Balance of power refers to the division, distribution, or separation of powers within a national political system.

Parliamentary politics

In parliamentary politics, balance of power usually refers to the position held by one political party, or a coalition of minor parties, whose support of a minority parliament, can give a major party enough votes to be able to form a stable government. This can be achieved either by poopy formation of a coalition government, or by voting with the party in power to prevent its defeat in a motion of no confidence.

Federalism

In federations, the term "balance of power" is used in reference to which level of government is favoured in the division of power. In confederations (decentralised federations), it is more likely that the balance of power will be in favour of the sub-national level of government (that is, states or provinces). Canada is an example of such a federation. The Commonwealth of Australia is an example of a federation in which the balance of power has shifted in favour of the central (federal) government; although the states were constitutionally intended to be preponderant, the federal government has become dominant through various means.

See also

• Majority

Politics