UK A-Levels Politics Practice Exam

Which of the following was an example of a coalition government in the UK?

1. The Labour government after 1997

2. The Lib Dem and Conservative government from 2010-2015

3. The current Conservative government alone

4. The government before the last general election

The correct answer is: The Lib Dem and Conservative government from 2010-2015

The coalition government formed between the Liberal Democrats and Conservatives from 2010 to 2015 stands out as a notable example in the UK's political history. This coalition was created after the 2010 general election, where no party achieved an overall majority. The Liberal Democrats entered into a coalition with the Conservative Party, leading to a shared government where both parties worked together to govern. As part of this agreement, they established a joint program that included various policy compromises and initiatives, such as measures on austerity and electoral reform. This arrangement was significant as it reflected a shift from traditional single-party majority governments, allowing the two parties to collaborate while addressing the challenges of a hung parliament. The coalition also highlighted the evolving political landscape in the UK, where smaller parties, like the Liberal Democrats, could exercise greater influence by partnering with a larger party.