What is a multi-party system? Why has India adopted a multi-party system

What is a multi-party system? Why has India adopted a multi-party system? Explain.

Multi-party System: If several parties compete for power and more than two parties have a reasonable chance of coming to power either on their own strength or in alliance with others, we call it a multi-party system.

India adopted a multi party system because:

  1. There is social and geographical diversity in India.

  2. India is such a large country which is not easily absorbed by two or three parties.

  3. The system allows a variety of interests and opinions to enjoy political representation.