opposition benches
Non-governing legislators' seats
The opposition benches are the seats in a parliament occupied by members not belonging to the governing party or coalition.
In Westminster-style legislatures, the ruling party sits on one side and opposing parties face them across the aisle: The bill drew sharp criticism from the opposition benches.
The term often stands for the opposition itself.
- chamberEnclosed room or cavity
- crossbenchSeats for independents
- checks and balancesConstitutional power-limiting framework
- shadow ministerOpposition party's portfolio holder
- debateFormal argument on issues
parliamentary debate · question time · point of order · political dissent · backbencher · sitting member · accountability · oversight · critic · vote of no confidence · legislative assembly · whip · watchdog role · hold to account · political rivalry · shadow cabinet · filibuster · minority party
opposition benchesfront bench
Senior parliamentarians' seats
ruling party · majority party · administration · cabinet · ministers
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