What Is A Coalition Government?

Every designated group of citizens, whether a nation, a state or a community, has its chosen leaders who are usually elected to conduct the official business for the citizens. For example, a country might provide for representatives from each sub-unit, such as a state. These representatives gather to pass laws that apply to all citizens, pay bills that apply to public roads and other structures etc.

The process of governing often includes a contest between members of two or more parties (in the U.S. it’s Republican and Democrat). Individuals from each party seek the position of representative, senator, president and so on. In some situations, a party may have a strong majority of the positions and will be in the position to determine policy for the citizens.

The term “coalition” comes into play when representatives from groups or parties who normally oppose each other must work together to conduct the nation or state business. This requires compromise and concessions from all sides so that business can be conducted and decisions can be made. Some have characterized the method of getting things done as “bridging” gaps between sides that normally oppose each other.

Other, more cynical observers might state that members of the two sides “cut deals” to get things done, which opens the door to corruption and favoritism. In any case, governing by coalition adds an important factor to the process – time. When a party is in control and coalition is not necessary, policy decisions and laws move forward more rapidly than they do when disagreements and differences must be ironed out beforehand. Some propose that avoiding the need for coalition government and making concessions are primary motivations for dictatorships and elected-for-life presidents.

Some who follow the world of politics might connect the term “coalition government” with something other than the internal governing of a state or nation by elected representatives. For example, when several countries have taken over another nation for whatever reason, it may be necessary to form a coalition government on a temporary basis. If two or more countries contributed to the military effort and also contribute goods and services following the military action, the several nations might have representatives who make policy decisions. This can often take place within a country during times of extreme economic duress or in wartime.

The dictionary definition of “coalition” states that this is a temporary alliance or combination of “people, parties, factions or nations.” The word has its roots in old French and Medieval Latin, with the word coalitus. This means “growing together.” It is closely related to the term “coalesce” which means to come together or meld into a single unit.

Coalition, and therefore coalition government, implies that separate parties or factions work together as a single unit for a common purpose. Distinctions are supposed to disappear when a coalition is formed. The reality in modern politics is a bit different. True coalition governments are rare and when they are formed they work slowly, if at all.

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