Crossbench vs Independent: Meaning And Differences

Crossbench vs Independent: What’s the Difference?

When it comes to politics, the terms “crossbench” and “independent” are often used interchangeably. However, there are subtle differences between the two. In short, both refer to members of parliament who are not affiliated with any political party. Crossbenchers are appointed to the House of Lords or the Senate, while independents are elected to the House of Representatives or the lower house of parliament.

Crossbenchers are often referred to as “independent peers” in the House of Lords. They are appointed by the monarch on the advice of the Prime Minister, and they do not belong to any political party. Instead, they sit on the crossbenches, which are located opposite the government and opposition benches in the chamber. Crossbenchers are expected to be non-partisan and to use their expertise and experience to scrutinize legislation and hold the government to account.

Independents, on the other hand, are elected to parliament without the support of any political party. They may have previously been members of a party, but they have chosen to run as independents for various reasons. Some may disagree with their party’s policies or leadership, while others may believe that they can better serve their constituents as independents. Independents are not bound by party discipline, which means that they can vote on issues according to their own beliefs and values.

In this article, we will explore the differences between crossbenchers and independents in more detail. We will look at their roles and responsibilities, their impact on parliament, and their influence on government policy. We will also examine the advantages and disadvantages of being a crossbencher or an independent, and we will consider the future prospects for both groups.

Define Crossbench

A crossbench is a term used in parliamentary systems to describe a group of members who do not belong to any political party. They are also known as non-aligned or independent members. Crossbenchers are not bound by party loyalty and are free to vote according to their conscience on any issue that comes before the parliament.

Crossbenchers play an important role in parliamentary systems as they can act as a check on the power of the government and opposition parties. They can also provide a voice for minority interests that may not be represented by the major parties.

Define Independent

An independent is a term used to describe a member of parliament who does not belong to any political party. They are not bound by party loyalty and are free to vote according to their conscience on any issue that comes before the parliament.

Independents can be elected to parliament in a number of ways. They may be elected as an independent candidate in their own right, or they may be elected as a member of a political party but later leave the party to become an independent.

Key differences between crossbench and independent members

Crossbench	Independent
Group of members who do not belong to any political party	Member of parliament who does not belong to any political party
Also known as non-aligned or independent members
Not bound by party loyalty	Not bound by party loyalty
Free to vote according to their conscience on any issue that comes before the parliament	Free to vote according to their conscience on any issue that comes before the parliament
Can act as a check on the power of the government and opposition parties
Can provide a voice for minority interests that may not be represented by the major parties

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

As with any terminology, it is essential to understand how to use crossbench and independent correctly. These two words are often used interchangeably, but they do have distinct meanings. In this section, we will explore how to use each of these words in a sentence correctly.

How To Use Crossbench In A Sentence

The term crossbench refers to a group of Members of Parliament (MPs) or Senators who do not belong to any political party. Instead, they sit on the crossbenches in the House of Commons or the Senate. Crossbenchers are not affiliated with any political party and are considered to be independent.

When using crossbench in a sentence, it is important to keep in mind its meaning. Here are some examples:

• “The crossbenchers played a crucial role in passing the bill.”
• “The Prime Minister had to negotiate with the crossbench to get the bill passed.”
• “Crossbench MPs are often more likely to vote based on their conscience rather than party lines.”

As you can see from these examples, crossbench is used to refer to a specific group of independent MPs or Senators who do not belong to any political party.

How To Use Independent In A Sentence

The term independent is often used to refer to a politician who is not affiliated with any political party. However, it can also be used more broadly to refer to anyone who is not influenced or controlled by others.

When using independent in a sentence, it is important to consider the context and its meaning. Here are some examples:

• “The independent candidate is gaining popularity in the polls.”
• “The independent investigation found no evidence of wrongdoing.”
• “She is an independent thinker who is not afraid to speak her mind.”

As you can see, independent can be used to refer to a politician who is not affiliated with any political party or to describe someone who is not influenced or controlled by others.

