Which of the following is a disadvantage of coalition governments?

The selection indicating that coalition governments can lead to parties gaining influence without direct support from voters highlights a significant downside of such arrangements. In a coalition government, parties that may not have received significant voter support can still be part of decision-making processes and governmental influence. This situation arises because coalition governments are formed when no single party secures an outright majority in an election, often resulting in smaller parties having a stake in governance even if their voter base is limited. This can raise questions about democratic accountability, as the influence of these smaller parties may not accurately reflect the preferences of the majority of voters.

In contrast, the other points discuss features that are more characteristic of single-party governments or are benefits rather than disadvantages. The idea of a clear mandate from voters generally applies when a single party wins a majority, which is not the case in coalitions. The statement about ensuring no parties need to negotiate contradicts the very essence of a coalition, which relies heavily on negotiation and compromise among parties to govern effectively. Lastly, simplifying the voting process is not necessarily a characteristic or outcome of coalition governments; the presence of multiple parties may even complicate voter choices.