UK A-Levels Politics Practice Exam

A dominant party system is characterized by what feature?

1. Numerous parties with equal power

2. A single party that never wins elections

3. A category of parties that mostly win elections and are unlikely to lose

4. An open competition among several parties

The correct answer is: A category of parties that mostly win elections and are unlikely to lose

A dominant party system is characterized by the presence of a predominant political party that consistently wins elections and maintains a significant advantage over other parties, making it unlikely that they will lose power in the foreseeable future. This scenario creates a political landscape where one party can effectively shape policy and governance without facing serious challenges from competitors. The correct choice highlights that, while there may be other parties present, the dynamics of the electoral system and voter behavior favor one party to the extent that it routinely secures victory in elections. This can lead to a state where the dominant party significantly influences the political agenda, often resulting in limited competition or opportunities for other parties to gain substantial power. In contrast, other options do not align with the defining characteristics of a dominant party system. For instance, numerous parties with equal power would describe a multi-party system with balanced competition, while the idea of a single party that never wins elections contradicts the essence of dominance. Likewise, open competition among several parties reflects a more pluralistic democracy rather than a scenario where one party consistently prevails.