opposition party
Government's legislative challengers
An opposition party is a political party that is not currently in power but holds seats in the legislature, where it challenges and critiques the governing party's policies.
In parliamentary systems, the largest opposition party often forms the "official opposition" with recognized status and responsibilities, including a shadow cabinet that monitors government ministers.
The opposition party demanded a vote of no confidence.
The term sometimes extends metaphorically to any organized group challenging those in authority.
- shadow cabinetOpposition's parallel leadership team
- back benchLegislative seating for non-ministers
- filibusterDelaying tactic through speech
- debateFormal argument on issues
- talking pointsPrepared discussion themes
coalition · protest · watchdog · checks and balances · crossing the aisle · campaign strategy · dissent · parliamentary system · democratic transition · oversight committee · vote · parliamentary democracy · no confidence vote · rally · speech · voter outreach · election cycle · proportional representation
- democracyvote, voting, election, elections, ballot
- Canadian PoliticsPierre Trudeau, Justin Trudeau, premier, legislature, MLA
- democratizationdemocratic reform, free elections, political transition, liberalization, democratic norms
- factionsfactions, faction, splinter groups, blocs, offshoot
- parliamentparliament, bills, votes, vote, debate
- partisan politicsDemocrats, Republicans, polarization, political polarization, conservatives
opposition partygovernment
Authority over a state
ruling coalition · administration · coalition partner · state party · powers that be