More Examples Of Crossbench & Independent Used In Sentences

In order to better understand the usage of the terms crossbench and independent, here are some examples of how they can be used in sentences:

Examples Of Using Crossbench In A Sentence

• The crossbench members of parliament are becoming increasingly influential in the decision-making process.
• The crossbench has the ability to sway the vote in either direction.
• The crossbenchers are calling for more transparency in the legislative process.
• The crossbench MPs are often seen as a wildcard in the political arena.
• Members of the crossbench are not affiliated with any political party.
• The crossbenchers are known for their independent thinking and voting patterns.
• The crossbench is made up of members from various political backgrounds.
• The crossbenchers are often courted by both major parties to gain their support.
• The crossbenchers are seen as a check on the power of the major parties.
• The crossbenchers are often consulted on important policy decisions.

Examples Of Using Independent In A Sentence

• The independent candidate is gaining ground in the polls.
• The independent senator has been a vocal critic of the government’s policies.
• The independent MP is known for her progressive views on social issues.
• The independent member of parliament often votes with his conscience rather than along party lines.
• The independent candidate is running on a platform of fiscal responsibility.
• The independent senator is calling for more action on climate change.
• The independent MP is pushing for greater transparency in government decision-making.
• The independent candidate is funding her campaign through grassroots donations.
• The independent senator is seen as a maverick within the political establishment.
• The independent member of parliament is often courted by both major parties to gain his support.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to political jargon, terms like “crossbench” and “independent” are often used interchangeably. However, this can lead to confusion and misinterpretation of political events. In this section, we will highlight common mistakes people make when using crossbench and independent interchangeably, with explanations of why they are incorrect and offer tips on how to avoid making these mistakes in the future.

Mistake #1: Using Crossbench And Independent Interchangeably

One of the most common mistakes people make is using “crossbench” and “independent” as if they are synonyms. While both terms refer to politicians who are not affiliated with a political party, they have different meanings.

The crossbench is a group of independent and minor party members of parliament who do not belong to the government or opposition parties. They hold a crucial role in the parliamentary process, as they can often hold the balance of power on important votes.

On the other hand, an independent politician is someone who is not affiliated with any political party and is not part of the crossbench. They are not part of a larger group and do not have the same level of influence as crossbenchers.

Using these terms interchangeably can lead to confusion and misinterpretation of political events. For example, if a news article refers to an independent politician as being part of the crossbench, it could give the impression that they have more power and influence than they actually do.

Mistake #2: Assuming All Crossbenchers Are Independent

Another common mistake is assuming that all crossbenchers are independent politicians. While many crossbenchers are indeed independents, there are also members from minor parties who sit on the crossbench.

For example, in the Australian Senate, the crossbench includes members from parties such as the Greens, One Nation, and the Centre Alliance. These parties have their own distinct ideologies and agendas, which can differ from those of independent politicians.

Assuming that all crossbenchers are independent can lead to oversimplification and misinterpretation of political events. It is important to understand the different parties and individuals that make up the crossbench and their specific positions on issues.

Tips To Avoid These Mistakes

To avoid these common mistakes, it is important to take the time to understand the nuances of political terminology. Here are some tips:

• Research the specific political system you are interested in, as terminologies can vary between countries.
• Read news articles and political commentary from a variety of sources to gain a better understanding of how different terms are used.
• Take note of the specific parties and individuals involved in political events and understand their positions and affiliations.
• When in doubt, ask for clarification from a trusted source, such as a political scientist or journalist.

Context Matters

When it comes to choosing between a crossbench and an independent candidate, context matters. The decision to support one over the other can depend on a variety of factors such as the political climate, the specific issue at hand, and the individual’s personal beliefs and values.

Political Climate

The political climate can greatly impact the decision to support a crossbench or an independent candidate. In a highly polarized political environment, a crossbench candidate may be seen as a more pragmatic choice as they are often willing to work with both major parties to achieve their goals. On the other hand, in a more ideologically driven political climate, an independent candidate may be preferred as they can often take a more principled stance on issues without being beholden to a particular party.

