among various institutions.

Examples of horizontal power-sharing arrangements:

In a democracy, even though ministers and government officials exercise power, they are responsible to the Parliament or State Assemblies. Similarly, although judges are appointed by the executive, they can check the functioning of executive or laws made by the legislatures.
This arrangement is called a system of checks and balances.

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