India's party system is called competitive and coalitional. Explain this with any five of its features.

How to lay out the answer. Follow the frame, then write it in your own words.

1 · Open. India's party system has changed from one-party dominance to a competitive multi-party system.
2 · Multi-party. A large number of parties compete for power at the Centre and in the States.
3 · Bi-nodal and competitive. Competition gathers around two poles led by the Congress and the BJP, and some parties shift alliances before elections.
4 · Regional parties. Regional parties play a vital role in forming governments at the Centre.
5 · Coalition politics. Since 1989, elections are fought between alliances, and there are no permanent ruling or opposition parties.
6 · Ideology in the back seat. Coalitions run on a Common Minimum Programme, and parties often chase emotive issues and short-term gains.
7 · Close in one line. So India's party system is competitive, coalitional and always changing.

Scoring tip: Write each feature as a short bold phrase followed by one line. Mention 1989 for coalitions; a date shows you know the history.