What is a coalition government?

A coalition government is indeed formed by multiple parties working together, which allows different political groups to collaborate and share power, particularly in situations where no single party has gained an outright majority in the legislature. This is especially common in parliamentary systems, where a coalition can stabilize the government by combining various parties to create a majority that can pass legislation and govern effectively.

The formation of a coalition can reflect the need for compromise and shared governance among parties with potentially differing platforms or policies. This arrangement often necessitates negotiation and agreement on a common agenda, allowing for more diverse representation of the electorate's views. In contrast, a government formed by a single party lacks this collaborative aspect and often operates with a clear, singular agenda. Majority parties and referendums pertain to different governance contexts and do not define the essence of coalition governments.