Digital PSAT Math Practice Question 25: Answer and Explanation

Question: 25

In a recent election in a European country, the political parties divided the vote among the Social Democrats, the Christian Democrats, the Socialists, and the Green Party.

The country's constitution states that in order for a party to come to power, it must have a majority of the votes. The constitution also states that the seats in the parliament are allocated proportionally to each party based on the percentage of votes each party received. So if no one political party receives a majority of the vote, a coalition party will have to be formed from 2 or more parties to give a governing majority. Which of the following combinations of political parties from this election would NOT result in a governing coalition?

• A. Christian Democrat and Social Democrat
• B. Green Party and Christian Democrat
• C. Socialist and Social Democrat
• D. Socialist and Christian Democrat

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:

(B) The Green Party and Christian Democrat Party together would represent 7% + 35% = 42% of the entire vote. Since 42% is less than the 50% majority needed for a governing coalition, these two parties would not be able to form a governing coalition on their own. All of the other options would give combinations that would add up to at least 50% and could therefore form a majority governing coalition.