Politics terms and definitions

• Party systems


  1. single party system
  2. dominant party system
  3. two party system
  4. two and a half party system
  5. multiparty system
• single party system


  one party forms government
• two party system

  • two parties compete for power on an equal or near equal basis
  • other parties may exist but win few seats

  eg USA (democrats & republicans)
• dominant party system

  many parties exist and compete but only one party tends to win power
• two. and a half party system

  two large parties dominate however a smaller party can have an impact

  eg Lib Dems 2010-2015
• multiparty system

  • many parties compete on equal or near equal basis
  • coalition is normal
  • power may alternate

  eg Scotland, Northern Ireland
• Pros and Cons of the Two Party System


  1. one party gains a clear majority
  2. strong alternative

  • limited choice
• Pros and Cons of Multiparty systems


  1. wide choice for electorate
  2. more representation

  • unstable governments