Dominant-party system facts for kids

A dominant-party system is a type of political system. In this system, one political party is much stronger than all others. This party can almost always form the government, either by itself or with a few smaller parties. Other parties are allowed to exist and compete, but they are usually too weak to win elections.

This is different from a single-party system. In a single-party system, other political parties are often banned. They are not allowed to compete for power at all. In a dominant-party system, other parties can compete. They just don't get enough votes to win. Sometimes, the main party might make rules that make it harder for other parties to succeed.

What are Examples of Dominant-Party Systems?

Many countries have had dominant-party systems at different times.

Dominant Parties Around the World

• The PRI in Mexico was dominant for many years. It ruled from the 1920s until the year 2000.
• The PAP in Singapore is another example. It has been the main party for a long time.
• In Japan, the Liberal Democratic Party has been dominant. This has been true since the 1950s.
• The National Democratic Party in Egypt also showed this pattern.

Historical Dominance in the United States

• The Democratic Party was dominant in the southern United States. This lasted from about 1880 until the 1960s. Even though the U.S. has two main parties, some states can have one party that wins most of the time.

Can Dominant-Party Systems Be Temporary?

Yes, a dominant-party system can happen for a while. This can occur even in countries that usually have two strong parties. If one of the two main parties loses a lot of support, the other party might become dominant. This could happen because of a big scandal or a major event.

The United Kingdom Example

For instance, the United Kingdom saw this between 1979 and 1997. The Conservative Party won four elections in a row during this time. Before this period, the government often switched between the Labour Party and the Conservative Party.

Canada's Liberal Party Dominance

Canada has also seen a dominant party. The Liberal Party has been very strong since 1896. They have been in power for almost three-quarters of that time. Since 1993, they have been continuously in power.

See also

In Spanish: Partido hegemónico para niños