Social Science (087) — AI-generated practice question

The student's view is incomplete because coalition governments, despite their challenges, actually strengthen democracy in important ways.

Power sharing among political parties ensures that power does not remain in one hand. When parties form alliances and coalition governments, diverse social groups and ideologies get representation, reducing the risk of majority tyranny and social conflict.

As the textbook notes, power sharing is the very spirit of democracy — people have a right to be consulted on how they are governed. A coalition may slow decision-making, but it ensures more voices are heard, making governance more legitimate and inclusive.

Thus, while coalitions can be unstable, they reflect genuine democratic representation, which is more valuable than the efficiency of concentrated power.

Source: Democratic Politics, Chapter 1 (Forms of Power Sharing, Why Power Sharing is Desirable); Chapter 4 (Political Parties)

---

What examiners look for (3 marks):

• One point acknowledging the student's concern (coalitions can be slow/unstable) — shows balance
• Two clear reasons why the view is incomplete, linked to power-sharing concepts: prevents concentration of power + fulfils democratic spirit
• Use textbook terms: "coalition government," "power sharing," "tyranny of majority," "prudential/moral reasons" — at least 2 of these

Key trap to avoid: Don't just list coalition drawbacks. The question asks you to refute the argument using power-sharing principles. Always connect back to why sharing power matters in a democracy.