Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
A dominant party refers to a political party that consistently holds a significant majority of seats in the legislature, allowing it to govern without forming coalitions with other parties.
Related terms
Single-party system: A political system where only one major political party is allowed to exist and hold power.
Plurality electoral system: An electoral system in which the candidate or party with the most votes, but not necessarily an absolute majority, wins.
One-party rule: Refers to a situation where one political party exclusively controls all branches of government.