A coalition government is a form of government where political power is shared among different political parties. In this type of government, two or more parties come together to form a majority and jointly govern the country or a specific jurisdiction.

Key Points:
- Definition: A coalition government is formed when different political parties join forces to gain a majority and share power.
- Formation: Coalition governments are typically formed when no single party wins enough seats in an election to form a government on its own. Parties negotiate and come to an agreement to share power and form a coalition government.
- Shared Power: In a coalition government, power is distributed among the participating parties. Each party may have ministers or representatives in the government, and decisions are made collectively.
- Stability: Coalition governments can provide stability and promote cooperation among parties with diverse ideologies. Since power is shared, decisions are often the result of negotiation and compromise between different parties.
- Representation: Coalition governments can be more representative of the diverse interests and opinions within a society. By including multiple parties, a broader range of perspectives can be considered in the decision-making process.
- Challenges: Coalition governments can face challenges due to the differing ideologies and interests of the participating parties. Conflicts may arise, and it can be challenging to maintain unity and make decisions efficiently.
- Examples: Coalition governments are common in countries with proportional representation electoral systems, such as Germany, the Netherlands, and India. These countries often have multiple parties that need to form coalitions to establish a stable government.

In conclusion, a coalition government occurs when multiple political parties join forces to share power and govern a country or jurisdiction. This form of government promotes cooperation and representation but can also present challenges due to differing ideologies and interests.