Logo
Logo
Log inSign up
Logo

Tools

AI Concept MapsAI Mind MapsAI Study NotesAI FlashcardsAI Quizzes

Resources

BlogTemplate

Info

PricingFAQTeam

info@algoreducation.com

Corso Castelfidardo 30A, Torino (TO), Italy

Algor Lab S.r.l. - Startup Innovativa - P.IVA IT12537010014

Privacy PolicyCookie PolicyTerms and Conditions

Coalition Governments

Coalition governments arise when multiple political parties collaborate to form a majority in parliament, often seen in multi-party systems with proportional representation. They require compromise and power-sharing, and while they can bring diverse views into governance and foster stability, they also face challenges such as policy dilution and voter disillusionment. The text explores instances in Europe and beyond, including the UK's rare coalition experience.

See more
Open map in editor

1

4

Open map in editor

Want to create maps from your material?

Insert your material in few seconds you will have your Algor Card with maps, summaries, flashcards and quizzes.

Try Algor

Learn with Algor Education flashcards

Click on each Card to learn more about the topic

1

Coalition government composition

Click to check the answer

Formed by multiple political parties cooperating, sharing power and cabinet positions.

2

Coalition government necessity

Click to check the answer

Established when no single party wins an absolute majority in parliament.

3

Coalition government prevalence

Click to check the answer

More common in multi-party systems with proportional representation.

4

In ______ systems, seats are distributed according to the party's vote percentage, often resulting in fragmented parliaments.

Click to check the answer

Proportional Representation (PR)

5

The 2010 general election in the ______ led to an unusual coalition government under a ______ system.

Click to check the answer

United Kingdom First-Past-the-Post (FPTP)

6

Coalition tradition in Finland

Click to check the answer

Finland's multi-party system encourages coalitions, a practice since independence.

7

Switzerland's 'magic formula'

Click to check the answer

Swiss system allocates ministerial positions proportionally to major parties since 1959.

8

Stability of Italian coalition governments

Click to check the answer

Italy's mixed electoral system leads to frequent but less stable coalition governments.

9

In ______, the National Democratic Alliance was the first coalition government to complete a full term in the ______ century.

Click to check the answer

India late 20th

10

The ______ Democratic Party in Japan frequently partners with smaller entities such as ______ to secure a majority in the Diet.

Click to check the answer

Liberal Komeito

11

Coalition government majority creation

Click to check the answer

Formed to create a majority in fragmented legislative assemblies, enabling governance.

12

Coalition government power dynamics

Click to check the answer

Aims to attain and maintain power by combining different political forces.

13

Coalition government crisis management

Click to check the answer

Established to address national crises by uniting diverse political entities.

14

The need for compromise in ______ governments can obscure the ______ of the government's mandate.

Click to check the answer

coalition clarity

15

2010 UK General Election Result

Click to check the answer

Resulted in a hung parliament; led to Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition.

16

Policy Compromise in 2010 Coalition

Click to check the answer

Included a referendum on Alternative Vote system; referendum failed.

17

Economic Policy of 2010 Coalition

Click to check the answer

Implemented austerity measures; significantly affected UK's political landscape.

18

Coalition governments can lead to ______ during national uncertainty but may require ______ that dilute their mandate.

Click to check the answer

stability compromises

Q&A

Here's a list of frequently asked questions on this topic

Similar Contents

Civic Education

The Additional Member System (AMS): A Hybrid Electoral System

View document

Civic Education

Think Tanks: Bridging the Gap Between Research and Policy

View document

Civic Education

Party-List Proportional Representation

View document

Civic Education

Electoral Systems in the United Kingdom

View document

The Nature of Coalition Governments

A coalition government is a form of government in which multiple political parties cooperate, reducing the dominance of any one party within that "coalition." This type of government is typically established when no single party achieves an absolute majority of seats in a parliament or legislature. The coalition is formed through negotiations between parties, where they agree on a common platform and distribute cabinet positions. Coalition governments are more prevalent in multi-party systems, especially those with proportional representation, and require a high degree of compromise and power-sharing.
Polished dark wood round table with gray armchairs, glass vase with blue and purple flowers, water pitchers, white papers, and pens in a bright room.

Influence of Electoral Systems on Coalitions

The structure of a country's electoral system plays a crucial role in the formation of coalition governments. Proportional Representation (PR) systems, which allocate seats based on the percentage of votes each party receives, often lead to a fragmented parliament with no clear majority, necessitating the formation of coalitions. Conversely, First-Past-the-Post (FPTP) systems, like that of the United Kingdom, typically encourage two-party dominance and single-party governments. However, coalitions can still emerge under FPTP when no party secures a majority, as evidenced by the UK's 2010 general election, which resulted in a coalition government.

Prevalence of Coalition Governments in Europe

Coalition governments are a common feature in European politics. Countries such as Finland and Switzerland have established traditions of coalition rule. Finland's multi-party system has fostered a culture of coalition-building since its independence, while Switzerland's "magic formula" has ensured a stable coalition arrangement by proportionally allocating ministerial positions to major parties since 1959. Italy, with its Mixed Electoral System that combines PR and FPTP elements, frequently sees coalition governments, though they tend to be less stable, often resulting in frequent government changes.

Global Instances of Coalition Governance

Beyond Europe, coalition governments are also found in various other regions. India, for example, has experienced coalition governments, with the National Democratic Alliance serving as its first full-term coalition government in the late 20th century. Japan has seen coalitions as well, with the Liberal Democratic Party often allying with smaller parties like Komeito to maintain a majority in the Diet.

Reasons and Benefits of Forming Coalitions

Coalition governments are formed for a multitude of reasons, including the necessity to create a majority in a fragmented legislative assembly, the ambition to attain and maintain power, and the need to address national crises. They offer the advantage of inclusive representation, ensuring that the interests of a broader spectrum of the electorate are considered. Coalitions can foster a culture of negotiation and consensus, which is particularly valuable in nations with a history of political division, as they promote the inclusion of diverse opinions and regional interests in the governance process.

Drawbacks and Complications of Coalitions

While coalition governments have their merits, they also face significant challenges. The compromises required for coalition formation can dilute the clarity of the government's mandate, as parties may have to forgo some of their key policies to reach an agreement. This can lead to unfulfilled electoral promises and potentially undermine the legitimacy of the electoral process, resulting in voter disillusionment and political cynicism.

The United Kingdom's Coalition Government

The United Kingdom's experience with coalition governments is infrequent due to its FPTP electoral system, which generally favors single-party rule. However, the 2010 general election led to a hung parliament and the formation of a coalition between the Conservative Party and the Liberal Democrats. This coalition was characterized by significant policy compromises, including the decision to hold a referendum on the Alternative Vote system, which was ultimately rejected. The coalition also implemented austerity measures, which had a profound impact on the country's political landscape.

The Significance of Coalition Governments in Democracies

Coalition governments are an integral aspect of many democratic systems, particularly in countries with proportional representation. They ensure that a multitude of political perspectives are represented and can contribute to stability during periods of national uncertainty. Although coalitions may necessitate compromises that weaken the government's mandate, they exemplify the collaborative spirit of democratic governance and underscore the importance of diverse representation in the legislative process.