Opposition means opposing or resisting a prevailing idea, policy, or action. The opposition is often used to highlight a group’s struggle for rights, justice, and representation in society. It has played a critical role in various social and political movements throughout history, helping to drive reforms. The ‘no taxation without representation’ sentiment, for example, laid the groundwork for American independence by framing government authority as contingent upon the consent of the governed.
In a parliamentary system, the term opposition can also be used to refer specifically to the largest party in parliament that is not part of the government, which is known as the Official Opposition. This party has the right to question and scrutinise the work of the Government. The leader of this party is given the title of Leader of the Opposition.
The opposition can use parliamentary questions and select committees to hold the government to account. It also tries to influence public opinion, putting forward counter-arguments to government policies and trying to win over the support of the government’s own voters to defeat controversial bills. The largest opposition party usually has a shadow cabinet made up of people who would have the actual job if the party was in power, which helps to prepare for a smooth transition if it wins an election.
In chess, the opposition is an important technique for winning endgames. It’s used when a player has a king in an unfavorable position and can use the opposition to keep their opponent’s king away from key squares. For more, check out our Chess Puzzles page to practice the opposition in some fun, challenging endgames!
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