Page 182 - SST Class 07

not allow a place for those people whose ideology the Indian National Congress (I) and the NDA led
may not be similar to either of these two parties.
Multi-Party System
In a multi-party system, there are a number of
political parties representing different ideologies.
Some of these political parties operate within a
specific state or region. Even a small number of
people can come together to form a political
party. However, it becomes difficult for any one
party to secure more than one-half of the seats, so
a coalition government may have to be formed.
This type of government is not stable as even
small parties are able to exploit the government
on the threat of withdrawing support.
Both bi-party and multi-party systems have
worked well in the world. We can find bi-party
system in America and England; and we can find
multi-party system in India, Brazil, France etc.
Info Bits
Info Bits
In the beginning of the 19th century, only the
propertied and the land owning class had the right
to vote. Often women had no voting rights. By
1900, New Zealand was the only country where
every adult had voting rights.
Coalition Government
The government is formed by the political party
which secures one-half or more seats in the
election. However, in many instances, it is not
possible for one party to secure one-half of the
seats. In such a case, there can be two
alternatives— hold re-elections or allow two or
more parties to form a coalition. Since holding
elections is an expensive procedure, an effort is
made to form a coalition.
Info Bits
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When a party secures one-half or more seats, it is
said to have secured majority.
The coalition government is a reality in India at
present. Sometimes, many political parties come
together to form a coalition. At present, there are
two important coalitions in India—the UPA led by
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by the Bharatiya Janata Party. The coalition
government has received approval of the people,
so these parties contest elections as coalition
partners. In some cases, parties negotiate with
each other in order to form the government. The
leader of the coalition becomes the Prime Minister
or Chief Minister.
Info Bits
Info Bits
The first time a coalition government was formed
in India was in 1977 in the sixth General Elections.
Merits of a Coalition Government
A coalition government is a government by
consensus; that is, the government has to realise
the aspirations of all political parties forming the
coalition. There may be differences of opinion,
but they agree on certain common points and
govern the country accordingly.
Narendra Modi Manmohan Singh
Quiz Time
Write True or False :
1. We can find bi-party system in India. ________
2. The presence of political parties is essential
for a democratic system to exist. ________
3. The leader of the coalition cannot become
the prime minister. ________
4. The political party in opposition raises
issues of public interest. ________
Demerits of a Coalition Government
All actions of the government may not be to the
liking of a political party in the coalition. In such a
case, this party threatens to withdraw its support
to the government. If a political party in the