Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
In the realm of political science, the stability of a government is often contingent upon the relationships between the parties that form it. Governments are frequently established through agreements between different political entities, a process known as forming a ‘coalition’. Conversely, a ‘collision’ implies a forceful impact or conflict. The sentence "The government did not last long" necessitates a word that explains *why* it didn’t last long, and the nature of the relationship between the parties involved. Therefore, understanding the nuances of these two words is crucial to correctly completing the sentence.
Understanding the Terms
Both ‘coalition’ and ‘collision’ are nouns, but they carry vastly different meanings. A coalition refers to a temporary alliance of distinct parties, persons, or states for joint action. In political contexts, it specifically denotes a cabinet of ministers formed by two or more political parties. A collision, on the other hand, signifies a violent impact between two objects or forces; figuratively, it means a clash or conflict.
Contextual Analysis
The sentence "The government did not last long" implies a breakdown in the governing arrangement. This breakdown is more likely to stem from internal disagreements or a lack of cohesion *within* the government, rather than a sudden, external impact. A government formed by a coalition is inherently susceptible to instability if the constituent parties have conflicting ideologies or agendas. If there is a ‘collision’ within the government, it suggests a catastrophic and immediate event, which isn’t necessarily implied by the sentence.
Why ‘Coalition’ is the Correct Choice
A government formed through a coalition is often fragile. Disagreements over policy, power-sharing, or leadership can easily lead to its collapse. The phrase "did not last long" is a common outcome of coalition governments facing internal strife. For example, the numerous coalition governments in Italy after World War II were notoriously short-lived due to frequent political maneuvering and shifting alliances.
Why ‘Collision’ is Incorrect
While political disagreements can be intense, describing them as a ‘collision’ is an exaggeration. A ‘collision’ suggests a sudden and destructive event, like a major political scandal or a vote of no-confidence that immediately brings down the government. The sentence simply states the government didn’t last long, which could be due to a gradual erosion of support or a series of smaller disagreements.
Illustrative Examples
Consider these examples:
- “The coalition government fell apart after disagreements over economic policy.”
- “A political collision occurred when the Prime Minister publicly criticized the opposition leader.” (This usage is less common and implies a direct, aggressive confrontation).
Coalition Governments in India
India has witnessed numerous coalition governments, particularly since the 1989 general election. The United Front government (1996-1997) and the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) governments led by Atal Bihari Vajpayee (1996, 1998-2004) are prime examples of coalitions. These governments often faced challenges in maintaining stability due to the diverse interests of the participating parties.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the correct word to complete the sentence is ‘coalition’. The sentence implies a government formed by an alliance that lacked the necessary stability to endure. The term ‘coalition’ accurately reflects the inherent fragility of such arrangements, while ‘collision’ suggests a more dramatic and immediate event. Understanding the nuances of these homophones and their contextual relevance is crucial for effective communication, particularly in the field of political science.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.