crossbenches
Independent legislators' seats
Crossbenches are the seats in the British House of Lords occupied by independent members who belong to neither the government nor the opposition parties.
These members sit on benches that run perpendicular to the main party benches, hence the name.
A crossbencher votes according to conscience rather than party loyalty: The bill passed with unexpected support from the crossbenches.
Unaffiliated persons or entities
- unaffiliatedNot formally connected
- nonpartisanNot aligned politically
- centristOne favoring middle positions
- backbenchOrdinary legislators' seats
maverick · undeclared · nonaligned · uncommitted · rebel · dissenter · abstention · defection
Enclosed room or cavity
- CommonsUK's elected legislature
- SenateLegislative body, often bicameral's elder
- BundestagGerman federal parliament
- parliamentNational legislative assembly
legislature · assembly · plenary · session · motion · amendment · division · scrutiny
Contest deciding drawn competitors
- kingmakerPolitical influence wielder
- coalitionTemporary alliance for action
- power-brokerInfluential political dealmaker
- pivotalVitally important, deciding
leverage · influence · bloc · caucus · negotiation · concession · dealmaking · horse-trading
Agreement through mutual sacrifice
- bipartisanInvolving both major parties
- bridge-buildingEstablishing connections between estranged parties
- consensusGeneral group agreement
- moderationAvoidance of excess
pragmatism · conciliation · arbitration · dialogue · peacemaking · intermediary · go-between · facilitator
independents
Unaffiliated persons or entities
- unaffiliatedNot formally connected
- nonpartisanNot aligned politically
- centristOne favoring middle positions
backbench · maverick · undeclared · nonaligned · uncommitted · rebel · dissenter · abstention · defection · self-determination
chamber
Enclosed room or cavity
- CommonsUK's elected legislature
- SenateLegislative body, often bicameral's elder
- BundestagGerman federal parliament
parliament · legislature · assembly · plenary · session · motion · amendment · division · scrutiny · committee
tiebreaker
Contest deciding drawn competitors
- kingmakerPolitical influence wielder
- coalitionTemporary alliance for action
- power-brokerInfluential political dealmaker
pivotal · leverage · influence · bloc · caucus · negotiation · concession · dealmaking · horse-trading
compromise
Agreement through mutual sacrifice
- bipartisanInvolving both major parties
- bridge-buildingEstablishing connections between estranged parties
- consensusGeneral group agreement
moderation · pragmatism · conciliation · arbitration · dialogue · peacemaking · intermediary · go-between · facilitator · reconciliation
crossbenchesopposition benches
Parliamentary minority's designated seating
front benches · frontbenches · backbenches · shadow cabinet · cabinet
crossbenchesgovernment
Authority over a state
opposition · ruling party · cabinet · shadow cabinet · party machine