das Mehrparteiensystem, -e

Definition & meaning

A Mehrparteiensystem refers to a political system in which multiple political parties have the capacity to gain control of government offices, either separately or in coalition. Unlike a two-party system, where power typically oscillates between two dominant parties, a multi-party system allows for a broader spectrum of political, economic, and social ideologies to be represented in the legislature. This often necessitates the formation of coalition governments, as it is rare for a single party to hold an absolute majority of seats.

Grammar & Word origin

The word is a masculine compound noun (der Mehrparteiensystem). It is formed by three parts:

• Mehr: meaning "more" or "multiple."
• Partei: meaning "party" (political).
• System: meaning "system."

Grammatically, it is a neuter noun (das Mehrparteiensystem). Its plural form is die Mehrparteiensysteme.

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms:

• Vielparteiensystem ↗ (This is an exact synonym meaning "many-party system").

Antonyms:

• Einparteiensystem ↗ (A system where only one party is legally permitted to hold power).
• Zweiparteiensystem ↗ (A system dominated by exactly two parties, such as the political model in the United States).