Specific Issue

The specific issue at hand can also play a role in the decision to support a crossbench or an independent candidate. For example, if the issue is related to a specific industry or interest group, a crossbench candidate may be preferred as they can bring a more nuanced understanding of the issue to the table. Alternatively, if the issue is related to a broader societal concern, an independent candidate may be seen as a stronger advocate for the public interest.

Personal Beliefs And Values

Ultimately, the decision to support a crossbench or an independent candidate may come down to an individual’s personal beliefs and values. If an individual values compromise and collaboration, they may be more likely to support a crossbench candidate. If an individual values independence and principled leadership, they may be more likely to support an independent candidate.

It is important to note that context is not always clear-cut and the decision to support a crossbench or an independent candidate may require careful consideration of all the factors at play.

Exceptions To The Rules

While crossbench and independent are commonly used to describe non-affiliated members of parliament, there are exceptions where these terms might not apply.

Exceptions For Crossbench

Crossbench is typically used to describe members of parliament who are not affiliated with any political party. However, there are some exceptions to this rule:

• Minor Parties: Members of minor political parties may be considered part of the crossbench, even if their party has some representation in parliament.
• Coalition Partners: Members of parliament who are part of a coalition government, but not members of the governing party, may also be considered part of the crossbench.

For example, in the UK, the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) is part of the governing coalition, but they are not members of the Conservative Party. Therefore, DUP members of parliament would be considered part of the crossbench.

Exceptions For Independent

Independent is typically used to describe members of parliament who are not affiliated with any political party. However, there are some exceptions to this rule:

• Former Party Members: Members of parliament who were previously affiliated with a political party, but have since left or been expelled, may be considered independent.
• Non-Partisan Appointees: Members of parliament who are appointed to their position without any political affiliation may also be considered independent.

For example, in Australia, senators who are appointed to fill a vacancy in the Senate are typically non-partisan and may be considered independent.

Practice Exercises

Now that you have a better understanding of the differences between crossbench and independent, it’s time to put your knowledge into practice. Here are some exercises to help you improve your understanding and use of these terms in sentences:

Exercise 1:

Choose the correct term (crossbench or independent) to fill in the blank:

1. The ________ MP voted against the government’s proposed bill.
2. The ________ party is not affiliated with any major political party.
3. The ________ senators are known for their non-partisan approach to legislation.
4. The ________ members of parliament often hold the balance of power in a hung parliament.

Answer Key:

1. crossbench
2. independent
3. independent
4. crossbench

Exercise 2:

Write a sentence using each of the following terms:

1. crossbench
2. independent
3. crossbench and independent

Answer Key:

1. The crossbench MPs are expected to hold the balance of power in the upcoming election.
2. The independent candidate won the election by a narrow margin.
3. Both crossbench and independent MPs are known for their non-partisan approach to legislation.

By practicing these exercises, you’ll be able to confidently use crossbench and independent in your writing and conversations. Remember, crossbench refers to MPs or senators who do not belong to a major political party, while independent refers to a candidate who is not affiliated with any political party.

Conclusion

After exploring the differences between crossbench and independent members of parliament, it is clear that there are significant distinctions between these two groups. Crossbenchers are typically appointed to their positions and are expected to maintain a level of impartiality, while independents are elected by their constituents and may have more freedom to align with their personal beliefs and values.

It is important for individuals interested in politics to understand the nuances of language use and grammar when discussing these topics. Proper use of terminology can help to avoid confusion and ensure that ideas are accurately conveyed.

Key Takeaways

• Crossbenchers are appointed to their positions and are expected to maintain impartiality.
• Independents are elected by their constituents and may have more freedom to align with their personal beliefs and values.
• Understanding the differences between these two groups is important for discussions about politics.
• Proper use of terminology can help to avoid confusion and ensure accurate communication.

By continuing to learn about grammar and language use, readers can improve their ability to communicate effectively and engage in meaningful discussions about politics and other important topics.