What is the term for an agreement between political parties to form a government?

A coalition is an agreement between political parties to join forces and form a government, especially when no single party achieves an outright majority in an election. This collaboration allows parties to pool their resources and support to establish a stable government, which is crucial for effective governance. Coalitions can involve formal agreements outlining the terms of cooperation, including shared policies, cabinet positions, and responsibilities within the government.

The other terms do not accurately capture the specific political context of forming a government. An alliance typically refers to a broader and often more informal relationship between parties or groups that might work together for mutual benefit but does not necessarily imply a formal government structure. A partnership can mean a cooperative relationship in various fields but lacks the political specificity required to describe a government formation. A union usually refers to a joining together of entities for a common purpose, often in a more permanent sense, rather than the temporary and strategic nature of a coalition.