cross-bench
Neither party's seat
Cross-bench refers to seating in a legislature—particularly the British House of Lords—occupied by members who don't belong to the government or main opposition party.
Cross-benchers are independents, not aligned with either side of the chamber.
The term extends to describe political independence generally: a cross-bench peer, cross-bench support for the bill.
Free from external control
- nonpartisanNot aligned politically
- unaffiliatedNot formally connected
- neutralNot favoring any side
- uncommittedNot bound to anything
impartial · objective · swing vote · centrist · moderate · undecided · floating · bipartisan
Rank-and-file parliamentarian
- independentsUnaffiliated persons or entities
- whipStrikes or aerates
- legislationOfficial enactment of statutes
- billAmount owed, written
amendment · motion · caucus · quorum · adjournment · session · prorogation · dissolution
Formal argument on issues
- discussionExchange of ideas
- negotiationDiscussion seeking mutual accord
- deliberationCareful weighing of choices
- diplomacyNegotiation between nations
scrutiny · consultation · review · examination · amendment · compromise · consensus-building · bipartisanship
Suspended recreational seat
- pivotalVitally important, deciding
- decisiveQuick to conclude
- kingmakerPolitical influence wielder
- tiebreakerContest deciding drawn competitors
casting vote · balance of power · crucial · key · influential · broker · mediator · arbiter
independent
Free from external control
- nonpartisanNot aligned politically
- unaffiliatedNot formally connected
- neutralNot favoring any side
uncommitted · impartial · objective · swing vote · centrist · moderate · undecided · floating · bipartisan · conscience vote
backbencher
Rank-and-file parliamentarian
- independentsUnaffiliated persons or entities
- whipStrikes or aerates
- legislationOfficial enactment of statutes
bill · amendment · motion · caucus · quorum · adjournment · session · prorogation · dissolution · filibuster
debate
Formal argument on issues
- discussionExchange of ideas
- negotiationDiscussion seeking mutual accord
- deliberationCareful weighing of choices
diplomacy · scrutiny · consultation · review · examination · amendment · compromise · consensus-building · bipartisanship · coalition-building
swing
Suspended recreational seat
tiebreaker · casting vote · balance of power · crucial · key · influential · broker · mediator · arbiter
- parliamentparliament, bills, votes, vote, debate
cross-benchpartisan
Biased toward one side
party member · whipped · party loyalist · affiliated · party faithful