The correct option is (b) 2 only.
Explanation
In a parliamentary democracy, the formation of a government depends on the distribution of seats in the legislature. A coalition government represents a power-sharing arrangement among multiple political entities.
Statement 1 is Incorrect:
A coalition government is formed when no single political party secures a clear majority in the election (often referred to as a hung parliament). If a single party secures a clear majority, it forms a single-party government. The statement describes a majority government, not a coalition.
Statement 2 is Correct:
A coalition government involves a group of parties working together to form a majority in the legislature. These parties often agree upon a Common Minimum Programme (CMP) to guide governance and policy-making, ensuring stability despite ideological differences.
Key Takeaway:
A coalition government is an alliance of distinct political parties that unite to form a government, typically necessitated when the electorate does not give a decisive mandate to any single party.